News Release

Two graduates honored as Distinguished Alumni

June 23, 2009

Two of Penn State Harrisburg’s many accomplished graduates – Ralph J. Papa and Jeffrey B. Miller – have been honored as Distinguished Alumni of the University.

Papa, chairman of Citizens Bank in Pennsylvania, and Miller, director of Strategic Security Programs of the National Football League, were honored Friday, June 5 in formal ceremonies at University Park with six other Penn State graduates.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor that The Pennsylvania State University bestows upon an outstanding alumna or alumnus. The award salutes the achievements of outstanding alumni whose “personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.” The award is an engraved bronze medallion, matching pendant, and frame inscribed certificate.

Papa, who graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Social Science degree, has spent his entire 40-year financial career at Citizens and Mellon Bank, was promoted to his current position in 2005, and has a long history of service to the University.

He was named an Alumni Fellow in 1990 and helped lead the committee that raised more than $20 million in private funds to build the Bryce Jordan Center. Named Penn State’s Renaissance Man of the Year 2000 in recognition of his many years of leadership and support of community, business, and education organizations, Papa is a former president of the Penn State Greater Allegheny Advisory Board.

Miller, a 2001 Master of Public Administration graduate, is the former commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police who was thrust into the international spotlight in 2006 when a gunman opened fire in a Lancaster County Amish schoolhouse. Miller drew accolades for his handling of the tragedy, which was made more complex by concerns about the cultural differences and religious beliefs of the Amish.

Miller was the keynote speaker for Penn State Harrisburg’s commencement ceremonies in May 2003 and in 2007 was named a Penn State Alumni Fellow. A native and resident of Harrisburg, he served with the State Police for 24 years before retiring to join the National Football League in 2008.

Papa and Miller are only the third and fourth Penn State Harrisburg graduates to be honored as Distinguished Alumni of the University. Others were former president and CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition authority George R. Zoffinger in 2006 and retired U.S. Army Lt. General Emmett Paige Jr. in 1988. Zoffinger earned a business degree from the college in 1970 and Paige earned a Master of Public Administration in 1974.