Alumni Awards

The SNHU Alumni Association Awards Committee will request nominations for the 2018 Alumni Awards in May 2018. Presentation of the awards will take place during the President's Reception at Homecoming Weekend on October 13, 2018. 

2017 Alumni Awards

Hall of Fame Award: Thomas M. Dionisio, Jr. '76

Tom Dionisio is a class of 1976 New Hampshire College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in management information systems. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Technology and Transformation at Southern New Hampshire University with having recently joined the University from his role as a manager director and chief information officer with The Boston Consulting Group for more than fifteen years. His contributions to the development of effective teams addressing technology management systems globally have served the industry well and we are incredibly fortunate to now have him leading our strategy for SNHU. In addition to his professional work, Tom served on the board of trustees for Southern New Hampshire University during a period of tremendous transformation and growth.

His nominator notes:

“Tom’s story resonates so much with many alumni. Attending a school that took a chance on him and exceeding all expectations to graduate and lead an incredibly successful career. He is a longtime supporter of scholarships and so willing to talk with younger alumni about careers, experiences, and growth. It inspires younger alumni like myself to do the same. Grit, work ethic, and tenacity helping one to propel forward. Seeing examples of this leadership really motivates other alumni to see the possibilities.”

We are very grateful for the many ways that Tom has demonstrated his passion for Southern New Hampshire University and the success of our students. His commitment to his friends and colleagues, to his community, and most of all to his family, exemplify why he is this year’s honoree.

Distinguished Service Award: Elizabeth (Goff) LaClair '08 '10G

Elizabeth LaClair received her Bachelor of Science in business studies in 2008 and her Master of Science in organizational leadership in 2010. Liz currently serves as Associate Director of Student Involvement with overall operations responsibilities for the Robert A. Freese Student Center and teaches as an adjunct instructor for University College.

Quotes from her nominators:

“Liz embodies this award in its broadest sense. She has been a member of the SNHU community since 2005 and has nearly every type of affiliation - undergraduate student, graduate student, alumna, graduate assistant, professional staff member, and adjunct instructor. Her passion is helping students develop their leadership skills and abilities, and she continues to do this each day in her work on campus.”

“From the moment I started working for Elizabeth she always spoke about the importance of getting involved within the SNHU community. Many people can talk about the importance of anything, however Elizabeth lived it. During her years at SNHU she was very involved in student organizations and upon graduating she did not leave SNHU; she instead continues to share her passion for leadership and getting involved in the SNHU community by assisting, guiding, and developing students. I, as every college student does, experienced many obstacles during my college career. During these times the first person I always went to for advice was Elizabeth. No matter what day or time it was she was never too busy to sit and talk with me.”

We’d also like to note that Elizabeth was a key campus partner in the development of what Homecoming Weekend has evolved to be over the past 5 years and I think you would agree she has made a big impact on helping to build the SNHU community.

Distinguished Service Award: Wayne E. Robinson '81

Wayne Robinson is a proud graduate of New Hampshire College class of 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in economics & finance. Wayne serves as internal auditor for the past fifteen years with the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.  Most recently, he completed two terms as a member of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors and played a pivotal role in governance restructuring and revision to the constitution and bylaws to best reflect the evolving diversity of our global alumni community.

Quoting his nominator:

“Wayne’s passion for board development was instrumental to our work as a board. This passion was developed through his many involvements with the local community, which include leadership with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, YMCA, and Palace Theatre. There is no doubt that his pride runs deep for Penmen Athletics where he and friends can be expected on the golf course at the Homecoming tournament and courtside cheering our basketball programs to victory!"

Young Alumni Award:  Marek F. Rivero '11 '15G '15MBA

Marek Rivero received his Bachelor of Science in economics & finance in 2011, followed by a Master of Science in operations & project management in 2014, and a Masters of Business Administration in 2015. Currently, he is a financial institution specialist with the FDIC in Concord, NH.

He is a frequent career volunteer on campus, helping University College students on their career development paths. Despite traveling a great deal for work, Marek is always eager to give his time to students. He has been a frequent panelist for our capstone 404 courses, facilitated table discussions with alumni and students, and participated in mock interview experiences for undergraduates. Over the past two years he has also volunteered to talk with prospective parents at Accepted Student Days and talk about the many ways SNHU has helped him to build a path for success. Marek is a great example of a proud and engaged alumnus.

Presentation of the 2017 awards took place during the President's Reception at Homecoming Weekend on Saturday October 14, 2017.

Alumni Hall of Fame Award

Distinguished Service Award

Young Alumni Award

*Denotes deceased recipients