2024 Good Steward Awards

Zoë has reinvigorated Colby-Sawyer College's efforts towards a more sustainable campus. Zoë's passion for infusing sustainable and inclusive practice is evident to all who know her. Zoë's connections to students, courses, clubs and organizations, and community agencies mean she can match interest to need, capitalize on interest and maximize impact. As a result Zoë is a leader at Colby-Sawyer College and the greater New London Community.

As the WorkReadyNH Program Manager, Dawn Hamdi, focuses on preparing individuals to be successful in the workforce. She creates programs that mentor and guide adults to instill confidence, uncover hidden potential and allow them to achieve their professional goals. Dawn serves NH residents from 16 years of age and up, who are searching for their first job, changing careers, or upskilling. Participants in the program improve the skills employers value most, improve their confidence, earn three highly recognized credentials, and increase their earning power. Employers gain and employee who is able to read and apply workplace information, analyze information to determine correct actions, work together with coworkers to get the job done, and be effective and efficient in their jobs. While Dawn has worked with non-profits across the region, this year she piloted a new cohort of students at Lydia's House of Hope. This was the first time the program was offered off campus or in a remote or hybrid manner. Four residents of Lydia's House of Hope (helping homeless women and children) graduated from the program, each earning three professional credentials that certify their skills and readiness to join the workforce. All four graduates have landed jobs and are using skills they learned through WorkReadyNH in their employment. Dawn is now working with Magnolia House (helping men in recovery) to provide the program onsite. Dawn creates pathways for the participants to community college and beyond as well as finding a transformative career. She has an enthusiasm for building people up, so that they can be successful and reach a joyful and sustainable life.

Kristen Butterfield-Ferrell is the Manchester Community College recipient of the President's Good Steward Award for her ongoing efforts to collaborate with community agencies and focus on inclusion and equity to promote student success. Kristen provides the bridge between the Veteran's Club and Red River Foundation to support the renovation of the Veteran Center. She is student centered and works tirelessly to provide educational opportunities to the faculty and staff at MCC. Kristen has served as an advocate for promoting student wellbeing, especially regarding mental health. She has utilized her professional expertise to the benefit of MCC students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Carlene Blaise demonstrates outstanding leadership in advocating for both students and faculty within the School of Nursing program, actively participating in various committees and groups. Additionally, she extends her leadership beyond the university by volunteering with the Global Smiles Foundation. This organization offers free surgeries and medical aid to predominantly pediatric patients with congenital facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates. Dr. Blaise initiated her volunteer work in 2012 with a trip to Guatemala and has since undertaken missions to Africa, Ecuador, Lebanon, Brazil, and Peru. Not only does she share her mission experiences with her students, but she also mentors MCPHS faculty members interested in participating in volunteer mission trips.

The Nashua Community College extends its heartfelt appreciation to Tina Forbes for her unwavering commitment to the mission of Nashua Community College. Tina's dedication goes far beyond the confines of the college walls, she actively engages with the students and gains invaluable insight into the obstacles faced by our adult learners in their pursuit of a degree. One of the most significant challenges identified by Tina is the issue of childcare for parents who attend evening classes while juggling full-time employment during the day. Recognizing this need, Tina took proactive steps to address it. She approached the exemplary non-profit, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, seeking assistance. Through her tireless efforts, Tina collaborated with the administration of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nahua to establish a solution. Together they devise a program offering childcare services for parents enrolled in evening classes at a minimal cost of $40.00 per academic semester. The initiative not only provides essential support to parents but also ensures that their children receive quality care and supervision while they attend classes. Tina's commitment to addressing the childcare needs of our students has truly been a game-changer for those seeking to pursue postsecondary education. Her proactive approach and tireless advocacy exemplify the spirit of community and collaboration that defines Nashua Community College.

