Malone University announces 2025 Alumni Award winners

This year’s winners include: 

Young Alumna of the Year: Megan Mauck ʼ16

After earning her degree in business administration from Malone, Megan went on to serve for seven years in the Alumni Relations office, first as assistant director and later as director. During her tenure, she launched creative initiatives such as the first student-alumni service-learning trip to England and expanded engagement opportunities in Washington, D.C. She also helped establish the Athletic Hall of Fame breakfast as part of Homecoming. In addition, Megan has taught both GEN 100 and hospitality courses, led spiritual formation opportunities, and partnered with Student Development to encourage students in remaining connected to Malone after graduation. As a student, she was a resident assistant in Fox Hall, worked in Admissions and Student Development, and loved participating in traditions like Airband and Res Hall Palooza. Today, Megan works at Carolyn Valentine Co., Inc., serves at Grace Church Medina East Campus, and enjoys hosting, camping, traveling, and time with friends. She resides in Barberton.

Alumnus of the Year: David Yakley ʼ95  

David Yakley ’95 has served Malone University since 1999 as creative director in the Office of University Relations. In this role, he has designed countless publications—including the award-winning Malone Magazine—as well as recruiting and fundraising materials, branding, campus signage, and communications for nearly every department. His work has spanned across numerous historic moments such as three presidential inaugurations, the University name change, the 125th anniversary celebration, three website redesigns, and the 2005 devotional book A Gathered Stillness. David has also taught courses in graphic design and communication, served on Staff Council and the Athletics Hall of Fame committee, and has been the basketball scorekeeper for more than 20 years. He co-led service trips to South Dakota and Jamaica, combining creativity and service.

As a student, David majored in Communications Comprehensive–now Integrated Language Arts, graduating magna cum laude. He served as Aviso editor, and sang in Chorale for five years. He later earned his M.A. in Publications Design from the University of Baltimore, where his team received the Phillips Award for new media. Nationally, David represented Malone on the UCDA Board of Directors for a decade and received the prestigious UCDA Award in 2022. He remains active in local service and his home church in Sugarcreek.

Graduate Program Alumna of the Year: Patricia Sommer ʼ19 ʼ24 

Tricia serves as Malone University’s associate registrar, where her expertise in technology, planning, and data analysis has strengthened systems that support students, faculty, and staff. A gifted problem-solver, she has enhanced processes in the College Credit Plus program and streamlined office operations by mastering and implementing new technologies. Beyond her technical skills, Tricia is known for her warmth and ability to connect personally with students, helping them navigate requirements and stay on track toward graduation.

A two-time Malone graduate, she earned a B.A. in organizational management and an MBA with a concentration in data analytics, balancing her studies with work and family responsibilities. She was inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda and honored as the outstanding graduate of the 2023–2024 MBA cohort.

Deeply committed to Malone’s mission, Tricia also invests in her community through Mt. Zion Country Church and local youth sports. She and her family reside in Carrollton.

Pioneer Pinnacle Award: Eric Lund ʼ91

The Pioneer Pinnacle Award is presented to individuals or groups that have made a difference at Malone through their service, involvement, and support. Award winners have shown a desire to help Malone empower students to seek “Christ’s Kingdom First” both in their vocation and in their daily lives. They have adopted a mindset of service to God and to others, and have given their time, talent, and treasure to Malone University.

Eric Lund was chosen as this year’s recipient for his entrepreneurial thinking that continues to benefit his alma mater.

A native of Boardman, Eric received a bachelor of arts degree from Malone with concentrations in business, communications, and biology. During his senior year, he served as president of the student body and was a writer for the Aviso. 

In 1997, he founded MedSource, a full-service clinical research organization specializing in oncology. Over 24 years as president, he grew MedSource into an award-winning global company before selling it to a European firm seeking to expand into the U.S. With more than 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical development, Eric continues to shape industries through his leadership and innovation.

After selling MedSource, Eric founded Tidewater Ventures, a real estate holdings company, and chairs the Lund Family Foundation. He also serves on Malone’s Board of Trustees executive committee, where his commitment to entrepreneurship and service continues to benefit the University community.

Full biographies for the winners can be found at https://www.malone.edu/alumni/alumni-awards/.  

Registration for the banquet and for all Malone homecoming activities can be found at www.malone.edu/homecoming.