HARRISBURG, PA – John W. Friend, Vice President for Admissions & Secondary Schools at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), has received the LCProud Award from Leadership Cumberland (LC). The award was presented on April 11 at the Leaders & Legends Alumni Awards Ceremony, which recognizes the contributions of LC alumni to nonprofit leadership and community service.
Leadership Cumberland is a nonprofit organization that cultivates community-based leadership throughout Pennsylvania’s Cumberland County. Established in 1989 as Leadership Carlisle and rebranded in 2004 to reflect a broader county-wide focus, the organization aims to develop, promote, and inspire leadership skills that enhance both workplace effectiveness and community engagement.
LC’s Fellows Program and Junior Leadership Cumberland (JLC) have graduated more than 650 Fellows and over 180 Junior Leadership participants, respectively. Approximately 70% of these Fellows continue their involvement with nonprofit organizations after the program, either as board members or volunteers. As of 2022, Leadership Cumberland operates in partnership with the Carlisle Area and West Shore Chambers of Commerce, further strengthening its commitment to developing effective leaders within the community.
Nominations for the LCProud Award are chosen by the LC Board of Directors. According to Leadership Cumberland:
“Named affectionately after our favorite hashtag, this award is presented to a program graduate, board, or committee member whose contributions have significantly impacted Leadership Cumberland’s mission and programming. John is being recognized for his work over the years with our Junior Leadership Program (JLC). He has supported the program over the last seven years, which includes his time spent helping choose each class of students and planning the class sessions, attending each of the class sessions throughout the year, and facilitating the relationship with Harrisburg University of Science & Technology. In addition, he has helped reach out to the different school districts within Cumberland County to participate in the program, and moderated the Elected Officials panel with the students each year. Thank you, John, for all the support you have given our JLC Program!”
“It is truly an honor to accept the LCProud Award,” said John Friend at Leaders & Legends. “My connection with Leadership Cumberland dates back to my time at the Carlisle Area School District, where, as Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent, I had the privilege of reviewing individuals to consider for the LC Fellows Program. The support for this program continues today, thanks to the district’s ongoing commitment.
“When I first joined the Board, my primary focus was the Junior Leadership Program (JLC). Through my work on the JLC Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to help shape the programming, application, and selection process alongside my dedicated colleagues. Over the past seven years, attending the monthly JLC class meetings has been a rewarding experience. Watching high school juniors develop and discover their own leadership values has been inspiring; they approach leadership with an open mind, curiosity, and a genuine eagerness to learn.
“I’m continually inspired by the students I meet through JLC. Each class brings new insights and fresh ideas that help me engage more effectively with young people. Having spent my entire career in education, I can assure you that there are exceptional young leaders right here in Cumberland County. These young people will not only contribute to our community, but also shape the future and perhaps even change the world. It’s a true privilege to be recognized among so many distinguished leaders, both past and present, from the LC community. Thank you again for this honor, and congratulations to today’s nominees and winners.”
Please join us in congratulating John Friend for this outstanding achievement. Thank you for your service to Harrisburg University, Pennsylvania, and tomorrow’s leaders, John!
Be sure to visit LeadershipCumberland.org to learn more about the organization, its goals in Central Pennsylvania, and how to apply for the 2026 Fellows Class.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
