At a number of ceremonies taking place during F&M’s True Blue Weekend, the College community gathered to recognize extraordinary generosity, commitment, and career and athletic accomplishment.

“Much of what inspires me about Franklin & Marshall College is the devotion of our alumni, our parents, and our students to a place that transforms lives. What we do at F&M has never been more important,” President Andrew Rich said in an address to Tribute Celebration guests and award recipients Saturday evening. “Thank you for your generosity and for your leadership. Thank you for caring about — and for — F&M.”

The Kite & Key Circle

Franklin & Marshall’s most distinguished giving society, The Kite & Key Circle celebrates and honors the donors whose cumulative gifts to Franklin & Marshall total $10 million or more. Evoking the soaring kite and shining key associated with College namesake Benjamin Franklin’s most famous experiment, the Kite & Key Circle represents the vision, dedication, and transformative impact of Franklin & Marshall’s most benevolent philanthropists. 

Ken Mehlman ’88, Kite & Key Circle inductee, Alumni Medal Recipient

This year, Franklin & Marshall paid special tribute to the outstanding service and extraordinary generosity of Ken Mehlman, vice chair of the F&M Board of Trustees, on the occasion of his induction to the Kite & Key Circle.

Mehlman was also the 2026 recipient of the Alumni Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association Board. This dual recognition of a single alumnus is unprecedented in the life of the College and is testament to Mehlman’s decades of visionary, volunteer leadership and transformative philanthropy.

The College’s most generous alumni donor, Mehlman also set a record in 2026 for the largest financial commitment by an individual donor in a fiscal year. His philanthropy is driving several innovative and transformational initiatives, including the Mehlman Center for Strength, Conditioning, Wellness & Performance; the Mehlman Leadership and Performance Institute; and more than 20 scholarships for first-generation students and student-athletes, including the F&M Wrestling Scholarship Endowment and the James Conway ’26 Wrestling Scholarship. Mehlman is a frequent supporter of the Franklin & Marshall Fund and Diplomat Athletics.

An influential volunteer leader for more than 20 years, Mehlman has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2003, and vice chair since 2023. He was also previously a member of the Greek Alumni Council. In 2008, Mehlman was named a recipient of the College’s Alumni Citation.

Laurence A. Shadek ’72, P’05, P’06 and Patricia L. Shadek P’05, P’06, Kite & Key Circle Inductees

Emeritus Trustee Larry Shadek serves as a member of the College’s Board of Visitors. He is a founding member of the Diplomat Athletic Club (DAC) and was a member of the steering committee for the Now to Next comprehensive campaign. He is a longtime DAC Key Diplomat as well as a reunion and F&M Admission Network volunteer. Shadek is a 2010 recipient of the Alumni Medal, a 2014 two-sport inductee to the Franklin & Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame, and a 2024 Nevonian Society inductee.

Larry, his wife Pat, and the Shadek family are among the most generous donors in the history of the College. Their contributions have made possible the Shadek-Fackenthal Library, endowed scholarships, a presidential discretionary fund, endowed department chairs, and the Franklin & Marshall Poll. In 2017, F&M was proud to open Shadek Stadium, among the finest facilities in Division III sports, an athletics venue for which Larry and his family led the campaign. Most recently, the family’s commitment for the Shadek Varsity House will elevate and energize the Shadek Stadium experience for athletes, coaches, officials, fans, and the entire F&M community.

The Lux et Lex Giving Society

The Lux et Lex Giving Society recognizes donors whose cumulative gifts to Franklin & Marshall College exceed $5 million. In 1853, Franklin & Marshall adopted the motto of the former Marshall College, “Lex et Lux” (Law and Light), but reversed the words to reflect, in order, the achievements of inventor and founding father Benjamin Franklin and jurist John Marshall.

Brett S. Harwood ’71 and Margie Harwood

Brett and Margie Harwood’s philanthropy has expanded opportunities for students to develop career readiness, leadership skills, and resilience. In 2014, they provided the lead gift to transform Appel Infirmary into Harwood Commons, now home to the Center for Career and Professional Development. The Harwood Leadership Seminar, based in Harwood Commons, coaches sophomores in leadership styles and values, communication, team-building, goal-setting, and resilience in the face of change. In 2020, Brett made a commitment to provide endowed support for the Career Center’s initiatives and programs. 

