“It’s an orange and black tradition,” said Dr.Rieffannacht when talking about the annual Loyal & True Celebration hosted by the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation, most recently on March 12 at Saint Vincent College’s Conference Center. The event brought together alumni and community members to celebrate the district’s history and achievements. The evening honored Roxann Mullen Donahue, class of 1976, as the 2026 Alumni of Distinction Award recipient.
Every year, the Loyal & True dinner highlights alumni who have made meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. Proceeds from the evening support the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation’s annual fund, which helps provide resources for academic programs, arts initiatives, and athletic opportunities throughout the district.
This year’s honoree, Roxann Mullen Donahue, is a longtime business leader in the Latrobe community. She is the owner of Mullen Refrigeration Service, Inc., a company with deep family roots that trace back several generations. Donahue joined the company in 1978 and later took over ownership in 1997 after her father retired.
Under her leadership, the company has built a reputation for reliability and strong customer service. Despite her success, Donahue remains humble about her journey. “I wasn’t a real good student,” she said, reflecting on her early years, “but I ended up going into a family business… and really growing the business.”
That growth came in an industry where women were rarely seen in leadership roles. Donahue built her career in what she described as a “male-dominated business,” a challenge that makes her accomplishments even more significant.
In 2025, Donahue achieved a major professional milestone by becoming the first woman inducted into the Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes dealers who demonstrate long-term excellence, strong leadership, and a commitment to both customers and employees.
While her business success is notable, Donahue emphasized that her connection to the Latrobe community has been just as important. “Latrobe is a special community,” she said. “There’s no place like Latrobe. I just love it here… the people here, the community here.”
That sense of connection has shaped her approach to giving back. Through her business, Donahue has supported countless local organizations, events, and sponsorships over the years. Though she is hesitant to highlight her contributions, she explained her philosophy simply. “I feel it’s my obligation and my privilege to give back to the community that’s been so good to my family, my business, and myself,” she said.
Donahue credits much of her success not only to her work ethic, but also to the relationships she built early in life. Reflecting on her time as a student, she described Greater Latrobe as “a wonderful time to grow up,” adding that the friendships she formed then have lasted decades. “I met my best friends in seventh grade… and they’re still here,” she said.
Outside of her career, family remains central to Donahue’s life. She and her husband, Regis “Butch” Donahue, have five children and thirteen grandchildren, with another expected in April 2026. Many of her children have stayed in the area, continuing the strong local ties that have defined her story.
Throughout the event, the Class of 1976 was also recognized as they marked 50 years since graduating from Greater Latrobe High School. A special tribute video, made by Haily Bruno and Acaica Houck, highlighted changes within the school district and the world over the past five decades, offering a moment of reflection for attendees.
As the evening celebrated both past and present, Donahue’s story stood out as a testament to perseverance, community, and quiet generosity, values that continue to shape Greater Latrobe today.