Ed Royer is a Sport and Recreation Management Assistant Professor, Director of Player Development for NEC men's soccer, and advisor to the Sport & Recreation Management club on campus. Ed was instrumental in starting the SRM club and under his guidance as advisor the organization won Student Club of The Year. Ed coordinated volunteer events where club members helped facilitate youth soccer tournaments at Foxborough Stadium. He is a Board Member for The Dreams Heard Foundation, a NH non-profit which provides opportunities for deaf/hard of hearing children to actively participate in sports and the creative arts. Ed took a leadership role in assisting the United Through Football, a charity, and he worked with the Center for New Americans in Manchester to provide access and opportunity for challenged youth to participate and develop in soccer. Ed has given many volunteer hours creating sports and soccer opportunities for underrepresented youth audiences in New England who have greatly benefited from his time. On campus Ed has organized campus-wide wiffleball and kickball tournaments, trivia night, and Halloween maze for students through his event management course. He also supports the veteran community by volunteering at the veteran's resource center and mentoring a veteran Shark Tank competitor. In every endeavor, Ed Royer embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and passion for sports that enriches the lives of countless individuals across New England.

Home insecurity, food insecurity, and the importance of post-secondary education to enter or advance in the workforce with a livable wage are acute crises in New Hampshire. At NHTI-Concord's Community College, Liz Lawton, an administrative assistant, identified these crises among our students and collaborated with the New Hampshire Food Bank, Panera Bread, Hannaford, and Bar Habor Bank to open the NHTI Lynx Food Pantry. In the process, she enlisted a corps of faculty, staff, and student volunteers. By addressing the fundamental need for nutritious food, Liz has directly contributed to the academic success of the Lynx community. A well-fed student is better equipped to focus on their studies, and the positive impact of the food pantry extends beyond hunger relief to creating an environment conducive to learning and achievement. Once the Food Pantry was operational and successful, Liz turned her attention to the need for students to have professional attire for interviews and for the world of professional work. She opened the Lynx Clothes Closet with donations from campus individuals and community groups. Within a couple of months, the closet outgrew its space and had to double its square footage. Through leadership and service, Liz inspires the Lynx community to our highest ideal of the ethic of care.

Dom serves as an Educational Program Coordinator for Plymouth State University's office of academic support, called The PASS Office. Through PASS, Dom works under a TRIO federal grant to serve low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. As a PSU employee, Dom gives 100% to our students, but that is just the beginning of their generosity. Dom gives that level of dedication to the community as well. Dom has worked tirelessly with Court Appointed Special Advocations (CASA) of New Hampshire, bringing positive changes to the lives of victimized children and their families. As a CASA volunteer advocate, they have worked with many families: for example, attending court hearings and meetings in association with the families' cases. Dom's work has been invaluable to the lives of many.

In just under two years as RVCC's Project Coordinator, Eric has made an exceptional yet unique, impact in his role by leading a variety of college initiatives. As a tireless advocate for the arts, he established the first art gallery at River Valley and the Creative Arts Committee, in which he serves as Chair. It is through his thoughtful and collaborative leadership that our college is the home of the new mural project. He also secured a grant approval through the Smithsonian Museum for our college to serve as a host for the Museums on Main Street Crossroads Exhibit this fall on our main campus. Whether working with internal or external groups, Eric seeks to find the best outcome for all involved and truly exemplifies the core values of the College.

Emily Daversa joined the Rivier Student Experience Team in January of 2023. Her role in campus ministry has a natural connection to service and the community but Emily has elevated the options and opportunities for the University. She continued the Thanksgiving Basket service and fundraised for and created more than 500 donation baskets for the greater Nashua community. She collaborated with campus clubs and organizations to coordinate a toy drive for the local Police Athletic League. In addition, Emily completed outreach to non-profit organizations to create a service-learning options booklet which provides a resource to students completing volunteer hours in the community. Finally, Rivier is grateful to Emily for her guidance of our students at World Youth Day, as well as facilitating student spiritual retreats and alternative spring break service trip options.

Dr. Ande Diaz is the first Chief Diversity Officer of Saint Anselm College, helping the college focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a priority. Dr. Diaz has been committed to both inclusion and civic engagement. She understands the intersection of DEI work and community engagement and the importance of making sure one doesn’t exist without the other on a college campus. In order for a college to truly commit to the work of inclusion and civic engagement, they must be integrated with the surrounding community. Mutual and reciprocal relationships can only exist when there is a commitment to addressing oppressive systems, celebrating community strengths, and working collaboratively for longstanding positive community change. Dr. Diaz has been a champion of this work at Saint Anselm College, providing consistent support and guidance to both colleagues and students in the area of DEI. Dr. Diaz also demonstrates her commitment to this work through her involvement with the college’s community engagement initiatives. She is always looking for ways to support her students’ understanding of the importance of DEI-focused civic engagement. During her time at the college, Dr. Diaz has supported countless initiatives that connect the college to the community with a focus on creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment. She understands the role of community and civic engagement on the road to a more inclusive and just world. She created several initiatives that help facilitate participation in civic engagement for students, faculty, and staff, including the Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation Fund (DIIF). The DIFF provides college community members with the opportunity to create programs that have a DEI and civic focus. She also helped launch the Anselm Network for Racial Justice, which was launched in response to the disparities of the pandemic and racial protests. Part of this initiative included a dialogue program for faculty, staff, and students. Dialogue is an important civic and leadership skill. Dr. Diaz has brought with her significant experience and knowledge about dialogue and its civic importance. She developed and enhanced the tradition of dialogue on campus by supporting existing initiatives and working to create new ones. Dr. Diaz’s leadership has helped the college deepen its DEI and civic engagement work.

