King's College

Dr. William A. Hickey '57

Dr. Hickey is the initial recipient of the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award. At the time Bill was President of our sister institution, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana.

Bill graduated from King's with a B.S in biology in 1957. He was awarded a teaching fellowship at the University of Notre Dame while pursuing the M.S. in biology granted in 1959. He became a research associate and, in 1965, completing research requirements in the field of genetics, graduated with a Ph.D. in biology and remained as a summer research Faculty Fellow at Notre Dame until 1972.

During this time, he began his tenure at Saint Mary's College as an instructor in biology and rose through the faculty ranks to full professor. When he became Chair of the Biology Department in 1970, he initiated the development of "mini-courses" and non-major courses in biology.

After serving in various administrative capacities, Bill became the President of Saint Mary's College in 1986. Since his inauguration, his agenda has emphasized maintaining Saint Mary's recognized position as the nation's premier women's Catholic college, as well as shaping the institution's programs for the challenges facing higher education in the twenty-first century.

He is recognized as a leader in the scientific community, maintains active membership in several scientific societies, has been awarded many research awards, published extensively, and is a recognized authority on insect genetics. He is a participant in various educational associations including the Association of Holy Cross Colleges and Universities, and is an active community leader, serving as a board member for innumerable community organizations.

Robert J. Ell '50

An alumni award for Outstanding Service to Alma Mater was during the Golden Jubilee of the founding of King's College, and named to honor Robert J. Ell, Director Emeritus of Alumni Relations.

If Alex Trebeck, the host of Jeopardy were here, he might give this answer: "Outstanding Service, dedication and commitment to King's College." There could only be one question: "Who is Bob Ell?"

Bob Ell was the first student to register at King's College. As an undergraduate he majored in English, helped organize the first student newspaper and was an active and popular member of the first graduating class.

Upon his graduation in 1950, Bob was asked by the legendary Father George DePrizio, Academic Dean, to establish a Placement Office. As Bob says, "Since I didn't have a job, I thought it was a great idea. " Not long after, Alumni Relations was added to Bob's job description, and thus begins the extraordinary history of alumni commitment to King's College. For forty-one years, until his retirement in 1991, Bob Ell advocated for alumni, communicated with them effectively, chased down their addresses, attended the funerals of their family members and eventually of alumni themselves. He sent them miniature wallet-sized replicas of their college diplomas; he sent them birthday cards and notes of congratulations when they graduated from professional school and celebrated personal and professional successes.

Of course he watched the mail, too, and he acknowledged those first small alumni gifts with enthusiastic gratitude. Thanks to Bob's leadership, alumni support of King's College is outstanding. Forty-six percent of our alumni will make a gift this year, more than twice the national average. Bob Ell is more a friend-maker than a fund-raiser, however. Friendly to all, cheerful beyond the call of duty, and optimistic in the face of any problem, Bob has helped to define King's College. He is a walking mission statement. He has fulfilled the dream of our founding president, Father James Connerton, who said that at King's College, "We teach students not only how to make a living, but how to live."

Joseph F. DeVizia '69

Joe is the first recipient of the Service to Society Award. For his colleagues in the social service community, those who have benefited from his quiet, compassionate concern for troubled youth and their families, and for those who value and admire his effective ministry as a Deacon in the Diocese of Scranton, Joe DeVizia exemplifies the Christian call to selfless service. From the core of his being Joe knows, believes and lives the challenging words of Jesus Christ: "Whatsoever you do for one of these least of my people, that you do form me" (Matthew 25:40).

As Executive Director of Children's Service Center of Wyoming Valley since 1984, and in similar positions with the Luzerne County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program, Luzerne County Children and Youth Services, and the White Haven Center for nearly thirty years, Joe DeVizia has devoted his professional life to the service of children whose mental illness or disability leaves them vulnerable and at risk. Their well-being has been the focus of is work, community involvement and advocacy. He pursues that goal with uncommon generosity, selfless commitment and recognized accomplishment.

Mary Therese Biebel '82

The Leo Award is being established during this Golden Jubilee of the founding of King's College. Named for the King's College mascot, it suggest the energy, pride, and sense of purpose which the recipient personifies. Mary Therese Biebel is its initial recipient.

Mary Therese is a 1982 magna cum laude graduate with a B.A. in communications and a minor in marketing. While a student, she wrote for the student newspaper, sang with the Glee Club, and served as President of the Aquinas Society.

For the past sixteen years, she has worked at The Times Leader, where she began an internship before her senior year in college. She jokingly refers to herself "the intern who never left." After positions as diverse as obituary clerk, city desk reporter, and social editor, she has recently become a part of the newspaper's art and leisure team.

A career highlight was being named The Times Leader "Employee of the Year" in 1992. Characteristically, she used part of her prize money to help bring joy to others in her community, purchasing toys for the Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots campaign. She stated, "That day in December when I got the award, we had published a big story about how they were low on toys, so it seemed like the logical thing do do. I recruited three co-workers and we went shopping."

Although most people recognize Mary Therese's name through her association with The Times Leader , her friends know her to be an individual with a wide range of interests and hobbies. For fun, Mary Therese loves to explore nature and has taken several trips throughout the United States to backpack, hike, and "discover America." She is also an avid participant in contra-dancing and loves to attend a wide variety of cultural events including ballet, the arts, and local historical happenings.

Mary Therese translates her interests in education and nature into more formal community involvement. She has served as a literacy volunteer at the YMCA, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Rails to Tails organization. Her support and ongoing participation in King's College events is evident in her presence at alumni gatherings, reunion class activities, jubilee celebrations and as a volunteer at the annual alumni phonathon.