The Penn State Board of Trustees has selected seven Penn State alumni to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2012.
The recipients are:
Norman W. Barton is the head of Global Medical Affairs and senior fellow and disease expert for Shire Human Genetics Therapies in Cambridge, Mass. Barton, of Phoenix, Md., earned his doctoral degrees in biological chemistry in 1974, and medicine in 1976, from the college of medicine.
Harold E. Cheatham is the founding dean emeritus of Clemson University’s College of Health, Education and Human Development. A resident of South Carolina, Cheatham earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1961 from the college of education.
Peter J. Cocoziello is president and CEO of Advance Realty in Bedminster, N.J. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in 1973 from The Mary Jean and Frank P. Smeal College of Business. Cocoziello resides in Oldwick, N.J.
Earl K. Harbaugh is founder and president of Ditch Witch Midwest in Carol Stream, Ill. Harbaugh, of St. Charles, Ill., earned his bachelor’s degree in general agriculture in 1961 from the college of agricultural sciences.
Joan Dawson McConnon is co-founder, associate executive director and CFO of Project H.O.M.E. Inc. in Philadelphia. She earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1981 from The Mary Jean and Frank P. Smeal College of Business. McConnon currently resides in Springfield.
Robert D. Metzgar, of Warren, is the retired president of North Penn Pipe and Supply Inc. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1960 from The Mary Jean and Frank P. Smeal College of Business. Metzgar also is a member of the Council of Fellows of Penn State Erie.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Thomas J. Ridge is founder and CEO of Ridge Global LLC in Washington, D.C. He earned his doctoral degree in law in 1972 from The Dickinson School of Law.
Due to scheduling, however, Ridge will receive the award in 2013.
