The Department of Student Affairs in Higher Education is pleased to announce Will Foran as the 2022 recipient of the Ronald Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award.
Foran [a Phi Mu Delta alumnus] is a 2003 graduate of SAHE and is the chief strategy officer at the North American Interfraternity Conference. Prior to his 14 years at the NIC, he worked in Greek Life and leadership programs at Western Illinois University.
Across numerous letters of support for his nomination, it was clear to the selection committee that Foran is an extraordinary professional, mentor, advisor, and educator and has made a positive contribution to higher education and the student affairs profession through his genuine relationships with students and colleagues.
One alumni noted, “He has facilitated hundreds of educational programs across the country, leading thousands of students through the challenges and issues facing fraternity and sorority life, while encouraging them to use the tools and resources to make positive, meaningful change in their communities.”
Another wrote, “Will is an exceptional student affairs professional whose support and dedication to students positively impacts so many lives. All of the students that have the privilege to know and work with Will are better humans because of it.”
And a colleague wrote, “Will is a skilled problem solver. I admire his ability to listen before offering an opinion and to step into someone else’s shoes to understand their perspective. Will is also willing to look challenges or disappointments in the face and propose bold reform where needed. He skillfully combines idealism and pragmatism in a way that makes him one of the industry’s leading professionals.”
Members of the award selection committee (comprised of SAHE faculty, students, and alumni) found that Will excels in the areas of professional involvement, mentoring students and colleagues, and collaborating with other professionals. The award will be presented to Will at a future SAHE departmental event.
The Ronald Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award, begun in 2006, was created to acknowledge an alumna/alumnus of the SAHE department whose experiences and accomplishments as a student affairs professional significantly reflect the standards and values of the SPS program/SAHE Department. In 2008, in recognition of Dr. Lunardini’s 37 years of service at IUP (18 as an SAHE faculty member), the award title was changed to honor him. Here is more information on the Ronald Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award and a complete list of previous award recipients.
Congratulations, Will Foran!
