Just as her 20th year as Head of Foxcroft School came to a close on January 28, Mary Louis Leipheimer has been recognized by another institution of higher learning. Indiana University of Pennsylvania recently announced that Leipheimer has been selected to receive the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award.

The highest honor given by the IUP Alumni Association, the Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize IUP graduates who have achieved distinction through sustained performance in their fields or who have provided outstanding service to IUP. Leipheimer is one of nine recipients who will be honored at an awards gala in March.

Leipheimer, a 1966 graduate of IUP, was selected from among more than 40 nominations received this year – the most in the history of the award. In making the announcement, the awards committee of the IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors cited Leipheimer for her leadership and excellence in the field of education and for the contributions she has made benefiting the profession and community.

"IUP has a great history in the field of education—it was a "Normal" school -- and so her work in teaching and education is in keeping with our values," said Mary Jo Lyttle, Executive Director, of the IUP Alumni Association.

Other 2009 recipients include President of American College Testing, Inc (ACT) Richard Ferguson, Director of Athletics at Georgia Tech Daniel Radakovich, and Founder and CEO of Optaros, Inc. Robert L. Gett. The only other woman selected is Susan K. Mellott, CEO/Healthcare Consultant, Mellott & Associates.