Tracy Manforte Sweet
The personal stories were plentiful and the college memories vivid, but the show-stopper of this year’s alumni awards ceremony was Susan Cabana ’89 who accepted an award in memory of her husband Christopher ’89, who died on Nov. 11, 2004.
With close to 50 family and friends in attendance, Susan Cabana received two standing ovations upon acceptance of the John F. Barry Class of 1940 Spirit of Saint Anselm Award. "If Chris were here today, he would say that Saint Anselm helped shape him into the person he is today. It’s where he met amazing friends. It’s where we met. I do know that he is here tonight in spirit and I look forward to continuing our wonderful mission to give back to this school."
George Kelly, president of the Alumni Council, presented 12 awards during the Oct. 28th ceremony, which kicked off Homecoming Weekend.
Upon his acceptance of the Alumni Meritorious Service Award, Hawk hockey fan and volunteer extraordinaire Tom Bullock ’74 said the people he met at Saint Anselm taught him to give back. Among his many contributions, Bullock was a tireless advocate for the construction of Sullivan Arena, a project that had been discussed for more than 20 years. "I will still be that piece of gum on the bottom of Fr. Jonathan’s shoe that the good father tries to shake off but can’t get rid of."
Rev. Robert Casey ’81, winner of the Catholic Leadership Award, added a dose of religious humor by offering a "short homily" as an acceptance speech. He credited Saint Anselm—both the lessons learned in class and in church—for giving him the inspiration, leadership and will to serve God by serving others.
Award recipients spanned the generations, from the Class of 1956, Dr. John F. Brosnan, to the Class of 1997, Patrick McGloin, and parent Mary Seifken, mother of four Saint Anselm graduates.
Walter Gallo ’58 was on hand to present the award in his name to Susan Gabert ’91, who was recognized for her service to both the Alumni Association and the college as director of campus ministry.
The winner of the Justice Award, A. Ricker Hamilton ’76, was honored as a "champion in the crusade to end elder abuse." The program administrator with the Maine Department of Human Services said his work has been a humbling experience, and he shares the award with "those who suffer in silence."
Jane Metzger ’77 delivered one of the most impassioned speeches of the evening. The senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Rhode Island Hospital earned the Health Service Award for her leadership and vision in the medical field and, in particular, for her heroic efforts in the aftermath of the Station Nightclub fire.
"A leader is only as good as the people she leads, and I walk among heroes everyday."
Metzger told the story of a 15-member trauma unit treating a man in critical condition whose family had its own "unresolved issues" outside the ER. The scene was medical chaos, but Metzger knew it was important for the family to reconnect. "There was something greater at work that night, and I don’t know whether he lived or died, but I do know that I gave a wife an opportunity to say she loved her husband one more time, and a son the chance to tell his father he was sorry and not to carry that burden."
"This award is not about me; it is about nurses everywhere," she said.
Metzger’s message of teamwork was prevalent throughout the night as the award winners thanked the parents, professors, monks and mentors who influenced their lives and guided their success.