Widener University Honors 2 Employees with Eckard Award for Distinguished Service

By

Courtney Kelly (left) and Jeanne Nolan, winners of the Eckard award.
Image via Widener Univerrsity
Courtney Kelly (left) and Jeanne Nolan.

Widener University recently presented the William David Eckard, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to Courtney Kelly of Wallingford, executive director of undergraduate admissions, and Jeanne Nolan, of Glenolden, lead coordinating support specialist for the Institute for Physical Therapy Education.

The award, presented May 1 by President Stacey Robertson at the final university Town Hall meeting of the academic year, annually recognizes two longstanding employees for their commitment and outstanding service to the Widener community.

William David Eckard III, former long-time vice president of administration and finance at Widener University and a 1966 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College, established the honor in memory of his father, William David Eckard, Jr.

The $3,000 cash Eckard Award helps promote and reward excellence at Widener. Recipients must work for the university on a full-time basis for at least 10 years and consistently demonstrate an outstanding level of service. Nominations come from peers across the university.

Kelly began her career at Widener working as associate director of transfer admissions and worked her way up to the lead executive director role in undergraduate admissions, where she has transformed the department by mentoring early-career professionals. She is known across the university as a collaborator who has built partnerships in every department.

Kelly lives in Wallingford with her husband Patrick and their children Dylan and Lucas.

“Courtney is universally admired for her skill, compassion, and commitment to excellence,” Robertson said. “She is relentlessly enthusiastic and a terrific change agent.” 

Nolan has provided administrative support at Widener for 27 years in numerous areas, including the Dauntless Battalion ROTC program, the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, and currently as lead coordinating support specialist for the Institute of Physical Therapy Education, housed in the College of Health and Human Services.

She lives in Glenolden with her husband Mike. They are the proud parents of a grown son, Michael Nolan, and his wife, Nikki Nolan.

“Jeanne’s commitment to the PT program is unwavering,” Robertson said. “She is a partner in our purpose, contributes 100 percent every day, and exudes joy in her work. Her positive demeanor and encouraging support lifts all of us.”

Join Our Community

Never miss a Delaware County story!

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
DT Yes
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Advertisement