Alumni Achievement Award
Recognizes alumni 35 years of age and younger for their extraordinary professional accomplishments.
Santosh Sankar ‘10 FIN, co-founder and managing partner of Dynamo Ventures, a first check supply chain technology investor with a focus on pre-seed and seed stage investments. “His work ethic is unrivaled. In just a few short years, he has become one of the most knowledgeable minds in supply chain tech.”
Distinguished Alumni Award
The highest honor bestowed by Penn State, recognizing alumni whose “personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.”
Abdul F. Alias ‘90 Acctg is former group president and chief executive officer of May Bank in Maylasia.
“His perspectives as a former international student and as an acclaimed international business leader have been invaluable as a member of Smeal’s Board of Visitors.”
Alumni Fellow Award
The most prestigious award given by the Penn State Alumni Association.
Farnoosh Torabi ‘02 FINIB is a leading financial educator and the host of the popular podcast “So Money.” Her financial expertise has been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
“Farnoosh calls it her “mission” to help people succeed and find happiness with their personal finances and careers. It is a mission she is absolutely fulfilling.”
Richard Fischer, ‘64 B A ‘66 MBA is a founding partner and president of international consulting firm The Growth Group and directed one of the country’s largest self-supporting credit and noncredit continuing education programs at the University of Delaware. Fischer also coauthored the first text on older adult learners, “Students of the Third Age.”
“Rich’s distinguished career in higher education, coupled with his natural leadership talents, represents the best of Penn State alums.”
Philanthropist of the Year
Jason ‘94 ENG ‘06 eMBA and Julie Borrelli ‘94 HHD were named 2024 Philanthropists of the Year.
“Jason and Julie have distinguished themselves in their service to the Smeal College of Business, to the real estate industry and to our University.”
Editor’s note: “Quotes after each award winner are excerpts from nominator comments.”
