Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, now a campus of Commonwealth University, boasts a rich history and a vast network of nearly 80,000 alumni worldwide. Established in 1839, the university has evolved from a literary institute to a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its alumni have made significant contributions across various fields, embodying the values and lessons instilled during their time at Bloomsburg.

A Foundation of Education and Growth

Founded with the mission "to teach the youth the elements of a classical education," Bloomsburg University has adapted to the changing needs of society throughout its history. It transitioned from offering secondary and college prep courses to becoming a full-time teacher education institution. Over the years, the university expanded its offerings to include business education, liberal arts programs, and graduate studies. This evolution has allowed Bloomsburg to produce graduates who are well-prepared to excel in diverse professional landscapes.

Celebrating Alumni Achievements

The Bloomsburg Alumni Association plays a crucial role in supporting the university, its students, and its alumni network. Each year, the association recognizes outstanding alumni through various awards, celebrating their accomplishments and contributions. These awards include the Maroon and Gold Excellence Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the William T. Derricott Volunteer of the Year Award.

Maroon and Gold Excellence Award

The Maroon and Gold Excellence Award recognizes young alumni who have demonstrated exceptional potential and made significant contributions in their respective fields. Recipients of this award have often displayed outstanding service to Bloomsburg University and the Alumni Association.

In 2025, Jennifer Inaba '06 and Saroya Royster '10 were honored with the Maroon and Gold Excellence Award. Jennifer Inaba, a communications professional and sustainability advocate, has worked at the intersection of strategic communications, sustainability, and policy advocacy. Saroya Royster, actively engaged in youth development and education, has founded her own organization, The Tribe Connection, which serves as a safe space and community for Black Women.

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Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award honors alumni who have achieved significant accomplishments in their professions, demonstrated outstanding service to Bloomsburg University, and made significant contributions to humanity.

Dr. Elizabeth Robison '88M received the Distinguished Service Award in 2025. As the Superintendent of Schools for Pocono Mountain School District, Dr. Robison is credited with resolving a significant budget gap and reducing local property taxes while maintaining educational opportunities for students.

William T. Derricott Volunteer of the Year Award

The William T. Derricott Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to Bloomsburg University through volunteer efforts.

Jessica Harry, Ed.D., was the recipient of the 2025 William T. Derricott Volunteer of the Year Award. Dr. Harry, a Special Education and Off-Site Facilities Program Supervisor for the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), has supervised various school-age special education programs and has been part of the Department of Exceptionality Programs instructional staff at Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg Campus since 2013.

Notable Alumni Across Various Fields

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania has produced a diverse array of notable alumni who have made their mark in various fields, including politics, business, entertainment, and athletics.

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Politics and Government

Several Bloomsburg University alumni have served in prominent political positions, contributing to public service at the state and national levels.

Mark S. Schweiker: Served as the 44th Governor of Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2003.
Brian Sims: A former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 182nd district and the first openly gay elected state legislator in Pennsylvania history.
Lou Barletta: Served as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district from 2011 to 2019 and former mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Timothy Holden: Served as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district from 1993 to 2013.
Percy W. Griffiths: Served three terms in the United States House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 15th congressional district from 1943 to 1949.
John Wetzel: Served as Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections from 2011 until 2021.
John Quigley: Former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Phyllis Mundy: A former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Bloomsburg University alumni have also achieved success in the business world, founding companies, leading organizations, and driving innovation.

Jason Wolfe: An American businessman and entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of several companies, including GiftCards.com, Gift Card Granny, and GiftYa.

Arts and Entertainment

The university has also produced notable figures in the arts and entertainment industry, including actors, voice actors, and theater directors.

Jimmi Simpson: An American actor known for his work across film, television, and theatre, with nominations for BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Susan Roman: A Canadian television and voice actress, best known for voice acting the role of Lita/Sailor Jupiter in the Canada DiC dub of the anime Sailor Moon.
Robert Sickinger: An American theater director and founder of "off-Loop" theater in Chicago.
Princess Halliday: A TV personality, professor of ethics, leadership ambassador, talk show host, trained petroleum engineer, communications expert, motivational speaker and occasional actress.

Athletics

Bloomsburg University has a strong athletic tradition, and several alumni have gone on to achieve success in professional sports.

Chuck Daly: A Hall of Fame basketball coach who led the Detroit Pistons to two NBA championships.
Danny Litwhiler: An American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball from 1940 to 1951.
John Hummel: A Utility player for the Brooklyn Superbas/Brooklyn Dodgers/Brooklyn Robins (1905-15) and New York Yankees (1918).

Supporting Future Generations

The Bloomsburg Alumni Association actively supports current students through scholarships, mentoring programs, and networking opportunities. The Alumni Legacy Scholarships are awarded each year to current Bloomsburg students who are the child or grandchild of a Bloomsburg alumnus. Alumni also contribute their time and expertise by volunteering as mentors, speakers, and campus recruiters.

Read also: Your Guide to Bloomsburg

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