HENNIKER, NH – New England College honored NH State Senator Lou D’Allesdandro for his outstanding contributions to education and public service at their 69th annual Founders Day celebration on Jan. 21. D’Allesandro received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree and was the keynote speaker, officially kicking off the spring semester.
Founders Day recognizes and honors the vision and leadership of the College’s founding faculty, administration, and students. Created in 1946 to serve the educational needs of the country’s military men and women returning from World War II, New England College sought to expand the horizons of a new generation of students, many of whom were the first in their family to attend college. Today, the College enrolls almost 2,500 students with its residential, hybrid, and online programs. The college offers a variety of undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs.
Michele Perkins, President of New England College said, “When you consider the high level of professional excellence Senator D’Allesandro has achieved in his career, his life-long commitment to education, and his incredible record of public service, the connections to NEC’s mission of experiential learning and civic engagement are clear. We are thrilled to celebrate his achievements by awarding him this degree.”
In his keynote address, D’Allesandro, a first generation college graduate, spoke about the critical importance of education throughout his life. He told of his early childhood in East Boston and the emphasis his mother and father placed on getting an education. “My parents had a strong desire, and a strong recognition, of the value of education,” said D’Allesandro. “Education became a guiding motivation in my life, and my path to success. I can work effectively with people, build relationships, and solve problems, all because of my education.” D’Allesandro encouraged NEC students to pursue their education, treasure the experience, and use it to make other people’s lives better.
In addition to D’Allesandro’s remarks, newly promoted Provost Mark Watman recognized all fall semester Dean’s List students. President Perkins also highlighted the College’s recent $3 million gift from the Putnam family for the construction of the Rosamond Page Putnam Center for the Performing Arts, construction of a new academic building, the John Lyons Center, and other campus activities.
President Perkins noted that, “NEC remains dedicated to its original core mission, a creative entrepreneurial spirit, and an academic philosophy grounded in the liberal arts. We bring the best of our proud traditions together with innovative technology and effective learning practices to create life-long value and success for our students. I think our Founders would be impressed to know that the vision they had 69 years ago is alive and well today, and will continue to give us inspiration for years to come.
About New England College
New England College emphasizes experiential learning as an essential component in the development of an enduring academic community. Building upon a strong liberal arts foundation, we challenge our students to reach their full potential through informed discourse and the pursuit of excellence in a framework of academic freedom. New England College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Inc. (NEASC) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The Teacher Education Program (and the majors in Elementary Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education) are approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
