Bernardine Legacy Award Newcombe Scholarship Luncheon
Bernardine Legacy Award
Opening Remarks
Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President
Mission Moment
Alexandria Cirko, Penn State Health St. Joseph
Alvernia Women’s Council Remarks
Susan Kolb, Assistant VP, Graduate & Adult Education
Newcombe Student Scholar
Natashia Rogers ’25
Bernardine Legacy Award Presentation
Regina Rinehimer, 2023 Bernardine Legacy Award Recipient
Bernardine Legacy Award Acceptance
Katherine Ketter, Jefferson Health
Closing
Meggan Kerber '96 M'01, Associate VP, Institutional Advancement
We are proud to support the mission and extraordinary work of
Thank you to our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Kingsview Partners/Regina Rinehimer
Penn State Health, St. Joseph Medical Center
Perennial Financial
VA Productions
Program Sponsor
Customers Bank
Enersys
Networking Sponsor
Kevin Bickel
Women2Women, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Table Sponsor
Lifetime Financial Cat Bird
Susan W. Green
Newcombe Scholarship Recipient
Natashia Rogers
Class of 2025
Natashia Rogers is a Senior Family Service Specialist with the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF), where she advocates for the safety and stability of children and families. A proud Philadelphia native and mother of four, she transferred to Alvernia University from the Community College of Philadelphia in Fall 2022 to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work. During her tenure, she had made the Dean’s List multiple times, actively supported her peers, and shared real-world insights from her role as a case manager for adolescents. Her journey as a parent inspires her commitment to making a difference—in her children’s lives and in the lives of the youth she serves.
2025 Bernardine Legacy Award Recipient
Katherine Ketter
Associate Vice President, Member Engagement, Jefferson Health Plans
Katherine Ketter is an accomplished healthcare executive, keynote speaker, and leadership coach with over 22 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Currently serving as the Associate Vice President of Member Engagement at Jefferson Health Plans, her prior roles include leadership positions with UPMC Health Plan, Optum Health, Encompass Health, and Penn State Health.
A tireless advocate for mentorship and inclusion, Kat launched Jefferson’s first diversity mentorship program in 2022, impacting over 150 emerging leaders, more than half of whom are women and individuals of color. She is an officer on Jefferson’s Culture Council and is frequently invited to speak at conferences on leadership, organizational culture, and empowerment.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Kat is the founder and CEO of Kat Ketter Coaching, where she provides pro bono coaching to early- and midcareer women. Her community involvement includes work with the Alzheimer’s Association and TLC Fore. She previously volunteered for the Greater Reading Young Professionals and the Olivet Boys & Girls Club.
An Alvernia University alumna, she earned her Master’s in Public Health from Liberty University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. In 2025, Kat was honored with the Orgullosamente Mujer Community Impact Award by the PA House of Representatives and the Hispanic Cancer Society of Pennsylvania.
Bernardine Legacy Award Recipients
2018 Senior Judge Linda K.M. Ludgate
2019 Karen Marsdale
2021 Adrean Turner
2022 Andi Funk
2023 Regina Rinehimer
2024 Vicki Ebner
Special Thank You to the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation is an independent foundation that began in 1979 and has since awarded more than $70 million to provide scholarships and fellowships in higher education.
Newcombe Scholarships for Mature
Women Students supports the completion of bachelor’s degrees by women who are twenty-five years of age or older and need financial assistance at selected colleges and universities.
Through the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Fund, a special gift from the Patricia Newman Estate, alumni, and friends, Alvernia has provided 60 mature women since the 2016-2017 academic year with financial support to complete their degrees.
The mission of the Alvernia University Women’s Council (AWC) is threefold:
• To foster the personal and professional development of Alvernia women at all life stages
• To strengthen Alvernia women’s connection to each other and Alvernia
• To educate and inspire women to pursue or grow in leadership roles.
Membership to AWC is open to any individual committed to enhancing the quality of life for Alvernia women. Individuals who participate in 4 or more programs, events, meetings, etc… annually would be considered as active members. Members may include, but not limited to, Alvernia students, alumni, faculty/staff, volunteers, community members, parents, Leadership Berks graduates, etc…
Participation in AWC can be done virtually, in person or both. You do not need to reside in Berks County or surrounding communities to participate.
To learn more about AWC visit www.alvernia.edu/womens-council or email AlverniaWomensCouncil@alvernia.edu.