King’s Red & Gold Gala Returns to Celebrate Outstanding Community Members

King’s College today announced that the Red & Gold Gala—a premier fundraising event that started last year to honor philanthropy, professional success, and lifetime achievement—will return to Mohegan Pennsylvania on April 25, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

This year’s recipients of the prestigious Presidential Awards include former King’s College president Rev. Thomas J. O’Hara, C.S.C., Ph.D. ’71, a Hazleton native, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and James F. Getz ’69, chairman emeritus of TriState Capital Bank, who will receive the Philanthropy Leadership Award. Joyce Insurance Group, now part of Risk Strategies, will receive the Organizational Excellence Award. 

Guests are welcome to enjoy a formal evening of dinner, music, and dancing while getting the chance to bid on exclusive items in the silent auction, which is also open to non-attendees. To purchase tickets or find out more information on how to support the event, including sponsorships or donations to the auction, visit www.kings.edu/redandgold.

“Building on the tremendous momentum of last year’s inaugural gala—where nearly 450 guests joined together to raise more than $250,000—we are more energized than ever to welcome our community back for an evening that celebrates and strengthens the future of King’s College,” said Greg Morgan, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “This signature event promises an inspiring night of recognition and generosity, while showcasing true Monarch pride. We hope even more alumni and friends will join us in the excitement.” 

“It is a joy to celebrate Father Tom O’Hara, Jim Getz, and the Joyce family,” said King’s College president Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D. “Each exemplifies the virtuous character, dedication to community, professional success, and lives of service that we desire for every King’s graduate. As we celebrate the King’s College mission, it is of special note that the son of a coal miner graduated from and became the eighth president of King’s, which was founded to educate the sons of coal miners.” 

About the Honorees 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Rev. Thomas J. O’Hara, C.S.C., Ph.D. ’71 

A native of Hazleton, Pa., Rev. Thomas J. O’Hara, C.S.C. ’71 graduated from King’s College with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He earned a master’s in theology from Notre Dame in 1977 and a doctorate in political science from American University in 1988. He was ordained a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1978. 

Following his graduate studies, Father O’Hara taught in the College’s political science department and served as an administrator prior to his appointment as the eighth president in 1999. He was the first King’s alumnus to be named president. 

At the conclusion of his 12-year presidency, he was elected to the Office of Provincial Superior of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a post he held from 2012-2018. He returned to King’s College in the fall of 2019 and serves as an academic advisor. 

Throughout his career, Father O’Hara was a professor of English at Notre Dame College (Dhaka) in Bangladesh, where he assisted in relief work with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, and he served as professor of political science at the Philosophical Centre of Jinja in Uganda. 

Father O’Hara continues to serve on the Board of Trustees of St. Edward’s University, as well as the University of Notre Dame as Emeritus. He has served on the boards of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, the Diamond City Partnership, CityVest, St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen, King’s/St. Mary’s Developmental Day Care Center, Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania, Fork Over Love, and the Jewish Family Service of Greater Wilkes-Barre. In addition, Father O’Hara has held membership on the board of trustees of Stonehill College, University of Portland, and Xavier University. 

Philanthropy Award: James F. Getz ’69 

James F. Getz ’69 serves as chairman emeritus of TriState Capital Bank and has spent more than 50 years working in the banking and financial services industry. 

Prior to founding TriState Capital Bank, Getz w

as the founder of Federated Bank and Trust, established in 1985. He later served as president of Federated Securities Corp., a position he held since 1993. Getz earned several promotions over more than two decades with Federated, and served as a corporate director from 1998-2001. His tenure at Federated was preceded by two senior positions at two other Pennsylvania banks: Girard Bank from 1973-1982 and First Pennsylvania Bank from 1982-1985. 

He holds a master’s degree from Villanova University and bachelor’s degree from King’s College. 

Organizational Excellence Award: Joyce Insurance Group

Joyce Insurance Group was founded in 1955 by Joseph Joyce, Sr. and later led by four of his sons—John Joyce ’55, Joseph Joyce, Jr., William Joyce, Sr., and the late Michael Joyce. During Joyce Insurance Group’s decades of business, the agency served the needs of thousands of clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. In December 2021, Joyce Insurance Group was acquired by Risk Strategies Company. Risk Strategies is a specialty national insurance brokerage and risk management firm offering comprehensive risk management advice and insurance and reinsurance placement for property and casualty, and employee benefits risks. Ranked among the top brokers in the country, Risk Strategies maintains offices in Pittston, Old Forge, Nanticoke, Allentown, Bala Cynwyd, and Radnor Pennsylvania.