Rising Star Young Alumni Awards
These awards are presented to young alumni (graduates of the past decade) who have enjoyed considerable early career success and are an inspiration to current students. Nominations come from faculty, staff, and alumni. Selection is made by President Murphy.
2009 Recipients
Steven Cook, Class of 2003
Recognized as Vermont's "youngest ever" deputy commissioner for Travel and Tourism, Steve seemed a natural nominee for an alumni award. In his current role, Steve manages the state's annual advertising program. In addition, he currently serves as publisher of Vermont Life, the state's official magazine. Steve maintains close contact with Hospitality & Tourism Management Professors Norm McElvany and Todd Comen, often coming on campus to speak to students. In his Alumni Profile, Steve writes, "As a returning non-traditional student with two children, I found JSC had the resources, schedule and program that fit my needs. JSC helped me to quickly advance my career in the tourism industry and provided me with the education that I needed to get ahead." Steve took some time earlier this summer for "paternity" leave, during which he provided "hands-on help" to welcome son number three.
Jesse Gaudette, Class of 2000
In his nomination of Jesse Gaudette, JSC Technology Services Librarian Ray Brior writes, "Since graduating from JSC with a bachelor's degree in History, Jesse has worked as a teacher's aide at the Charlotte Elementary School. He pursued and completed his master's in Education from St. Michael's College. He has been teaching 6-8th grade at St. Francis Xavier in Winooski and last year became the assistant principal, (and in July 2009 was named principal). He has also coached girls' basketball and boys and girls cross country. Between all of these various activities, he is often at the school or at school events a good 10+ hours per day, and even though he could earn more money by getting back into the public school system, I believe that his commitment to his kids, his faith, and his underfunded school keep him working at St. Francis, where he feels that he can make a greater contribution."