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Penn State Fayette's Rita Gumbert was named to the PSUAC's Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor for her contributions to her campus athletics program and the PSUAC.
Penn State Fayette's Rita Gumbert was named to the PSUAC's Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor for her contributions to her campus athletics program and the PSUAC.
Penn State Fayette's Rita Gumbert was named to the PSUAC's Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor for her contributions to her campus athletics program and the PSUAC.
Posted: Jul 20, 2021

Penn State Fayette's Rita Gumbert Named 2021 Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor Recipient

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Fayette's Rita Gumbert has been named the 2021 Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor recipient after decades of service to her campus and its athletic programs. The Scannell Award recognizes an outstanding administrator, coach or staff member at a PSUAC member campus who has been instrumental in advancing athletics within the PSUAC and served the University with distinction. 

Gumbert, who will retire in August, is the Assistant Finance Director at Fayette, but has spent years supporting the athletic programs. Her presence at many home sporting events has made her well known to hundreds of student-athletes, including to those of visiting teams. In addition, Gumbert most recently served as a volunteer golf coach at the campus, assisting her husband Dave as Fayette reintroduced the program after a multi-year hiatus. Gumbert previously served as a coach and advisor to the Fayette Cheerleading program from 2005-2009, as well as serving as a travel assistant with the men's basketball program in the early 2000's.

Gumbert has been a "Den Mother" in Fayette's SAGE program, an initiative aimed at providing student-athletes with emotional, social and academic support during their time at Fayette. Gumbert has served in this mentorship role since the program was piloted in the last five years. 

In addition, Gumbert was instrumental in helping the USCAA conduct its Basketball National Championship event which was held at Fayette from 2009-2020. Gumbert worked as a volunteer, led staffing efforts by the campus, as was constantly in the building to assist with general issues.

The Robert J. Scannell Roll of Honor was adopted in 1991 in honor of the former Dean of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department, Robert J. Scannell, who later served as the Vice President and Dean of the Commonwealth Campus system. Under Scannell's guidance the athletic and recreation programs at the Commonwealth Campuses were created to provide additional opportunities to Penn State students.