Brett has also invested in the intellectual and cultural life of the College. In 2026, both personally and as custodian of The Harold Krieger Charitable Trust, he made a gift to foster open dialogue on campus, support Judaic Studies, and enhance the Jewish experience at F&M.

Paul W. Ware ’72, P’99 and Judy S. Ware P’99

Emeritus Trustee Paul Ware is the retired chairman of Penn Fuel Gas Inc. and chairman of the Ferree Foundation in Lancaster, Pa., and served F&M’s Board from 1995 to 2010. He received F&M’s Alumni Medal in 2025 and has served his alma mater as a member of the Now to Next campaign’s Central Pennsylvania Council and as a regional volunteer, class agent captain, and reunion volunteer. In 1994, he was named F&M Volunteer of the Year. Judy retired from her career as an art teacher at the Lancaster Country Day School.

The Wares established an endowed directorship for the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement, which opened in 2000 with their lead gift, to support a talented leader to oversee the strategic impact of the Institute. They also established the Ware College House Programs Endowed Fund, have made major gifts to campus capital projects, and continue to provide significant support for the Franklin & Marshall Fund.

The Founders Society

The Founders Society recognizes donors whose gifts to the College total $1 million or more. Established in 1997, The Founders Society honors Benjamin Franklin as the first contributor to the College; his gift of £200 remains in the endowment today. Our generous donors follow in Franklin’s footsteps and are inducted annually into the society. The College is deeply grateful to these donors for their unparalleled support of Franklin & Marshall.

Trustee Mohammed A. Anjarwala ’99 and Rabia Zafar, Ph.D. established and later expanded the Anjarwala Endowed Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for generations of future Diplomats.

Trustee Michael Tynan Arnold ’08 and Dana Arnold provided the lead gift for The Arnold Family Track and established the Arnold Family Track & Field Fund to provide perpetual support for those Diplomat Athletic teams. They provided early support for the Mehlman Center for Strength, Conditioning, Wellness, and Performance.

Louis Denton, Esq. ’80 is a loyal supporter of the Franklin & Marshall Fund who recently established the A. Louis Denton Esq. ’80 Endowed Fund to support financial aid.

Board of Trustees Chair Matthew N. DesChamps ’93, P’28 and Julie Lattin DesChamps ’93, P’28 are generous supporters of the Mehlman Center, the F&M Student Emergency Fund, Diplomat Athletics, the F&M Wrestling Scholarship Endowment and Wrestling Scholarship Fund, the Coaches & Athletics Excellence Fund, the Franklin & Marshall Fund, and numerous capital projects.

Robert L. Freedman ’70 and Ann Louise Freedman have supported a significant number of capital projects at F&M and are loyal donors to the Franklin & Marshall Fund. Bob recently made a gift to help establish the Nicholas-Freedman Entrepreneurship Center Fund to support students’ deeper exploration of entrepreneurship, business, and finance.

Board of Visitors member Thomas J. Martin, M.D. ’56, P’96 and Lois D. Martin, D. Min., P’96 established the Thomas J. Martin, B.S., M.D. and Lois D. Martin, B.S., M.A., M.Div., D. Min. Endowed Chair of Chemistry to honor the memories of the late professors of chemistry, Fred A. Snavely, Ph.D., ’49 and Frederick H. Suydam, Ph.D., ’46.

Emeritus Trustee John L. Neigh, M.D., ’55, P’92, G’15 and Charline W. Neigh P’92, G’15 are longtime supporters of the Franklin & Marshall Fund. They established the Charline W. and John L. Neigh Family Endowed Scholarship Fund as well as the John Neigh, M.D. ’55, P’92, G’15 & Charline Neigh P’92, G’15 Endowed Internship Fund.

Trustee Christopher W. Rile, Esq., ’91, P’19 and Elizabeth Feldstein Rile ’90, P’19 are steadfast supporters of the Franklin & Marshall Fund. In 2016, they established The Rile Endowment Fund to provide general operating support, and in 2020 they later expanded their support, creating The Rile Endowed Scholarship Fund as part of the Trustee Endowed Scholarship Challenge.

