The Clarion University Alumni Society has named Mrs. Betsy Kellner as the Venango
College 2015 Distinguished Alumna. Kellner will be honored on Tuesday, April 28 with
a day of activities at the Venango campus including a community reception at 5 p.m.
that day. She will receive her official award from the Alumni Association on June
5th at a dinner on the Clarion campus during the Alumni Weekend celebration. Kellner
is currently the executive director of the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry.
"Betsy has demonstrated, through her extraordinary personal example, what it means to give back to one's community," said Colleen McAleer, interim executive dean of Venango College. "The campus community is delighted to have an opportunity to recognize Betsy's caring spirit and dedication to her family, to the community, and helping others. She walks the talk and has proven herself an excellent representative of what is it to join the ranks of the distinguished alumni of Venango College."
"I am humbled by this recognition. If I have words of advice for future graduates, it is merely to set your goals and strive to achieve them but at the same time live in the moment and enjoy the season you are in now," said Kellner.
Kellner was raised in Reno, Pa and attended school in Reno and Rocky Grove. She graduated from Venango Campus of Clarion University in 1980 with an associate degree in business. She began her work career in banking upon graduation and remained in that field until 1996. In November of 1996 she was hired at the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry as the office manager and continued in that position until 2004 at which time she was named the executive director.
Kellner is a lifelong member of the Reno United Methodist Church, is active on many committees and currently serves as a Lay Leader. She serves as the chair of Take Pride In Oil City, vice-president of ZONTA, serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Oil Region Alliance, chair the Tourism Promotion Council and serves on the Heritage Advisory Council and the Economic Development Council.
Kellner remains active in efforts at Clarion University's Venango campus in Oil City and serves on a committee that oversees the Barbara Morgan Harvey Center for the Study of Oil Heritage housed at the campus and is an active participant in strategic planning for the campus. Additionally she is active with the Oil City Main Street program, Belles Lettres, Oil City Heritage Society, Oil Heritage Festival committee and Town Square Project committee.
Kellner resides in Seneca with her husband Dave, their children David and Jillian, and her mother Audine Nellis.