Gettysburg College will honor alumni for outstanding achievement and service during Spring Honors Day and Reunion Weekend. Recipients represent diverse fields and lasting impact, exemplifying the College’s mission through professional excellence, leadership, and continued engagement with the Gettysburg community.
Gettysburg College will honor a distinguished group of alumni whose professional achievements, leadership, and service reflect the enduring impact of a Gettysburg education. This year’s award recipients have made meaningful contributions across diverse fields, including medicine, business, law, education, public service, and community advocacy, while maintaining strong and lasting ties to the College.
The Distinguished Alumni Award winners will be recognized during Spring Honors Day at Christ Chapel on Friday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. The remaining alumni award recipients—including honorees for career achievement, service, and meritorious contributions—will be celebrated during Reunion Weekend on Saturday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m. as part of the President’s Address and Alumni Awards ceremony in the College Union Building (CUB) Ballroom.
Together, these alumni exemplify Gettysburg College’s mission to educate individuals who lead lives of impact, engagement, and service.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
Blase A. Carabello ’69
Blase Carabello ’69 is a nationally and internationally recognized cardiologist whose work has shaped modern understanding and treatment of heart valve disease. Over a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, research, and academic leadership, he authored more than 500 scientific publications. Carabello has helped define cardiovascular care standards through 25 years on the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association guideline committees.
He served 29 years with the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Carabello has also held major leadership roles, including chief of medicine at the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and chief of cardiology at East Carolina University. His expertise has also informed national policy through service on an FDA advisory board.
A biology major at Gettysburg, Carabello was president of Sigma Chi. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing medicine and mentoring future physicians, earning him numerous honors, including the ACC Distinguished Scientist Award and multiple lifetime achievement recognitions.
Delma Rivera-Lytle ’80
Delma Rivera-Lytle ’80 has dedicated her career to advancing educational equity, cultural inclusion, and community leadership in York, Pennsylvania. As a diversity education specialist for Central York School District, she spent nearly two decades fostering inclusive learning environments for students and families. Her broader impact includes leadership roles with numerous civic organizations and service as a commissioner for the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
A champion for the Latino community, she helped strengthen cross-cultural connections through initiatives like the York–Aguadilla sister city partnership and founded the Miss Latina of York program. Her humanitarian efforts have earned widespread recognition, including national honors and the Puerto Rico Governor’s Medal of Excellence.
At Gettysburg, Rivera-Lytle studied Spanish and sociology and was active in student life. She remains closely connected as an engaged alumna, continuing to support students and strengthen community ties.
Rodney S. Tosten ’85
Rodney Tosten ’85 has devoted his career to advancing technology and education at Gettysburg College, leaving a lasting institutional impact. Returning to the faculty in 1990, he founded the College’s Computer Science Department and served as its first chair. As vice president for information technology, he led transformative initiatives that modernized campus infrastructure, expanded digital learning, and supported new academic programs, including online and hybrid offerings.
His leadership helped position the College to adapt to rapid technological change while enhancing the student and faculty experience. Beyond campus, he has contributed to regional workforce development through advisory roles in technology education.
A mathematics major and student leader at Gettysburg, Tosten has remained deeply engaged as an alumnus, supporting College initiatives and mentoring future leaders. His career reflects a sustained commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the educational mission of Gettysburg College.
Charles Widger ’67
Charles Widger ’67 is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist whose leadership has shaped the financial services industry and expanded access to mental health care and education. As founder of Brinker Capital, he built a nationally recognized investment firm managing more than $100 billion in assets, and he now leads East Bay Merchant Partners. He is also a New York Times bestselling co-author and former chair emeritus of the Money Management Institute.
Widger’s philanthropic impact, through the Widger Family Foundation, focuses on innovation in mental health, education, and economic development, including co-founding Clark’s Manor, a residential community for individuals with chronic mental illness.
At Gettysburg, Widger was a history major, student leader, and athlete. As an alumnus, he served on the College’s Board of Trustees—including as chair—and has played a transformative role in advancing Gettysburg’s strategic initiatives and campus development.
Young Alumni Achievement Award for Career Development
Rachel Rutter ’11
Rachel Rutter ’11 is the founder and executive director of Project Libertad, a nonprofit that provides legal services and holistic support to immigrant youth. A summa cum laude Gettysburg graduate and Phi Beta Kappa member, she earned her J.D. from Drexel and is a practicing immigration attorney. Through Project Libertad, she partners with Gettysburg to create internship and engagement opportunities for students. Her work has earned national recognition, including CNN Heroes and L’Oréal Women of Worth honors. Her leadership advances justice, access, and opportunity for vulnerable communities.
Joshua Stewart ’11
Joshua Stewart ’11 is the senior director of federal policy and advocacy at Fahe, advancing national policy on affordable housing and economic development across Appalachia. With more than a decade of experience, his work addresses poverty and homelessness through federal legislation and advocacy. Previously, he led policy initiatives at the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, helping pass landmark legislation that expanded services for veterans and established a permanent VA center. He holds a master’s degree in historical archaeology and focuses on the history of poverty and social support systems.
Young Alumni Achievement Award for Service
Anna Baldasarre ’14
Anna Baldasarre ’14 is the associate director of annual giving marketing at Franklin & Marshall College and a dedicated Gettysburg volunteer leader. As a student, she held numerous leadership roles and received top honors, including the Linnaean Award. As an alumna, she has served on the Communications and Marketing Advisory Committee, BOLD Council (as chair), and as an ex officio trustee, while supporting Reunion efforts and mentorship. Active in professional and community organizations, she has been recognized for her leadership in higher education and volunteer service.
Rebecca Borovsky ’16
Rebecca Borovsky ’16 is the senior director of operations at Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, advancing educational access and workforce readiness. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate, she was deeply engaged in student leadership at Gettysburg. As an alumna, she has continued her service through the BOLD Council, an ex-officio role on the Alumni Board, career externships, and campus programs, while supporting Reunion efforts. Her sustained engagement reflects a strong commitment to mentorship, leadership development, and strengthening connections between Gettysburg and its alumni community.
Meritorious Service Awards
Laurie A. Baty ’76
Laurie A. Baty ’76 has demonstrated lifelong service to Gettysburg College through leadership, philanthropy, and volunteerism. As a student, she was a Phi Beta Kappa member, Orientation leader, and library staff member. As an alumna, she served on the Alumni Board where she sat on multiple committees, supported regional clubs, led Reunion efforts, and contributed to academic life through exhibits and teaching. A museum director in Washington, D.C., she also donated her professional daguerreotype collection to the College. Her sustained engagement reflects a deep commitment to enriching the Gettysburg community.
Jeffrey Siegfried ’81, P’14
Jeffrey Siegfried ’81, P’14 has provided exceptional leadership and service to Gettysburg College through governance, philanthropy, and student mentorship. A Trustee from 2013–2025 and now a trustee emeritus, he served as board secretary, chaired the Governance and Nominating Committee, and contributed to the Presidential Search Committee. Committed to student success, he has supported internships, alumni networking, and the Siegfried Fellowship Program. A business administration graduate, he is now CEO of OmniCable Corporation. His long-term leadership has strengthened the College and expanded opportunities for students and alumni.
Celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni award winners by joining us at Reunion Weekend!
Related Links:
By Corey Jewart
Photos by Miranda Harple (main image)
Posted: 05/07/26