Gannon University will celebrate a distinguished group of alumni whose leadership, service and professional accomplishments have made a lasting impact on their communities and industries during the university’s 2026 Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration. Representing
careers in education, ministry, law, athletics, nonprofit leadership and the arts, this year’s honorees embody the values of excellence, compassion and service that continue to define the Gannon experience.
Homecoming and Family Weekend will take place Thursday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 27. The 2026 Distinguished Alumni recipients will be honored during a dinner on Friday, Sept. 25, in the Yehl Alumni Room.
This year’s honorees are:
Kathleen M. Gausman, ’87 VMC, ’92M
Retired, Associate Vice President for Student Development and Engagement
Gannon University
Bachelor of Science, Biology
Master of Science, Counseling Psychology
Rona L. Nesbit ’81
Special Advisor to the President
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Bachelor of Science, Accounting
Tracey R. McCants Lewis, Esq. ’93
Chief Legal and Community Affairs Officer
Pittsburgh Penguins
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Francis M. Maxin ’64
Professor of Biology
Community College of Allegheny County
Bachelor of Arts, Biology
As part of the Distinguished Alumni honors, a special award is presented in memory of Monsignor Wilfrid J. Nash to recognize alumni and friends of the university who uphold the ideals of faith and service in their life and work.
The 2026 Monsignor Wilfrid J. Nash Award recipient is:
Deacon Stephen J. Washek ’90, ’05M
Executive Director – Faith Formation
Diocese of Erie
Bachelor of Arts, Social Work
Master of Arts, Pastoral Studies
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented by the Gannon University Alumni Board, the governing body of the Alumni Association. It is the highest honor an alumnus can receive.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s Distinguished Alumni honorees for the meaningful impact they have made through their leadership, service and professional accomplishments,” said Brian Collingwood, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement. “Their stories reflect the enduring values of a Gannon education and serve as an inspiration to our students, alumni and the entire university community. We are honored to celebrate their achievements during Homecoming and Family Weekend.”
Registration, lodging, and a full, hour-by-hour schedule of events will be made available closer to the fall on the official Gannon Alumni Homecoming page.
