Alumnus of the Year
PILLOW ACADEMY ALUMNI: Alumnus of the Year Award
The Alumni of the Year Award recognizes graduates who have achieved professional excellence and leadership. This individual is someone who has notable distinction in and significant contributions to their community. They have achieved outstanding personal, business or professional achievement. They are committed to Pillow Academy’s mission of growing in knowledge, wisdom, and service. Candidates must have graduated before 1985.
2023 Alumnus of the Year
Mark has achieved distinction in both his military and civilian careers. He is a proven leader with solid leadership, managerial, analytical, communication and presentation skills. Mark “Goose” Givens attended Pillow for three years. During those three years, Mark made outstanding contributions in athletics, academics, and leadership. He received many basketball honors and awards, including being selected for the 1983 MPSA All-Star Basketball game. He was a starting player for the 1983 Mustang State AAA Championship team. Mark was inducted into the Pillow Academy Hall of Fame in 2013. After leaving Pillow, Mark earned Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science & Technology, a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of South Florida and a Master of Business Administration from University of Tampa. He has been recognized in his business career at Johnson & Johnson with the J&J Standards of Leadership Award, President’s Pinnacle Club Sales Award Winner, Sales Representative of the Year, J&J Health Care Systems Inc. Chairman’s Award and J&J Achievement Award. Mark began his military career in 1994. He currently holds the rank of Colonel. He is a United States Air Force Reserve Medical Service Corps (MSC) Officer with 30 plus years military experience. Mark has held multiple positions in Aeromedical Evacuation, Aerospace Medicine, Air Mobility Operations, Air-Staff and the Surgeon General Directorate. Mark has been deployed in the following operations and exercises: OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE (9/11) - McGuire Air Force Base, NJ; OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM - Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan; OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM - Ramstein Air Base, Germany; EXERCISE ULCHI FREEDOM GUARDIAN & KEY RESOLVE - Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
Mark is supported by his loving wife of 31 years, Jennifer and they have three children. Together they have daughter Sydney (26 yrs), daughter Natalie (24 yrs) and son Sean Paul (19 yrs) who his playing college basketball for the Susquehanna University River Hawks in Selinsgrove, PA. Mark and his family reside Bridgewater, NJ.
Alumnus of the Year Recipients:
2021 – Dr. Todd Fincher - Class of 1975
2019 – Dr. Perry Whites – Class of 1979
2018 – Mr. Russell Robertson- Class of 1983
2017 – Mr. Bobby (Bejae) Windham and Mr. Tate Wood -Class of 1983
2016 – Honoring all recipients at PA’s 50 Year Celebration
2015 – Ms. Kathy Clark – Class of 1972
2014 – Mr. Richard Kimmel – Class of 1979
2013 – Dr. Rob White – Class of 1974
2012 – Dr. Eleanor Gill – Class of 1978
2011 – Dr. John F. Lucas III – Class of 1973
2010 – Mrs. Elizabeth “Olie” Ola Martin – Class of 1974
2009 – The late Dr. Maxine Harper – Class of 1974
2008 – Mr. David Abney – Class of 1973
Contact Pillow Academy
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For Nomination Form, please see menu at the top right of this page.