Westminster College to Recognize Four Notable Alumni During Homecoming Weekend

As alumni gather on campus for Westminster’s 2015 Homecoming Reunion weekend, members of the campus community will celebrate four distinguished alumni during the awards dinner at 6 p.m., October 2.

Chosen by members of Westminster’s alumni council nominations committee, the 2015 alumni honorees are Phillip G. Petraglia ’83, Jonathan P. Bigley ’84, David R. Nobs ’80, and Benjamin T. Nelson ’06.

After Petraglia received bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer science, he became a certified public accountant and senior finance executive. Currently, Petraglia is the director for the PLSG Accelerator Fund and chief financial officer for Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, a non-profit economic development organization focused in life sciences.

“Recognition of Phil’s genuine nature to help is evident as those who interact with him witness it on a daily basis,” said David Dean ‘09, chair of the alumni council’s nominations committee. “Here at the College, we are lucky enough to be one of those entities on the receiving end of his volunteerism.”

Bigley graduated with bachelor’s degrees in political science and earned his J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 1995. His most notable career role was his position in the Governor’s executive staff while in the public sector. He is currently in the private sector at his lobbying firm, Bigley & Blikle, LLC.

“As a former alumni relations director, I know what a dedicated alumni volunteer looks like,” said Kathy Venema ’73, member of the Alumni Council. “They are passionate about their institution, warm and welcoming to their fellow alumni, and an exemplar of leadership. It is my understanding that Jonathan Bigley possesses all of these characteristics and more.”

Nobs, who received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, is a veteran in the marketing and communications field with 25 years of experience, holding various types of vice presidency roles. Currently, he serves as managing director for The Lavidge Company, a full-service advertising, digital and public relations agency in Phoenix. Nobs was a member of Westminster’s 1976 and 1977 NAIA Division II national championship football teams and leading receiver for the Titans in 1979. He also excelled in track & field, qualifying for NAIA district championships in the long jump in 1978 and 1979.

“David Nobs has left his mark, literally and metaphorically, in the world of advertisement and marketing,” said Jonathan Potts ‘95, member of the Alumni Council and co-chair of the Annual Giving Committee. “From the idyllic campus and playing fields of Westminster College to Madison Avenue in Hollywood, David has traveled a career path that has taken him to the top of the sports and entertainment industry.”

Upon graduation, Nelson, who received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and history, accepted a job at Moody’s Investors and has moved his way up the ranks ever since. Currently, he is the vice president within the CFG Basic Industries Group. Nelson is an integral role in the Networking Symposium on campus and is a current member of the Westminster’s Board of Trustees.

“As a young alum myself, I appreciate those who, at a time when many recent graduates opt to submerge themselves into their professional careers, he finds the time to carefully execute the balance of a successful career and an active volunteer connection,” said Andrew Anthony ’12. “Ben Nelson has showcased his dedication to Westminster College through countless efforts all while maintaining an impressive portfolio of clients at Moody’s Investors in New York City.”

For more information about the distinguished alumni award dinner, contact Linda Wilson at lwilson@westminster.edu or (724) 946-7364.

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