Lehigh Carbon Community College has named the Rothrock Family as the 2024 recipient of the Collegiate Award of Distinction, which is determined each year by the college’s Board of Trustees.

Trustee Dr. Barbara Kistler presented the award to Peter Chiaradia, one of the grandchildren of Bruce Rothrock, at the LCCC Foundation’s annual golf tournament on Sept. 16.

The LCCC Board of Trustees selects the Collegiate Award of Distinction to recognize a person, family or organization for unique contributions to the community, service and dedication in support of education, and to honor those who have demonstrated their commitment to the college and its students, according to the news release.

The award was established in 1991.

The Rothrock family has been generous to LCCC over the years.

The Bruce L. Rothrock Entrepreneurial Scholarship fund honors Bruce’s lifelong achievements, and the lobby of the Community Services Center was named for him to memorialize his generosity.

In 2017, his three sons, David B. Rothrock, Bruce L. Rothrock, Jr. and Dean A. Rothrock, served as honorary chairmen of the annual golf classic, raising funds that went to this scholarship, supporting students who have an interest and passion for entrepreneurship.

The Rothrock Library bears the family’s name in honor of a donation in memory of Debra Ann Rothrock-Chiaradia.

The library was dedicated in 2008 and continues to serve students and the community as a center of learning.

Velia Rothrock serves on the LCCC Foundation Board of Directors, and Patrina Rothrock has shepherded donations to Foundation events including the Art, Rhythm and Tasting in August 2023 in the new Glass Box Gallery in the Rothrock Library, and the Purse Bingo held for many years to benefit students in the veterinary technology program.

The family has always prioritized family, community and service, which has far-reaching consequences that have benefited LCCC students for decades.