Michael Driscoll, president of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, was honored with the Distinguished Citizen Award at the 2018 William Penn Luncheon on Friday, June 8, at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.
“President Driscoll's commitment to leadership and service in our community is apparent throughout Indiana County,” said Bernie Lockard, Jr., past president of the Laurel Highlands Council, Boy Scouts of America. “President Driscoll also has demonstrated a sincere commitment to leadership development for students at IUP, to help students to become good citizens of our commonwealth, our nation, and our world. He also recognizes the value of service to others, and his leadership and encouragement of service by IUP students is a positive example for others, especially the youth of our region. The Laurel Highlands Council Boy Scouts of America is grateful to have this opportunity to recognize him for his outstanding community leadership and service.”
Samuel Phillips, assistant vice president for Administration at IUP, served as the campaign chairman for the event, which benefits youth in the Laurel Highlands Council, BSA.
“I am very proud to be involved with this excellent organization, which fulfills such an important role in serving youth in our community,” Phillips said. “It is also my honor to be part of an event that honors President Driscoll, who truly exemplifies the positive values and leadership aspirations that are supported by the Boy Scouts of America.”
All funds raised from this event remain in the Laurel Highlands Council to be used to recruit, train, and support more than 900 youth and adult members in Indiana County, as well as provide scholarships and fund a number of outdoor programs throughout the year.
“The committee was very pleased to meet their financial goals for the event, and I want to thank everyone who helped us by supporting this great cause. The programs of the Boy Scouts of America strengthen family relationships, provide youth with caring adult mentors, instill a sense of civic pride and compassion through service to others, and builds self-confidence through recognition,” Lockard said. “Recognizing individuals whose actions reflect those values is truly an honor for our organization.”
Pictured, from left, are Sam Phillips, Scouting campaign chairman; Dominic Ciocca, Eagle Scout, who spoke at the event; county Commissioner Rod Ruddock; President Driscoll; and Laurel Highlands Council board members Jim Wiley and Bernie Lockard Jr.