The Friends of the School of Education held their Seventh Annual Outstanding Educator Awards ceremony on June 7, as part of Alumni Weekend 2001. Eight individuals were cited for their dedication, contribution and service to education. Award recipients are: Mary A. '36 and Emilio A. DiLelice (posthumously), Dr. Elizabeth Haran '71 &'74, Sister Kristin Hokanson '73, Esther Margolis, '26, Robert Murphy '66 & '74, Phyllis D. Tanen '51 and Dr. Leonard P. Zani '54.

Following is some brief biographical information that was shared during the award ceremony:

Mary A. '36 and Emilio A. DiFelice (Posthumous) - The DeFelices were devoted friends and supporters of Salem State College for many years and, following their passing, a significant gift was bestowed to the College so that a permanent chair could be placed within the Education Department.

Dr. Elizabeth "Beth" Haran '71 & '74 - Dr. Haran recently served as acting dean in the School of Business. Most of her career, however, has been in the classroom where she has devoted herself to providing students with the highest level of educational professionalism. Currently, she is a professor in the Operations Management/Management Department. In addition to impacting the lives of students on a day-to-day basis, Dr. Haran has published and presented her work in numerous professional venues.

Sister Kristin Hokanson '73 - Sister Kristin has spent the past 30 years in secondary education. For 20 of those years, she has been a senior administrator at a Catholic high school. She is widely recognized for her outstanding administrative and teaching abilities, and she is also known as a compassionate and caring person. Currently, Sister Kristin serves as principal of Pope John XXIII High School in Everett where she continually informs students about the vast opportunities available to them at Salem State College. Her vision and leadership skills continue to inspire the educational community.

Esther Margolis '26 - Ms. Margolis celebrated her 75th Reunion during Alumni Weekend 2001. In addition to having spent a lifetime devoted to education, Ms. Margolis has made a very generous gift to the College through the Education Department. Her commitment to education has proven to be so successful in the many lives she has touched throughout her years in the profession. More importantly, her lifetime of commitment to education reaches far beyond the students she affected - her passion for education and her alma mater will live on in perpetuity.

Robert Murphy '66 & '74 - Mr. Murphy has been an advocate for education since completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from SSC. Her is best described as an advocate for his students, a mentor and an individual who has worked for over 30 years promoting education in the public forum. In addition to his experience with students, Mr. Murphy has been a true leader among his peers in advocacy issues for educators. He has served in various roles within the Massachusetts Teachers Association and beyond. He knows the importance of public education and the need to recognize the importance of educators in preparing students for a successful future.

Phyllis D. Tanen '51 - Ms. Tanen spent her entire career in the classroom where she taught first grade students in the Revere Public School system. Ms. Tanen is described by those who have seen her work first-hand as "the consummate first grade teacher: knowledgeable, nurturing, dedicated and flexible." In her 40 years in the Revere Public Schools, Ms. Tanen educated in every sense of the word, affecting the lives of both student s and parents. She held her students to standards and assured their ability to meet those standards. She was regarded as the "go-to teacher," the one who knew how to help with each learning idiosyncrasy, and she shared her knowledge generously.

Dr. Leonard P. Zani '54 - Dr. Zani was a member of the SSC faculty for many years and was instrumental in the development of the Counseling Program at the College. Dr. Zani also worked in several local school systems as both a teacher and administrator. The College has recognized him for his volunteer efforts as an alumnus, but this is his first honor for his direct contributions to the field of education. He continues to be an informal ambassador to SSC, counseling students to attend his alma mater and to pursue a career in education, teaching and/or counseling.

Longus also runs the "House of Youth" which offers student mentoring for youths referred to the program by the courts, schools, parents or social agencies.

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