“It is truly inspiring to witness the transformative power of our alumni as they engage in informed civic action and lead in diverse fields,” said Leah Elsmore ’12, president of the Alumni Association. “This year’s recipients reflect the ardor and devotion—Amore ac Studio—that define the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ experience, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential within our entire alumni network.”

2026 Alumni Council Award Recipients

The following awards will be presented at the Annual Gathering of the Alumni Association during Reunion on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.

Alumni Community Service Award

The Alumni Community Service Award is presented to Peter R. Basiliere ’76 in recognition of his profound commitment to civic responsibility and his decades of leadership in Milford, N.H. A dedicated community member, Peter has served as town moderator, an active Rotarian, and a contributor to numerous school and town committees. His long-standing devotion to local organizations that support those in crisis reflects the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ideal of purposeful work and responsible stewardship of the wider world.

Alumni Professional Recognition Award

The Alumni Professional Recognition Award is presented to Noah E. Petro ’01 in honor of his distinguished career and leadership at NASA. From advancing lunar science to shaping the Artemis program, Noah has reached the heights of professional achievement while blending rigorous scholarship with meaningful public service. His work exemplifies the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ spirit of intellectual discovery and underscores the global impact of an engaged liberal arts education.

Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Community

The Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Community is presented to Christopher B. Lanoue ’99, P’26, in recognition of his transformative mentorship of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students. As an exceptional physician and guide, Dr. Lanoue has dedicated himself to supporting students in their medical school journeys, providing “generosity, warmth, and openness” through the Center for Purposeful Work. His deep commitment to helping others navigate their professional paths embodies the spirit of leadership and service that has touched countless members of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award is presented to Rachel F. Ebersole ’17 in recognition of her exceptional career distinction and her dedicated volunteer service to the college. A vital leader within the New York ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Network, Rachel has made a substantial impact through her proactive work in event hosting and community building, bringing a genuine pride and “can-do” attitude to every endeavor. Her commitment to fostering connections among alumni reflects the very best of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ spirit and serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of the young alumni network.

Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Finally, the Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award is presented to Erica Seifert Plunkett ’86 for her tireless leadership and decades of extraordinary devotion to the college. Described by her peers as the “glue” that has held her class together, Erica has served in nearly every capacity—from class co-president and Alumni Council member to dedicated class agent and committee leader. Her enduring enthusiasm and generosity remind us all of the transformative power of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community, reflecting the very best of the “ardor and devotion” that defines our alumni.

2026 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™ Best Award Recipients

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™ Best Awards are presented annually by the Office of College Advancement to dedicated volunteers who express a passion and commitment for advancing the mission of the college. These awards will be presented during Reunion Class Dinners on the evening of Saturday, June 13.

This year’s recipients include:

• Kathryn (Kali) M. Brown ’21
• Craig E. Comins ’81
• Meg W. Curran ’11

For more information about ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College and the Alumni Awards, please visit: /alumni/recognition/

“It is truly inspiring to witness the profound impact our alumni are making in diverse fields and communities around the globe,” said Leah Elsmore ’12, President of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni Council. “This year’s award recipients embody the core values instilled at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, and their dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within our alumni network.”

The recipients will be honored at the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association during Reunion on June 7, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College.

For more information about ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College and the Alumni Awards, please visit /alumni/recognition/

The Alumni Community Service Award is presented to Michael Schlechter ’99, P’28 for his exemplary dedication to community service and philanthropy. Schlechter’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others serves as an inspiration to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community and beyond.

The Alumni Professional Recognition Award recipients for 2024 are Robin Hodgskin ’76 and David Wilcox ’74, P’03, P’09. Hodgskin’s distinguished career in financial services and a remarkable commitment to community service exemplify the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ spirit of professional excellence and social responsibility. Wilcox’s extensive contributions to emergency medicine in clinical practice and advocacy have earned him widespread recognition and respect in the field.

The Bruce Stangle ’70, P’96, GP’26 Award for Distinguished Service is bestowed upon Ira Waldman ’73, P’08, P’11 in honor of his exceptional dedication and service to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College. Waldman’s tireless efforts as a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ volunteer and his commitment to advancing the mission of the college have left a lasting impact on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award recognizes Alexandria Onuoha ’20 for her outstanding achievements and contributions early in her career. Onuoha’s commitment to social justice and advocacy, particularly in the field of psychology, reflects the values of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College and serves as a source of inspiration to her peers.

