Elizabethtown College celebrated the 2023-24 Educate for Service – Service Through Professional Achievement Award recipient, Joseph A. DePippo ’76 at the annual High Center Business Forum on March 27.
DePippo was presented with the award, which is among the most distinguished presented to alumni of the College who demonstrate a commitment to the institution’s motto, Educate for Service, in front of a sellout crowd of more than 1,400 attendees at the High Center Business Forum. A Business Administration alumnus, DePippo was honored in a celebratory video at the event.
“Joe has served as a model alumnus and mentor for countless Elizabethtown College students, frequently returning to campus to share his experiences and inspire our Blue Jays to pursue their passion to make a positive impact on the world while achieving a successful career,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said.
Joseph A. DePippo ’76 speaking at theHigh Center Business Forum on March 27
Presented annually since 1966, the Educate for Service awards recognize alumni who exemplify the foundation of the Elizabethtown College spirit and legacy of education. The awards are categorized in three unique areas which include, Service Through Professional Achievement; Service to Humanity; and Service to the College. Learn more about Elizabethtown College’s Educate For Service Awards.
DePippo is a 45-year veteran executive and thought leader at the forefront of the natural, organic, sustainable food industry. He is the co-founder of Tournant, Inc., a consulting organization focused on championing good, clean, sustainable food and helping companies better navigate the shifting consumer and market landscapes.
“Educate for Service certainly had an impact on me at Elizabethtown College,” DePippo said. “When I look at the life I had, I believe servant leadership, giving back, helping others to rise up and achieve their dreams and success is critically important.”
Committed to serving on philanthropic boards that have a positive impact on helping children, young adults, and people needing mentors and support, DePippo currently serves on four nonprofit boards, including the National Board of Directors for Blessings in a Backpack, an organization committed to helping children facing food insecurity on school weekends. He also serves on the Brevard College Board of Trustees, is a member of the Transylvania County Vocational Services (TVS), and is an avid supporter of the Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club in Transylvania County, North Carolina.
Joseph, and his wife, Nancy (Zinn) DePippo ’79, who met while at Etown, are committed supporters of the College. Their scholarship, the Joseph A. ’76 and Nancy Z. ’79 DePippo Scholarship Fund is utilized to provide directed resources to support a student(s) of color at Elizabethtown College who are citizens of the United States with demonstrated financial need.
“I tell the students when I come back here, it’s not the big audacious things you can do to be successful,” DePippo explained. “It’s living your life one day at a time and having a positive impact in a small way that makes a difference. And if we can all think about that, and do that every day, the world would be a much better place.”
The recipient of the 2023-24 Educate for Service, Service to Humanity Award will be recognized at the upcoming Ware Lecture on Thursday, April 11.