LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College is pleased to announce its 2026 Alumni of Distinction in recognition of their exemplary service to the College, community and country in areas such as professional achievement, church involvement, community service, humanitarian efforts and personal/family accomplishments.
This year’s honorees are John Black, C’76; Suman Chakrabarti, C’01; Ed DePasquale, C’76; Julie Gerlach, C’99; Judge John C. Kennedy, C’72; Mark Latterner, C’81; Dr. Walter Nieri, C’64; Richard Skubak, C’81; and Dr. Kellon Smith, C’19.
The Alumni of Distinction will be honored Oct. 9 at the Fred M. Rogers Center on campus as part of Homecoming weekend.
John Black, C’76
John Black graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history from Saint Vincent College and later earned a Master of Business Administration in 1993 from Duquesne University.
He worked for over a decade at West Penn Allegheny Health System in Pittsburgh, first as an intern before advancing in a variety of roles, including a five-year stint as director of compensation and benefits. Black then transitioned to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey in 2003 as director of compensation and benefits.
In 2006, Black took over as director of total compensation at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. In 2010, he was hired as international human resources manager at the Cleveland Clinic. In that role, he supported international HR functions for the Clinic’s overseas operations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Toronto, Canada.
In 2011-2012, Black worked as manager of compensation and benefits at the Weill Cornell Medical College in Doha, Qatar, before taking over in a similar role at Georgia Regents University and Health System in Augusta from 2012-2015. He then worked from 2015-2019 at CJAB Solutions in Pittsburgh, an independent compensation consulting firm, prior to his retirement.
Black currently resides in Ligonier with his wife, Cindy, a 1976 Seton Hill University graduate. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household, Black is grateful for the life lessons gained during his time at Saint Vincent that have enabled him to build a successful and rewarding career. That success has translated into the establishment of the John A. Black, C’76, Endowed Scholarship Fund.
“I’m flattered and frankly surprised to have been nominated,” he said. “It’s an honor to be included with the other awardees during my milestone 50th reunion.”
Recalling his time as a student at the College, he encouraged students to develop critical and creative thinking, which he said are becoming a rare commodity in the business world.
“The skills I learned in the liberal arts classes unrelated to my major served me very well throughout my career,” Black said. He also encouraged current and future Saint Vincent students to be flexible in terms of future careers.
“The career that you are planning for now may disappear, but other careers will emerge,” Black said. “Be willing to switch gears and look for opportunities for lifelong learning.”
Suman Chakrabarti, C’01
Suman Chakrabarti graduated from Saint Vincent College with bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics.
He was born and raised in Pittsburgh by his parents, Cheryll—a native Pittsburgher and niece of Billy Strayhorn, the composer and lyricist for Duke Ellington—and the late Dr. Satyananda Chakrabarti.
His parents both had strong computational technology backgrounds; his mother was a program analyst while his father was a civil engineer. They taught their son to fiddle with computers as a child.
Chakrabarti married his high school sweetheart, Melanie Chakrabarti, C’01, a few months after graduating from Saint Vincent College.
He started working at PPG as a program analyst the summer following graduation and later became a software consultant for Microsoft in 2006. Chakrabarti has consulted with large pharmaceutical and accounting firms in addition to the US Department of Defense. He then transitioned careers to become a software engineer in Redmond, Washington.
Chakrabarti has developed features in a variety of Microsoft applications such as SharePoint and the 365 Office suite and is currently working on features for the Copilot product. He reached 20 years of employment at Microsoft this past year.
Chakrabarti takes immense pride in being a Saint Vincent College alumnus, noting he greatly appreciates the liberal arts education that he received.
“I believe I got to experiment with things I never would have gotten to do at any other school,” he said, noting his involvement in fixing the photography lab inside the physics building, performing in a musical theatre show and an opera, and playing club ice hockey as a Polar Bearcat. Mike Ziemianski, who was serving as hockey coach at the time, helped jumpstart Chakrabarti’s career by giving him his first technical job building websites.
