WEST CHESTER (February 2) – State Senator Andy Dinniman on Thursday was recognized for his leadership in Harrisburg and Chester County by officials at the University of Valley Forge with the Community Leadership Award.
Officials at the university (formerly Valley Forge Christian College) honored Dinniman and state Rep. Warren Kampf for their work in passing Act 67 of 2014, legislation that streamlined the pathway for colleges to be officially designated as “universities” by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
From left to right: Jennifer Gale, UVF Vice President of Student Life; Dr. Daniel Mortensen, UVF Executive Vice President and Vice President of Development; Dr. Don Meyer, UVF President; Senator Dinniman; Jonathan Capeci, UVF Vice President of Finance; and Dr. Kevin Beery, UVF Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Prior to its passage, the process for a college to obtain university status was long and financially burdensome. The new law, originally Senate Bill 1205, simplifies that process while maintaining a series of rigorous standards and benchmarks necessary to achieve university status.
Dinniman co-sponsored the legislation and spearheaded the effort to move it through the legislature.
“I am honored by this recognition, and I want to congratulate all the staff and students here at the University of Valley Forge on the beginning of their first full semester as a university,” he said.
Dinniman, who has partnered with the university on a number of initiatives including its annual community service day in the spring, also commended the school and its students for continuing to embody the spirit of volunteerism and faith through civic service.
![dinnimanuae](http://www.senatordinniman.com/wp-content/gallery/capitol-photo-gallery/dinnimanuae.jpg "With Charlie McDermott of ABC\'s \\"The Middle\\" at the Uptown Entertainment Alliance announcement at the West Chester Armory.")
