Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Young Alumni

The Distinguished Alumni award is given to an alumna or alumnus of Southern Vermont College or its predecessor, St. Joseph College, in recognition of a combination of career, community service and personal achievements.

The Distinguished Young Alumni award is presented to an alumnus or alumna of Southern Vermont College who has graduated in the previous ten years, and who has received recognition as an emerging leader through professional and/or community achievements; who had achieved a position or distinction noteworthy for one so recently graduated; and who has served as an outstanding role model for current and future SVC students.

If you are aware of an individual who qualifies for either of these prestigious honors for next year (2013), please submit their name and qualifications electronically to the Alumni Office. You may also mail nominations to: Alumni Office, SVC, 982 Mansion Drive, Bennington, VT 05201.

Allan Faxon, Jr. '81 Chosen as SVC 2012 Distinguished Alumnus

The Alumni Association Executive Committee has selected Allan Faxon, Jr. '81 as the SVC/SJC Distinguished Alumna for 2012.

Allan M. Faxon, Jr., of Manchester, Vt., joined the United States Marine Corps upon his SVC graduation in 1981 and has served three decades as an officer. He later transitioned into the reserves after serving in many posts from California to Okinawa, Japan. After 9/11, Faxon was called up to serve as part of a special Marines anti-terrorism unit that conducted security operations throughout the Middle East. In 2005, he was sent to Iraq, where he served as Deputy Chief for Logistics for all coalition forces.

In 2009, Colonel Faxon completed his last deployment as the Assistant Chief of Staff (Engineer) for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, known as Task Force Leatherneck, in Afghanistan. As lead engineer for the Helmand Province, he oversaw the building of several bases, roads, and bridges, and one of the largest airfields ever built in a combat zone. In 2011, Colonel Faxon retired from the 4th Marine Division aboard the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, the oldest ship in the Navy.

“Colonel Faxon has repeatedly gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to his country and the local community, “ said SVC Acting President Jim Beckwith who will present the award at Commencement. “He is an alumnus we can all be proud of.”

Faxon is currently serving as Resource Manager for Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security in Columbus, Ohio, responsible for identifying available resources needed to prepare for incidents such as terrorism and natural disasters. His wife, Nancy (O’Connell ’80) Faxon, will accept the award on his behalf at the College’s 85th Commencement in May.

From 2003 to 2012, when not deployed, Faxon has taught math and science at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, Vt. His areas of expertise include algebra, business math, accounting and physics, in addition to coaching football and alpine ski racing.

In 1981, Faxon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Southern Vermont College. During the winter of 1979 to 1980, Faxon was captain of the SVC ski team, during which time they placed 13th in the nation. That year, Faxon earned Most Valuable Player for the team with his leadership and practice regimen which led to an invitation to the National Collegiate Ski Championship in Michigan . . . in the first place.

Past Distinguished Recipients:
2011 - Denise Welch Land '97
2010 - Edward Haberek, Jr. '89
2009 - Richard B. Gauthier '91
2008 - Benjamin F. Patten II '84
2007 - Michael Donoghue '71
2006 - no award given
2005 - Ira J. Wagner '83
2004 - no award given
2003 - Penny Rich Smith '77
2002 - no award given
2001 - James Baker '91
2000 - Kim Hall-Sprague '89
1999 - Robert I. Walker '87
1998 - Robert Mather '93
1997 - Marilyn K. Douglas '62
1996 - Paul Doucette '90
1995 - Katherine Baranowski Hooper '89
1994 - John Seaton '89
1993 - LeAnne Holt '82
1992 - John Morrissey '82