Mercersburg Academy is proud to announce that Stacie Rice Lissette, Esq. ’85, P ’14, ’14, ’17, ’23, Board of Regents president emerita, has been selected to receive the school’s highest distinction—the Class of ’32 Distinguished Alumni Award. Presented annually, this award honors alumni who have demonstrated exemplary character, service, and achievement. Notable past recipients include Jimmy Stewart ’28, Gerry Lenfest ’49, Dick Thornburgh ’50, Walter Burgin Jr. ’53, John Jones III ’73, and Deborah Simon ’74.

“I am truly honored to receive this incredible award from a place that means so much to me,” said Lissette. “Mercersburg Academy has made such a difference in my life, not only during my time there as a student but throughout my life. I am forever indebted for the continued connection with this special place and the many special people it has brought into my life.”

Lissette’s career and lifelong commitment to Mercersburg and other organizations distinguish her as a leader. In 2015, she was recognized with the Alumni Council Prize for Service, which honors alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the school’s mission and success—encompassing its students, faculty, facilities, and financial strength.

As co-founder and director of the Rice Family Foundation, Lissette works to enhance education, health, and family well-being in the Hanover, PA, region and beyond. She is the great-granddaughter of Bill and Salie Utz, founders of Utz Brands Inc., and has played a vital role in helping grow the company into a publicly traded enterprise. Lissette has served on the boards of the Rice Family Foundation, Utz, and various community organizations, including York Country Day School, The Montessori School of Westminster, Visiting Nurse Association of Hanover & Spring Grove, and TrueNorth Counseling Services.

Her connection to Mercersburg spans more than three decades. She recently concluded her term as Board of Regents president after having served as a board member from 1998 to 2007 and again from 2009 to 2023. During that time, she held several key leadership roles, including vice president, and chaired the compensation, executive, and admission committees.

Lissette has also volunteered as a member of the White Key parent organization and the Alumni Council, serving on two Head of School Search Committees in 1996 and 2015, the latter of which she co-chaired. She has also served as an event host, thankathon caller, and Annual Fund solicitor, and was a driving force behind Mercersburg’s two most recent fundraising campaigns, Daring to Lead and Mightily Onward.

In addition to her time and leadership, Lissette has made significant philanthropic contributions to Mercersburg. She and her husband, Dylan, are members of the McDowell Society and provided the lead gift for the Hale Field House in honor of former Head of School Douglas Hale. The Lissette Game Room in the Student Center also bears her family’s name.

“I am honored to present Stacie with the Class of ’32 Award,” said Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27. “She is one of the most dedicated volunteers I have ever witnessed or worked with. Stacie’s personal and professional accomplishments, her service to Mercersburg Academy, and her commitment to making a difference are truly inspirational. We are proud to call her one of our own.”

As a student at Mercersburg, Lissette was an active member of the Irving Society and served as head of both Blue Key and the chapel ushers.

Following her time at Mercersburg, Lissette earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from George Washington University. After clerking for a judge in the D.C. Superior Court, she briefly practiced regulatory law before returning to the family business, Utz Quality Foods.

Lissette and her husband reside in Hanover, PA, and are the proud parents of five children—Max ’14, Payton ’14, Alex ’17, Caleb, and Colin ’23.

Lissette will receive the Class of ’32 Award during Reunion Weekend in June 2025, coinciding with her class’s 40th reunion. In addition, the Alumni Council Award recipients will be announced soon.