As part of Westminster College’s 2024 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, four alumni and one current student were honored at the annual Alumni Awards Reception and Dinner on Friday, Oct. 18.

Alumni Citation Awards were presented to Courtney Behm ’01, Dr. Helen Boylan-Funari ’95 and Dennis Schotsch ’75. Justin Wilson ’18 received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, while current senior Gia Francisco ’25 earned the Rising Titan Award.

The Westminster College Alumni Citations were created to recognize alumni who achieved significant accomplishments in their profession or made meaningful contributions to the community or Westminster.  The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni of 10 years or less who are making significant contributions as they build careers and serve their communities or Westminster.

The Rising Titan Award honors an up-and-coming student who showcases the ability to be a leading alumnus.

“Westminster College is masterful at producing outstanding graduates who are skilled and ready for the work force. Beyond that, we produce quality citizens and people,” said Kara Montgomery, senior director of alumni engagement. “This year’s list of alumni and student award winners embody the Titan qualities that perpetuate the College’s mission—giving back to their professions, the institution and their communities with their whole heart.”

Behm, who earned a degree in business administration from Westminster in 2001, is the vice president and director for the Global Sales and Marketing Services (GSMS) department of Gilbane Building Company in New York City. Starting her career in Gilbane’s Cleveland Office, Behm co-founded the ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland, providing high school students mentoring in architecture, construction and engineering. She has served with various industry organizations and is an active member of the NYC chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC).

As a Westminster student, she was a member of the women’s softball team, a manager for the women’s basketball team and was a photographer for the student newspaper, The Holcad. She remains connected to her alma mater, having served as a Westminster College Alumni Council member from 2018 to 2022 and participating in professional networking opportunities.  She earned her MBA from Cleveland State University and is a certified professional services marketer. She resides in New York.

Boylan-Funari earned a degree in environmental science from Westminster in 1995. Currently in her 23rd year as a Westminster faculty member, Boylan-Funari serves as professor of environmental science and the faculty fellow for community engagement. During her tenure, Boylan-Funari has consistently supported various student-facing projects with generous support and is passionate about empowering young people to make a difference in their communities.

Boylan-Funari is a member of the Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare Board of Directors and is an organizing committee member of Pittcon, an international laboratory science conference. She is actively involved in the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and New Wilmington’s EDCOM Amphitheater Committee.

While a student, Boylan-Funari was a member of the volleyball team, was a part of chapel drama and served as a physics tutor. She earned her Ph.D. in analytical/environmental chemistry from Duquesne University. She resides in Wilmington Township together with her husband, Frank, and teenagers, Vinnie and Linnea.

Schotsch earned a degree in business administration from Westminster in 1975. A retired senior business analyst for FirstEnergy, he served 40 years in financial accounting and customer services areas of the business. Schotsch has served on the Westminster College Alumni Council and remains an active volunteer for his alma mater by volunteering at events such as Commencement, Homecoming, Celebrity Series’ performances, the Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration, the Professional Networking Symposium and Accepted Students Days. He is a member of the Westminster College Legacy Society, the Westminster 1852 Society and has established an academic scholarship fund.

While attending Westminster, Schotsch was a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the business and economics honorary. He resides in New Wilmington.

Wilson earned a degree in broadcast communications and digital media in 2018. He is the senior premier digital sales representative at ADP. Wilson frequently participates in the annual Professional Networking Symposium, offering his time and experience to mentor students interested in sales careers.

While attending Westminster, Wilson was a member of the football team and was involved in the Tiny House Project. He resides in Monaca, Pa., where he serves on the Monaca Borough Council. He and his wife, Ellen, have a daughter, Isla.

Francisco is a senior honors student from Canfield, Ohio, currently pursuing a triple major in business administration, professional sales and marketing, and sports management. She is a member of the women’s tennis team, is editor-in-chief of The Holcad student newspaper and is a student writer in Westminster’s Office of Marketing and Communications. She is actively involved in the Westminster Entrepreneurship Center, The Fellows Program, Zeta Tau Alpha and the Sports Promotion Club. During the summer of 2024, she completed an internship in event management at Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, N.C. Following graduation in the spring, she plans to pursue a career in sports and event management.

For more information about those honored, please contact Montgomery at montgokh@westminster.edu or 724-946-7363.

Top photo: President Richardson congratulates this year's award winners. From left are Richardson, Gia Francisco, Courtney Behm, Justin Wilson, Helen Boylan-Funari and Dennis Schotsch.

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