Commencement Speaker
2012 PSU Commencement speaker Andrew Falender
Former Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) President Andrew Falender will speak at the 141st Plymouth State University commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 19.
During Falender’s 23-year tenure, AMC tripled its membership, increased its endowment 10 times over, modernized and built dozens of AMC facilities and substantially increased volunteer programs and activities, providing many more people the opportunity to enjoy the out-of-doors and enhance their understanding of nature. Falender said he is humbled to provide the commencement speech at PSU.
He added that his AMC experience was always centered on education.
“We needed to bring education to everything we dealt with; we needed to be regional conservation leaders in those areas where we were most qualified; and, we needed to be seen as well managed and fiscally astute,” Falender said. “We always were trying to make the most of huge opportunities, to make a real impact.”
PSU President Sara Jayne Steen says, “Andy Falender is a wonderful leader, a man who has dedicated himself to making a difference, with extraordinary results. We are honored to have him join us.”
Granite State Award Recipients
Plymouth State University will present the 2012 Granite State Award to John and Cathy Bentwood of Plymouth for their commitment to service reflecting Plymouth State University’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I may serve), at the May 19 graduation ceremony.
“The Bentwoods, as a medical team (he a surgeon and she a registered nurse) and as engaged citizens, have served to reduce human suffering by providing direct aid and assistance to individuals, and guidance and leadership for organizations that offer aid both locally and internationally,” says PSU President Sara Jayne Steen.
Like so many New Hampshire people, John and Cathy came to New Hampshire for a brief sojourn and have stayed for nearly 40 years. What some people see as accomplishments, the Bentwoods see as opportunities. Among their many “opportunities” are creation and maintenance of a free annual cancer screening clinic, a regional free health clinic for the uninsured, and a new shelter for people who are homeless.
Clear. Temperature: 71; Wind: W at 4; Conditions as of Sat May 18 at 04:00 PM EDT