Gannon University: A Legacy Forged by Notable Alumni
Gannon University, since its establishment, has fostered an environment of purpose-driven education, leadership, and service. With a rich history dating back to its founding as Cathedral College in 1933, Gannon has produced a diverse array of alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities, industries, and the world at large. As Gannon celebrates its centennial, it is important to recognize the extraordinary individuals whose lives reflect the values instilled by the university.
Pioneers and Trailblazers
Gannon University and Villa Maria College have a combined alumni network exceeding 40,000 individuals. Among these are several notable alumni who have broken barriers and paved the way for others in their respective fields.
Karen Morris, a Pioneer in Athletics: Karen Morris stands out as a trailblazer within the Gannon Athletics Department, holding the distinction of being the first female athletic director. Her extensive background in coaching, officiating, and education led her to the position of Coordinator of Women's Athletics in 1976. During her time at Gannon, she instituted the athletic scholarship program for women, taught lifesaving courses, and offered basketball officiating courses, leaving a lasting impact on the university's athletic landscape.
Grace Davies, the First University Archivist: Grace Davies holds the distinction of being the first archivist at Gannon University, a position she dedicated herself to until her retirement. Davies pursued her education in Library Science at Edinboro College and Case Western Reserve University. During her tenure at Gannon, she contributed to "The Story of Gannon University Education on the Square," created the Gannon University Holdings List, and edited "For Christ and the Church." Davies was a pioneer for women at Gannon through her recognition of women's contributions throughout history, advocacy for women to get an 18% pay increase, and promotion of diversity and inclusion. As Gannon celebrates its centennial year, Davies' legacy remains strong.
Berta Weber, Cultivating Global Awareness: Berta Weber, Ph.D., a beloved professor of German and cultural studies, dedicated decades to cultivating curiosity and global awareness among her students. Weber began teaching at Gannon University in 1947 and was the only female faculty member at the time. Weber retired from Gannon in 1997, serving the university for 50 years. During her tenure, Weber held the position of the chairperson of the Languages and Cultures Department, was the advisor to all the foreign language major students, was a member of the Advisory Council of the College of Humanities, and chair of the University Review Council. She also wrote and edited “Kundrief,” a monthly newsletter highlighting developments in German-speaking countries. Weber became the president of the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the American Association of Teaching of German in 1980 and was elected president of the Faculty Senate in 1982. Some of her many accolades included being named Educator of the Year by the PA State Modern Language Association in 1986 and receiving the Distinguished Faculty Award at Gannon in 1987.
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Champions of Community and Service
Many Gannon alumni have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and advocating for positive change.
Candace Battles, a Champion for Student Leadership and Inclusion: Candace Battles graduated from Gannon University with a Bachelor of Science in social work in 1993 as an adult commuter student while raising a family. Battles went on to earn a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School of Social Work in 1997. Battles’ legacy as a Golden Knight is a trailblazer who transformed student leadership and inclusion at Gannon University. During her time on campus, Battles was a dedicated member of the university’s Social Work Club and a passionate advocate for student engagement both in and beyond the classroom. Battles has more than four decades of experience in child welfare services, holding positions at organizations such as the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, Family Services of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Harborcreek Youth Services. In recognition of her extensive community involvement, Battles was appointed to Gannon University’s Board of Trustees and was honored with the Charles H. Bracken Award in Nonprofit Governance during the 2024 Nonprofit Excellence Awards.
Debbie A. Burbules, Providing Access to High-Level Healthcare: Debbie A. Burbules obtained her bachelor's degree from Villa Maria College in 1978 and her Master of Public Administration in 2001. She worked as a registered nurse in the cardiac and dialysis unit at Hamot Hospital. In 2009, Burbules became the president of UPMC Hamot Women's Hospital. She also played a major role in developing Great Lakes Home and Hospice, which specializes in palliative care and infusions. Burbules was elected as the chief operating officer at St. Mary's Home of Erie in 2018. This position allowed her to establish strong collaboration and provide excellent care through programs and services. She has given women access to high-level healthcare and ensured people who may be in a vulnerable medical state are provided care and comfort throughout her career. She has also served as a member of the Boards of Life Works Erie, Erie Red Cross, Children's Advocacy Center, and Minority Health Education Delivery System. Burbules has also been recognized by multiple organizations for her visionary work.
