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The James McKeever Promising Professional Award
PACAC is proud to recognize the James McKeever Promising Professional Award, which is named to honor and remember an individual who was indeed a bright light and promising PACAC admission professional. Jim was a 1985 graduate of Mercyhurst College. He was recommended to Mercyhurst by his high school counselor as “his class’s outstanding citizen.” Following a brief time in management upon graduation from Mercyhurst, Jim returned to his alma mater as a graduate assistant. Jim was described by Andy Roth, previous Vice President of Enrollment Management at Mercyhurst, as “a natural” – warm, gregarious, and outgoing. Jim chose to make admission his career despite the draw of a higher salary and the perks of corporate life. He chose his path to positively impact young people and their futures. In three and a half years as an admission professional, Jim made a positive impact on the PACAC organization. He made a contribution as a member of the Conference Planning Committee and the College Fairs Committee and was instrumental in establishing the PACAC Northwest Regional College Fair. Jim was a “presence” in the admission field through Pennsylvania. His greatest gifts were the care and attention he gave to others – his family, his colleagues and his community. His promise as a profession was limitless and emblematic of the very best of our profession. He cared, he worked hard, and he had a lot of fun. Many were blessed to have known Jim personally, but all members of PACAC are blessed because Jim’s legacy of caring and giving lives on in the work that we do. Jim passed away in 1995 from cancer at the age of 27. The James McKeever Promising Professional Award was established by the Executive Board of PACAC as a means of recognizing and encouraging contributions by secondary or postsecondary members early in their careers. To be eligible, a nominee must be employed by a member institution and have completed no more than three years of professional service. Age is not a factor in the nomination process. Nominees must have demonstrated both outstanding job performance and meaningful professional services beyond their institutions. The person nominating an individual for this award must write a separate letter to the Past President outlining the reasons why this person is deserving of the award. Previous Recipients 2024 Lucia Garabo, Susquehanna University 2023 Emily McGurl, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 2022 Gabriela Marrero, Albright College 2021 Sofia Fallas, Saint Joseph's University 2020 Timothy Joy, University of Pittsburgh 2019 Lucas Frankel, Shady Side Academy 2017 Sandra Vasquez, Cabrini University 2016 David DeBor, Carnegie Mellon University 2014 Miles Smith, Wilson College 2013 Meg Ryan, Carnegie Mellon University 2012 Mike Goebel, Gannon University 2011 Shannan Smith, Widener University 2010 Melanie Holodynsky, Temple University 2009 Maria Caggiano, Marywood University 2008 Laura Fahy, Kutztown University 2007 Jennifer Birkenmeier, Immaculata University 2006 Justin Holmes, Lafayette College 2005 Karthryn Adams, Albright College 2004 Katie Gerst, Temply University 2003 Jennifer Keegan, Chatham College 2002 David Kaiser, Temple University 2001 Eric Szentesy, Drexel University 2000 Christopher Boehm, Albright College 1998 Betty Brown, Delaware County Community College 1997 Melissa Little Plotkin, York College 1996 Grace Bruno, Mercyhurst College 1995 Tara Dzmitrizk, Thomas Jefferson University 1994 Hope Lentine, Neuman College 1993 Kathry Bagnell, Allegheny College |
