BRYN MAWR, Pa., June 27 -- American College issued the following news release:

Eileen C. McDonnell, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, was presented with The American College Foundation's highest honor - the President's Award. The award ceremony that took place on The College's campus in Bryn Mawr, Pa. today honored McDonnell for her long-term generosity and service to The College and its advancement efforts.

As the State Farm Chair in Women and Financial Services at The American College from 2007 - 2008, McDonnell was instrumental in creating educational content that helped professionals better serve the financial needs of women. She was also a member of the institution's Master of Science in Management (MSM) faculty. This advanced degree provides mid- to senior-level executives with the leadership skills and education they need to help their organizations achieve higher levels of performance.

"When Eileen left The College to join Penn Mutual, she looked for potential synergies between our two organizations. Her inspired leadership led to a generous $2.5 million donation and the creation of the Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs at The American College. This new Center helps members of the military transition out of the service and into potential employment opportunities in the financial services industry.

None of this would have been possible without the enduring support of Eileen McDonnell," said Larry Barton, President and Chief Executive Officer, The American College.

In addition to encouraging hundreds of professionals to earn designations each year from The American College, Eileen was instrumental in creating an annual lecture series named for legendary Penn Mutual insurance professional Maury Stewart, CLU(R), ChFC(R), CLF(R). She also shared in the creation of a guaranteed issue life insurance program that resulted in $4.5 million of deferred gifts to The College.

Her personal financial support for The American College has also been exceptional. She is a member of the institution's President's Circle and is considered one of The College's major contributors.

About Eileen McDonnell: McDonnell joined Penn Mutual in 2008 as executive vice president and chief marketing officer with an impressive 20-year corporate career in the life insurance industry. Appointed to the Penn Mutual Board of Trustees in 2010, she also serves on the Board of Managers of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penn Mutual, as well as the Board of Directors of LL Global, Inc. McDonnell is a member of the Financial Services subcommittee of the American Council of Life Insurers. She is also vice chair of the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania.

Previously, she was President of New England Financial, a wholly owned subsidiary of MetLife, and Senior Vice President of the Guardian Life Insurance Company. A graduate of Molloy College, Rockville Centre, N.Y., McDonnell majored in mathematics and computer science, and received an honorary doctor of laws (LL.D.) degree in 2011. She earned her MBA in finance and investments from Adelphi University, Garden City, N.Y.

Since 1847, Penn Mutual has been driven by our noble purpose to create a world of possibilities. At the heart of this purpose is the belief that life insurance is the most protective, responsible and rewarding action a person can take, and is central to a sound financial plan. The company is committed to helping families unlock life's possibilities through life insurance and annuity solutions. This is accomplished through a national network of financial professionals, who help clients make great things possible. Penn Mutual supports its field representatives with brokerage services through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, Inc., Registered Investment Advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary. Member FINRA/SIPC. Visit Penn Mutual on the Internet at PennMutual.com.

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