Susquehanna University Athletics

Ken Vermillion, a native of Summit Hill, PA, was a three-year starter at free safety for SU, leading the team in interceptions in two seasons. In Ken’s senior year, SU won the 1970 MAC Northern Division Championship and the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bowl. He earned All -MAC and All-Lutheran Team honors. Ken received the AA Stagg Award given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities, principles and ideals of the late Coach Stagg. In 2023, Ken was a member of the 1970 Football Team inducted into the Ring of Honor. 

 After graduating from SU in 1971 with a degree in biology, he studied dentistry at Temple University, receiving his D.D.S. degree in 1975. Ken and his wife, Roxane, who also graduated from SU in 1971, began their now nearly 50-year commitment to their beloved alma mater. First, as members of the Hazleton Chapter of the Alumni Association, Ken and Roxane hosted numerous summer send-off parties for incoming first-year students. Also, during those early years, Ken assisted the football coaching staff with recruiting prospective student-athletes who wanted to pursue a career in the medical/dental fields.  

The Alumni Parents Admissions Network became the next avenue of service for Ken and Roxane to SU. They represented SU over many years at numerous college nights in the Allentown/Bethlehem area for prospective students.

 Ken was one of six Bond and Key/Lambda Chi Alpha brothers who negotiated with the university for the sale and transfer of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house to SU. The proceeds from the sale were used to establish The Bond and Key/Lambda Chi Alpha Scholarship Endowment Fund. Over the years numerous legacies and other deserving students have benefited from this endowed fund scholarship. 

Ken never lost his love for the game. From 1989 to 1995, he served as a volunteer assistant football coach at Panther Valley High School. He specialized in coaching QBs. He is most proud that two of his players were recognized with First Team All-State honors and that one of them led his college team to the NCAA Division II National Championship game. 

Ken enjoyed a 36-year career in dentistry, practicing with his brother, Lou, a 1970 SU alum. Ken was also committed to his church and community where he lived. In 2008, Ken was honored by the Mauch Chunk Trust Company’s annual Community Heroes Program, which honors those who have displayed a lifetime of outstanding service to the community. 

Not one to sit still in retirement, Ken now volunteers for mission work in Haiti. After three successful mission trips, the current political and civil unrest has prevented recent trips. He still serves on an advisory board from afar. The Vermillion family’s commitment is ongoing and will continue. Ken and Roxane's daughter, Stephanie Vermillion ’97, and son-in-law, Stephen Porter ’97, currently serve on the Philadelphia Chapter Alumni Board. Through planned giving, Ken and Roxane have endowed the Kenneth ’71 and Roxane Havice ’71 Vermillion Student Assistance Fund.