Finally, the Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award is presented to Jennifer Bouchard ’99 in recognition of her exemplary service and dedication to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College over the past 25 years. Bouchard’s extensive volunteer work, leadership roles, and lifelong commitment to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ exemplify the highest ideals of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.

“We are incredibly proud to honor these outstanding alumni for their remarkable achievements and contributions to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College and beyond,” said Kevin Moore ’93, President of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni Council. “Their commitment to service, excellence, and social responsibility embodies the spirit of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, and we are grateful for their continued dedication to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community.”

The recipients will be honored at the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association during Reunion on June 8, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College.

For more information about ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College and the Alumni Awards, please visit /alumni/recognition/

• Fadia Felfle ’15
• Leah Elsmore ’12
• Monica Rodriguez ’12
• Dan Barsky ’03
• Steve Brackett ’85 P’22
• Lance Matthiesen ’85

The new members, who begin their terms in October, bring a positive, energetic commitment to the college and will work alongside existing council members to support the mission, vision, values, and strategic direction of the college.

“We’re excited to welcome this year’s new members,” said Larry Handerhan, the president of the Alumni Association. “They are leaders in their chosen professions—which span healthcare, law, technology, and finance—and also in their commitment to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, having been active volunteer leaders as students and alumni. They will bring fresh energy and diverse perspectives to the Council and ensure that it continues to reflect the dynamic community of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumni.”

Members are nominated by their peers and elected from active volunteers who have made significant contributions to the college. It is also important that the council reflects the diversity of the alumni community in terms of geography, background, professional experience, and class representation.

Fadia Felfle ’15

Fadia is an associate at JP Morgan Chase in the fixed income credit syndicate desk covering high-grade and Latin American corporations. As an associate, Fadia is in charge of issuing bonds into the primary markets for high-grade corporate issuers and Latin American sovereigns. Fadia graduated from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ with a major in economics and a minor in sociology. She took part in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Student Government as the elected liaison for the class of 2015 and was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee. Fadia was awarded the Samuel Reid Spencer Jr. Scholar Award and participated in the B.E.S.T. Leadership Program. She currently volunteers as part of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ New York Network and as a BOLD representative for the class of 2015.

Leah Elsmore ’12

Leah is a health literacy program manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She has a BA in anthropology from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She has served as an Alumni in Admission volunteer, class agent, and Reunion planning committee member. She currently serves as a volunteer coordinator for Denver metro area networking events such as ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in the City, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ at the Rockies, and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Day of Service.

Monica Rodriguez ’12

Monica is a staff attorney for United Rentals, Inc, the world’s largest equipment rental company, where she reviews and negotiates a broad array of commercial & procurement contracts. Monica currently serves as an Alumni in Admissions volunteer and a class agent. Previously, she has been BOLD co-chair for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Fund Executive Committee, senior gift co-chair, admissions tour guide, and Working Weekend participant. Monica was awarded College Key membership in 2012 and is a recipient of The Henry W. and Raymond S. Oakes Fellowship and The Arata Scholarship. She received her law degree from Boston College in 2015.

Dan Barsky ’03

Dan is an attorney in the Miami office of Shutts and Bowen, LLC. He specializes in intellectual property and commercial litigation with a special focus on startups and entrepreneurs. He teaches patent litigation at the University of Miami School of Law as an adjunct professor. He serves on the board of directors of Tech Lauderdale and South Florida Technology Alliance, the Center for Creative Education, and Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. At ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, he has been an Alumni in Admissions volunteer.

Steve Brackett ’85 P’22

Steve has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years and is currently president and managing member of the Investment Committee at Shepherd Kaplan Krochuk, LLC, an investment management and advisory firm headquartered in Boston. For ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, he’s been an Alumni in Admission volunteer, a class agent, and served on multiple Reunion committees. He’s a member of Friends of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Athletics, the Mount David Society, the Garnet Society, the Phillips Society, and volunteers for the football and lacrosse programs. His son, Stephen Michael Brackett, Jr, is a rising sophomore.

Lance Matthiesen ’85

Lance is vice president of partnerships at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). His team services the corporate, non-profit, and foundation partners that fund MLT’s leadership development fellowships and recruit minority talent from MLT’s undergraduate, MBA, and mid-career programs. Prior to joining MLT, Lance spent his career in the private sector—including stints at the Washington Post, Verizon/NYNEX, and the Corporate Executive Board—working in leadership roles in sales and marketing. He has an MBA from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. At ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, he has been a lead class agent and served on several Reunion committees and the Alumni Council.