Kathryn 'Kathy' Oszmianski Pou ’79 ECO has been named alumna of the year for the Walker College of Business by Appalachian State University’s Alumni Association.
Pou was honored Saturday, July 12, during the 2025 Alumni Awards Gala along with 12 others who “are exceptional” or have made enduring impacts on the university and society through their professional, philanthropic or volunteer accomplishments.
Kathy Pou, Walker College Alumna of the Year
Pou was selected because of her steadfast support of the Walker College of Business and her role as a passionate advocate for community well-being. Pou is a member of the Walker College Dean’s Club and helped the college establish the Kathryn Osziamski Pou Endowed Scholarship – the first of its kind in the Walker College, supporting four business students annually with renewable awards of up to $7,500 each. Additionally, she supports the Walker College Building Leaders initiative and the Bowden Investment Group. The latter is named in honor of the late Dr. Elbert Bowden, whom Pou had as a professor at App State.
“Kathy exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our future business leaders,” said Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy. “Her achievements strengthen the reputation of our university, and her engagement reflects the Walker College of Business’s commitment to access to education.”
Pou’s commitment to education and service is demonstrated not only in the impact she has made at App State but also in her extensive volunteer work with other organizations.
Originally from Plant City, Florida, Pou was named the 2023 Philanthropist of the Year at Lakeland Regional Health. She and her husband, Bill, have called Lakeland, Florida, home for more than 20 years, and they have been deeply involved in the city's philanthropic and civic life. There, Pou actively participates in Therapy Dogs International, comforting patients and staff at Lakeland Regional Health. Pou also contributes to the Mission Advancement Council for Southeastern Guide Dogs and has served as a Trustee at Lees-McRae College.
Alumni of the Year by College
- Kathryn “Kathy” Oszmianski Pou ’79, Walker College of Business
- Elizabeth Gomersall Bumgarner ’81, Reich College of Education
- April Lewis Moore ’01, Beaver College of Health Sciences
- Haley Hopper Gentry ’91, College of Arts and Sciences
- G. Perry “Skip” Greene Jr. ’69, College of Fine and Applied Arts
- Ann Eddy Ward ’76, Hayes School of Music
- Robert R. “Skip” Harkrader III ’78 ’83, Williams School of Graduate Studies
- Annette Lytle Ranft ’86, Honors College
- Nanci Tolbert Nance ’73, University Libraries
The college alumni awards began in 2022, but the university’s alumni association has recognized distinguished alumni since 1971.
University Awardees
Bryson Stewart ’09 earned the university’s Young Alumni Award. Phillip Ostwalt ’83 earned the university’s Outstanding Service Award. Retired U.S. Army Col. Edna W. Cummings ’78 and App State Trustee Kimberly Miller Shepherd ’97 each earned an App State Distinguished Alumni Award.
“These alumni have demonstrated remarkable contributions to society and are exemplary individuals who serve as shining examples to our past, present and future students — who continue to build on their legacy,” said App State Chancellor Dr. Heather Norris.
See past university alumni award recipients on the Alumni Association website:
View selected photos from the 2025 Alumni Awards Gala.
Read the full story online, today.appstate.edu/2025/07/15/alumni-awards.
About the Office of Alumni Engagement
Appalachian State University’s Office of Alumni Engagement creates and fosters communities of App State alumni. Its programs provide all App State alumni populations with meaningful engagement opportunities to network — connecting Mountaineers with each other and their alma mater. The university’s Alumni Association consists of more than 150,000 living alumni. Membership is free and automatic for all App State graduates. Learn more at www.alumni.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
Kathy Pou, center, earned her BSBA degree in economics from App State's Walker College of Business in 1979. In 2025, she was named alumna of the year for the Walker College of Business. She stands with her husband, Bill, and Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy.
Photo by Kyla Willoughby