“Pugs was so important to so many of us who went to Dickinson during the late ’70s and early ’80s. He was such a wonderful human being who believed in giving back, so supporting Dickinson just seemed like best way to honor his memory and our friendship.”
Formed lasting friendship at Dickinson, with Gary “Pugs” Knechtel ’80 as the cornerstone. Have met annually for a reunion golf tournament in Carlisle for more than 25 years. Honored Knechtel’s memory by establishing a foundation bearing his nickname, which has raised more than $400K for Dickinson in support of scholarships and a naming gift for the Gary “Pugs” Knechtel football locker room in the new Durden Athletic Training Center. In total, the foundation has contributed more than $1.1 million in support of college initiatives including the renovation of the John M. Paz '78 Alumni & Family Center, athletics facilities and programming and the Gary Knechtel Memorial Scholarship.
Pugs Foundation: Jeff S. Cohen ’79 and Mary Cohen; Dennis J. ’80 and Marianne K. Crawford; Michael Dinger ’81 and Jody Christen ’82; Peter S. ’80 and Deirdre M. Dooner; George V. Hager Jr. ’78; Mike Highberger ’80; William Gray ’80; Timothy J. Long ’82; Pat Milberger ’79; Douglas J. ’80 and Terri A. Pauls; Stephen J. Persichetti ’80; Chris ’80 and Kathy Piet P’16; William J. ’79 and Connie J. Schmidt; Brian K. ’81 and Stacey L. Starkman; James D. Tackett ’79; and numerous Dickinson golfers.
Published October 22, 2014