Trustee Raymond A. Sanseverino, Esq. ’68 and Kimber Frank Sanseverino have given generously to Shadek Stadium, the Alice Sanseverino Endowed Covenant Fund, the Raymond A. Sanseverino ’68 Endowed Scholarship Fund, Diplomat Athletics, the Franklin & Marshall Fund, and the Philadelphia Alumni Writers House. Ray has contributed to each of the College’s capital campaigns since his graduation.

Trustee Scott A. Sommer, Esq., ’85 and Laurie Sommer are staunch supporters of the Franklin & Marshall Fund. They created and later expanded their support of the Scott and Laurie Sommer Endowed Scholarship and Scott and Laurie Sommer Franklin & Marshall Fund Scholarship.

Susan Penecale Zolla P’00 has provided funding for the Franklin & Marshall Fund, financial aid, student recruitment and enrollment, and Diplomat Athletics. She recently established the Penecale/Zolla Endowed Scholarship.

The Nevonian Medal

Franklin & Marshall awards the Nevonian Medal annually to a member of the Nevonian Society who has demonstrated extraordinary service and sustained dedication to the College. Honorees demonstrate their commitments in many ways, including but not limited to: leadership on behalf of College committees, councils, and other volunteer groups, philanthropic support, mentorship of students and fellow alumni, and personal advocacy on behalf of F&M.

Susan Washburn ’73 was celebrated for her leadership, wisdom, and steadfast commitment and became F&M’s first alumna of the College to receive the Nevonian Medal. Washburn, an emerita trustee of Franklin & Marshall, served 25 years on the Board and made history in 2016 when she was elected as the first alumna Chair of the Board. Washburn is a 2000 recipient of the Alumni Medal and currently serves on the F&M Admissions Network and the College’s Board of Visitors. She created the Susan L. Washburn ’73 Endowed Scholarship and has provided support for the Franklin & Marshall Fund, the Barbara K. Altmann Endowed Scholarship, and the Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building. She is a charter member of F&M Women & Philanthropy.

Alumni Development Volunteer Award

The Alumni Development Volunteer Award is presented by the Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Association Board of Directors to alumni who have excelled in raising funds and obtaining pledges for the College.

Trustee David H. “Dave” Lehman ’68, P’01 was honored for inspiring leadership philanthropy for F&M. Among F&M’s most generous alumni, Lehman’s financial support includes his historic 2014 gift to perpetually endow the Franklin & Marshall Wrestling program, the College’s only NCAA Division I sport, as well as gifts to Franklin & Marshall Wrestling Scholarship Endowment, the Barbara K. Altmann Endowed Scholarship, the Diplomat Athletic Club, and the Franklin & Marshall Fund. He is a 2007 recipient of the College’s Alumni Medal, and in 2023 he was inducted into the F&M Athletic Hall of Fame.

Alumni Citation

The Alumni Citation is presented annually by the Franklin & Marshall Alumni Association Board of Directors to an alumna or alumnus who is distinguished in a particular profession, has provided dedicated leadership and service to the community and has established an exemplary record of accomplishment in a specific field of endeavor.

Adara L. Combs ’09 is executive director of the City of Philadelphia Office of the Victim Advocate and Philadelphia’s first appointed Victim Advocate, leading the City’s efforts to strengthen advocacy, services, and public safety responses for victims of violent crime and their loved ones. She is an appointed Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and currently serves as co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Task Force, and is a 2022 recipient of F&M’s Sydney N. Bridgett ’51 Award.

Dr. Gerard Gioia ’78 is a pediatric neuropsychologist and the emeritus founder and chief of the Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology at Children’s National Hospital, where hedirects the Safe Concussion Outcome, Recovery & Education (SCORE) Program. He also serves as professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine, as team neuropsychologist for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, and as chair of the Medical Advisory Panel for USA Football. In 2014, Gioia was inducted to the Franklin & Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1974 football team.

