Five Saint Michael's College students learned in December that they have been awarded scholarships from the Freeman Foundation to participate in two-month professional internships in their specific fields of study in Hong Kong from June 17 to August 11, 2018.

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has announced its 2018-2019 board of directors and board positions. Kathy Underwood, President and CEO of Ledyard National Bank, has accepted the role of Treasurer, and was the only nominee from the New England states. This selection follows Underwood’s award in November of 2017 as the ICBA’s Community Banker of the Year for the Eastern region. This annual ICBA award recognizes the exceptional work and commitment of individual community bank employees and their dedication to local communities and the banking industry.

Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America and a POWDR company, today announced the retirement of Reservations Manager, Jane Bird, after 41 years of service. Jane graduated from Boston University with a master’s in public relations and started at Killington in 1975 season as a reservations agent. She has led the reservations department since 1988. She is looking forward to spending free time with her husband and in her weaving studio at home.

On April 12, 2018, the Town & Village of Ludlow Board Chairs unanimously voted to appoint Scott Murphy as the new Municipal Manager. Murphy will take over the reins from Frank Heald, who is stepping down after 15 years of service to the Ludlow community.

“I am honored to be selected as the next Municipal Manager in Ludlow," Murphy said. “There are so many positive things going for Ludlow and I am excited to get to know the members of the boards, staff and residents of Ludlow.”

Vernier Software & Technology and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) announced the seven winners of the 2018 Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards. A panel of NSTA-appointed experts chose the winning educators—one elementary teacher, two middle school teachers, three high school teachers, and one college-level educator—for their innovative use of data-collection technology in the science classroom.

Johanne Fradette, Acute Therapies Supervisor at the University of Vermont Medical Center, was presented with the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award by Vermont ESGR Vice Chair Jerrold Manock and ESGR volunteer Kip Steele.

Sgt 1st Class Erin Graham, Army National Guard, nominated Fradette for the award. Graham serves in the 40th Army Band and says, "This is the first job where my supervisor was supportive of my service and the time needed away from my job even though it puts a strain on the department."

Lori Preston, Operating Room Manager at the University of Vermont Medical Center, was presented with the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award by Vermont ESGR Vice Chair Jerrold Manock and ESGR volunteer Kip Steele.

Tech Sgt Andrew Provost, who serves as a medical technician in the Vermont Air National Guard, nominated Preston for the award. Provost said, "the environment created by the operating room staff around military members has taken a lot of the stress and anxiety away when on military duty. The support is appreciated."

The Vermont Association of Insurance Professionals is pleased to announce that Pam LaCount from Union Mutual of Vermont, Montpelier, VT has become the newest member of the VTAIP. Membership in VTAIP is an industry commitment to the insurance community through leadership development, career enhancement and creating relationships with other industry related connections.

The VTAIP meets monthly and encourages outside community members to join us at our dinner meetings to connect and network with insurance related professionals.