Bridgewater State University Alumni Awards

Dr. Marilyn White Barry, '58, Graduate Alumnus/na Professional Achievement Award

Dr. Marilyn White Barry, '58 is a distinguished alumna, emeritus professor (1972-1987) and former Dean of the Graduate School (1987-1998). She was the founder and past president of the Massachusetts chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children as well as the former vice president of the Massachusetts Association of Children with Learning Disabilities.

This award is presented to a distinguished alumnus/na of the college of Graduate Studies who has demonstrated the qualities of outstanding professional achievement at the state, regional or national level.

2020 Award Recipient: Dr. Melissa Ianetta, ’95, G’98

Dr. Catherine Comeau Award for Professional Achievement in Physical Education

Dr. Catherine Comeau served 24 years as a professor of physical education at Bridgewater, twelve off those years as the Chair of the Department of Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure Studies (MAHPLS). Dr. Comeau was a national figure in her field and held numerous prestigious positions. Amongst her many accomplishments, she authored “A Noble Legacy: Physical Education Major 1937-1987 Bridgewater State College.”

This award is presented to a distinguished alumnus/na who received a baccalaureate degree from MAHPLS. The recipient must have graduated at least five years ago and must be an influential role model in the field.

2022 Award Recipient: Laney M. Clement-Holbrook ’75, G’81, H’22

Paul Gaines Sr. Achievement Award

Paul Gaines Sr., G’68 was the first appointed Minority Affairs Director at Bridgewater State College (1968-1995). He was the pioneer in hiring professors, administrators, and staff of color along with the recruitment of students of color on the Bridgewater campus. He was instrumental in founding both the Organization of Afro-American Students (later named the Afro-Am Society), and the Afro-American Alumni Association.

This award is presented to a current faculty, administrator, library, or staff member, who has been employed at least one year at Bridgewater State University and has worked on behalf of students of color. The nominee must demonstrate a deep commitment in the growth and retention of students of color and must also support the Afro-American Alumni Association through programming and/or events.

2022 Award Recipients: Dr. Emily Field and Dr. Jamie Huff

Alfred Gomes Community Service Award

Attorney Alfred J. Gomes was an extremely successful fundraiser and philanthropist. Amongst his many contributions were founding the Nantucket Lightship Memorial Scholarship Fund/The Seaman’s Memorial Scholarship Fund and organizing the first Cape Verdean Boy Scout troop. He was one of the first Cape Verdean-born Americans to ever receive a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.

This award is presented to a distinguished African American alumnus/na who exemplifies the ideal of “men and women for and with others.” The recipient should show a genuine dedication to the ideals of social justice, relations with the greater community, and empowers peers to serve and/or increase awareness of injustice.

2020 Award Recipient: Carla B. Monteiro, ’17

Henry Hampton Bridge Builder Award

Henry Hampton was a renowned producer. His work included the documentary “Eyes on the Prize,” which set the standard for nonfiction accounts of the civil rights movement. His film credits include the critically acclaimed “The Great Depression” and “America’s War on Poverty.”  He was once the Chairman of the Board for the Museum of Afro-American History in Boston.

This award is presented to a student and/or student group of color on the Bridgewater State University campus, who has taken the initiative to address campus unity through campus activities promoting mentoring, community service and collaboration. The nominee must show evidence of education to others in the area of social justice and the exploration of diverse cultures.

2020 Award Recipient: Dajuan Frasier, ’20

Martha D. Jones Award for Enriching the Lives of BSU Students

Martha Jones ’64 was unwavering in her support of students in her three terms as President of the Bridgewater Alumni Association and 36 years as a leader in the Division of Student Affairs. The Jones Alumni House was named in honor of the Dean Emerita and her husband Professor Emeritus John W. Jones.

This award is presented to a current member of the faculty, staff or administration who has volunteered his or her energy and talents to enrich the lives of students at Bridgewater State University. The work being recognized must demonstrate exceptional dedication and commitment to the development of students.

2022 Award Recipient: Dr. Christopher A. Frazer

Sarah A. Lewis Distinguished Award

Sarah A. Lewis was admitted to Bridgewater State Normal School in February of 1867. She is considered to be the first African American to graduate from the institution as a member of the Class of 1869. The Fall River native taught for three terms before coming to Bridgewater and two additional years after graduation.

