(Posted October 2, 2017)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Donna Weimer, Thornbury Professor of Communication and Chair of Communication and Theatre Arts at Juniata College, has been named the recipient of the Robert T. Oliver Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Communication Association (PCA). The Lifetime Achievement Award honors PCA members for their extensive work in teaching, research, service, and development in all areas of human communication. Weimer received her award on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017 during the final banquet at the 78th Annual Conference of the PCA, held at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Weimer says she is “truly honored and humbled to be recognized for this prestigious award” and adds that she is “thankful for the rich and rewarding relationships and experiences that were cultivated throughout her membership with the PCA.”

Weimer has been active in the Association since her years as a graduate student at Penn State University. She has held every major office position on the PCA Executive Committee, including serving as editor for the Pennsylvania Communication Annual for more than six years.

“Donna Weimer is an outstanding colleague, an extraordinary teacher, and a dedicated member of every organization to which she contributes,” says Ron Arnett, Executive Director of PCA. “The Association is honored to recognize her as an extraordinary colleague and leader. We are deeply appreciative of her ongoing service to the Pennsylvania Communication Association and the discipline of communication.”

Weimer’s specific areas of expertise include rhetorical theory and criticism, film, media violence, cultural studies in digital media, and communication in business. Her foremost research interest revolves around 21st-century technologies and their impact on the way we think and organize ourselves.

"Donna’s dedication and devotion to students is unparalleled and her commitment to student learning and success is worthy of great recognition,” says Lauren Bowen, Juniata’s Provost. "She is a respected teacher and revered adviser who goes above and beyond to providing meaningful learning experiences for students including facilitation of the Bailey Oratorical, oversight of senior theses, ensuring participation in national conferences to present research, identifying internships and so much more.”

In addition to the Robert T. Oliver Lifetime Achievement Award, Weimer has also received the Carroll Arnold Distinguished Service Award in 2002 and the Harvey Kelly Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2007 from the PCA.

For more than 20 years, the PCA has recognized important Pennsylvanians such as Fred Rogers (“Mister Rogers”) and Governor Ed Rendell. The Association recognizes its own members for their contributions to the field, as well as to students and institutions for their efforts in speech communication. Because of its recognition and long-standing work, there is no expectation that the Robert T. Oliver Lifetime Achievement Award must be given yearly, as in the case with other PCA awards.    

– Written by Anna Kauffman ’19 – 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.