New Officers Effective July 1, 2008
The Plymouth State University Alumni Association has appointed four new officers and one returning officer to the board of directors. Bruce Wiggett Sr. ’74, Nancy Offen Grant ’92, and Laura Ellis ’06 were appointed to four year terms, while Gerry Buteau ’86 was re-appointed to a second four year term. Rick Desharnais ’01 was appointed to a one-year term to fill the position vacated by Michele Giannon Talwani ’93. All terms began on July 1, 2008.
“I have always been thankful for my years at Plymouth,” says Wiggett. “The education I received was top-notch and was instrumental in my success in the business field. I have always thought that once I retired I would like to give back to Plymouth State University so I could help others realize what they are able to achieve with a PSU education. I think my 30 years of business expertise coupled with my community volunteer experience will positively contribute to the alumni board at Plymouth State.
Meredith NH, resident Rich Desharnais is the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation in Meredith. “I have been a an advocate for Plymouth State College and Plymouth State University since I was first associated with the school in 1996 as an incoming freshman. While I spend a great deal of time recruiting, training and managing volunteers, very few things are more rewarding than volunteering my time to help make a difference,” he says.
Rick joined the Meredith Parks and Recreation Department in 2003 and was involved with bringing the new 20,000 square-foot community center to his hometown. He also serves as the president of New Hampshire Hershey Track and Field Youth Program and each year volunteers with the long-standing Mae C. Hart Memorial Thanksgiving Dinner.
An active member of the Rochester, NY Area Employment Network (RAEN) and Rochester Women’s Network, Grant also served as a board member of the Michigan State University Alumni Association Chapter in Rochester, NY, after completing her master’s degree there in 1994. While at Plymouth State she was a founding member and leader of the Psi Beta Gamma Sorority.
Laura Ellis, an administrative assistant at Boston College’s Carrol School of Management, has a history of being involved. Ellis served as a member of Student Senate for four years; eventually becoming a student body vice president as a senior.
After moving to Boston, MA following graduation, she became involved with Dress for Success and helps this nonprofit with fundraising and event planning.
“Through my class work and involvement with the Student Senate, I was constantly being challenged to take my ideas to the next level and make them real,” says Ellis. “I understand how important Plymouth State University is and want to do whatever I can to maintain this sense of community. Alumni can benefit from each other and give back to Plymouth State.”
For more information about these alumni, the Plymouth State University Alumni Association, or its board of directors, contact Joe Long (603) 535-2589.
