Rooted in Anselmian tradition since 1967, the annual Alumni Awards have become a prominent event honoring alumni who have made a significant impact in their lives and the lives of others since graduation.

This year, the ceremony honored seven distinguished individuals on September 26 in Davison Hall.

Kimberly Bretton, Grounds Supervisor at the college, received the first award of the night, the Walter J. Gallo ’58 Award.

The other recipients were Jeffrey Burke ’69 with the Joseph P. Collins ’34 Meritorious Service Award, Linda Connly ’87 with the Business Leadership Award, Robert Duhaime ’57 with the John F. Barry ’40 Spirit of Saint Anselm College Award, Monsignor George Farland ’64 with the Catholic Leadership Award, Tim Menton ’06 with the Justice Award, and Hannah Sussek ’09 with the Young Alumni Service Award.

Tricia Guanci Therrien ’88, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations, says that these recipients all are recognized as having embodied the true mission and values of the Anselmian community, and therefore are truly deserving of these honors.

Until 2000, two awards were offered, the Alumni Award of Merit and the Joseph P. Collins Meritorious Service Award.

These awards both focused on recognizing alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary community impact and a reflection of Anselmian values in their lives, echoing the distinguished reputation associated with a Saint Anselm College education.

However, the Alumni Council, the committee in charge of the Alumni Awards, decided to expand the number of awards offered from two to thirteen, offering more variety in the areas of achievements and fields, ranging from service to success in the business community.

The Alumni Council holds firm to their strict belief that the awards should maintain the integrity they are associated with, making the selection process very particular.

After making a call for nominations from the alumni, suggestions are compiled in early spring and are researched. Upon completion of this examination, those deemed especially honorable are presented to the Alumni Council for review.

The alumni who receive awards are very honored and humbled for the recognition of their efforts.

Therrien says that these awards are a great honor for the selected nominees, describing it as a “coming home for a lot of people, and it’s meaningful for them to be recognized by their alma mater.”

Without their Saint Anselm education, says Therrien, they admit they would not be where they are today.