Governor John Lynch, who is receiving the 1st annual Walter R. Peterson Education and Public Service award (courtesy photo) |
PORTSMOUTH –
The first annual Walter R. Peterson Education and Public
Service Award will be presented to Governor John Lynch at a dinner and
reception to be held on Sunday, October 28, at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel
in New Castle. Close to 300 people from across the state are expected to attend
the event hosted by Great Bay Community College. The award, which will be
presented annually by the Community College System of New Hampshire, will
recognize an individual whose contribution to higher education best exemplifies
former Governor Walter Peterson’s values of public service and dedication to
higher education.
After two terms as governor, Peterson served as president of
Franklin Pierce College, interim president of the University of New Hampshire,
interim commissioner of the New Hampshire Community Technical College System
(now the Community College System of New Hampshire), and a trustee of both the
University System and Community College System. His involvement in higher
education included service as chairman of the New Hampshire Postsecondary
Education Commission, chairman of the New Hampshire College and University
Council, and chairman and delegate to the New England Board of Higher
Education.
“Governor Peterson set a standard for devotion to his fellow
citizens, to higher education, and to the New Hampshire way of life,” said
CCSNH board chairman Paul Holloway.
“Few people in New Hampshire’s history have had the impact he has had on
education, particularly in the areas of access and affordability. We are
pleased to honor him, and to recognize Governor John Lynch for his enduring
commitment to education.”
Proceeds raised from the event this year will support
scholarship assistance for Great Bay Community College students. Albany
International Corp. is the lead sponsor of this year’s event. For more
information, to sponsor, or to purchase tickets, contact Annette Brennan,
director of Institutional and Alumni Development, Great Bay Community College
at abrennan@ccsnh.edu or 603-427-7713.