Leeann M. Koch, daughter of Bruce and Diane Koch, was awarded the Bloomsburg University Maroon and Gold Excellence Award at the annual alumni awards dinner on May 4.

Koch is a clinical audiologist and manager of the audiology department for the private practice of Dr. Samuel V. Rizzo. She conducts audiological testing, develops treatment plans and provides counseling for infants and adults. Koch is a member of the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association and has presented at their annual convention. Koch has also volunteered as a guest speaker for the Bloomsburg University graduate school in the communication sciences department. She is a third year site supervisor for audiology doctoral students and provides off-campus mentoring to practical field experience and clinical hours for doctoral students. She also volunteers at the VA hospital in Wilkes- Barre and teaches martial arts.

As part of her personal mission to “give the gift of hearing to as many people around the world as possible,” Koch has traveled to Guatemala with Entheos Cooperative and several Navajo reservations in Utah with the Sound of Life Foundation to provide hearing health care to those without access.

She also assisted in the creation of the nonprofit A&E Hearing Connection, which aims to provide audiological assessments and hearing aids to those unable to afford the services.