Friday, October 2, 2020, Houghton, New York – In a virtual ceremony during its annual Homecoming festivities, Houghton College recognized ten alumni with awards celebrating their accomplishments and impact around the world.
Alumna Kim (Kerr ’91) Pegula was presented the Willard J. Houghton Medal by President Shirley A. Mullen in celebration of her leadership, generosity and dedication to Houghton College and to the larger western New York region. As the first female President of an NFL team, Mrs. Pegula has been instrumental in addressing matters of diversity within the NFL, in the revitalizing of Buffalo, and in significantly impacting the future of her alma mater through a lead gift which enabled Houghton College to construct the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex and successfully launch IMPACT: The Campaign for Greater Houghton, the largest campaign in its history. Mrs. Pegula is the tenth recipient of this prestigious award.
Oneonta, New York, surgeons Dr. Johnathan and Dr. Lois (Morgan) Sastic, both from the Class of 1975, were awarded Alumni of the Year Award, Houghton’s highest alumni honor. Drs. Sastic have dedicated their careers to outstanding medical care through their private practice Oneonta Surgical Associates, have utilized their skills globally by serving on medical missions trips, and have sacrificially supported Houghton College students by financially supporting key capital projects and scholarships.
Brothers Mark Moyer ’84 and Dr. Eric Moyer ’85 were recognized with Distinguished Achievement Awards. This award celebrated Mark, of Elverson, Pennsylvania, and his significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical research and development, and his impact on the lives of those battling cancer. Eric, of Aurora, IL, was acknowledged for his substantial work in the field of polymer chemistry, and the contributions he has made to improve hand-held technology and LED lighting.
Dr. Sydnie Cunningham, Class of 2013, of Towson, MD, received the 2020 Young Alumna of the Year Award, recognizing her significant work with the U.S. Military in the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, specifically in improving the working environments for women in the military.
Steven and Karen (Greer) Lynip, Class of 1965, of Waxhaw, NC, were recognized with the Christian Service Award, recognizing a lifetime of service to the global church. Throughout more than fifty years of ministry together, the Lynips significantly impacted the world for the Lord through self-sacrifice and service to the people of the Philippines and the global church through SIL, a partner of Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Honoring their selfless commitment as co-chairs of IMPACT: The Campaign for Greater Houghton, Debra (McKay ‘76) Canfield and Kevin Knowlton’79 were jointly recognized with the Alumni Appreciation Award. Mrs. Canfield, Director of Information Systems at Canfield Machine and Tool in Fulton, NY, and Mr. Knowlton, attorney and senior shareholder at Peterson and Myers, PA, in Lakeland, FL are both members of the Houghton College Board of Trustees. Through their guidance, support, and determination, on May 31, 2020, when the campaign was officially completed, IMPACT surpassed it overall goal as more than $70,500,000 was generated to support student scholarships, capital projects, and curricular and co-curricular programs.
The virtual celebration is available to view through all of Houghton College’s social media channels including Houghton’s YouTube Channel or on the college website.