Banking Professional Samuel A. Mccullough to Receive Honorary Degree from Alvernia University
Reading PA (PRWEB) November 25, 2013 -- As Chairman, President and CEO of Griffin Holdings Group LLC, Samuel A. McCullough will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during Commencement exercises at Alvernia University’s main campus, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. McCullough will also offer remarks to the Class of 2013.
“As a Franciscan university, rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, we seek to honor individuals who embody lives of service and leadership as well as professional excellence,” said Alvernia President Thomas F. Flynn, Ph.D. “While making his mark in business, Sam has held fast to the ideals of service and contribution to a larger community. He is widely recognized both as a business leader and an outstanding citizen.”
A business and community leader for over 40 years, Sam McCullough served as a director and consultant to CoreStates Financial Corporation and President of its holding company after the merger between CoreStates and Meridian Bancorp. Prior to the merger, he served as Chairman, President and CEO of Meridian Bancorp Inc., and served at its helm for nearly two decades, during which time the bank grew from $1 billion to over $17 billion in assets.
McCullough is also highly active in professional and community organizations, having served on the Boards of the Greater Reading Economic Partnership, the Berks County Executive Forum and the Berks County Community Foundation. He was a long-time trustee of the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of several corporate boards, including Planalytics, Inc., and Reading Health System.
Nominated by Gov. Tom Ridge, McCullough served as Secretary of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he assisted the administration in reducing business taxes; oversaw billions of dollars of economic development projects; and attracted international shipbuilder Kvaerner AG, technology giant SAP, and outdoor outfitter Cabela’s to Pennsylvania.
“Under his leadership, Pennsylvania’s international business presence increased from four to 19 countries around the world,” said Flynn. “Sam led the historic effort to reopen the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, bringing ship building back to the United States. He oversaw the implementation of economic development programs across the state and launched initiatives to support technological advancement.”
Recognizing the need for Pennsylvania to retain its brightest young talent, McCullough also developed the “Stay Invent the Future” campaign, an effort to encourage college and university students in remain in the state after graduation.
Following his five-year term as secretary of community and economic development, Sam established the McCullough Consulting Group and the Griffin Holdings Group. He continues to work as a consultant, sharing his highly regarded business expertise.
ALVERNIA is a thriving university that empowers students through real-world learning to discover their passion for life while providing the education to turn what they love into lifetimes of career success and personal fulfillment. Our students follow their hearts into productive careers and vibrant lives where they help make the world a better place. As one of only 22 Franciscan institutions in the country, Alvernia’s focus on caring for each other, the environment and the community are joined with a challenging educational experience to provide an unparalleled environment to grow, develop and mature as a person and professional.
Carey Manzolillo, Alvernia University, http://www.alvernia.edu/, 610-796-8281, [email protected]
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