Submit 2027 Award Nominations!
Journey of Impact Alumni Award
The Journey of Impact Alumni Award celebrates non-traditional alumni—graduates of Eastern’s online, graduate, and post-professional programs—who have pursued education later in life and exemplify Eastern University's mission of faith, reason, and justice in their personal and professional lives. These individuals represent the evolving face of Eastern’s alumni community: committed, purpose-driven, and often balancing complex roles such as career, family, and service.
Despite not spending much (or any) time on campus, recipients of this award have remained deeply connected to Eastern’s values and have extended their impact far beyond physical boundaries—serving their communities, leading with integrity, and advancing meaningful change in today’s world.
Alumnus/na of the Year Award
The Alumnus/a of the Year is nominated by their fellow alumni and are selected for the award based on the following criteria: (a) they have earned a degree from Eastern University; (b) they have been a graduate of the university for a minimum of 10 years; (c) they are capable and have made achievements in the career of their choice; (d) they have made contributions to their community; and (e) they continue to show interest in the university.
Alumnus/na of the Year Award Winners
2026 Alumni of the Year: Steve '91 and Cathy Clemens '92
Steve and Cathy Clemens, this year’s Alumni of the Year, continue to channel their passion for Eastern’s mission into meaningful support for today’s students. Their impact can be seen across campus, most notably through their funding of the nursing labs and their support of Templeton Hall renovation.
As the outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, Steve has helped guide the University with wisdom, vision, and a deep commitment to its mission. For both Steve and Cathy, that commitment is rooted in their own experience as Eastern students, when they encountered a community dedicated to putting faith into action. Their Eastern education shaped their understanding of what it means to serve others and continues to inspire the ways they give back today.
For Steve and Cathy, their connection to Eastern extends far beyond buildings, leadership roles, or recognition. Their story represents a beautiful full circle—from students shaped by the Eastern community to alumni who are leaders, advocates, and generous supporters. Through their continued investment in the University and its students, they are helping ensure that Eastern’s mission of faith in action continues for generations to come.
Previous Recipients of the Alumnus/na of the Year Award
1961 John Ruth '56
1962 Ronald Schlosser '56, MRE '59
1963 Thomas Ritter '59
1964 C. Herbert Carey '59
1966 Gloria (Pierce) Marshall '60
1967 Norman R. DePuy '53, BD '56, DD '88
1968 Anthony Campolo '56, BD '60, THM '61
1969 Oscar Remick '54
1970 Arthur Reedie, Jr. '55
1971 Joseph Tatta '55
1972 Charles H. Blum '66
1973 Malva Quinlan '67
1976 Richard Rusbuldt Sr. '51
1978 F. Ardell '63 and Peg (Parker) Thomas '63
1979 Elizabeth (Eastman) Fetter '70
1980 Philip Jenks '71
1981 William A. Zulker '53, DMin '78
1982 Dorcas (Diaz) Shaner '58, MRE '61
1983 Stephen Heneise '70
1985 Ronald McGinnis '60
1986 Paul Bolster '66
1993 William Eberwein Sr. '68
1994 Edward Warner '58, MRE '60
Lorna (Bixby) Hansen '64
1996 David Bradstreet '76
1997 Bryan Stevenson '81
1998 Robert Plimpton '63
1999 F. Ardell '63 and Peg (Parker) Thomas '63
2001 Bettie Ann (Morse) Brigham '74
2003 Stanley Nodder '53
2004 Danny Cortes '83, MDiv '87
2005 W. Donald Gough '67
2006 Mel Bwint '83
2007 W. Douglass Willey '55
2008 John Pipe '58
2009 Douglas Mastriano '86
2010 Carol (Hill) Tatta '58
2011 Shane Claiborne '97
2012 Donna (Gillenardo) Duffy '83
2013 Emilio Marrero Jr. '82, MDiv '85
2014 Darla (Spence) Coffey '83
2015 Raymond Garcia '00, MDiv '07
2016 Stanley A. Murray '71, MDiv '79
2017 Howard Stevenson '80
2018 Justin Piff '02
2019 Barbara Burger '71
2020 James Mast ’09, MA ’16
2021 Khalil Rogers '01, MBA '12
2022 Ruth Gilson Fox '78 MA '84
2023 Tim Ewing '02
2024 Anthea “Thea” Sholander Ramirez '06
2026: Steve ‘91 and Cathy Clemens ‘92
Distinguished Young Alumnus/ae Award
The award recognizes an alumnus/ae who has graduated from Eastern University within the past 10 years for significant contribution to church, vocation, community, and/or Eastern University. The Distinguished Young Alumni award honors a younger alum who embodies Christian values in their work and personal life and recognizes those who are outstanding leaders in their vocation and community, and shows promise of future professional growth. This award recognizes an alumnus/ae whose life faithfully exemplifies Christ and the mission of Eastern as demonstrated by acknowledged professional accomplishments, personal character, integrity, and a strong commitment to the Lord.