Valerie Kokor, Advocating for Change: Valerie Kokor is a passionate Gannon alumna who has been advocating for change since her time at Gannon. She chose Gannon because of its small size, liberal arts offerings, and the great language program it offered. She graduated with a major in Spanish and a minor in German. During her time at Gannon, Kokor was a change-maker, determined to establish equality and improve involvement. Her go-getter quality led her to achieve success in her career. Kokor went on to work for the CDC where she worked various jobs throughout her career. She traveled the world to teach countries about Public Health systems, provided relief during Hurricane Katrina, and even provided phone support to those during 9/11 after she safely evacuated her New York City office due to threats of her building being hit. During COVID, she helped with drive-thru COVID vaccine/testing clinics and worked for the census-contract tracing. Kokor became a Distinguished Alumni of Gannon University in 2008, and she is currently the vice president of two different women's clubs.
Mary Beth Reilly, Saving Lives in Healthcare: Mary Beth Reilly graduated from Gannon in 1995 with a degree in nursing. During her time at Gannon, she was the president of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, for two years, and she was involved in several intramurals, including bowling, volleyball, and softball. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Gannon and all the university had to offer. After graduation, she began her nursing career in a rural setting in Oklahoma where she was the only registered nurse in the entire hospital. Following that, she became a pediatric flight nurse for 11 years and she is based in South Carolina, where she lives a mile apart from her Alpha Gamma Delta big. Reilly’s career brings forth a lot of challenges as it revolves around saving lives. There are instances where she must work anywhere from 12 to 24-hour shifts in the ENT and ECMO centers. Her commitment to healthcare has led her to win Nurse of the Year. She is always willing to help children and take them in, and she is constantly reassuring parents during emergencies. Mary Beth travels to other hospitals as a Transition Planner for HBS.
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Leaders in Education and Academia
Gannon University has produced numerous alumni who have become leaders in education and academia, shaping the minds of future generations.
Carol Amann, Impacting the World Through Nursing Education: Carol Amann, Ph.D., RN-BC, CDP, FNGNA is a dedicated professor and associate director of the Villa Maria School of Nursing. Since 2006, Amann has been making an impact on the Gannon community, but before Gannon, she was making an impact on the world. Army, where she earned her education, despite being legally blind. Amann served for four years as an advanced combat medic. After her service, she attended Villa Maria College as a first-generation college student. She earned multiple degrees, including a Master of Nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing Education and Administration. Her resilience has allowed her to be recognized with great honors. Some of these honors include being named a Fellow of the National Gerontological Nursing Association (the highest honor for nursing), Distinguished Educator from National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence, being recognized on the Wall of Honour in the Florence Nightingale Museum in London, UK, and being a mother. Amann has had a tremendous impact on Gannon University and the world. As an educator, she challenges her students to excel, preparing them for success in the workforce. She has experienced disaster recovery as a nurse, providing aid during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2006. She has given more than 40 professional presentations and has had more than 10 publications in Nursing and The Medical Field.
Kathleen Getz, Shaping the Future of Education: Kathleen Getz, Ph.D., is the 13th president of Mercyhurst University. She is a mission-driven servant leader with a distinguished career in higher education and community service. Her journey has been marked by academic excellence, fundraising success, and a commitment to shaping the future of education. In 1986, Getz earned a Master of Business Administration from Gannon. She is the first woman in nearly 50 years to lead Mercyhurst, shaping the university’s future. She is guiding the institution toward its centennial celebration in 2026, focusing on academic excellence and student experience. Getz plays a role in Erie’s regional development, serving on various boards and advocating for economic growth. She was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2018, and she continues to be recognized for leadership and service. She has secured nearly $80 million in fundraising efforts over a decade at two different universities, expanding programs and resources.
Diane Marie Dudzinski, An Expert in Science: Diane Marie Dudzinski, Ph.D., is an expert in science, including in Microbiology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, and Ecology. She graduated from Villa Maria College in 1968, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Villa Maria College in 1986, and the 50-year award from Gannon in 2019. Throughout the span of her career, she has worked at multiple higher education institutions and been a part of groundbreaking projects. For instance, she was a part of the Expedition to the Bering Sea, where a group of researchers attempted to figure out why the Bering Sea, a cold and salty water, produces fish in greater abundance than almost any ocean. and Soviet Union in 1977, 1984 and 1994. They discovered that there is a current that rises to the surface and brings key nutrients for plankton. team on the expedition, so she spent a lot of time with the women from the Soviet Union.
Dorothy Jean Novello, A Pioneer in Nursing Education: Dorothy Jean Novello, Ph.D., was a pioneering educator, leader, and advocate in the field of nursing. She began her career as a graduate of St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh and went on to pursue further education at Duquesne University and Harvard University. A fierce champion for the advancement of the nursing profession, Novello held leadership roles with the National League for Nursing and the Pennsylvania State Board for Nurses. In 1968, she received an Honorary Recognition from the Pennsylvania Nurses’ Association for her dedication to elevating the profession, and in 1970, the Pennsylvania League for Nursing presented her with the Award of Merit.
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