Published: 09/21/2021
Landis E. Erwin
The Gannon University Alumni Association is proud to recognize the five Distinguished Alumni honorees for 2021. For thirty years, the Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented to Gannon and Villa Maria college alumni in recognition of meaningful contributions in their professions, community and the university. It is the highest honor an alumnus can receive.
Read on to get to know 2021 Distinguished Alum, Landis E. Erwin ’12.
Young Alumni
Landis E. Erwin ’12
Director of Development, Crossroads Foundation
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism Communications
Landis Erwin ’12, director of development at Crossroads Foundation, earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism communications with a minor in leadership in 2012. Erwin made the most of her college experience through several roles on campus, including as the Student Government Association president, student orientation coordinator, tour guide, as well as a Phonathon student caller. Erwin was also a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, the Gannon Dance Team, and a writer with The Gannon Knight. Additionally, she participated in Alternative Break Service Trips and completed The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Erwin said her time at Gannon truly shaped her faith and future.
Erwin began her career in fundraising in 2014 as a campaign associate for United Way. She then moved on to become the fund development specialist for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown in 2015. In 2017, she worked as a major gifts officer at Westminster College. Erwin currently works as the director of development for Crossroads Foundation, a nonprofit that recognizes that all students deserve a quality education and pathway to a successful future. Erwin said that each position she has held since college has been an important step in her career and has allowed her to experience each section of fundraising.
Erwin’s work since graduation has earned her several awards and recognitions, including the VisitErie Outstanding Customer Service Award, the Partnership in Education Award, and the Mercer County 40 Under 40 Award. Erwin is also a member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Pittsburgh Young Professionals.
In her spare time, Erwin is often found hiking, biking or swimming. Reading, writing, painting and traveling also rank high among her hobbies. Erwin enjoys volunteering for several nonprofit organizations. She quite literally gave a part of herself to a friend’s daughter when she became a living liver donor in March 2020. Erwin credits her time at Gannon in helping her to be successful in her leadership roles and for her passion for service to others.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented on Sept. 25 during Gannon University's Homecoming and Family Weekend in the Yehl Alumni Ballroom of the Waldron Campus Center. To register for the event, visit www.gannon.edu/Homecoming.