In 2015, when Allison Pudvah (then Allison Vallentine) was nominated for the Campus Compact President's Leadership Award, we wrote: ``What is most impressive about Allison is how she has woven civic engagement into every piece of her SNHU experience.`` Nine years later in her role as Associate Director of Alumni Engagement this remains true. Alli co-leads The Active Citizen Network, a group for alumni who make service a significant part of their SNHU community and want to continue their contributions as alumni. She has arranged for guest speakers, planned virtual service events, and sponsored alumni to attend professional development opportunities related to social change. She organizes alumni gatherings for alternative break trips, which offers an opportunity for current students traveling on a service trip to connect with alumni who live in the area. These gatherings provide opportunities for our students to learn more about the cities and towns where they're serving and the social issues their service addresses. She serves on the Global Days of Service team, a group that plans a two-month long initiative to engage the entire SNHU community in service, and ensures service is woven meaningfully into Homecoming each year. We also wrote in 2015, ``Everything Alli does is connected to her goal of being a force for good in her community.`` What a gift to now have her as a SNHU staff member who continues to funnel her innumerable talents toward community engagement.

Dr. Erin Hale's dedication to her students and commitment to fostering real-world change through education make her an exceptional example of advancing public service at UNH. In her role as Program Coordinator of the Sustainability Dual Major, Dr. Hale goes above and beyond, engaging students in impactful projects that challenge them to apply their knowledge to address pressing sustainability issues. Dr. Hale has helped the program grow by working one-on-one, advising students, helping them fit sustainability coursework into their academic plans with a goal to make sustainability education accessible to all students. Drawing on her extensive background in agriculture and environmental science education, including collaborative research and fieldwork experiences across diverse global contexts, Dr. Hale brings a unique perspective to her teaching. Her interdisciplinary honors course, independent study, internship course, and the major's capstone course provide students with rich opportunities to synthesize knowledge, work collaboratively, and develop innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. Through active and participatory learning experiences, Dr. Hale empowers her students to explore the complex intersections of environmental, social, and economic well-being, inspiring them to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. Her passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to student success make her a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Sydney established the STEM Discovery Club, initially in collaboration with 4H, during the Fall of 2022. The idea for the club came from her work doing outreach for the Team Cooke NASA NoMADS project, during which time we realized that there was an incredible demand for active learning programs with a focus on STEM topics. To establish the club initially, Sydney had to go through training through 4H to allow her to be a club leader and work with the other 4H staff here on campus to set up the financials for the club. She planned to have the club meet here on campus once a month and to collaborate with a different STEM faculty member each month to develop and run a two-hour program. While several faculty members contributed to this effort during the 2022-2023 academic year, Sydney ended up running several of the monthly meetings entirely on her own. At the end of the year, she organized a poster session where the club members each created a display highlighting their favorite activity from the entire year, ranging from electrical circuits to extracting DNA, among many others. Sydney has also led efforts regarding recycling on campus and connect with Trex to recycle plastic bags to make decking and other materials.

Lynne Bacon is the 2024 recipient of the Presidents' Good Steward Award at White Mountains Community College. As the Coordinator of Accessibility Services, Lynne has developed collaborative relationships in the North Country with college and community partners. This has been highlighted through a partnership with VR New Hampshire to bring a Level UP program to the WMCC Berlin and Littleton locations. Lynne has also worked with local school districts to increase the awareness of educators and prospective students regarding available services offered by WMCC. Lynne is a valued member of the college and Student Services team and works hard every day to ensure all students have access to the resources they need to be successful.