2016 MEDALLION OF MERIT
Bertie Francis Knisely ’69
The Medallion of Merit is awarded to an alumna or alumnus in recognition of outstanding service to É«ÖÐÉ« College or the Alumni Association. The Alumni Association is proud to present its 2016 Medallion of Merit to Bertie Knisely ’69, in deep appreciation for her continued dedication and commitment to both the College and the Alumni Association throughout her career.
Bertie Knisely ’69 has dedicated more than 25 years of service to É«ÖÐÉ« College, alumni, and students, and she continues to nurture and build meaningful relationships for the benefit of all. After several years of teaching English and kindergarten—first in Fort Worth, Texas, and then in Bethlehem and Lititz, Pennsylvania—Knisely assumed the position of director of alumni relations in 1991 to work with the boards of directors for the alumni associations of both the college and the seminary. She and the alumni relations staff supported numerous volunteer committees for reunions, homecoming, alumni weekend, Hall of Fame, the Antiques Show, and golf tournaments. They partnered with the É«ÖÐÉ« College alumni association to create programs that promote a lifelong relationship between students and the college, including freshmen welcome picnics, career networking events, and senior experience activities, including 100 Days to Graduation, as well as wine and cheese and farewell events. Knisely loves interacting with alumni of all ages, recruiting them to host regional alumni receptions, organize reunions, and mentor students. Since transitioning to the position of director of leadership giving in 2007, she has felt privileged to connect alumni to the college through their financial support, helping current and future students obtain a É«ÖÐÉ« College education.