Clarion University Alumni Association will present its 2025 Distinguished Awards March 7 in Gemmell Student Center. The annual premier event, established in 1966 to recognize exceptional contributions of alumni and friends, will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor rotunda, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room.

Tickets are $50 per person. Pre-register by Feb. 28 at https://alumniandfriends.cuf-inc.org/distinguished-awards.

This year’s Distinguished Awards will recognize:

2025 Distinguished Young Alumnus Award
Kevin Brady ’08

Kevin Brady Jr. is the chief financial officer of ANL, Inc., a leading construction firm specializing in high-profile projects across New York City. He has been pivotal in shaping the company’s financial strategy, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and cost management for multimillion-dollar initiatives.

Brady has built a strong career in financial strategy and strategic leadership. He has been key in managing the preservation of New York City’s architectural landmarks, including the award-winning Prospect Park Wellhouse Landmark Renovation and the historic Tavern on the Green restoration.

He lives in St. Augustine, Florida, with his wife, Dr. Kaylan Brady, and their two children, Kyle and Hailey.

2025 Distinguished Alumna Award
Patrice D’Eramo-Flack ’86

Patrice D’Eramo-Flack retired as vice president of Americas Marketing and Communications at Cisco, where she led a team of more than 200 and shaped the strategic marketing and communications for a $29 billion business. Prior, she held senior roles in Hewlett Packard’s U.S. federal and public sector marketing.

Her work has addressed mental and physical well-being, food insecurity, support for American veterans and seniors, and empowerment of women. She continues to mentor young women and girls. Flack has held committee and board positions with the National Institute of Health’s Children’s Inn, University of Maryland Medical Center, American Red Cross and PennWest Clarion.

In addition to her Clarion degree, Flack holds advanced business certifications from Northwestern University, Harvard Business School and INSEAD. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her husband, Mark Flack, and their daughters, Morgan and Mia.

Distinguished Alumna Award
Sheilah Lingenfelter Gulas ’83

Sheilah Lingenfelter Gulas ’83, a 2017 inductee into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, retired after a three-decade career as head softball coach with a cumulative record of 926-489-1 (.654).

From 1987 to 2017, Gulas was head softball coach at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, then Ashland (Ohio) University. Her coaching record was 120-39 (.755) at Allegheny and included the 1988 season when the Gators finished as national runner-up and she was named NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year.

In a stellar 21-year stint at Ashland, Gulas’ Eagles made 12 NCAA Division II postseason appearances. She was Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1998, 2009, 2010 and her last season of 2017. She was inducted into the halls of fame at Allegheny and Ashland.

Gulas is married to George, her husband of 27 years.

2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award
Dr. Kwame R. Morton, Sr. ’94

Dr. Kwame R. Morton is superintendent of Cherry Hill (New Jersey) Public Schools, where he previously was assistant superintendent. For his work as principal of Cherry Hill High School West, he was named the 2021 Visionary Principal of the Year/NAASSP NJ State Principal of the Year.

Prior to Cherry Hill Public Schools, Morton was principal of Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, Cherry Hill, and Philadelphia’s Frederick Douglass Elementary, where he obtained a National Turnaround Specialist Credential. He began his career as a teacher and school administrator in the New York City Department of Education.

At Clarion, he was a standout men’s basketball player and was named the Basketball Times 1994 NCAA Division II Player of the Year; he still holds several school records. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi social fraternity.

Morton holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from North Central University, a M.S. in Educational Leadership from The College of Saint Rose, and a BSBA from Clarion. He and his wife, April, are the proud parents of 10 children and two grandchildren. 

2025 Distinguished Faculty Award
Dr. Kevan M. Yenerall

Dr. Kevan M. Yenerall, political science professor at PennWest since 2000, has facilitated 50 Clarion students’ participation at nine national party conventions, a presidential inauguration, and seven Inside Washington seminars. He established the Joseph and Mary Ellen Yenerall Politics & Public Service Scholarship to honor his grandparents and invest in Clarion students’ participation in seminars and internships in the nation’s capital. For his commitment to higher education and public service, he was presented with the Ripple of Hope Award.

Yenerall is coauthor of “Seeing the Bigger Picture: American and International Politics in Film and Popular Culture” and author of “Pennsylvania: A New Bellwether?” and “The 2020 Presidential Election: Key Issues and Regional Strategies.” Local, regional, national and international news outlets have sought his political expertise.

Yenerall earned his B.A. in English & political science at Duquesne University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in political science at Miami University. He resides in the Pittsburgh area with his wife, Supannee, and their adopted cat, Oliver.

2025 Distinguished Service Award
John M. Stoner ’75
Janice L. (McMinn) Stoner ’75

Since John and Jan Stoner met in the fall of 1971 at then-Clarion State College, they have built a happy life that has enriched many. John climbed the corporate ladder with Jackson Manufacturing, eventually acquired by True Temper Lawn and Garden, where he became president and general manager. Jan taught elementary school until their daughter, Jen, was born. The couple opened Stoners’ Sporting Goods, which Jan ran, also staying busy as a mom and community volunteer. John, still employed full-time with True Temper, helped in the evening.

When John joined Conn-Selmer musical instruments to become their president, the Stoners moved to Indiana. In his 20 years at Conn-Selmer, he led the company to great heights. Jan continued volunteer work with organizations like Meals on Wheels, tutoring, helping at a food bank, and work with a day center for women and children.

In retirement, the Stoners sought philanthropic opportunities with their alma mater. After starting a business scholarship a couple of years ago, they recently gave a substantial gift to renovate the Still Hall business school auditorium. When completed, it will bear their name.