Every year at homecoming, Geneva College recognizes a number of alumni who have shown exceptional service to the College, community, and God. There are three specific types of awards that can be awarded: Young Alumni Award, Alumni Award, and Distinguished Service Award. 

Alumni Award Recipients 

The Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated faithful service to God and neighbor, servant-leadership and achievement in their career, and embodies the values of unchanging biblical truth in a complex and changing society.  

This year, the following alumni are awarded this honor: Dan K. Williams ‘92, Erica (Snyder) Chevalier ‘99, Kent Chevalier ‘99, and Paul Hoback ‘98, MBA ‘11. 

Dan K. Williams earned a bachelor of science in urban ministry from Geneva College in 1992. After graduated he continued his academic journey, ultimately receiving a doctorate of ministry from MISSIO Seminary. He credits Geneva College with laying a strong educational foundation, particularly through its many guest lecturers and speakers, who helped shape his approach to biblical interpretation and teaching. These early influences provided him with the tools to thoughtfully engage Scripture and communicate it meaningfully to his congregation. 

A resident of Chester County for more than 40 years, Dan has served as the senior pastor of New Life in Christ Fellowship Church for the past 35 years. His background includes work as a UPS driver and Teamster, experiences that have given him a grounded and empathetic perspective on the needs of working families and local communities. 

In 2018, Dan was elected state representative for Pennsylvania’s 74th Legislative District. He currently serves as chair of the House Human Services Committee, where he advocates for policies that support mental health, addiction services, and human welfare across the Commonwealth.  

Dan has been married to his wife, Baleria Alston Williams, for over 40 years. Together, they have three children and three grandchildren. Outside of his work in ministry and public service, Dan is an accomplished bassist, having performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Philadelphia Academy of Music, and the Grand Ole Opry House. He is also an avid sport fisherman. 

Erica (Snyder) and Kent Chevalier were both born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. Kent is from Beaver County, and Erica grew up east of the city. They met during their freshman year at Geneva College. After dating all four years of college and doing part-time youth ministry together, they married two weeks after graduation (1999) and jumped into full-time youth ministry for 10 years. Erica and Kent served at two great churches (Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, PA and Rockpointe Community Church near Detroit, MI) during that time.  

After having three daughters, they transitioned into two different ministries. Kent served on staff with North Way Christian Community as the Wexford campus pastor, and Erica came on staff part-time with the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation as their ministry coordinator.  

In Fall of 2007, God broke Erica's heart. She learned about the hidden injustice of human trafficking. After educating herself and personally raising awareness, she founded The Justice Team in 2012 to unite Pittsburgh churches and non-profits to work together with local government and law enforcement to fight against this modern-day slavery.  

In the fall of 2017, Kent met Vance McDonald, who began attending North Way with his family. After several conversations, they formally began A Discipleship Journey with a couple other guys. During that time, Vance introduced Kent to Coach Mike Tomlin. A month later, he invited Kent to become the chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  

In a leap of faith in July 2019, Erica and Kent joined the staff of Athletes in Action to serve together as NFL chaplains. As Team Chevalier, they walk alongside those whom God places in their path and encourage faith-driven people to live into their God-given purpose. Team Chevalier believes that much in life can hold us back from experiencing God's best, and they want to inspire people to embrace the fear of the unknown through telling their story and equipping people through their marriage, mentoring, and coaching, so they can discover and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. 

Paul L. Hoback Jr. earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Geneva in 1997 and then returned to receive his MBA in 2010. For the past 24 years Paul has worked at the Allegheny County Airport, most recently serving as the executive vice president and chief development officer. Paul has recently accepted the role of president and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and relocated to Florida. 

Paul was responsible for Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.4 billion Terminal Modernization Program, the $155 million Airside Renovations Program, as well as leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all other capital development projects at both Pittsburgh International Airport and the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, PA. 

During his time with the Allegheny County Airport Authority, Paul oversaw the Engineering and Construction, Planning, Environmental and Sustainability, and the Workplace Safety Departments within the Airport Authority. He has advanced regional initiatives including the Neighborhood 91 additive manufacturing campus and the expansion of airport cargo facilities. Under his leadership, the airport became the first in the world to build a microgrid — fueled by natural gas and solar energy — that supplies 100% of the airport’s power. Pittsburgh International Airport is now completely off the electric grid. In fact, the electric grid is its backup power. 

Under Paul’s leadership, the Airport Authority’s Snow Removal Team won the prestigious Balchen-Post Award for excellence by North American Airports in the performance of snow and ice control, as well as numerous other awards. 

Paul also serves on aviation and construction industry committees and is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives. In 2022, he was a recipient of the Pittsburgh Business Times C-Suite Award. He has previously been honored as the Young Engineer of the Year for the state of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. 

Prior to his relocation in October 2025, Paul was also heavily involved in the local community, serving on numerous boards. He is currently on the executive committee of the board of directors for the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. Paul is also the current president of the Beaver Area Memorial Library, vice-chairman of the Vanport Township Municipal Authority, vice-chairman of the Vanport Township Planning Commission, and is serving on numerous boards for his alma mater, Geneva College. Paul is also a past-president of the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation. He has served on the board of directors for the Beaver County chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Paul was also elected to three terms from 2003 to 2015 as a member of the board of directors for the Beaver Area School District, serving seven of those 11 years as the board president. 

Paul, his wife Amy, and son Cannon resided in Vanport Township. Their time is now split between Vanport, PA; Sarasota, FL; and Phoenix, AZ where Cannon attends college.