Bernardine Legacy Award Newcombe Scholarship
Bernardine Legacy Award
Opening Remarks
Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President
Mission Moment
Alexandria Cirko, Penn State Health St. Joseph
Alvernia Women’s Council Remarks
Sister John Ann Proach’74, Congregational Minister, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
Jackie Stiles, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Women2Women
Susan Kolb, Assistant VP, Graduate & Adult Education
Newcombe Scholar Presentation
Bernardine Legacy Award Presentation
Kat Ketter, 2025 Bernardine Legacy Award
Bernardine Legacy Award Acceptance
Suzanne Cody, Help A Girl Out
Closing
Meggan Hannigan’96, MBA’01, Associate VP, Institutional Advancement
Thank you to our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Kingsview Partners
Penn State Health, St. Joseph Medical Center
Perennial Financial
VA Productions
Program Sponsor
Customers Bank
Enersys
Networking Sponsor
Women2Women, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Table Sponsor
Help A Girl Out
Kevin Bickel
Susan W. Green
2026 Bernardine Legacy Award Recipient
Suzanne Cody
Suzanne Cody is a respected marketing and business development leader whose career and volunteer service reflect a deep commitment to community impact, mentorship, and advocacy. With more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications, brand development, and engagement initiatives, she has built a reputation for connecting people, organizations, and ideas in ways that strengthen communities and create opportunity.
In 2021, Suzanne founded Help A Girl Out (HAGO), a grassroots initiative addressing period poverty throughout Berks and Schuylkill Counties. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded to serve 118 community distribution sites and has provided more than 138,000 essential hygiene products to women and girls in need. Through awareness campaigns, partnerships, and community engagement efforts, HAGO has become a powerful force for dignity, access, and advocacy.
Professionally, Suzanne has served in leadership roles with Muhlenberg Greene Architects, HMP Global, and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, where she specialized in strategic marketing, communications, and community engagement.
Her service to the community is extensive and reflects her passion for empowering others. Suzanne serves as Secretary of the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda, mentors emerging professionals through the Greater Reading Young Professionals organization, and supports workforce development initiatives through the Berks Business Education Coalition. Her innovative internship mentorship model has become widely recognized for helping students develop professional confidence and real-world career readiness.
Suzanne’s leadership and service have earned numerous honors, including the Rotary International People of Action Award – Paul Harris Fellow and the AFP Berks County Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award.
Recognized for her humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to lifting others, Suzanne Cody exemplifies the spirit and values of the Bernardine Legacy Award.
Bernardine Legacy Award Recipients
2018 Senior Judge Linda K.M. Ludgate
2019 Karen Marsdale
2021 Adrean Turner
2022 Andi Funk
2023 Regina Rinehimer
2024 Vicki Ebner
2025 Kat Ketter
Special Thank You to the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation is an independent foundation that began in 1979 and has since awarded more than $70 million to provide scholarships and fellowships in higher education.
Newcombe Scholarships for Mature
Women Students supports the completion of bachelor’s degrees by women who are twenty-five years of age or older and need financial assistance at selected colleges and universities.
Through the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Fund, a special gift from the Patricia Newman Estate, alumni, and friends, Alvernia has provided 60 mature women since the 2016-2017 academic year with financial support to complete their degrees.
The mission of the Alvernia University Women’s Council (AWC) is threefold:
• To foster the personal and professional development of Alvernia women at all life stages
• To strengthen Alvernia women’s connection to each other and Alvernia
• To educate and inspire women to pursue or grow in leadership roles.
Membership to AWC is open to any individual committed to enhancing the quality of life for Alvernia women. Individuals who participate in 4 or more programs, events, meetings, etc… annually would be considered as active members. Members may include, but not limited to, Alvernia students, alumni, faculty/staff, volunteers, community members, parents, Leadership Berks graduates, etc…
Participation in AWC can be done virtually, in person or both. You do not need to reside in Berks County or surrounding communities to participate.
To learn more about AWC visit www.alvernia.edu/womens-council or email AlverniaWomensCouncil@alvernia.edu.