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Empowering leader earns university’s Bernardine Legacy Award  

����91��Ƭ�� will recognize Senior Counsel Vicki Ebner as the 2024 Bernardine Legacy Award recipient at the 6th Annual Alvernia Women's Council Luncheon on June 12, 2024, at 12 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, 701 Penn Street, Reading, Pa. 

"Vicki embodies authentic leadership, empowering women at every turn. Her mentorship, advocacy, and quiet yet impactful leadership have transformed countless lives in Berks County,” said ����91��Ƭ�� Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement Meggan Kerber. “She's a true champion for women in the workplace and the community. We're honored to recognize her with the Bernardine Legacy Award for her outstanding commitment to advancing women's leadership and empowerment."  

The Bernardine Legacy Award honors outstanding alumnae and friends who have distinguished themselves in their professional careers while also serving as a leader and role model to women. Recipients must have a history of actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills, contribute time and energy to improve the quality of life for others, specifically women, in the community and demonstrate a strong passion and outspoken advocacy for the advancement of women. 

“It is my great honor to receive this award and to be part of a greater movement to support women striving for higher education,” said Ebner. “Throughout my career, I have been guided by a goal of meeting women where they are and raising them up. The Alvernia Women’s Council strives toward the same goal, and Alvernia has created an educational space where women can develop their individual gifts at their own pace.  As women, I believe that we truly all have the possibility to lead and support others.  As Maya Angelou reminded us: ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.’ This award allows me that opportunity, and I stand for all.” 

Vicki Ebner is a graduate of Lafayette College with a degree in Government and Law.  She also graduated from The Dickinson School of Law with a JD. After a brief career in private practice, Ebner started a 24-year career at UGI Utilities, Inc. Over this time, she was given increasing responsibilities and had the opportunity to work in and lead many departments.  She has held leadership roles in gas supply, marketing, regulatory affairs, operations, and customer service.  When Ebner left UGI she was the Senior Vice President of Customer and Government Relations. 

Ebner is currently Senior Counsel at East Penn Manufacturing, Co. She has served as a board member of the following organizations:  Berks Encore, including Committee Chair; Berks County Red Cross; Safe Berks, including Board Chair; Wilson Education Foundation; Berks County Community Foundation; and Women2Women, Greater Berks Chamber Alliance, Organization Chair. In 2022, Ebner was a Girl Scouts Take the Lead Honoree. In 2023, she was inducted into the Phillipsburg High School (NJ) Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the third class of inductees. 

She is the sixth recipient of the Bernardine Legacy Award. Regina Rinehimer earned the award in 2023, Andi Funk in 2022, Adrean Turner in 2020, Karen Marsdale  in 2019, and The Honorable Linda Ludgate '77 recieved the inaugural award in 2018. 

Tickets are $45 per person or $350 per table of 8. by May 22. are also available. Proceeds from the event support the efforts of Alvernia’s Women's Council and the Newcombe Scholarship Fund. The Newcombe Scholarship provides financial assistance to adult students who have completed 60 credits required toward their undergraduate degree. Alvernia is one of a of colleges selected by the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation annually to offer these scholarships.  

The ����91��Ƭ�� Women’s Council fosters the personal and professional development of Alvernia women at all life stages, strengthens their connection to the university and each other and educates and inspires them to pursue and grow in leadership roles both in their chosen profession and the greater community. The program is open to all members of the Alvernia community and everyone is welcome to participate.

For more information, contact Ali Lynn at ali.lynn@alvernia.edu or 610-796-8259.