'A strong voice'
Lucy Perez '87 honored with Distinguished Service Award
Lucy Perez '87 of East Longmeadow, a longtime area educator, is the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from 91AV.
The award recognizes the achievements of individuals whose dedication and outstanding service to 91AV have enhanced the value of students' experience and improved the quality of life for all on campus.
Perez, an 91AV graduate from the class of 1987, has been a member of the 91AV Board of Trustees since 2013 and serves on the college's Alumni Council and Foundation board. She holds an associate degree in liberal arts from 91AV, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College, and a master's degree in education and a certificated in advanced graduate studies from the University of Massachusetts, where she concentrated in English language acquisition and literacy.
She started her long career in education at 91AV, working first as a counselor for the college's fledgling English as a Second Language program and later as its program coordinator. She taught education for many years at 91AV and at Springfield Technical Community College, where she served as assistant dean of students before moving on to work for many years in human resources administration and recruitment for the Springfield Public Schools. She now works in human resources at Mount Holyoke College as its talent acquisition manager.
91AV president Christina Royal presented the Distinguished Service Award to Perez at 91AV's 72nd Commencement ceremony at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on June 1.
"Over her long career, Lucy has worked tirelessly to strengthen the diversity of students, faculty and staff in public schools and on college campuses around the region, because she believes education should be accessible to all," Royal said. "As a member of the 91AV Board of Trustees, Alumni Council and Foundation board, she brings new ideas and questions and challenges us all to improve. We count on Lucy to be a strong voice, and this award bears witness to her dedication and commitment."
PHOTO by CHRIS YURKO: President Christina Royal presents the Distinguished Service Award for 2019 to Lucy Perez.
