Plymouth State University Event Recognizes Former Governor and Alumna During Scholarship Fundraising Event
The Plymouth State University Alumni Association (PSUAA) recently hosted its 10th annual Students, Scholarships and Service Dinner for students, alumni and faculty at the Barn on the Pemi in Plymouth. The PSUAA recognized former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu with the Robert Frost Contemporary American Award and awarded PSU alumna and women’s athletics pioneer Barbara Ashley the Raymond S. Burton Public Service Award.
The Plymouth State University Alumni Association presented former Governor Chris Sununu with the past Robert Frost Contemporary American Award and presented Barbara Ashley with the Raymond S. Burton Public Service Award during the 10th annual Students, Scholarships and Service Dinner in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Back (From left): Family members Deb Gaskin, Sue Gauthier, Ken Gauthier, Dan Gauthier, Mike Gauthier, Rev. Lyn Winter, James Bertelsen, Jackie Gauthier. Front (From left): Former Gov. Chris Sununu, 2025 Robert Frost Contemporary American Award Recipient, Barbara Ashley, 2025 Raymond S. Burton Public Service Award Recipient. The event also raised $35,000 for student scholarships.
“Not long after Frost’s passing, the PSUAA began honoring individuals whose service to the people of northern New England best exemplified the poet laureate’s values of individuality, hard work, humanitarianism and devotion,” said Plymouth State University Director of Alumni Relations Rodney Ekstrom. “We continue to honor Ray Burton’s legacy and Frost’s spirit, as all proceeds from this event support student scholarships at Plymouth State.”
Larry Haynes, PSU alumnus and president and CEO of Grappone Automotive Group, presented Ashley with the Raymond S. Burton Public Service Award, named for the late PSU alumnus and North Country executive councilor. The award honors individuals who, like Burton, love and respect the role of education in young people’s development, care deeply about the state and its citizenry and devote time to serving the public good.
“It’s an honor to receive this award named after our dear friend Ray Burton,” said Ashley. “When I knew Ray at Plymouth Teacher’s College back in the 50s, I didn’t think either one of us would have imagined that in the year 2025, I would be receiving an award named after him. Yet here I am. And I miss you dearly, Ray.”
Ashley served as treasurer for Burton for many years during his time on the Executive Council. She has been recognized for her many hours of volunteer work on committees and local parades, and her leadership of the Littleton Chamber of Commerce. When interscholastic athletics for girls at Concord High School were lagging in the 1960s, Ashley leveraged her physical education degree from Plymouth State to introduce varsity girls skiing and track and field teams.
Former New Hampshire Governor John Lynch presented the Robert Frost Contemporary American Award to Sununu. Lynch was honored with the Frost Award in 2015.
Former Governor John Lynch presented the Robert Frost Contemporary American Award to former Governor Chris Sununu on behalf of the Plymouth State University Alumni Association, during the 10th annual Students, Scholarships and Service Dinner in Plymouth, New Hampshire. (From left) PSU Director of Alumni Relations Rodney Ekstrom, PSU President Donald L. Birx, former Gov. John Lynch, former Gov. Chris Sununu and PSU Director of Development John Scheinman. The event also raised $35,000 for student scholarships.
“Nowadays, it’s more important than ever – whether it’s screen time or disconnection or isolation or all the other issues going on with younger generations – to instill this idea of what service is, and that everybody has a gift to give,” said Sununu. “And sometimes you don’t realize it until later in life. But instilling that in the next generation is so important. Especially as they come up through systems like UNH, Plymouth State or a community college, which are so well run and so efficient. They do a phenomenal job.”
The event also featured PSU student Rosella Rentas-Ubeda, who delivered remarks about her experience as a PSUAA scholarship recipient and the positive impact alumni scholarships have on the lives of PSU students. This year, the Students, Scholarships and Service Dinner raised $35,000 toward scholarships for PSU students with high financial needs and who are engaged leaders in the campus community.
To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu.
About Plymouth State University: Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates, and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. The Plymouth State Cluster Learning Model emphasizes open, integrative, and project-based experiences. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu.
