Alumni Awards 2012 At the seventh annual Alumni Awards Dinner, the college recognized the personal and professional achievements of six alumni and three parents of graduates. Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of the college, presented the awards, and Kevin Fitzgerald ’00, president of the Alumni Association, introduced the honored guests. Humanitarian Award: Captain Mary Jo (O’Dwyer) Majors ’69, NC, USNR (Ret.) Mary Jo Majors earned a master’s degree in nursing at Boston University and studied national security decision making at the Naval War College. She has been an officer for more than 40 years, and received numerous commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal. As a civilian, she has served as a clinician, educator and hospital administrator and now holds multiple roles at South Cove Community Health Center.
Parents Award: Charles and the late Joan Even Charles and Joan Even, of Newington, Conn., are the proud parents of five outstanding Anselmians: Harold ’81, Bryan ’83, Gregory ’86, Christopher ’88, and Pamela ’90. “The saying ‘It runs in the family’ is true about the Even family not only due to the fact that all five children graduated from Saint Anselm, but also because each and every one of them possesses outstanding morals, a strong work ethic, and an exceptional sense of family—all due to their parents’ hard work and dedication.”
“Mary Jo Majors, of the Class of 1969, is absolutely one of the kindest and most committed people ever to graduate from Saint Anselm College—and that’s saying a lot. She is compassionate and she is passionate: passionate about helping every single person she can.” Walter J. Gallo ’58 Award: Lorie W. Cochran, P ’06 As the administrative assistant at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics & Political Library, Lorie Cochran organizes events and works with students, faculty, and visitors. By helping to coordinate the Kevin Harrington Student Ambassador Program, she constantly seeks opportunities to mentor students and support their interests in politics and political events. “It is often said that Ms. Cochran runs the Institute, for if there is a question about the various events going on, you’re usually directed to Lorie for the answer.” Academic Achievement Award: Claire Burke Draucker ’77, Ph.D., R.N. Dr. Claire Draucker holds a doctorate from Kent State University, where she served on the faculty for many years. She is a professor in the Indiana University School of Nursing’s Department of Environments for Health, as well as a researcher and author of many academic books and articles on the subjects of interpersonal violence and mental health and counseling. “In addition to her impressive career in the field of health care, Claire has demonstrated that she possesses many talents and an unrelenting drive that enables her to succeed far beyond the requirements of her many job titles.” Photos, past recipients, and more:
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Catholic Leadership Award: Father William F. Waters, O.S.A. ’65 Father William Waters served the Church in Brooklyn, N.y., and Massachusetts, most notably as pastor at Saint Mary Immaculata Cathedral in Lawrence. He is a member of the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of Boston and a campus minister at Merrimack College. An active and loyal alumnus, he often celebrates Mass for his classmates at Reunion Weekend. “Father Bill continues to take his service beyond his particular assignment…he always goes the extra mile to serve his community.” Health Service Award: Mark T. Edney ’94, M.D. Mark received his M.D. from Dartmouth Medical School and completed his residency in urology. He has served three tours of duty with the U.S. Army Reserves, working as a urologist and general surgeon in the Combat Support Hospital in Iraq. He is the medical director for the Peninsula Institute for Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, and a strong advocate for improving health care access and coverage for our wounded veterans. “Dr. Edney is extremely passionate in his field, and in serving not only his patients, but his country as well. He is both a care provider and an advocate.”
“The pillars of my approach to family, career and policy are Anselmian values developed right here. They include service, spirituality, and continuous critical self-examination.”– Dr. Mark Edney ’94