Darren Perron (‘95), former Castleton University President David Wolk, and Izzy Gogarty (‘20, M’25) Honored
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Castleton Alumni Association Awards: Darren Perron (‘95), Izzy Gogarty (‘20, M’25), and former Castleton University President David Wolk.
Each year, the Castleton Alumni Association recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions of time, talent, or financial resources to advancing the University, its students, alumni, and communities. This year, two distinguished alumni and a former president of Castleton University (now Vermont State University) were honored at the Alumni Association Awards Brunch.
“The accomplishments and contributions of these outstanding award recipients will inspire generations of students across Vermont State University,” noted VTSU President David Bergh. “The VTSU values they exemplify, of dedicated service and community leadership, are those we aim to instill in every student who walks through our doors, no matter their background. Each of these award winners are bright examples of the enduring impact of public higher education. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”
Outstanding Alumni Award: Darren Perron ’95
The Outstanding Alumni Award, established in 2005, is the Association’s highest honor. It is presented to graduates who have distinguished themselves professionally and through exemplary service to the University, community, or humanitarian efforts. Perron, a 1995 graduate, was recognized for his exceptional professional accomplishments and sustained commitment to service.
“I’m honored and humbled to get this award, especially alongside a legend like Dave Wolk, who got the Spartan Service Award. And Izzy Gogarty, who clearly deserves the Emerging Leader Award, after hearing of her achievements, “ Perron said. “I’m so grateful to the Castleton Alumni Association and proud to be a Spartan. Castleton helped this kid from the Northeast Kingdom realize my dreams. The campus always felt like family. And it’s good to be home.”
Emerging Leader Award: Izzy Gogarty ’20, M’25
The Emerging Leader Award, created in 2019, is presented to alumni who graduated within the last decade and are making a meaningful impact in their community or profession. Gogarty, who completed an undergraduate degree in 2020 and a master’s degree in 2025, was recognized for outstanding character, creative leadership, and professional achievement, along with continued dedication to Castleton.
She stated, “I am honored to be recognized by the Alumni Association for the Emerging Leader Award. My time at Castleton provided me opportunities to be a leader for the first time and my career since then has given me the ability to refine those skills to be a community member who leads with joy, authenticity, and shamelessness in everything I do.”
Spartan Service Award of Excellence: Former Castleton University President Dave Wolk
The Spartan Service Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the University through significant contributions of time, service, and talent. Former Castleton President Dave Wolk, who led the institution for 16 years, received the award for his enduring leadership and commitment to both the Castleton and Vermont communities.
Wolk noted, “I was surprised and honored to receive the Alumni Award. The dedicated Alumni Board and Association volunteers who were at all the important and meaningful events over my 16 years, and the 8 years since I left Castleton, are truly the service leaders who deserve this special recognition. They have always been there for all our students from freshman orientation and candle lighting to senior activities and honors at graduation, including a bookend candle lighting the night before graduation. They are the unsung heroes who love Castleton students, demonstrating and modeling the Castleton Way. I am grateful to Larry Courcelle and the other impressive alumni volunteers who add such meaning to the Castleton experience year after year. They are all about generous service and they are the winners.“
Nominations for the awards were submitted by alumni, students, faculty, staff, and members of the extended VTSU Castleton community. Recipients were selected by the VTSU Castleton Alumni Board.
About Vermont State University
Vermont State University provides a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. The university builds upon a history of public higher education in Vermont dating back to 1787. Learn more at: https://vermontstate.edu
Castleton, VT – Vermont State University VermontState.edu
Vermont State University is built upon the best of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, July 1, 2023. At Vermont State University, we foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and strive to be a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment.
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