Waynesburg University presented the Golden Key and Distinguished Alumni awards and recognized donors at the President’s Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner Saturday, April 7. Dr. Chester and Mrs. Yvonne Vance Chichin received the Golden Key Award, while Mr. Peter and Mrs. Deanie Rameas were presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
“We take our selection process very seriously and while we have many people that contribute to Waynesburg University, we always search for those who go above and beyond in their contributions to our University,” said Stacey Brodak, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations. “This year’s recipients are no exception, and we are very proud to award them this deserving recognition.”
The Golden Key Award is presented by Waynesburg University to alumni or friends of the University dedicated to a lifetime of significant leadership and involvement with the University.
This year’s recipients, Dr. Chester and Mrs. Yvonne Vance Chichin, were recognized for their service to others and support of the University. Having spent their entire careers in the field of education, the Chichins have established the Dr. Chester and Yvonne Vance Chichin Endowed Scholarship to spread their passion for education and to help provide opportunities for future educators.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni for their unwavering devotion to the University’s mission.
The University also recognized Mr. Peter and Mrs. Deanie Rameas this year for all the ways in which they have impacted Waynesburg University students through generous contributions and belief in the University’s mission.
Dr. Chester and Mrs. Yvonne Chichin
Chester served as a school psychologist for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and completed graduate work at Duquesne University, University of Sarasota and University of Pittsburgh.
Yvonne spent 35 years as an elementary teacher in the New Castle Area School District. Additionally, she trained and served as a content reviewer for the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Professional Educator Program Review and was certified as a Praxis III assessor for the Ohio Department of Education. She also is a part-time faculty member at Youngstown State University, supervising student teachers. Yvonne earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Waynesburg and a master’s degree in education from Westminster College.
Together, they established the Dr. Chester and Yvonne Vance Chichin Endowed Scholarship at Waynesburg University. They are involved in church activities and attend various cultural and charitable events. They share a love of travel and spending time with family and friends, and often vacation at their favorite spot, Siesta Key Beach in Florida.
Mr. Peter and Mrs. Deanie Rameas
Peter’s teaching career included serving as a teacher at the Waynesburg Youth Development Center and Intermediate Unit 1, principal of Monessen Junior/Senior High School and an administrator with the Central Greene School District. Peter has served as president of the Central Greene School Board, Waynesburg Lions Club and Waynesburg University Alumni Association. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Waynesburg University and a master’s degree in special education, in addition to his Principal’s Certification from California University of Pennsylvania.
Deanie spent her career as a reading specialist for the Central Greene School District. She has held the position of president of the East Franklin Parent Teacher Association and various board and committee roles with the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg. Deanie earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Waynesburg University. She received her Reading Specialist Certification from California University of Pennsylvania and completed training in Reading Recovery from Duquesne University.
Together, they serve as members of the Waynesburg University Alumni Council. They have four children, Dr. Amy Diamond, Patrick Rameas, Amanda Gansor and Andrew Rameas (deceased).
Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three additional sites located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is one of only 22 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.
