Each year during True Blue Weekend, the Franklin & Marshall community gathers to honor exceptional alumni and the impact they have made in their careers, service and commitment to their alma mater. These individuals are inducted into the College’s Society of Distinguished Alumni, and their significant contributions to our College and to the world are held in the highest esteem for current and future generations of F&M Diplomats.

Alumni Medal

The Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Medal is the Alumni Association Board's oldest and most prestigious award, given to F&M alumni in recognition of sustained, distinguished and outstanding service to the College. This year’s recipient is Richard Kneedler, Ph.D., ’65, P’98.

Richard Kneedler, Ph.D. ’65 P’98 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in French. While an undergraduate, he was an editor of the College Reporter, served as a residence assistant, and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau, the Black Pyramid Society and the French Club. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After F&M, he earned his master’s degree and his doctorate, both in French language and literature, from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he earned a certificate from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business Administration’s Institute for Educational Management and was awarded honorary doctorates by Tohoku Gakuin University in Sendai, Japan (1963), by Franklin & Marshall (2002) and by Wilson College (2021).

Kneedler served as Franklin & Marshall College’s president from 1988 to 2002. The College conducted two campaigns that raised nearly $200 million under his leadership. Kneedler also oversaw increased student enrollment and an increase in the number of faculty, while reducing the student/faculty ratio to below 11-to-1, and built new or comprehensively renovated arts, science, library, recreation, residential and commercial facilities. Franklin & Marshall’s Board granted Kneedler president emeritus status on his departure from the College in 2002.

Kneedler began his career at F&M in 1968, serving as a member of the faculty in the Department of French before joining the administration as assistant to the college dean. He held the titles of vice president for administration and vice president for development, among others, before being appointed president in 1988.

As president, Kneedler is credited with positioning F&M as a national college by implementing successful strategies for academics, fundraising, campus development, finances and management. After F&M, he served as interim president of Rockford College (now Rockford University) and then Wilson College. He also worked as an educational consultant.

He is a founder of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania and is a 2022 F&M Alumni Citation awardee. At F&M, Kneedler is a member of the 1787 Society and the Benjamin Franklin Society.

Nevonian Medal

The Nevonian Medal was established to honor and celebrate members of the Nevonian Society who have demonstrated extraordinary and sustained dedication to the College. This year’s recipient is Alan Glazer, Ph.D. ’69.

Alan Glazer, Ph.D. ’69 is the Henry P. and Mary B. Stager Professor of Business at Franklin & Marshall College. At the end of the current academic year, he will have completed 50 years of teaching financial accounting at his alma mater. During that time, Glazer has served as department chair, chair of faculty council and interim vice president and chief financial officer. He is a recipient of the Lindback Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Glazer graduated from Franklin & Marshall in 1969 with a major in accounting. He was a work-study student and played in Johnny Peifer’s marching and concert bands. After graduation, Glazer taught in several Philadelphia high schools and then earned both master’s and Ph. D. degrees at the University of Pennsylvania.

Glazer’s early research focused on internal auditing and not-for-profit organizations. He also served as associate director of the Independence Standards Board's conceptual framework project and assisted in drafting the audit and accounting guide “Not-for-Profit Organizations” for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Glazer’s recent research examines the uses of financial reporting and how companies can supplement their traditional reports with social, environmental and corporate governance information. He has authored or co-authored eight research monographs and published more than 20 journal articles.

As an alumnus, Glazer is an enthusiastic volunteer, giving of his time as an admission volunteer, a member of the board of directors of both the F&M Alumni Association and the Klehr Center for Jewish Life and a regional and reunion volunteer. He also served as a member of the Trustee Advancement Committee. Glazer is a member of the John Marshall, 1787 and Benjamin Franklin Societies. His giving is in memory of his late wife, Linda.

Glazer is a member of the American Association of University Professors and the American Accounting Association. He is a CPA in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Accountancy. 

Alumni Citation

The Alumni Citation is given to an alumnus or alumna who is distinguished in a particular profession, has provided dedicated leadership and service to the community and has established an exemplary record of accomplishments in a specific field of endeavor. This year’s recipients are Dorina Bekoe, Ph.D. ’91, Frank Clyburn ’86, Maury Garten, Esq., ’89 and Darryl Smith ’84.

