Alumni Highlights
The Keene State College Alumni Association is pleased to announce its 2024 Alumni Award recipients. This year the Alumni Association is recognizing five graduates who embody the Keene State motto of “Go forth and serve.” With graduation years ranging from 1964 to 2018, all five alumni have shown dedication and service to better their communities, often in conjunction with supporting the College.
Sue Holbrook ’64
Sue Holbrook ’64, who Norma Walker nominated, is being recognized for her faithful commitment to members of the Golden Circle and beyond.
Sue is the woman behind the pen when signing birthday cards to Golden Circle members.
Additionally, Sue serves on the Golden Circle Committee, as well as the Reunion Committee. She helped organize a meet-up for the class of 1964 and is instrumental in planning successful luncheons.
Hailee Centrella ’18
Hailee Centrella ’18 works as a College Relationship Specialist at ALKU on the Talent Acquisition Team, where she was promoted to a group manager role within just a few years.
ALKU offers specialty consulting services for employers in the areas of Technologies, Healthcare IT, Life Sciences, and Government.
Hailee is a first-generation college student, whose experience at Keene State enabled her to launch a career that keeps her connected with the College in meaningful ways. She gives back by participating in on-campus workshops, guest lecturing in various classes, and participating as a frequent mock interviewer.
We are fortunate that Hailee continuously makes time in her very active schedule for the College and our students.
Mindy Cambiar ’83
Mindy Cambiar ’83 has been an active and steadfast supporter of the Keene community that started at the time she was a student and carries through even today.
After graduating, Mindy was eager to make an impact. With a group of other committed individuals, she saw a need and helped to establish The Community Kitchen.
From there, she became director of Hundred Nights Shelter, continuing her leadership there until recently retiring. Her commitment to the underserved in our community is awe-inspiring.
Peg Richmond M’93
Peg Richmond M’93 is best known as the smiling face driving the Keene State Admissions Office over the last 38 years. She has been through many times of transition on campus, continuously keeping our students and future students at the heart of everything the College does.
Peg has impacted Keene State, the city of Keene, and well beyond with her dedication and commitment to bringing quality students to campus who make an impact and move on to be successful adults.
Alison LaCasse ’90
Alison LaCasse ’90 is the first recipient of the newly named Norma V. Walker ’51 M ’59 Outstanding Alumni Teacher Award.
Alison has many traits Norma upheld as a teacher, an advocate, and a voice for the underrepresented or those in need. Alison has worked as a music teacher in a Title 1 district for the past 23 years.
She continues to dedicate her life to the students and staff at Lamprey River Elementary School, where she spends countless hours before and after class fervently supporting her community.
In a place with high turnover and many challenges, Alison is the steadfast light that the school has come to rely on.
This year’s recipients were honored at the Alumni Awards Luncheon during Reunion Weekend. We are grateful for each of their remarkable contributions to this campus, their communities, and the greater good.