“Do not overlook the opportunities you have to go out of your comfort zone and try new things,” Chakrabarti said. “Saint Vincent College has a forgiving culture and small enough community that you can make mistakes, fail, grow and later succeed.”
Ed DePasquale, C’76
Ed DePasquale graduated from Saint Vincent College with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and later earned a master’s degree in public management with a concentration in health systems from the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University. He has more than 40 years of experience directing financial and administrative operations in the healthcare industry and is a certified public accountant.
DePasquale got his start as chief auditor for Westmoreland County in May 1977, working under the county controller. He spent nearly seven years in the role before transitioning to the healthcare industry in 1984. DePasquale was a fixture in the Conemaugh Health System in Johnstown, working for nearly 31 years in key positions, including chief financial officer.
In May 2015, DePasquale was appointed chief financial officer of Adelphoi USA, where he led a philanthropic strategy that helped increase the endowment from approximately $8 million to more than $25 million in five years. He later served in a financial consultant role for Adelphoi before his retirement in December 2021.
DePasquale currently serves as chairman of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust Board of Directors and Finance Committee and is a previous member of the board of directors at Adelphoi, Excela Health System and the Latrobe Foundation.
“I am humbled to be considered for this recognition considering so many Saint Vincent graduates have achieved far more than me,” DePasquale said. “It is a wonderful reminder that all the hard work and effort over so many years is recognized by my peers.”
Fondly remembering his time as a Saint Vincent College student, DePasquale noted that while the curriculum and expectations were challenging and at times seemed insurmountable, he learned that hard work, dedication and response to failure translate into personal and professional success.
“Enjoy every single minute and do not take this formative time in your life for granted,” he said. “Study hard but have fun and make friendships that you will cherish for life.”
Julie Gerlach, C’99
Julie Gerlach graduated from Saint Vincent College with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. A Uniontown native, Gerlach is a partner with KPMG and based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is the national people leader for the firm’s internal audit and controls practice, serves as advisory lead account partner for a global financial services firm, and is an executive sponsor for Women of Risk and Cyber Community.
Gerlach recalled that while at Saint Vincent, she was involved with Campus Ministry, served as a prefect, and learned the importance of community and belonging. “The sense of belonging came from a shared commitment to integrity and service,” she said, noting that the experience formed how she leads today. “Effective leadership starts with listening, supporting your community and acting with purpose.”
Being designated an Alumni of Distinction brings Gerlach’s journey full circle as the College provided her with the foundation, mindset and values that have guided her professional life. Being recognized by the community that launched her career means a great deal to her and is a gratifying reminder of the impact of a Saint Vincent education. She encouraged current and future Saint Vincent students to never stop learning and always be curious.
Gerlach is the mother of Tim (17) and Chris (14), both students at Providence High School in Charlotte.
Judge John C. Kennedy, C’72
Judge John C. Kennedy served as a judge for the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Supreme Court from Sept. 1, 2011, until his retirement in 2017.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Saint Vincent College, Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University Law School. He began his judicial career as a judge in 2003 for the Essex County Superior Court (Vicinage 5) in New Jersey, serving in the Criminal Division from 2003 to 2008 and the Civil Division from 2008 to 2009.
Kennedy then became a science and technology fellow of the Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Center in Washington, DC, before being appointed to the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2011.
“When I graduated, I could not have imagined that my path would lead to a lifetime in law, culminating in the privilege of serving as an Appellate Court judge in New Jersey,” Kennedy said. “Throughout that journey, I often found myself drawing upon the education I received at Saint Vincent—not simply the knowledge I gained, but the habits of critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and respect for others that are the hallmarks of a Saint Vincent education. This award and recognition from my alma mater mean more to me than I can adequately express.”
The recognition is meaningful for Kennedy as his time at the College was profoundly formative and memorable, he said, noting he has passed on many stories of Saint Vincent to his children. Looking ahead, Kennedy said everyone, including the next generation of lawyers and judges studying at Saint Vincent, must preserve the rule of law.