Dorina Bekoe, Ph.D. ’91 is a research staff member with the Africa program at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA). IDA is a nonprofit organization that assists the U.S. government in addressing national security issues, particularly those where scientific and technical expertise are needed. Bekoe’s research and work focus on Africa’s peace operations and security challenges; Africa’s political development; institutional reform, including the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and the African Peer Review Mechanism; peace agreements; and electoral violence. She is also an associate professor of conflict prevention, mitigation and resolution at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

Bekoe graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in economics and was a member of the Economics Club and the International Club. She was named to the dean’s list. She earned her master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University – Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and her doctorate from the Harvard Kennedy School, both in public policy.

Bekoe is an author, with several published books, including “Voting in Fear: Electoral Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa” (USIP Press, 2012), an edited volume. She is a member of the 1787 Society.

Frank Clyburn ’86 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in economics. He earned his MBA from Arizona State University in 2000.

Clyburn most recently was the chief executive officer and member of the board of directors of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), in New York City. He currently serves on the board of directors for Cencora, a leading global pharmaceutical solutions organization.

Prior to IFF, Clyburn was the executive vice president and president of human health for Merck, where he had full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for Merck’s largest business. During his time at Merck, he was also responsible for building the company’s global oncology business. He led the creation of this fully integrated global business unit, the worldwide launch of Merck’s immuno-oncology medicine, and the establishment of Merck as a leader in oncology. He was an integral part of the integration of Merck’s acquisition of Schering-Plough. 

Earlier, he was president of the primary care and women’s health businesses and market access function at Merck. Clyburn also led the company’s global pharmaceutical franchises and lived in Shanghai and Lucerne. He joined Merck in 2008 to lead its biologics business.

Clyburn previously served as a member of the DuPont Board of Directors.

Maury Garten, Esq., ’89 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a double major in government and sociology. As a student, he was the social chair of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, program director of WFNM radio and an admissions tour guide.  

Maury Garten’s father has spent his entire legal career in dedication to encouraging attorneys to provide pro bono legal services. He is considered the “Father of Pro Bono” in Maryland and throughout the country. Maury very much admired his father’s dedication to community service and follows the Talmudic saying that “anyone whose deeds exceed his wisdom; his wisdom will endure.”

Maury has been a leader in many organizations. He presently serves as the secretary of the Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the vice president of the McDonogh School Alumni Board and an F&M reunion volunteer. Previously, Maury served as chair of the board of the Jewish Community Center of Baltimore, president of the F&M Alumni Association Board of Directors and chair of the Klehr Center for Jewish Life. Maury received F&M's Alumni Development Volunteer Award in 2012, and he is a member of the John Marshall and the William A. Schnader Society giving societies.

While a student at Franklin and Marshall, Maury met his future wife, Alice Matsas Garten ’89 on his first day of college. Maury graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law and advises clients in estate planning and estate administration. He is a third-generation lawyer at the law firm founded by his grandfather in 1926.

Darryl Smith ’84 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in drama. As an undergraduate, he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and the band, and he worked on the drama newsletter. He earned his master of fine arts degree from the American Conservatory Theater. As an alumnus, Smith has volunteered as a regional volunteer.

Smith is the executive director of HomeSight, in Seattle. HomeSight is a not-for-profit community development corporation that helps people buy homes and build community. The organization also develops real estate for low- and middle-income families and small-business community anchors, with a goal to keep housing affordable for the southeast Seattle community members they serve.

Smith previously was the site director of higher education programs at Year Up Puget Sound, where he led Year Up’s college and business partnerships for youth. Prior to that, he served as deputy mayor of Seattle under Mayor Mike McGinn, where he oversaw the city’s offices of housing, economic development, and immigrant and refugee affairs, along with the Department of Neighborhoods.

Sydney N. Bridgett ’51 Award 

This honor is presented to Franklin and Marshall College alumni of African descent for outstanding achievement in a chosen profession or endeavor. This year’s recipients are Augustus D. Pullen ’73, H. Art Taylor, Esq. ’80, Vance Marvin Campbell ’82, Darryl G. Smith, Esq. ’91, Shakya K. Cherry-Donaldson ’09, Danielle A. Sang ’18 and George A. Franklin, Jr. ’77 (inducted posthumously).

Bishop Augustus D. Pullen ’73 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in sociology. He is very involved in church work and is the national adjutant for the northeastern region of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., which is the largest black Pentecostal denomination in America with more than 6.5 million people worldwide. His current diocese of  46 churches encompasses Connecticut and New York.

