The college has chosen Rose Marie Panzitta as the 2022 recipient of the Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., Award for Achievement and Leadership. An award dinner, held on Thursday, October 20, at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, will celebrate Panzitta.
In 2014, the college established the Award for Achievement and Leadership in honor of the college’s seventh president, Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., in recognition of his 18 years of leadership. The award is presented to a member of the King’s College community who has achieved excellence in their field, demonstrates exceptional philanthropy and high ethical standards, and embodies the spirit of King’s College.
Panzitta’s husband, Joseph, founded and owns Panzitta Enterprises, a local company specializing in commercial and government construction. Rose Marie is known for her accomplished fundraising and community leadership during the last six decades. Through her management, the family is a sustained supporter of the King’s College Presidential Hope Fund, which helps deserving students in need of emergency financial assistance.
The Panzitta family includes several King’s College graduates, and in 2017, the institution granted Rose Marie an honorary degree. Other awards she has received include the Rose Brader Award from United Way, Woman of the Year from Wyoming Valley Women’s Club, Paul Harris Award from Rotary Club, and Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
The Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., Award ceremony is held in conjunction with the William G. McGowan School of Business Forum, a celebration of mentorship that has brought together thousands of students and alums through meaningful engagement for almost two decades.
