2012 Elsie Burk Service Award Recipient Carol Himmelreich Brann '60

The Elsie Burk Service Award, established in 1983, recognizes outstanding leadership, loyalty and service to Mansfield University.  Brann earned a B.S. in Home Economics Education in 1960 and was involved with and held leadership positions in the Women's Athletic Association, the Student Christian Association, and Omicron Gamma Pi and served as the Senior Class Secretary.  Brann was a member of the Homecoming Court and May Court and was the recipient of the Student Council Meritorious Award, the Women's Athletic Gold Key Award, and was named Woman Athlete of the Year 1959-60. 

Brann spent most of her professional career as a Family and Consumer Sciences educator in the Mifflinburg Area School District (PA) where she also served as the chapter advisor for the Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).  After retiring in 1999, Brann became the PA State Coordinator for the FCCLA "STOP the Violence" program and held that position for five years.

Brann gives back to her community in many ways, including service as a board member for Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition, and involvement with the Evangelical Community Hospital Women’s Advisory Group and the Christ Lutheran Church Prayer Shawl Ministry.

 In 2003, Brann was named to the MU Alumni Association Board of Directors and served two 3-year terms.  While on the board, she was a member of the Membership and Awards Committees, and coordinated the revision of the Society of Honors Awards Program.  She served on the search committee for the VP for Development in 2004 and chaired the reunion committee for the Class of 1960’s Golden Anniversary Celebration. The class raised more than $23,000 to establish an endowed scholarship fund to support Mansfield students. Brann assists with recruitment efforts by participating in MU Regional Admissions Receptions in Williamsport and Lewisburg and in the Alumni Postcard Campaign.  She frequently attends and volunteers at campus events and has also organized and sponsored alumni gatherings.  Brann and her husband, Paul ’60, live in Lewisburg, PA, and have two children and five grandchildren. They support numerous university efforts, including the renovation of North Hall.