WESTFIELD – Westfield State University (WSU) will honor four members of the community next week with its second annual Horace Mann Award for Public Service.
The 2013 honorees are John Davies, Lisa McMahon, Daniel Smith, and Dawn Dawn Carignan Thomas.
The Horace Mann Award for Public Service recognizes area residents who embody the spirit of Horace Mann (1796-1839), a public servant, social reformer and founder of Westfield State University.
WSU Vice President for Alumni and Community Nancy Salvidio said the honorees were chosen for their dedication to serving the community.
“They are outstanding in the community, as well as having an impact on the university,” said Salvidio.
In her position, Salvidio said she is honored to work closely with people in the city who “go above and beyond” to help others.
Each of the 2013 Horace Mann Award recipients is a role model, she said, whose life of service reflects the rich legacy of Horace Mann and the community service traditions of Westfield State.
Davies served on the WSU Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2002, during which time he provided valuable consul as a Finance Committee member. He resigned his Trustee position to devote his energies to the Westfield State Foundation. A Foundation member since 2002, he currently serves on its investment committee and provided exemplary leadership as co-chair of the “Access to Excellence,” Westfield State’s first capital campaign, which helped to fund and build The Woodward Center.
For Westfield State, McMahon worked closely with DECAM representatives and Falcone Retail Properties, as the university established its first downtown student housing at Lansdowne Place. She also helped to implement “welcome packets” for first-year students, collaborated on a number of community events and projects, and worked with Circle K to establish and maintain HOOT Day, during which students assist community businesses and nonprofits to “spruce up” their premises.
Smith’s values and dedication to the goals and mission of Westfield State make him an exceptional candidate for an honorary degree. Having remained connected and committed to his alma mater, he is a fine role model for our students and alumni. His belief in the value of volunteerism is exemplified by his constant stewardship of the many civic organizations for which he has offered his support. There is no better advocate for civic engagement than Golden Owl, Dan Smith.
Reflecting Westfield States values and legacy, Thomas’ life is a lesson in public service. As a respected civic and social leader and staunch advocate for quality education, she has contributed to the success of the university while serving numerous local and regional causes that continue to benefit from her generous willingness to help.
The recipients will receive honorary degrees, something Salvidio said is not easy to accomplish. Once identified, the recipients must be vetted by the WSU honorary degree committee and must be approved by the university’s board of trustees.
Salvidio said she hopes the Horace Mann Award becomes a tradition and added that WSU President Evan Dobelle is very supportive of the award and community involvement in the city.
“His leadership really allows us and encourages us to do this,” said Salvidio.
The event to honor the Horace Mann Award recipients is Feb. 21 at WSU’s Scanlon Hall.