Jennifer H. Podkul ’98 is the chief of global policy and advocacy at Kids in Need of Defense, bringing more than 20 years of executive experience leading policy advocacy, government relations, and national campaigns for vulnerable children and families in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, as senior program officer at the Women’s Refugee Commission, as an attorney at Ayuda, and as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Randy Wilkins ’01 is a three-time Emmy Award-winning writer, director, cinematographer, and editor, as well as the founder of Pam’s Son Productions, Corp. He served as lead editor on several major Spike Lee projects that have appeared on HBO, ESPN, and Netflix and as director for the award-winning “The Captain,” which explores the life and Hall of Fame career of New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, as well as the ESPN 30 for 30 film “86-32.”

Graduates of the Last Decade Award

The GOLD Award is presented by the Franklin & Marshall Alumni Association Board of Directors to an alumna or alumnus who graduated within the last 10 years and who has contributed significant service and support to the College.

Carmen Navia ’18 was this year’s recipient of the GOLD Award. Navia has served as a member of the Franklin & Marshall Admission Network, on the College’s Alumni Association Board, as a reunion volunteer, and as a Day of Giving ambassador. Her philanthropy has supported the Franklin & Marshall Fund, F&M Women’s Soccer, biology, the Student Hardship and Emergency Fund, STEM Instrument & Equipment Fund, and academic excellence.

Sydney N. Bridgett ’51 Award

The Sydney N. Bridgett ’51 Awards are presented by the African American Alumni Council of Franklin & Marshall to alumni of African descent for outstanding achievement in a chosen profession or endeavor.

Lewis H. Myers ’68 led the Upward Bound Program at Harvard University, helped develop Soul City in North Carolina under civil rights leader Floyd McKissick, served as assistant secretary for the North Carolina Department of Commerce, served as president of LHM Associates, and was director of business development for The Freelon Group prior to his retirement.

Dr. Gordon LeRoy White ’75 practices neurological surgery at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, subspecializing in degenerative spinal disorders. He also serves as affiliate faculty in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas at Austin-Dell Medical School.

Frank Clyburn ’86 is a strategic adviser for New Mountain Capital and on the boards of Revolution Medicines, Cencora, Kailera Therapeutics and Real Chemistry. He recently served as chief executive officer and member of the board of directors of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) in New York City.

Dexter Davenport ’92 is an upper school admissions administrator and varsity track & field coach who teaches sociology, the arts, and history at The Marymount School of New York, empowering young women through arts-based curriculum design, youth development, and athletic mentorship.

Dr. Kisha Bazelais ’01 is a licensed psychologist whose distinguished clinical career has included service at the University of Miami Counseling Center, work as a case manager at Safe Horizon, and as a fellow at Cornell Medical Center. She currently leads her independent practice, T.E.A.L. Therapy and Holistic Care, whose guiding principles are transformation, empowerment, affirmation, and liberation.

Jessica Jackson Tingling ’10 is the director of Geier Library at Berkshire School and is the founder and publisher of J&B Press LLC, a publishing house dedicated to preserving and sharing the arts and experiences of historically marginalized communities.

Rachel St. Louis ’21 is pursuing her law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law. She previously served as national attorney general for the National Black Law Students Association, law clerk at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, a student fellow at the Karsh Center for Law and Democracy, an executive assistant and scheduler to Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, an operations and press assistant for the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, and as a Civic Cornerstone Fellow.

The late Alverna Durham, Sr. ’73 was a posthumous recipient of this year’s Bridgett Award. Durham devoted his life to human services and advocacy for children and families. He served as a permanency court coordinator for the Judiciary Office of the Courts and a family preservation specialist for the State of Maryland, as a family preservation programs specialist, director of operation discovery, and as a social worker for the City of Philadelphia, as well as a family preservation specialist for the Dept. of Health & Human Services.

Franklin & Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame

The 2026 Franklin & Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame Class was announced earlier this year. At the awards ceremony held during True Blue Weekend, the F&M community celebrated the accomplishments and enduring legacy of Jay Baumgardner ’73 (football and baseball), Steven R. Growney, M.D., ’82 (men’s lacrosse), Tina Stathis Newman ’89 (women’s lacrosse), Paulette Cutruzzula Dreher ’10 (women’s lacrosse and field hockey), Nicole Morano ’11 (volleyball), David A. Rosenfeld ’15 (men’s soccer), and Rick Durso ’16 (wrestling).