Wall of Distinction Inductees

Caren L. Diefenderfer, PhD ’69 – Mathematics / Education – Induction 2023

Professor of Mathematics and Department Chair at Hollins University in Virginia
Taught courses in Advanced Mathematics, Calculus, Logic, Cryptology, Algebra, History of Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy - programs that were later used as models at many universities throughout the United States
Chair of the Departments of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, and of Natural and Mathematics Sciences
Expert on the teaching of Calculus / Implemented standards/policies for Advanced Placement Calculus courses and exams
Chief Reader for the National Advanced Placement Calculus program
Author of numerous articles and recipient of countless prestigious awards/honors
Dartmouth College summa cum laude - one of the first female undergraduates

Irene Hutzayluk Kraft ‘69 – Journalism - Induction 2023

34-year career with Allentown Morning Call / Former Lifestyles Editor
Created/developed the “Be An Angel” annual giving campaign in 1999 which has since generated millions of dollars in donations to Lehigh Valley charities and non-profit groups
Recipient of the National Golden Carnation Award for Nutrition Writing
Recipient of The Morning Call’s employee recognition program, “Call to Excellence”
Recognized for creativity, integrity, initiative, innovation, and leadership.

Colonel Giordano “Jody” B. McMullen, USAF/USAFR ‘74 – Military – Induction 2023

Combat Commander, Instructor, Evaluator with 30 years of dedicated service to the United States Air Force
Deployments to Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, Operation Iraq Freedom in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
Piloted Presidential support missions and tactical airlift missions in support of the Joint Forces conducting Special Operations
Former Command Pilot with over 5,200 military and 12,500 civilian flying hours
Retired American Airlines Captain with 33 years of international flight experience
Actively serves as Congressional Liaison Officer to the United States Air Force Academy – responsible for mentoring/evaluating qualified students who desire to attend one of the four military academies.
Recipient of numerous major awards and decorations
Quotes from superior officers’ performance report assessments:
- “Indefatigable commander with uncommon/unrivaled leadership”
  
  “Unparalleled professionalism … standout performer who far surpasses his peers”
  
  “Absolutely superior commander … highly-motivated superstar who displays unmatched passion, pride, and loyalty”

Simeon L. Moats ‘68 - Government / Political Science – Induction 2023

Diplomat with the United States Department of State - served on four continents in the United State Foreign Service
Established first United States Embassy in Zimbabwe
Assigned as ExxonMobil’s International/Government Affairs Advisor for Africa
Political Officer/Counselor in Germany, the Philippines, Liberia, and South Africa
Regularly met with Winnie Mandela while she was under house arrest to discuss the struggles to end Apartheid in South Africa
Returned to South Africa to represent the United States at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.
Excelled at foreign relations, negotiating skills, and forwarding appropriate communications to Washington, DC

Robert P. Richter ‘88 - Interior Design / Television / Literature – Induction 2023

Internationally recognized designer, lifestyle expert, author, and antiques dealer
Host of the PBS TV series, “Market Warriors”
Seen regularly on CBS News, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, the Hallmark Channel, HGTV, Fox News, and Entertainment Weekly
Author of Vintage Living, A Very Vintage Christmas, and A Very Vintage Holiday
Writes for the Huffington Post and is frequently featured in the New York Times and in Parade Magazine