20th Anniversary Honorees

Jessica Riendeau-Goodine, an alumna of Keene State College, was honored for her student leadership at the inaugural Presidents’ Awards in 2004 with the Presidents’ Leadership Award. Jessica has remained an active leader in New Hampshire and currently serves as the Director of Giving and Impact at the Granite YMCA.

Kirsten Farrell, an alumna of Southern New Hampshire University, was recognized in 2014 with the Presidents’ Leadership Award. She continues to serve her local community through her role as the Associate Director at The Chandler Center, located on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University.

Repeatedly nominated by member institutions, Families in Transition has played a pivotal role in facilitating partnerships that connect college students to service opportunities, thereby advancing the principles of service learning and civic engagement. Serving diverse populations and addressing critical needs across New Hampshire, Families in Transition exemplifies a profound commitment to enhancing the well-being of our communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication to the betterment of New Hampshire communities.

The Granite YMCA and its affiliated branches have garnered noteworthy recognition, being honored an impressive nine times by several of the esteemed member institutions present today. We extend our sincere appreciation for their steadfast dedication to youth development and social responsibility, values which resonate deeply within our collective community. The Granite YMCA's extensive reach serves as a vital link connecting our institutions with the students who tirelessly serve on campus, fostering invaluable relationships and furthering our shared mission of community betterment.

The Family Resource Center in Gorham has been distinguished as a 20th Anniversary Honoree because of their dedication to Northern New Hampshire. Over the past two decades, the Family Resource Center has exemplified exceptional service and community engagement, earning multiple recognitions at the Presidents Awards ceremonies from member institutions. With the expansion of their reach to encompass five resource centers, the Family Resource Center has solidified its position as the preeminent destination for families in the North Country, offering vital resources such as parenting education, afterschool programs, and facilitating access to essential services.