Alumni Honored for Remarkable Achievement
During Reunion Weekend, four Bucknellians were recognized by the Bucknell University Alumni Association for the impact they’ve made through their contributions to the University and society. This year’s recipients exemplify strength of character, leadership, intellectual exploration, creativity and imagination — all hallmarks of the Bucknellian spirit.
Cynthia A. Mason-Posey ’78
Loyalty to Bucknell Award
As a member of the Cornerstone Society and through invaluable leadership, Mason-Posey continuously contributes to Bucknell. She served as class ambassador for her 40th Reunion, a committee member for her 45th, and supports social science research on and off campus as an advisory board member of the Bucknell Institute for Public Policy. In addition, she led the Bucknell Black Alumni Association from 2009 to 2015, championing awareness of Edward McKnight Brawley, Class of 1875, M1878, the first African American graduate of Bucknell. Through her leadership, the University held Bucknell 140 to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Brawley’s graduation.
Michael C. Pascucci ’58, P’81, P’87, G’21, G’22
Outstanding Achievement in a Chosen Profession
Using the finance foundation he built at Bucknell, Pascucci has pursued many successful business ventures throughout his career. He has founded companies in automobile leasing and finance, commercial television and cybersecurity, and currently serves as the chairman of Duck Pond Associates, a private investment company, as well as of Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. He is also a principal investor in Duck Pond Realty.
Pascucci is involved in numerous charitable and philanthropic causes and organizations, serving the Catholic Faith Network, the Viscardi Center, the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, St. John’s University, the Knights of Malta, and St. Francis Hospital in varying capacities. His 2021 pledge of more than $40 million to Bucknell was the largest one-time commitment in the institution’s history.
Bob Drake ’73
Service to Humanity Award
Committing his life in service to others, Drake, along with his wife, Renée, has made a global impact, working closely with organizations in Israel, South Africa and Holland for the advancement of research, child welfare, and art and culture. He was named chairman of the International Board of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, effective November 2023. At Bucknell, the Drakes endowed the Ekard Artist-in-Residence program, support The Ekard Residency in the Netherlands, and have loaned numerous pieces from their own art collection to help educate students and expand art appreciation (see “Artistic Journey”).
Antoinette Klatzky ’08
Young Alumni Award
Klatzky is a facilitator, intrapreneur and strategist dedicated to radical regeneration for people and the planet. She has co-created social enterprises, innovated on philanthropic strategy and hosted and helped activate local, national and global movements. She serves as the vice president of programs and partnerships of the Eileen Fisher Community Foundation and on the boards of Presencing Institute, Tides Network, Women’s Funding Network and Westchester Community Foundation, and serves as an adviser to various networks on systemic and strategic action for racial equity and justice.
Photo: Gordon R. Wenzel
Reunion 2023 • Christine Zapotoczky Kelleher ’91, president of the Alumni Association Board, Bob Drake ’73, Michael C. Pascucci ’58, P’81, P’87, G’21, G’22, Antoinette Klatzky ’08, Cynthia A. Mason-Posey ’78, and President John Bravman (L to R).
Celebrate the Bison
It’s been 100 years since Bucknell adopted the Bison as the University’s official mascot. Prior to 1923, Bucknell’s athletics teams were sometimes nicknamed the wildcats and timber wolves. William Bartol, Class of 1872, a former athlete and head of the math department, advocated for a consistent approach and nominated the Bison.
To commemorate this milestone, the Center for Alumni & Family Engagement will hold a special Bison celebration as part of Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 22-24.
