As part of Seton Hill University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities, the World Affairs Forum and Office of Alumni Relations will recognize alumna Sally Anne Novak (SHU ’81) with the second annual Community Activist Award on Friday, September 25, at 3 p.m. during a reception in the Greensburg Room on Seton Hill University’s main hilltop campus. This event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend, however, reservations are required. For more information or to register to attend the reception, call 724-830-1137.

For nearly three decades, Novak has worked to improve the lives of others through her service to the community. An active volunteer in the non-profit sector and in Saint Bruno Parish, Novak notes that “since my time at Seton Hill, I continue to feel drawn to service in the Church and in my community.”

From preparing meals which are given to families in need to playing the piano for residents of a rehabilitation and nursing center, Novak is continually assisting others.

At Saint Bruno Parish, Novak is a member of parish council, serves as a Eucharistic Minister, instructs the Baptism Preparatory Class, and ministers the Liturgy of the Word to children.

Novak established a patient advocacy program at Magee Women's Hospital. Through the program, a volunteer will wait with a woman who is undergoing invasive testing for breast cancer.

The Saint Emma Monastery and Retreat House are also very important to Novak. She regularly volunteers with the Benedictine sisters at Saint Emma’s. Novak created an annual fundraising dinner which supplements the sisters’ ongoing expenses in maintaining the facility.

Novak has served on the board of directors for Mom’s House, of Greensburg, Pa., and the Community Nursing Service, of Greensburg, Pa.

“Volunteering is what sustains our communities, however, volunteering is nobly elevated to service when seeds are planted that take root and are sustainable,” said Novak.

Novak and her husband Al (Saint Vincent College, ’81) reside in Greensburg, Pa., and they have two sons, Benjamin and Adam.

The Community Activist Award is awarded annually during Seton Hill’s Homecoming and Family Weekend to a graduate of the University for his/her contributions made to growing and transforming the attitudes and behaviors that influence society.

The mission of the World Affairs Forum at Seton Hill University is to help develop a community of informed citizens by bringing together people of diverse and independent voice, politic, belief, idea, ability, vocation, learning, philosophy, and action. The goal is to initiate, foster, and sustain a greater understanding of social, geopolitical, and cultural issues affecting our human condition, while encouraging individual and group action at all levels.