DUNMORE - Local businessman and Penn State Worthington Scranton alum, David Hawk, has been named a Penn State University Alumni Fellow.
The Alumni Fellow Award is the most prestigious award given by the Penn State Alumni Association, and is administered in cooperation with Penn State's academic colleges and campuses.
As leaders in their fields, Alumni Fellows provide a dimension to the academic curriculum not otherwise available in the traditional college classroom. Recipients get the opportunity to return to the University to share their knowledge and expertise with the University community.
On November 7, Mr. Hawk will be at the Worthington Scranton Campus, where he will make a special presentation to students enrolled in the campus's business program, as well as others.
He will then be recognized by the Worthington Scranton Campus at a special luncheon, where he will speak to, and interact with, more students, faculty and staff.
Mr. Hawk was also honored at a special reception at University Park earlier this month, and spoke at that event, along with other distinguished Penn State graduates, whom were also named 2007 Alumni Fellows.
"I can't think of anyone more deserving than David, to receive this award," said Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor at Penn State Worthington Scranton. "His dedication, loyalty and contributions to our campus, as well as to our students, are both impressive and admirable."
A strong supporter of higher education, Mr. Hawk provides philanthropic support to several colleges and universities, as well as other non-profit organizations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. He is especially active with the Worthington Scranton campus, where he has served as an Advisory Board member and is currently co-chair, along with his wife, Ann, of the school's "For the Future - A Campaign for Students" campaign.
The Hawks have been avid supporters of many Penn State Worthington Scranton capital projects, including the new Business Building, for which construction will soon begin, as well as scholarships and service awards.
Mr. Hawk is chairman of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Inc., in Dunmore, which operates more than 74 retail outlets and has more than 1,000 employees. Gertrude Hawk chocolates currently generates $90 million in sales annually, and makes a line of ingredients for such notable companies as Ben and Jerry's, Turkey Hill, General Mills and Nestle.
Mr. Hawk and his wife were named Outstanding Philanthropist in 2006 by the Greater Pocono Northeast Chapter of Fundraising Executives. In 2005, he was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by Junior Achievement of Northeastern PA, and was the 60th recipient of the Kettle Award by Candy Industry Magazine.