Distinguished Young Alumnus/ae Award Winners
2026 Distinguished Young Alumna Award: Rev. Brooke Scott '17
The 2026 Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year, Brooke Scott, is a leader who refuses to choose between faith and action. As Transitional Pastor of Penn Wynne Presbyterian Church in Wynnewood, PA, and a Licensed Social Worker and therapist, she brings together her passion for ministry and mental health to serve others with compassion and purpose.
Her work is rooted in a commitment to creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and safe—whether they are seeking support in a church community or a therapy office. Brooke’s ministry and clinical practice reflect her deep belief in embracing the whole person and meeting people where they are.
By weaving together her roles in pastoral ministry and social work, Brooke has built a distinctive vocation centered on caring for both body and soul. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of others make her a fitting recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year award.
Nominate the 2027 Distinguished Young Alumna/nus of the Year
Previous Recipients of the Distinguished Young Alumnus/ae Award
2013 David Walker '09
2014 Ian Snyder '04
2015 Rebecca Blake '06
2016 Thomas McGrady Jr. '10
2017 Brisa DeAngulo '07
2018 Lara (Wilson) Owlett '09, MEd '13
2019 Jonas Dorsett ‘16
2020 Cristina Gann Gomez '14, MS
2021 Anthony Ramos '14, MS
2022 Maggie MaDimbo, PhD ’13
2023: Gordon Zook, PhD ’15
2024: David Garlock '17
2026: Brooke Scott
The Lamplight Society
The Lamplight Society was established in 2002 to commemorate Eastern University's 50th anniversary. The Society serves to honor those who have "shined the light" by making significant contributions to the life of Eastern University and have left an indelible print on the campus community.
These contributions might have been in academics, athletics, student life, religious life, the Alumni Association, or in community service.
The award honors alumni, faculty, staff, and administration and the contributions they made while they were at Eastern.
The Lamplight Society Award Winners
2026 Lamplight Society Award: Tom and Sue Dahlstrom, MED '99
As the 2026 Lamplight Society inductees, the Dahlstroms exemplify four decades of personal investment that has transformed both Eastern University and the lives of countless people within its community.
Tom Dahlstrom arrived at Eastern in 1982 as an Assistant Professor of Business. Over the years, he taught a wide range of subjects, including management, marketing, and information systems, before moving into broader institutional leadership roles as Director of Institutional Research and Assistant Vice President for Planning and Effectiveness.
Sue Dahlstrom served Eastern part time, teaching statistics and working with Tony Campolo’s Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE). Yet her influence extended far beyond her formal roles. Through her consistent encouragement, generosity, and hospitality, Sue has been a source of care and support to generations of students and staff.
The Dahlstroms’ legacy will continue to shine through the many lives they have touched and the generations they have inspired. Their decades of faithful service and personal investment reflect the very spirit of the Lamplight Society.
Previous Recipients of The Lamplight Society Award
2002 David Bradstreet '76
Bettie Ann (Morse) Brigham '74
Anthony Campolo '56, BD '60, THM '61
George Claghorn BD '44
Harold Howard
J. Wesley Ingles
Jean (Bartholomew) Kim '61
Elizabeth (Hulseman) Morgan '65
Joseph Tatta '55
Edward Warner '58, MRE '60
Betty Jane Webber
Amelia (Burgess) Yardbrough '61
William Zulker '53, DMin '78
2003 Ronald Schlosser '56, MRE '59
2004 John Ruth '56
Carol (Hill) Tatta '58
2007 Lee Allen
Wayne Bickford '90
Frederick Boehlke BD '52
2008 Caroline Cherry
Edward Kuhlmann
2009 Christopher Hall
Derek Ritchie '89, MBA '07
2010 Nancy (Scheuer) Hill '87, MA '01
Helen Loeb
2011 David Black
2012 Joseph Modica
Theodore Chamberlain
2013 Ronald Matthews
2014 Diana S.H. Bacci MBA '84
2015 Alberto Socci
2016 David T. Nicol '70
2017 Harry Gutelius
2018 Thomas Ridington '78, MA '81
2020 Theresa Noye
2021 Heather S. Norcini ’89
2022 Meggin Capers MS '06
2023 Paula (Whelan) Hedderick ’92
2024 Jared Bass '07 and Chloe Brown Bass '06
2026 Tom and Sue Dahlstrom, MED ‘99
Palmer Alumnus/a Waymaker in Service and Ministry
Palmer Theological Seminary annually acknowledges an alumna/alumnus for their life of service and ministry reflecting the reign of God in the world. The honoree embodies a spirit of waymaking, of innovative pursuit, and of living out Palmer's motto – the whole gospel for the whole world through whole persons – in contextualized novelty.
