Two Eberly alumni honored with Distinguished Alumni Award

Penn State Eberly College of Science alumni Stephen H. Mahle and Janet S. Vergis are among 10 Penn State alums selected by the Board of Trustees to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Penn State Alumni Association. This award is the highest honor presented to Penn State alumni and salutes the achievements of those whose "personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater."

Stephan Mahle graduated from the Eberly College of Science in 1969 with a master’s degree in physics. He is retired from his former role as executive vice president of Medtronic, where he spent 37 years working in health-care policy, regulatory affairs, government affairs, global reimbursement, and clinical functions. 

Throughout the years, Mahle has been involved in different volunteer organizations, both within and outside of Penn State. In 2000, he was on the Eberly College of Science Dean’s Advisory Board, and currently he is a member of the Board of Trustees for Beloit College, where he received his bachelor’s degree, as well as the director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. In 1998, he was named a Penn State Alumni Fellow and was the 2002 commencement speaker for the Eberly College of Science.   

Janet Vergis graduated from the Eberly College of Science in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and in 1988 with a master’s degree in physiology. She is retired from her former role as CEO of OraPharma and spent her 30-plus year career in the health-care industry, spanning work in biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. 

She has been recognized by Penn State and other entities over the years. In 2002, Vergis received the Outstanding Science Alumni Award from the Eberly College of Science. In 2006, she was named Entrepreneur and Innovator of the Year by the Princeton Chamber of Commerce. And in 2016, she was named a Penn State Alumni Fellow. Vergis has stayed connected to the University and remains involved: She is a member of the Eberly College of Science Dean’s Advisory Board, chair of the college’s Biotechnology Advisory Board, and vice chair of the college’s Corporate Engagement Advisory Board.