Pullen is the senior pastor for Greater Glory Church of God in Christ (Hartford, Conn.) and New Bethel Church of God in Christ (Waterbury, Conn.).  He is also the co-founder of the Jabez Project, which was established to prepare individuals and churches for the challenges of 21st-century ministry.

Pullen is a licensed clinical social worker and a diplomat in the American Psychoanalysis Association. He has been in practice for nearly 45 years and is experienced in an array of treatments, with specializations in critical debriefing, sexual abuse, psychotic and personality disorders, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and stress and anger management.

The late George A. Franklin, Jr. ’77 retired as the vice president of finance and college resources at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). His tenure was marked by a period of phenomenal growth in enrollment and numerous capital projects to meet that increased demand in the face of declining financial support from state and local government. Franklin served on the HACC Foundation Board of Directors and was a subject matter expert and member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). He passed away in February 2015 at age 63. He was well-loved and is fondly remembered by his family and his work colleagues.

Franklin graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 1977 with a bachelor of science in government and a minor in accounting. As a student, Franklin was a member of the Black Student Union and a residential assistant. His nickname was Franco. He later earned his master’s of business administration degree from Amberton University, and he was a certified public accountant.

Franklin and his wife Caroline were together for more than 30 years and had three children (Keenan Roberts, Kelley Franklin and Karlee Franklin). All three of his children worked at HACC during summer breaks. Keenan is now the owner of multiple businesses in central Pennsylvania, Kelley works in information technology for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Karlee has a career in financial services at a Wall Street firm. Franklin’s wife Caroline is happily retired from Capital Blue Cross after 30 years of service.

Franklin left a legacy of excellence, respect and service to others. He inspired a generation of family to pursue their passions with grace and maintain their authentic selves. George’s warm smile and hearty laugh is greatly missed. With any mention of George to those who knew him, you can see their eyes sparkle.

H. Art Taylor, Esq. ’80 is the president and CEO of Give.org and host of The Heart of Giving podcast. He is one of the founders of F&M’s African American Alumni Council. 

Taylor graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a bachelor of arts in business administration - accounting and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 1989. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from F&M in 2002 and was the commencement speaker. As an undergraduate, Taylor was an All-MAC baseball player and the 1980 Howard E. Gayley Award recipient. He was also a member of the men’s basketball team. He was a member of the Black Student Union, the College Senate and participated in a Green Room Theatre production.

As an alumnus, Taylor is a prolific and dedicated leadership volunteer. He is a current member of the F&M Board of Trustees since 1993, serving – since 2022 – as the senior vice chair of the board. He currently serves on the executive, trusteeship and governance (co-chair) and student experience committees of the board. Previously, he served on the following Board of Trustees committees: advancement; alumni programs and development; buildings, grounds and sustainability; civic engagement; finance; marketing and communications; student life; audit; compensation; and enrollment. Taylor is also a former chairperson of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Athletic Facilities Committee, the Development Council, the Life Sciences & Philosophy Building Campaign Committee, and the 2011 Presidential Search Committee. He was a Middle Atlantic regional volunteer.

Taylor is a member of F&M’s Society of Distinguished Alumni. In 2013, he received the Alumni Medal from the Alumni Association Board, and he was named Volunteer of the Year in 1994. He is also a Friend of the Phillips Museum and a member of both the 1787 Society and the Benjamin Franklin Society.

The Hon. Vance M. Campbell ’82, justice of the peace, member of parliament, graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in business administration. He minored in cultural anthropology. As a student, he was a four-year starter on the men’s varsity soccer team.

Campbell is a certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience. He has worked in a diverse number of industries and is currently the CEO of S.A.L. Trading Limited.

He is an elected member of parliament in Bermuda. Until becoming a minister of the government in April 2022, Campbell was the deputy chairperson of the Bermuda Housing Trust and the chairperson of the Bermuda Housing Corporation. Campbell was an executive on the Young Men's Social Club as president and vice president, and prior to that served on the club’s management committee and as vice president of its youth committee.

Campbell is an associate member of the Vasco Da Gama Club and holds membership in the Ex-Artillerymen’s Club, Warwick Workmen’s Club, Harrington Workmen’s Club and the Blue Waters Anglers Club. He also sits on several standing committees of the executive council of the Bermuda Football Association. In the past, he served as chairperson of the Consumer Affairs Board, deputy chairperson of the Bermuda Hospital Board and vice president of the Foster Parents' Association.

Campbell recently resigned from the cabinet of the Government of Bermuda after serving as a minister. During his tenure, he served as Minister for Tourism and Minister for the Cabinet Office.

