On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his graduation from Saint Michael's College, Joel Senesac of Colchester was named Saint Michael’s Alumnus of the Year, at ceremonies held on campus June 11.
Named the top male graduate at his commencement 10 years ago, Joel Senesac graduated summa cum laude, with a degree in journalism and mass communications. He was a reporter and editor for the online version of the student newspaper the Defender and an ardent advocate for people with physical challenges and disabilities. He spearheaded a special issue devoted to people with disability issues, and working with classmates, blocked off the front of Alliot Student Center to raise awareness about the need for wheelchair access ramps.
Mr. Senesac, who uses a wheelchair because of his Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is also a stellar saxophone player who performed with the SMC Wind and Jazz Ensembles. At one performance, the stage didn’t have an access ramp so the entire band set up in front of the stage. From that point forward, he insisted that all performances be handicap accessible. He advocated for handicap-accessible doors that are now everywhere on campus.
After graduation, Joel wrote for the Vermont Guardian, the Saint Michael’s College Magazine and other periodicals. He also produced the first SMC Athletic Hall of Fame website and did other multimedia work. For more than 20 years, Joel has been a regular local announcer at the annual MDA Stars across America Labor Day Telethon. He can also be found at numerous alumni events both locally and regionally, including the annual Vermont Lake Monsters event and the Saratoga Day at the Races event.
“Joel, for your tireless efforts to promote accessibility to all parts of campus and equality for all people, as well as for your devotion and dedication to the betterment of Saint Michael’s College, the Alumni Association is sincerely proud to name you a 2011 Alumnus of the Year,” said Angela Armour, SMC Director of Alumni and Parent Relations.