(L to R) Knoebel, Tischler, Bradley, and Russell
Download Image: Web
The Lycoming College Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB) honored four remarkable individuals on Saturday, May 31, 2025, during the College’s Alumni & Reunion Weekend. Award recipients are selected by the AAEB through nominations received from alumni and other members of the College community. AAEB President Holly Andrews ’10 and Vice President Mike Ruddy ’05 formally recognized the honorees at the All-Alumni Breakfast and Award Presentation held in Pennington Lounge in the Academic Center.
“Our alumni have succeeded in so many ways, both personally and professionally. It gives us immense pride to recognize these outstanding members of the Lycoming community,” says Amy (Dowling) Reyes ’04, associate vice president for alumni engagement and assistant to the president for institutional initiatives. “This annual event is a joy to host and provides the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees and the good they do for our alma mater. May their success serve as inspiration for our future graduates."
The Dale V. Bower Service Award was bestowed upon Richard Russell ’70. His undergraduate, business, and law degrees prepared him to enter and grow in legal, accounting, and wealth management disciplines. By retirement, he had been a part of a respected CPA firm that grew from six professionals to more than 50, taking considerable pride in mentoring young professionals in that firm who, today, lead the firm. Since retirement from Firley, Moran Freer and Eassa in 2008, Russell continues to provide legal and financial consulting. His expertise in finance has helped guide dozens of clients in wise succession and estate planning, not only for their businesses, but for their families and their heirs.
The Dr. James E. Douthat Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Ronald “Buddy” Knoebel ’65. He is a third-generation co-owner of Knoebels Amusement Resort. Founded in 1926, it is America’s largest free-admission amusement park that offers more than 60 rides, swimming, food, and campgrounds in Elysburg, Pa. The Knoebel family also owns and operates Knoebel Lumber Company. They are the second largest employer in Northumberland County, providing jobs for more than 2,100 people. He was a high school teacher for some of his career and has been supportive of numerous initiatives at Lycoming, including the wrestling program, of which he was a member and finished fourth at the NCAA tournament in 1963 to earn his first of two All-American honors.
The Angela R. Kyte Outstanding Alumnus Award was conferred upon Larry Tischler ’67. He was a three-year varsity football letterman at Lycoming. Following his education, he spent ten years as a Pennsylvania high school teacher and college football coach. He served as Lycoming’s defensive coordinator from 1973-77, with the team earning Number One Defense in the Country Division III in 1975, and four players were selected to the MAC All Century Team during his tenure. From 1977-80, he served as the University of Cincinnati linebacker coach, where several players went on to the NFL. From 1981-2009, Tischler worked at Abbott Laboratories and Hospira Worldwide, where he was recognized as a ten-time National All-Star in his capacity as a direct salesperson and integrated systems executive.
The Taunia Oechslin Young Alumna Award was given to Melody (Johnson) Bradley ’11. In her current role as digital media supervisor at Southeast Georgia Health System, she leads the Health System’s digital team, sharing patient and team member stories through a variety of online platforms. A published author, she writes paranormal and sci-fi romance novels as Melody Johnson. She’s the award-winning author of the “Love Beyond” and “Night Blood” series published by Lyrical Press. Earning the 2021 Maggie Award of Excellence, “Beyond the Next Star” is an exciting branch from her paranormal roots, keeping the dark grit from her “Night Blood” series and launching it to new worlds. Her newest book, “Secrets of Blade & Sky,” is the first in the “Lost Guardians” series, a romantasy trilogy.
Learn more about Lycoming College’s annual alumni awards.