Loyalty To Bucknell Award

The Loyalty To Bucknell Award is presented annually to a member of the alumni community whose service, dedication and commitment to alma mater are extraordinary.

2023 Recipient

Cynthia A. Mason-Posey '78

After receiving a bachelor of arts degree in 1978, Cynthia Mason-Posey became the first member of her extended family to earn a college degree. She went on to earn a master of science in project management degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2013. While at Bucknell, Cynthia held various offices in the Black Student Union and spent four years as a member of the Bucknell University Choir. She was a resident assistant for two years in Seventh Street House and loved looking out over campus from its windows.

Cynthia is a devoted member of the Cornerstone Society and has established a charitable gift for the University from her estate. She served as a class ambassador for her 40th reunion and as a committee member for her 45th. She supports social science research both on and off campus as an advisory board member of the Bucknell Institute for Public Policy.

She provided invaluable leadership as chairperson of the Bucknell Black Alumni Association from 2009-2015. Her signature project was raising awareness of Edward McKnight Brawley, Class of 1875, M1878, the first African American graduate of Bucknell. Through her leadership, the University held Bucknell 140 — a celebration of the 140th anniversary of Brawley's graduation at which 13 of his descendants visited campus to share their stories.

Cynthia's volunteerism is not limited to Bucknell. She is a charter member of the Southern Maryland Chapter, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; a member of Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc.; PTA secretary at her grandson's school; and a former member of the Prince George's County Public Schools High School Technology Advisory Council.

Dedicated to serving her country like her father and brothers, she enlisted in the United States Army in 1981. Cynthia held the rank of Sergeant First Class when she retired with 30 years of service. Earning Army Commendation Medals, Maryland and Army meritorious service medals, she was awarded the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross upon her retirement for providing exceptionally meritorious service to the Maryland Army National Guard and the State of Maryland.

Her commitment to serving veterans continues through her special interest in improving the lives of women veterans. While serving as director of outreach with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, she worked to help maximize outreach to Maryland veterans and dependents. Today, she works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the area of acquisition compliance.

Cynthia lives in Upper Marlboro, Md. with her husband of 37 years, Alonzo. She loves working in her vegetable garden and preparing sweets for her dessert buffet business. Her joy is spending time with their two daughters, two grandsons and a very energetic Havanese pup, Neon.

Loyalty To Bucknell Award

Contact Details

The Center for Alumni & Family Engagement