Dianne Strong Runser, our director, received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from WV Wesleyan College and a Master of Music Education degree from Duquesne University. She taught vocal and general music in the Edgewood School District, near Pittsburgh, for four years, then served as a substitute teacher in several school districts for 16 years.

Dianne now serves as organist and music director at the First United Methodist Church in Irwin, PA, where she is responsible for three handbell choirs, three vocal choirs, a praise band, dance team and drama team. She has been the director of the Monroeville Chorus since 1984, and plays piano and organ for weddings and other celebrations.

She served on the board of directors and as the national corresponding secretary of the Strong Family Association of America, a genealogy organization, for 26 years. She co-authored Strong Family History Update, Volume IV, in 1995. She is also a member of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Worship Arts, the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and Mortarboard.

She has been a member of Eastern Star for almost 30 years. She was a Past Matron of Level Green Chapter #533, then moved her membership to Irwin #400 when Level Green closed. She has been active in her chapter and in the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania. She was District Deputy Grand Matron in 1984 – 1985. She has both sung in and accompanied the Grand Choir for many years. She was Grand Choir Director in 1986 – 1987.

She has been active in the Order of Rainbow for Girls since age 12. She is a Past Worthy Advisor of Level Green Assembly, and is a past Grand Representative to Louisiana. She is currently serving on the advisory board of Irwin Assembly #42.  She serves the Pennsylvania Grand Assembly as a Sub-Deputy of Music.