“Today, perhaps more than ever, the rule of law matters. Laws protect our freedoms, resolve our differences peacefully, and remind us that justice is strongest when guided by fairness, reason and compassion,” he said. “Each generation has the responsibility to preserve those principles, and I remain optimistic that thoughtful, well-educated, values-driven men and women will continue to meet the challenge.”
Mark Latterner, C’81
Mark Latterner serves as executive director of the Jubilee Association, a leading nonprofit organization serving Pittsburgh’s Hill District and Polish Hill communities.
Latterner earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the College before pursuing graduate studies at Saint Vincent Seminary for two years.
“The monks have been a source of friendship, encouragement, prayer and support throughout many different and some difficult stages of my life,” he said. “Their example has continually reminded me of the importance of faith, humility, community and service to others. I am grateful for the role Saint Vincent and the Benedictine community have played, and continue to play, in my life.”
Latterner later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business and in 1990 went to work with Mellon Bank. The company was eventually acquired by Citizens Bank, and Latterner went on to build a distinguished banking career spanning nearly three decades.
Since assuming the executive director role at the Jubilee Association in 2020, Latterner has spearheaded the organization’s $5.5 million capital campaign to renovate and expand its Hill District facility while advancing Jubilee’s strategic growth as a comprehensive provider of services for individuals experiencing poverty, food insecurity and homelessness. Through programs including daily meal service, food pantries, laundry and clothing rooms, a wide range of social services, and the John Heinz Child Development Center, Jubilee helps individuals and families move from crisis toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Mindful of the Benedictine values of hospitality, community and love of neighbor, Latterner got involved with the Jubilee Kitchen, founded in 1979, and became chairman of the Jubilee Association Board of Directors in the 2000s. The Jubilee Kitchen is the only soup kitchen in the Pittsburgh area open 365 days a year. It serves three meals daily while providing essential services such as housing assistance, job training and its Path to Self-Sufficiency program.
A dedicated civic leader, Latterner donates his time serving on the boards of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Energy Innovation Center Institute.
Latterner was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and delivered the Commencement address at the College’s 2026 Spring Commencement ceremony.
“I’m deeply honored,” he said of earning Alumni of Distinction status. “My years at Saint Vincent were truly transformational and helped shape who I am today. Saint Vincent gave me an education, but it also gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, a stronger faith and a deeper understanding of the importance of serving others. To be recognized for how those experiences helped me make a difference in my community is incredibly meaningful.”
Dr. Walter Nieri, C’64
Walter Nieri, MD, completed undergraduate studies at Saint Vincent College before graduating from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in 1968.
After several years in internal medicine practice, Nieri served as program director for the University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Phoenix Internal Medicine Geriatric Fellowship Program from 1996 to 2020. This program educates both family medicine and internal medicine physicians to become geriatric practitioners. Since its inception, there have been more than 85 graduates from the program, and the majority have remained in the Phoenix metropolitan area as practicing geriatric physicians. Nieri now serves as associate program director.
He has been a medical director for several long-term care facilities and dementia-directed care assisted living facilities in the Sun Cities region. Nieri has specific interests in healthy aging, long-term care, dementia and end-of-life care. His goals, as a geriatrician, are to ensure the best quality of life for patients in all phases of their later years.
Nieri has received numerous awards from several groups, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Geriatrics Society.
The Alumni of Distinction Award is meaningful to Nieri as his time at Saint Vincent helped shape his values and principles that have guided him throughout his life and career.
“I am thankful to all those who have made my time at Saint Vincent so meaningful,” he said. “This award is not only a recognition of my accomplishments but also a reminder of where my journey began and the lasting impact it has had on my life.”
Having learned the importance of hard work, perseverance and integrity while studying at Saint Vincent, Nieri encouraged current and future students to stay focused and set and stick to meaningful goals.
