Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Franciscan University of Steubenville recognized four alumni for their professional achievements and service at its 36th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on September 26, during the university’s 2025 Homecoming Weekend.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University, addressed the honorees by saying, “What happens at Franciscan University matters. People pay attention because what we’re doing here, nobody else in the world is doing. Thank you so much for being good and faithful servants. Thank you for your commitment to the University. Thank you for representing us so well.”

Noelle Mering, who earned her master’s degree in 2022, was presented with the Bishop John King Mussio Award. She was recognized for her efforts to promote truth in contemporary culture. Mering is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center’s Life and Family Initiative in Washington, D.C., a scholar at the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America, and an author whose work appears in various national publications. She also wrote Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology.

“I’m grateful to Father Dave and for the witness of Franciscan University. It’s a witness not just in argumentation, not just in propositional truth, but a witness to the dignity of the human person that you encounter every day,” Mering said. “It’s a school of joy.”

Judge Joseph Corabi received the Rose M. DeFede Faithful Franciscan Award for his legal career and ongoing support of Franciscan University. Corabi taught business law before serving as a magistrate in juvenile and probate court until his retirement from the bench in 2021; he now works as counsel for Cedar One Rentals.

Corabi acknowledged his late wife Kathy (McMenamin) Corabi during his remarks: “Without her love and support, I wouldn’t be here. Tonight, I share the award with you, Kathy,” Corabi said. “I hope you’re looking down. I just want to say thanks. This one’s for you.”

Anne Foster was honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award due to her contributions at Hallow prayer app and involvement in pro-life advocacy efforts. As partnership executive at Hallow, she works with Catholic institutions across multiple sectors.

“At Franciscan, you receive the gift of an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. And that’s the greatest thing that we can do for our students,” Foster said.

Jennifer Routh received recognition through the Professor Edward J. Kelly Award based on her legal career and faith commitment. Routh graduated magna cum laude from University of South Carolina School of Law and is now a partner at McDermott Will & Emery in Washington D.C., while also raising three children.

“This university gave me more than an education. It gave me a foundation, a community, and the confidence to pursue a path that at times felt uncertain,” Routh said. “Franciscan gave me the most precious gift of my life: a profound experience of God’s personal love for me.”

Photos from this year’s Alumni Awards Banquet are available online.