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The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a King’s College alumnus/alumna whose lifelong dedication and extraordinary contributions have left an enduring impact on King’s College and its community. This award recognizes a leader whose vision, service, and commitment have helped shape the institution’s legacy, embodying the values of excellence, integrity, and service that define the College. 

2026 Recipient: Rev. Thomas J. O'Hara, C.S.C. '71

A native of Hazleton, Pa., Rev. Thomas J. O’Hara, C.S.C. '71 graduated from King's 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 Washington, D.C., 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 Political Science Department and served as an administrator at King's prior to his appointment as the eighth President of King's 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 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.

Fr. O'Hara continues to serve on the Board of Trustees of St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas, as well as the University of Notre Dame as Emeritus. He has served on the boards of a number of education, religious and non-profit organizations throughout his career, including 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 advisory council of the Jewish Family Service of Greater Wilkes-Barre. In addition, Father O'Hara has held membership on the board of trustees of Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts; University of Portland, Portland, Oregon; and Xavier University of New Orleans, Louisiana.

2025 Recipient: Thomas R. Smith '77 

The Philanthropic Leadership Award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated exceptional generosity and commitment to advancing the mission of King’s College and/or their community through philanthropy. This award recognizes a passionate supporter and community engager whose contributions—both financial and personal—have significantly enhanced opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader college community, ensuring a lasting and meaningful impact. 

2026 Recipient: James F. Getz '69

James F. Getz '69 serves as Chairman Emeritus of TriState Capital Bank and has spent over 50 years working in the banking and financial services industry.

Prior to founding TriState Capital Bank, Jim was 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. Jim 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 of arts degree from Villanova University and bachelor of arts degree from King’s College.

2025 Recipient: Timothy J. Morris '64

The Organizational Excellence Award honors an organization or institution that has exemplified outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to strengthening their community and whose values and mission align with those of King’s College. This award is given to a business, nonprofit, or community partner that has made a transformative difference through its collaboration, advocacy, and commitment to excellence, helping to elevate the community they serve. 

2026 Recipient: Risk Strategies | 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 Northeast Pennsylvania. In December of 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. 

2025 Recipient: McCarthy Tire

Committee Chair

• Cassandra Coleman ’10 

Committee

• JC Blewitt ’07  
• Meghan Blewitt ’07  
• Stephen Brand ’15  
• Kelly Bray ’02 
• Melissa Ciero 
• Eric Grego ’14  
• Rose Gryskevicz ’96  
• Tiffany Harm ’04  
• Doug Hasbrouck
• Tara Lambert ’10
• Rachel Linso ’16
• Paul Manganiello ’87
• Kristen Martin
• Pat McGlynn ’08
• Greg Morgan  
• Megan Morgan  
• Cathy O'Donnell  
• Neil O'Donnell ’84  
• Sara Pokorny ’08
• Father Brogan Ryan
• Bridget Walsh 
• William Skaggs
• Megan Kennedy