“Do what you need to do to reach these goals, even when things become challenging,” he said. “Remember that the effort and dedication that you put in today can have a lasting impact on your future.”
Nieri has six children, including an adopted daughter from Russia, and nine grandchildren. He enjoys reading, hiking and medicine. One of his most exciting adventures was skydiving at the age of 70.
Richard Skubak, C’81
Richard Skubak, born and raised in Johnstown, was one of eight children born to John and Nellie. All eight siblings went to college, with five of them attending Saint Vincent College.
“I was blessed with great parents who taught their eight children many things and gave us all a great foundation for success in life,” Skubak said.
He passed the certified public accountant exam in fall 1981 and then started his finance career with Coopers & Lybrand in Columbus, Ohio, as a staff auditor. Skubak worked in various finance roles from 1985 to 1995 in the oil and gas industry and relocated to Pittsburgh in 1986.
In November 1995, Skubak started working for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) as the controller of UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He held various roles under the UPMC umbrella for 24 years before he retired in 2020 as the vice president of corporate finance. UPMC enjoyed immense fiscal growth during Skubak’s tenure of more than two decades.
“It was a learning experience that made work both demanding and fun,” he said. “I was able to participate in mentoring programs for new hires. This was the most fulfilling experience of my career, and I was blessed to have met so many wonderful people in both finance and non-finance roles.”
Perhaps the biggest blessing in Skubak’s life was meeting his wife, Mary Gluth, while he was working in the library at Saint Vincent. The couple married in late August 1982 and have lived in Mount Lebanon since 1987.
Skubak enjoys reading history and classic books. He serves as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Club, a fishing club established in 1896 with facilities on the Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. He’s the current president of the Mount Lebanon Senior Men’s Golf Club.
The Skubaks have three children (Sam, Katie and Molly) who, along with their spouses (Ashley, Jeff and Rob) blessed the Skubaks with seven grandchildren: Sawyer, Sidney, Sloane, Emmy, Mason, Kennedy and Luca.
“I am proud to be recognized with other Alumni of Distinction. It reflects that I have demonstrated that I live by the values that we Bearcats adhere to,” he said of the honor. “Be thankful to those who have helped you. Let them know you appreciate their help as often as you can.”
Dr. Kellon Smith, G’12, D’19
Dr. Kellon Smith over the past decade has served patients at the West Virginia University Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH) as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
He currently works as chief CRNA at the hospital, where he developed and leads the regional and acute pain practice, allowing other CRNAs to grow their regional experience and expand the care provided to the community. Smith started at WVU Medicine in November 2015 and also operates and owns a medical spa business located in Keyser, West Virginia.
At WVU, Smith joined the Nurse Anesthesia program in June 2020 as an adjunct professor, specializing in regional and pain management curriculum. In November 2024, Smith was promoted to assistant program director.
“During my time at Saint Vincent, it was truly a unique shift in my career and educational journey,” said Smith, who earned a Master of Science in Health Sciences and Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice from the College. “Attending anesthesia school is quite the change from being at the bedside caring for critically ill patients. Making the transition from bedside professional back to graduate student comes with its own humbling milestones and experiences.”
One of the biggest advantages that Smith’s anesthesia training provided was the clinical experiences being associated with a multitude of different anesthesia settings. This introduced him to numerous clinical colleagues who each shared a part of their expertise, which helped shape Smith’s professional attributes as an anesthesia provider.
“Receiving the Alumni of Distinction Award is an incredible honor and a meaningful reminder of the role my education has played in establishing my career and shaping who I am today. My biggest supporters were always my wife, Kayla, and my parents, and without them, I would not be receiving this tremendous award,” Smith said. “To be recognized by the institution that helped build my foundation in my professional journey is truly humbling.”
He encouraged current and future Saint Vincent College students to embrace every opportunity, challenge themselves, and never underestimate the dedication, hard work and perseverance needed to accomplish your goals.
“Never stop learning,” Smith said, “because life never stops teaching.”
