It was bound to happen. Penn Mutual describes itself as “one unique culture.” The Neumann University Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development “offers a unique perspective on sports.” The Institute will award its highest honor to Penn Mutual on Monday, April 9, at 7 p.m. The evening — celebrating sport (especially rugby), values, and community outreach – is free, open to the public and held on campus in the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development.

Since 2011, the Institute Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work and example embody the good that exists in sports and the core values of Neumann University: reverence, integrity, service, excellence and stewardship.

“The people of Penn Mutual and the values-based culture of the organization serve as a premier model of corporate responsibility and shared leadership,” said Lee DelleMonache, director of the Institute.

In 2014, Penn Mutual became the title sponsor of the Annual Collegiate Rugby Championships. Their involvement expanded to include the National Small College Rugby Organization, the Rugby Business Network, and the creation of the Premiership Rugby American Series – which aims to empower, grow and increase awareness of the rugby community. The Series emphasizes community building initiatives through free rugby clinics for youth and coaches.

Rugby Rising, a Penn Mutual award-winning documentary, was created to provide an in-depth, behind the scenes look at Olympic Rugby. The film includes the journey of the USA men’s and women’s teams to the 2016 Olympic Games.

In addition, Penn Mutual annually gives the Life of Significance Award to a student athlete who best exemplifies Penn Mutual’s corporate values of integrity, commitment, and respect — and has made a substantial contribution to their community.

“The community outreach extended by Penn Mutual is authentic and inspirational and stretches far beyond their commitment to rugby,” said DelleMonache. “Accepting this award on behalf of Penn Mutual is a true privilege,” said Eileen McDonnell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Penn Mutual. “The many stories we hear through our Life of Significance Award and broader sponsorship of collegiate rugby demonstrate that integrity, commitment, respect, and a shared sense of community serve as vehicles for fostering spiritual and character development. We honor the ISSCD’s purpose to emphasize the spiritual and ethical dimension in sports.”

The feeling’s mutual.

“We are honored to recognize Penn Mutual with our Institute Award and proud to provide Eileen McDonnell the opportunity to share Penn Mutual’s story with the Neumann University community,” said DelleMonache.

Past recipients of the Institute Award include:

• Ron Meyer – 2016-2017
• Haley Scott DeMaria – 2015-2016
• Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation – 2014-2015
• Ann Donovan – 2013-2014
• Coaches vs Cancer of Philadelphia – 2012-2013
• Keith Primeau – 2011-2012

Since 2014, the Award has been given in honor of the late Joseph P. McFadden, Bishop of Harrisburg. The donor wished to preserve Bishop McFadden’s steadfast belief that sport possesses educative, formative, and transformative potential.