Kennett Square resident to receive alumni award from Penn State

Patty Hillkirk is being honored by Penn State University.

Camp Dreamcatcher founder/director Patty Hillkirk has been selected by the Alumni Society of the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University to receive the 2013 Alumni Recognition Award.

Hillkirk, a resident of Kennett Square, will receive the award on Oct. 25, the day after she appears at Penn State as part of the Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series, giving the presentation ”Catching a Dream: My Journey Helping HIV/AIDS impacted Youth.”

The Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series was established by the board of directors of the College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society to feature prominent graduates of the college who are leaders in their fields. The board’s mission is to facilitate and promote the participation of alumni in activities that support the college’s pursuit of excellence, according to the college’s web site.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen to receive the Alumni Recognition Award, and to be invited to speak on the impact that Camp Dreamcatcher has made in the lives of thousands of children affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Hillkirk. “My family has a long history at Penn State and my Dad received his Doctorate of Education degree when I was 3 years old. At last count, 15 of my family members attended Penn State, and I have fond memories of the years I lived on campus taking undergraduate and graduate classes at PSU. My experience at Penn State has influenced my life in many positive ways and inspired me to begin my volunteer service in the HIV/AIDS community.”