Waynesburg University hosted its annual President’s Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner on campus Saturday, April 12, in the Benedum Dining Hall. This year's event also featured an optional Open House from 2-5 p.m., during which the University highlighted some of its most recent growth.
“The President’s Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner is our favorite event to host each year,” said Stacey Brodak, vice president of Institutional Advancement and University Relations at Waynesburg University. “It gives us an opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to our donors in person for their generous support of Waynesburg University. It also allows them to meet with students and witness the direct impact their gifts provide.”
The Open House began at Alston Farm, a well-preserved historic house, log cabin, barn, renovated classroom and greenhouse space on 52 acres, recently donated to the University. Then, moving back to campus, tours continued to the bottom floor of Eberly Library, home to the newly renovated Pathways Center, which offers comprehensive support services to students on campus. The Open House concluded at the new Center for Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation and recently renovated Practice Exercise Facility. These facilities provide cutting-edge technology and training, preparing students to excel in the field and enriching training opportunities for local and regional first responders.
Guests transitioned to a reception in Benedum Dining Hall at 5 p.m., followed by the dinner and program at 6 p.m. The evening's events concluded with the presentation of the University's three annual awards presented to alumni and friends.
This year, Mark (’80, ’93 MBA) and Shari Fox received the Golden Key Award, Frank Rocco Cuteri Jr. ('75) received the Distinguished Alumni Award and Mason Miller (’20) received the Young Alumni Leadership Award.
About the Awards
The Golden Key Award is presented by Waynesburg University to alumni or friends of the University dedicated to a lifetime of significant leadership and involvement with the University, who have distinguished themselves among their peers in a meaningful way.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to Waynesburg alumni for their exemplary professional service and/or volunteer accomplishments, or a history of involvement with the University.
The Young Alumni Leadership Award is presented to young alumni, age 35 or younger, for their accomplishments and service, by having distinguished themselves as leaders among their peers and in their profession, community and/or the University.
Mark (’80, ’93 MBA) and Shari Fox
Mark and Shari Fox were awarded the 2025 Golden Key Award for their legacy of leadership, service and generosity.
A lifelong Waynesburg resident, Mark has been a dedicated leader in both his industry and community. He has been an integral part of Fox Ford, Inc., for 43 years and has led the company as president since 2013. His influence in the automotive industry extends beyond the business, having served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association and as a member of the Ford Motor Company National Dealer Council.
His dedication to the community is evident in his service as Fire Company Captain for 28 years with the Waynesburg Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company and as a leader at First Baptist Church of Waynesburg for over two decades. Mark has also served on numerous boards, including the Community Bank Board, Waynesburg University Board of Trustees, the Waynesburg University Alumni Council, The Way Community Center Board, The Oaks Academy Board, the Waynesburg Rotary Club, and the Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful Board.
Shari, a California State College graduate, has also devoted much of her life to community service. She has volunteered for organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Greene County Food Bank and the Waynesburg Woman’s Club. At First Baptist Church, she has served as treasurer, teacher and children’s superintendent, and has been a member of various boards and committees.
Together, the Foxes have been strong supporters of Waynesburg University, with Fox Ford sponsoring various initiatives throughout the years. Their generosity also includes a major gift to the Shari E. Fox Endowed Fund for Entrepreneurship. Married for 41 years, they cherish time with their three daughters, sons-in-law and 12 grandchildren.
Frank Rocco Cuteri Jr. (’75)
Frank Cuteri was awarded the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for his compassion, dedication to service and leadership.
Frank built a distinguished 45-year career in the automotive industry, driven by his passion for excellence. A native of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, he was drawn to Waynesburg College by Coach Rudy Marisa and immersed himself in academics, basketball and fraternity life, shaping his leadership and generosity.
After the tragic loss of his fraternity brother, John Coligan, Frank and his former teammates spent 17 years raising funds for Coligan’s children’s education, later establishing an endowed scholarship at the University in his name.
From there, Frank’s passion for service extended to roles on the board of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Tampa, Florida, and as a founding member of the One Voice Foundation, benefiting children in need. He also pioneered the Artistas Café at Mercedes-Benz in Tampa, providing employment opportunities for young autistic adults to help them build confidence and independence. Most recently, Frank led efforts to establish the Rudy Marisa Memorial Endowed Fund, ensuring continued support for Waynesburg’s men’s basketball program.
Now retired, Frank enjoys traveling with his wife, Cherie, and spending time with their daughters, son-in-law and granddaughters in northern Virginia.
Mason Miller (’20)
speech that was played at the event.
Mason Miller was awarded the Young Alumni Leadership Award for his unwavering faith, determination and servant heart.
A 2020 Waynesburg University graduate and Bethel Park native, Mason has carved out an inspiring journey in baseball and beyond. At Waynesburg, he majored in Finance, played four years of baseball and was active in the Student Investment Club, Bonner Scholars and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after his sophomore year, Mason’s health transformation led to a surge in his pitching performance. His junior-year ERA dropped from 7.16 to 1.86, attracting Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts. After a strong graduate season at Gardner-Webb University, he was drafted in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. Making his MLB debut in 2023, he transitioned to a dominant relief role in 2024, earning All-Star honors, setting the record for the fastest All-Star pitch (103.6 MPH), and securing a win for the American League. He was named to Baseball America’s Major League All-Rookie Team and the All-MLB Second Team.
Off the field, Mason advocates for diabetes awareness, connecting with young patients and supporting Camp Sweet Escape of the South Carolina Youth Diabetes Association. The A’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, he and his wife, Jordan (Porterfield ’23), also plan to launch a youth baseball clinic in Pittsburgh and support local animal shelters.