Darryl G. Smith ’91 is a criminal defense attorney working in the Jersey City, N.J., area. He specializes in employment law, personal injury, real estate and criminal law. He is a member of the African American Alumni Council at Franklin & Marshall College.

Smith graduated from Franklin & Marshall with a degree in business administration. He was named to the dean’s list. He earned his law degree from Seton Hall University.

Shakya K. Cherry-Donaldson ’09 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in economics and Africana studies. As a student, she was involved in the Black Student Union, Bonchek College House, the Social Action Club, the Women’s Center and Sister Sister. She was also named to the dean’s list. After graduating and teaching English in South Korea for two years, she earned her master’s degree in political economy from the University of Sydney, in Australia.

Cherry-Donaldson is a community organizer, constituency mobilizer and movement builder. She is the founder and executive director of 1000 Women Strong, which works to support Black women and their allies on electoral matters, education campaigns and advocacy issues. Cherry-Donaldson has worked on issue-based and candidate campaigns in 13 states, including as the statewide deputy field director for Stacey Abrams’ 2018 gubernatorial run in Georgia. Since she founded 1000 Women Strong in 2020, she has cultivated the grassroots and political power of Black women and their allies through year-round field and relational organizing across the country.

Danielle A. Sang ’18 is a member of the Public Health Team at Bloomberg Philanthropies in New York City. She currently supports disease and injury prevention initiatives at Bloomberg. This includes the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use, a now 20-year, $1.1 billion global program aimed at curbing the tobacco epidemic in low– and middle-income countries, where she is the focal point for Ukraine and the Eurasia region. Sang is currently pursuing a master of public health degree at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Sang graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in public health and environmental science. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority, a tour guide and was a class officer as part of the Diplomatic Congress and president of her class. She was also involved in women’s track and indoor track, the Running Club, the German Club, Brooks College House, the Safety & Security Advisory Group, the Student Congress, the Model U.N., WFNM radio, Alumni Leaders of Tomorrow, the Committee for Quality of Campus Life and Sister Sister.

Sang is an alumni volunteer and is a member of the Presidential Working Group on Engaging Alumni. She supports the Franklin & Marshall Fund.

Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Alumni Award

The Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Alumni Award recognizes an individual who has graduated at least five years ago, but no more than 10 years ago, and who has contributed significant service and support to the College. This year’s recipients are Charlotte Katter ’14 and Jabari Benjamin ’18.

Charlotte Katter ’14 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in anthropology. As a student, Katter was a member of the women’s varsity swimming team, Alumni Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT), the student-athlete advisory committee and the Life After College program. She also was an admissions guide and a member of Weis College House.

Katter is a corporate access associate at William Blair and holds both her Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7 and Securities Industries Essentials (SIE) licenses. Previously, she worked for Morgan Stanley in New York City.

She is a reunion volunteer and a member of both the 1787 Society and the Benjamin Franklin Society.

Jabari Benjamin ’18 graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in economics and earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2023. In law school, he was the senior articles editor of the Georgetown Law Journal and received a dean’s certificate for special and outstanding service to the Georgetown Law community.

Benjamin is a corporate associate and a member of the Investment Management Group at Debevoise & Plimpton in New York City. 

As an F&M student, Benjamin participated in men’s indoor and outdoor track & field, the Black Student Union and the Hair Junkies club, and was the president of IMPACT. He was a member of Phi Sigma Pi and the L.I.F.T. Poetry Group, and he volunteered at the Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster, Pa. Benjamin was a student member of the Trustee Advancement committee.

As an alumnus, Benjamin is a reunion volunteer for the class of 2018. He is also a member of the Benjamin Franklin Society.

Athletics Hall of Fame

In addition to the Nevonian, Alumni Association Board and African American Alumni Council Awards, the F&M community gathered to celebrate the 2024 inductees to the Franklin & Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame.

Dr. Robert Falk, Jr., M.D. '67 was inducted as a squash contributor; Jay Teagle III '74 was inducted for baseball; Emily Green Hayden '02 was inducted for volleyball; Georgio Milligan '12 was inducted for men's basketball; Sheena Crawley '13 was inducted for women's cross country and track & field; Ben Beaver '14 was inducted for men's soccer; and the 1964-65 Men's Swimming Team and 1989-90 Women's Squash Team were added as team selections.

For full biographies on the Franklin & Marshall Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, visit the GoDiplomats website.