If you would like to suggest an alumnus/a Palmer Waymaker honoree, feel free to email a suggestion and a brief rationale to PTSAlumniCare@eastern.edu.
Palmer Alumnus/a Waymaker in Service and Ministry Award Winners
2026 Palmer Alumnus/a Waymaker in Service and Ministry Award Winners
Harven Auguste (MDiv ’24) Harven Auguste is a faith-driven leader whose vocation bridges faith, finances, and human flourishing. He serves as a Vice President and Product Manager at JPMorgan Chase, leading execution across the credit card business to develop products that serve millions of customers. Harven earned his Master of Divinity in Adaptive Leadership from Palmer Theological Seminary and a Master of Business Administration in Organization Management from Eastern University. Alongside his corporate vocation, he is deeply committed to Christian ministry, teaching, and developing leaders, while actively engaging in community organizations focused on youth development, education, and neighborhood revitalization.
In his words: "To me, being a Waymaker means recognizing that God is placing me in spaces where I can help create pathways that may not yet exist for others. In my day-to-day work, ministry, and community leadership, I seek to use whatever influence, opportunity, and resources God has entrusted to me to open doors, remove barriers, and help others live life on purpose."
Casey Bien-Aime (MDiv ’12, DMin ’25) Casey Bien-Aime serves as Senior Manager of Spiritual Care for Main Line Health and holds the Endowed Chair of Pastoral Care at Lankenau Medical Center. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and Religious Studies from Drew University and a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary in 2012. Following eleven units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, she reinvigorated Lankenau Medical Center's chaplaincy program in June 2015. She graduated with distinction in 2025 with a Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Theology from Palmer, where her research examined how post-pandemic spiritual care resources impact nurse resilience. In February 2025, she assumed system-wide leadership of Spiritual Care across Main Line Health, supporting chaplaincy at four acute care hospitals and the Rehab Hospital, while expanding consultation for ambulatory locations, community initiatives, and the Mirmont Treatment Center. Dr. Bien-Aime has partnered with interdisciplinary teams to integrate Spiritual Care into the Critical Incident Response Team and created CALM debriefing sessions to reduce burnout. A frequent educator, she is deeply involved in Clinical Pastoral Education, volunteer programs, and system-wide consultations on cultural, spiritual, and religious accommodations. She also remains actively engaged in local interfaith organizations and community ministry.
In her words: "In a world that often feels uncertain, painful, and divided, I seek to be a waymaker by helping others find a path forward rooted in compassion and connection. It means using my voice, strength, and influence to walk alongside those who feel overwhelmed or weary, clearing barriers that divide us and creating space for love, hope, and healing while learning to get out of the way and let Love lead."
Daniel Garrison-Edwards (BA ’11, MDiv ’18) Daniel Garrison-Edwards is a deacon in the Episcopal Church who currently serves as Curate at St. Mark’s Church in Philadelphia. There, he serves at Sunday liturgies and primarily facilitates ministry to children and families. Prior to his ordination as a deacon, Dan served in campus ministry with the CCO from 2018 to 2026 at Eastern University and West Chester University, where he was frequently recognized for handing out free donuts and chatting with students. Deeply shaped by his pastoral education at Palmer, he is scheduled, Lord willing and the people consenting, to be ordained as a priest in early 2027.
In his words: "I believe being a waymaker is imitating the Waymaker. Christ made a way through death and suffering into resurrection, and I believe we are all called to be agents of resurrection in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. On my best days, I ask ‘what is Christ calling me to let die today, so He may raise up something new.’”
Jocelyn Moore (MTS ’25) Min. Jocelyn Moore serves as the Youth Ministry Director at New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under her father, Rev. William Moore, Jr., and as the Youth Minister for Monumental Baptist Church. She holds a B.S. in Organizational and Community Leadership, a Master’s in Management and Organizational Behavior, and a Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary. In her professional career, she works in diversity and inclusion as the Managing Director of People, Culture & Strategy at Teach For America Greater Philadelphia. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jocelyn has partnered with justice organizations like the International Justice Mission, the SunGate Foundation, Avanzar Women’s Center, Color of Change, and Faith in Action New Jersey to support equity initiatives.
In her words: "To me, being a Waymaker means emulating the radical love of Christ: a love that tangibly cares and boldly advocates for the overlooked, the under-resourced, the marginalized and the forgotten. To be a Waymaker is to put feet to our faith."
Previous Recipients of the Waymaker Alumna in Service and Ministry Award
2022: Ruth McFarland
2023: Chris Holland, MDiv ’12
2024: Bridgette M. Rice, MDiv '17
2026: Harven Auguste MDiv ’24; Casey Bien-Aime, MDiv ’12, DMin ’25; Daniel Garrison-Edwards, BA ’11, MDiv ’18; Jocelyn Moore, MTS ’25