The Vermont State Colleges (VSC) Board of Trustees approved six nominees for the new Vermont State Colleges’ Hall of Fame. Five distinguished alumni awardees representing each college and one at large awardee singled out for extraordinary contribution to the VSC will be honored at the March 9 VSC Hall of Fame inaugural celebration.
“The individuals we have selected today shine a spotlight on the positive impact of the VSC on the economic, intellectual, and civic wellbeing of Vermont,” said board chair Martha O’Connor. “Each one is exceptional in their field and in their service to the community.”
The Trustees’ Award for Extraordinary Contribution to the Vermont State Colleges is given to the individual whose work has also made a significant, positive impact on the Vermont State Colleges system as a whole.
O’Connor said, “We are especially proud to honor Governor Hoff for his visionary role in creating the Vermont State Colleges system. Governor Hoff prioritizededucation reform and saw the VSC as critical to opening doors to a college education for Vermonters.”
Distinguished Alumni Awards are given to individuals whose accomplishments are a reflection of the ideals of their college and the VSC system; who have provided exemplary service to Vermont or to their alma mater; or whose outstanding performances beyond graduation have made a significant, positive impact on their professions or communities.
Members of the VSC community and its many supporters will gather in Montpelier at the Capital Plaza on March 9 to honor the awardees. The event will raise funds for the Vermont State Colleges Foundation, which provides scholarships for students.
The Vermont State Colleges 2016 Inaugural Hall of Fame
Trustees’ Award for Extraordinary Contribution to the Vermont State Colleges:
Governor Phillip H. Hoff
As Governor, Phil made reforming the state's education system (elementary, secondary, and post-secondary) a top priority. It was under his leadership that the three teachers’ collegeswere transformed into comprehensive undergraduate colleges in a revitalized state college system. He proposed and established the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, which has made it possible for thousands of Vermonters to go to the VSC. As a member of the "Young Turks" in the House, he helped push through a number of reforms, including the creation of the Vermont State Colleges as a public corporation. He remained an outspoken advocate for the Vermont State Colleges throughout his public life. Vermont’s 73rd governor, Phil Hoff made a lasting and positive impact on the quality of education in our state and on the generations of students who benefited.
Distinguished Alumni Awards:
Castleton University: John (’72) and Sue (’75) Casella
John and Sue are committed community members and steadfast supporters of Castleton University. John cofounded Casella Waste Systems, one of Vermont’s top ten businesses. He remains CEO and Chair of the board. A national leader on recycling and resource recovery, John is active on the National Recycling Commission. In his community, John is amember of the board of the Associated Industries of Vermont and Rutland Regional Medical Center. Sue, who also received a master’s degree at Castleton, is a retired elementary school teacher who received many accolades throughout her career. In recognition of their generosity and support, Castleton University’s theater is named for the Casellas.
Community College of Vermont: Catriona McHardy (’78)
Catriona has committed her life to improving access to health care for women. She has worked for 32 years at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, starting as a health care associate.
Eventually, she served as Vice President for Education and Training. Throughout her career at Planned Parenthood, Catriona provided training to teens, doctors, parents and educatorsin the United States, Africa, and Russia. In 2000, her impact as a leader in the field was recognized with Planned Parenthood’s National Education Director of the year award. She has served as national co-chair of the Association of Planned Parenthood Leaders in Education, and served her community on the women's crisis center in Brattleboro, the Governor’sTask Force on Gender Bias in the Classroom, and the Outright Vermont board.
Johnson State College: Donald Vickers (’70)
Don started his career as the director of financial aid for Johnson State College and has remained devoted to the college and to supporting students who aspire to a college degree eversince. He joined the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation in 1971 and served as its President and CEO from 1990 to 2013. VSAC reached significant milestones in its service to Vermont students and families during his tenure. He is the recipient of the 2013 Eleanor M. McMahon Award for Lifetime Achievement from the New England Board of Higher Education. Don continues to serve his alma mater as an advisor to the President on fundraising, and he serves his community on a number of state and national higher education commissions, the Essex Town School Board and the Stern Center for Language and Learning.
Lyndon State College: James Cantore (’86)
Jim Cantore is has become one of the most well-known and well respected meteorologists on television. He started his career in the early days of the Weather Channel, where he has worked for 25 years. He has received numerous national awards, including the NOAA David S. Johnson Award in 2002 for his innovative use of environmental satellite technology. He holds the American Meteorological Society’s Television Seal of Approval. He does charitable work for organizations researching Parkinson’s Disease and Fragile X Syndrome. A loyal Lyndon State College supporter and advocate, he returns to his alma mater each year to teach a class to Lyndon’s atmospheric sciences students.
Vermont Technical College: Michael Audet (’72)
Michael is a leader in Vermont’s dairy industry, both as a producer and as an advocate for farmers. He was a long serving member of the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees, taking on the role of Chair from 1997 to 2006. He is devoted to his community as well, serving on the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Orwell Historical Society, and has been moderator for the Town of Orwell for over 20 years. Mike remains devoted to his alma mater as a generous supporter and an active member of the college’s agricultural advisory group.