University of Charleston Names Alumnus of the Year and Rising Alumnus
Andrew Paterno Named Alumnus of the Year; Chelsea Kinzinger Named Rising Alumnus
Charleston, WV – October 20, 2021 – During its Homecoming Weekend October 15-17, 2021, the University of Charleston awarded honors to two of its accomplished alumni.
Andrew Paterno, CEO of Centurion Insurance Services, and member of the class of 1975 was named Alumnus of the Year. Chelsea Kinzinger, Vice President of Operations for General Corporation and its affiliated companies, and member of classes 2008 and 2011, was named Rising Alumnus.
Both awards are given to alumni of Morris Harvey or the University of Charleston who demonstrate the ideals of the university’s mission by living a life of productive work, enlightened living, and community involvement.
The Alumnus of the Year Award is given to honor an alumnus who distinguished themselves in their profession or community by displaying a profound positive impact. They must have made significant contributions to UC or their community on a local, state, national, or international level through professional service, public service, or civic activities.
Paterno’s career history includes being President of the West Virginia Region of Huntington National Bank for over five years, and leadership for Wells Fargo Insurance Services for more than thirty (30) years. Holding senior executive positions in their insurance brokerage and claims administration operations he also served as Vice Chairman of their Board.
He was the 1999 recipient of the Italian American Man of the year, was named the 2000 Son of the Year by the West Virginia Society of Washington, DC and in 2008 was a meritorious inductee into the University of Charleston Hall of Fame.
Paterno earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Economics from Concord College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Charleston.
The Rising Alumnus Award, presented for the first time in 2021, is given to honor an alumnus who surpasses the expected standard in their field and is identifiable as an emerging leader through their professional achievements and community involvement. In addition, this individual is proving to be an innovator with rational, modern, and well-informed ideas that will positively impact the future of their professional field and community.
“We’re excited to add the Rising Alumnus Award to our yearly recognitions,” said Christina Carr, Director of Alumni Relations at the University of Charleston. “We wanted an additional way to recognize the outstanding accomplishments that our graduates are achieving early in their careers.”
Kinzinger is a graduate of the University of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Sports Administration and a master’s degree in Business Administration and Leadership. Originally from New Athens, Illinois, she was a four-year letter winner in women’s volleyball. While at UC, the women’s volleyball team brought home two conference titles and appeared in two NCAA National Championship Tournaments.
She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Kanawha Valley and a 2017 graduate of Leadership West Virginia. She is a proud member of the UC Alumni Association and stays active in the community by serving on the Children’s Therapy Clinic Board of Directors, UC Athletic Network Advisory Board, Charleston Parkinson’s Support Committee, and volunteering with the Charleston Sled Hockey program. Most recently, Chelsea helped organize the 9th Annual Fox Trot where over $70,000 was raised to fund high-impact research for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
She resides in Charleston and in her free time enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Fighting Illini.