The Ellen Frei Gruber Award is presented to an individual who has given outstanding service to his/her alma mater and exemplified continued commitment and support of the mission of ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥. Most importantly, this individual reflects the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality. The following ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ alumna received the award in 2023. All biographical information current at the time of the award.
Patricia W. Savage is a distinguished leader with a career spanning decades in healthcare and social services. She served as President and CEO of Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries (ALSM), an organization providing a continuum of services from childcare to senior care across eight counties in West Central Pennsylvania. Under her leadership, ALSM supported over 3,000 individuals annually with the help of more than 300 staff members and operated with an annual budget of $28 million.
Patricia’s prior experience includes serving as Director of the Senior Companion Program for Telespond Senior Services in Scranton and Director of Hospice Saint John before becoming Vice President of Program Operations at Lutheran Welfare Service of Northeastern PA in Hazleton. Patricia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥, a Master’s in Social Work from Marywood University, a Master’s in Human Resources Administration from the University of Scranton, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Union Institute & University. Her deep educational background has laid the foundation for her significant contributions to organizational management and human services. She is actively involved in numerous professional associations, including the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the Leadership Lackawanna Alumnae Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Patricia also plays a vital role with the American College of Healthcare Administrators Foundation.
Her leadership extends beyond her professional career into significant roles in numerous organizations. She has chaired the Lutheran Services in America and KAIROS Health Systems boards. She has held leadership positions with the Policy Council of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania and the Leadership Council of Lutheran Services in America-Pennsylvania. She also led the Central Pennsylvania Lutheran Planned Giving steering committee and served on the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Penn StateAltoona Advisory Board. Additionally, Patricia chaired the Allegheny Mountains Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on the board of LeadingAge Pennsylvania, where she coached emerging leaders through the LAPA Fellows in Leadership program. In 2013, she was honored with the Paul Haas Lifetime Achievement Award from LeadingAge Pennsylvania for her dedication to advancing aging services.
Patricia is also deeply engaged in her community. She is an active member of the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary, past President of the Rotary Club of Altoona, and a Paul Harris Fellow. Her contributions to raising awareness for the American Heart Association through the Blair Go Red for Women campaign earned her the Leadership Legacy Award. Additionally, she has been involved with the Arts Altoona Board of Directors.
Patricia is married to Dr. Roger Johnson, former provost of Lock Haven University. They share a blended family of three grown children — Amanda, Marlowe, and Meredith — and five beloved grandchildren.