This award is presented to an alumnus/na who has distinguished themselves at the highest level of their profession, provided inspirational leadership to others as demonstrated through volunteerism, mentoring and philanthropy, or provided service for the benefit of Bridgewater State University and the community.

2022 Award Recipient: Michael P. Henry ‘92

Dr. Adrian Rondileau Award for Professional Achievement & Community Service

In his more than 24 years as President of Bridgewater State University, Dr. Adrian Rondileau instilled an unwavering institutional commitment to community service. His administration was guided by two basic principles. The first was the value of a broad-base education and the second was that after graduation, students should be prepared to become productive citizens.

This award is presented to a distinguished alumnus/na who demonstrates exceptional competence and accomplishment within his/her chosen profession, as well as exceptional service to his/her community leading to the improvement of community life.

2022 Award Recipient: Bruce P. Morell ‘75

Nicholas P. Tillinghast Award for Achievement in the Field of Public Education

This award was named in honor of the university's first president (then called "headmaster") who served in this pioneering post from 1840-1853. He sought to give his students the principles of education, so that they might be able to practice the art of teaching in the education of children. He gave the whole energy of his soul to the work which was given him to accomplish and establish the school upon a deep and broad foundation.

The award honors a distinguished Bridgewater alumnus/na who has demonstrated the qualities of outstanding leadership, excellence in performance and outstanding personal achievement in the field of public education at the state, regional or national level.

2022 Award Recipient: Hazel L. Varella ’54, G’56

Dr. Adrian Tinsley Award for Achievement in the Arts

Dr. Adrian Tinsley, the 10th President of Bridgewater (1989-2002), has been an ardent advocate for the liberal and fine arts throughout her distinguished career in higher education. During her presidency undergraduate and graduate curriculums were expanded, with new majors introduced in criminal justice, economics, and music, along with new master’s degree programs in public administration, criminal justice, and management science. 

This award is presented to a distinguished alumnus/na who has demonstrated outstanding artistic achievement or whose leadership has been exemplary in the preservation and promotion of the arts.

2022 Award Recipient: Scott R. Gagnon ‘91

Dr. George A. Weygand, '53, G'56, Award for Outstanding Service to the BAA

Professor George Weygand, ’53, G ‘56, understood that physics is everywhere. And he brought that practical, student-focused approach to the classroom, even inspiring those who thought they would struggle with the subject,” wrote Brian Benson, G ‘23, in a profile of Dr. Weygand when a new residence hall at BSU opened in 2013, named in his honor.

A veteran of World War II, where he saw extensive combat in Europe, he came to then-Bridgewater State Teachers College September, 1949, where he would go on to earn his bachelor’s degree - he was the president of his graduating class - and master’s degrees plus serve for four decades as a distinguished member of the faculty. He left Bridgewater only to study for a doctorate in physics at Harvard University.

“I love to teach. That is what gets me going every day,” he said in a 1997 article about being named Science Educator of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers.

Dr. Weygand excelled at teaching from a practical point of view and making concepts relevant to students, who often took his classes while pursuing a degree in a different subject.

In a dedication to Dr. Weygand published in the 1999 yearbook, then President Adrian Tinsley noted that Dr, Weygand was one of the few faculty members to amass such a lengthy record of service.

“It would be safe to say that even fewer have attained the level of affection and respect associated with Dr. Weygand’s name,” Dr. Tinsley wrote. “His service to the college as a whole and to students in particular has been extraordinary. He is a remarkable teacher with a national reputation for excellence in the teaching of physics, and he is an equally remarkable human being who has devoted his career to Bridgewater State College.”

In addition to all of his other services to his alma mater, Dr. Weygand served as a Faculty Marshal for more than three decades where he officiated at all university ceremonies, marching at the head of his faculty colleagues at Fall Convocation and Spring Commencement.

This award is presented to a distinguished alumnus/na who demonstrates generosity and places a high priority on service to create a legacy for future generations of alumni. Qualifications for this award include the ability to build understanding and awareness through alumni association involvement and leadership.

2022 Award Recipient: Matthew J. Quimby ’04, G’07