Alumni Association Presents Annual Awards

KEENE, N.H., 6/7/10 - The Keene State College Alumni Association honored outstanding alumni at their Annual Reunion Luncheon on Saturday, June 5.

Bruce Stronach ‘74 received the Alumni Achievement Award, given to a Keene State College alumnus/a whose professional achievement in her or his chosen field brings honor to herself or himself and to KSC. Stronach currently serves as dean of Temple University, Japan Campus. He was president of Yokohama City University in Japan from 2004 to 2008 - the first foreign president of a Japanese public university - and is known as an expert in Japanese popular culture and politics, and as an educational pioneer and reformer. He served as acting president, provost, and chief operating officer at Becker College in Worcester, MA, from 1998-2004. Books, articles, and monographs he has published include _Beyond the Rising Sun: Nationalism in Contemporary Japan, Politics East and West: A Comparison of Japanese and British Political Culture, _and Popular Culture in Japan and America.

Brent Elwell (1977-2010) was honored with the Outstanding Service Award, given to an individual or organization that has provided outstanding service to KSC through leadership, commitment, and influence in the programs and activities of the College.

Anyone who has been around Keene State College athletics the past 15 years knew Brent Elwell. At KSC sporting events he could be found handing out a towel or words of encouragement, videotaping the history of KSC sports, or just providing a pat on the back for a job well done. He also worked on campus in the mailroom and in the bookstore. Brent died in January at age 33, after a long battle with cancer. His father Ned accepted the award on his behalf.

Jack Griffin ‘72 received the Alumni Association’s Sprague Drennan Award, given to a KSC alumnus/a who has demonstrated noteworthy participation in alumni activities and events. Griffin served on the Alumni Association Board for six years (one year as president); was a leader for the Career Planning and Placement alumni efforts to help and support students with job searches, resumes, and interview skills; and is a strong supporter of regional alumni events.

For more information, contact Sara Telfer, assistant director Alumni and Parent Relations, stelfer@keene.edu, 603-358-2425.