Camp Dreamcatcher founder and director Patty Hillkirk has been selected by the Alumni Society of the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University to receive the 2013 Alumni Recognition Award. She will receive the award on Oct. 25.

The night before the award ceremony, on Oct. 24, Hillkirk will speak at Penn State as part of the Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series, giving the presentation titled "Catching a Dream: My Journey Helping HIV/AIDS Impacted Youth."

The series was established by the board of directors of the College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society to feature prominent graduates of the college who are leaders in their fields. The board's mission is to facilitate and promote the participation of alumni in activities that support the college.

"I am deeply honored to be chosen to receive the Alumni Recognition Award, and to be invited to speak about the impact that Camp Dreamcatcher has made in the lives of thousands of children affected by HIV/AIDS," Hillkirk said. "My family has a long history at Penn State and my dad received his Doctorate of Education degree when I was 3 years old. At last count, 15 of my family members attended Penn State, and I have fond memories of the years I lived on campus taking undergraduate and graduate classes at PSU. My experience at Penn State has influenced my life in many positive ways and inspired me to begin my volunteer service in the HIV/AIDS community."