As Homecoming Weekend drew to a close, Anselmians past, present, and future gathered together to honor a group of alumni who exemplify the values they learned at Saint Anselm College. The Annual Alumni Awards honored nine alumni young and old, from a wide variety of experiences, who have made an impact in the world on and off the Hilltop.
“As Saint Anselm students, we are empowered to have a positive impact on our communities when we graduate,” said Joseph Parodi-Brown ’06, president, Saint Anselm College Alumni Council. “This awards program gives us the chance to honor a few exceptional alumni and staff who are enriching the lives of many here on the Hilltop and far beyond.”
Honorees included a recent graduate working tirelessly to meet the needs of the unhoused in Somerville, Mass., parents who worked hard to send all three of their children to Saint Anselm College, and the Police Chief of Lewiston, Maine who had to face the unimaginable when he and his officers responded to the mass shootings there last fall.
“On behalf of our entire College community, I want to thank and commend all of our award recipients for the many ways they have served and inspired their communities,” said Joseph A. Favazza, president, Saint Anselm College. “You demonstrate every day what it means to be Anselmian. Your successes are an inspiration for generations of future students that from their time here at Saint Anselm College, they can go forth and make a lasting impact in our world.”
This year’s alumni awards winners were:
Helen Gallo Bryan '81
Joseph P. Collins ’34 Alumni Award of Merit
Helen Gallo Bryan ’81 spent her life as a part of the Saint Anselm College community. The daughter of Walter Gallo ‘58, she devoted herself to fostering lasting connections among her classmates and supporting the Saint Anselm community. As a key ambassador for the college, she inspired her classmates to participate in reunions and regional events, strengthening the bonds of the Anselmian network.
After her father passed away in early 2024, Bryan and her siblings spearheaded an impressive fundraising challenge, which successfully raised over $100,000 for the Gallo Family Endowed Scholarship. Through this initiative, they ensured that future generations of Saint Anselm students would benefit from the same values and opportunities that had shaped their family’s legacy.
Bryan was a wine professional and held leadership roles with E & J Gallo Winery, Winebow Group, and most recently with Vero Vino. Her 42-year career in the wine industry was filled with adventures, challenges and personal growth, and fostered her zest for traveling and exploring new cultures. Helen’s work ethic and core values inspired all who worked with her. In August 2024, Bryan passed away from ovarian cancer. Her sister, Karen Gallo Fountain ‘91, accepted the award for her family.
“Helen Gallo Bryan was a true Anselmian in every sense of the word. Her legacy of professional excellence, faith, kindness, and commitment to others reflects the ideals of the Joseph P. Collins Alumni Award of Merit,” shared Joseph Emmons, assistant vice president alumni relations & advancement programming. “We believe she is more than deserving of this honor, and her memory continues to inspire us all.”
Hannah O'Halloran '16
Young Alumni Achievement Award
Since graduation, O’Halloran has worked for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, where she created and built their street outreach program, from a four-hour per week side project to a full-time position. She now oversees both the outreach program as well as the adult and family shelters in Somerville, Mass. In July 2023, Somerville opened its first and only Engagement Center for the unsheltered—a project O’Halloran was instrumental in developing. She dedicated countless hours to finding funding, securing a location, and building policies that would best serve the needs of the unhoused.
Michael Cunningham '66
John F. Barry Spirit of Saint Anselm College Award
Cunningham has carried on the influence of the College throughout his life during his time in Vietnam, and his long career in Maine’s Department of Labor. He received six medals, including two Bronze stars. His journey to receive these medals was highlighted in Portraits.
After his time in Vietnam, Cunningham continued to serve the public good, eventually retiring as the finance director for Maine’s Department of Labor.
“Mike is a modest person and has never called attention to his accomplishments, but he displayed bravery and valor during many dangerous missions,” wrote Bill Kelly ’66, trustee emeritus, in his nomination letter. Cunningham was unable to attend the ceremony, but the audience took time to celebrate his accomplishments.
Keith Morse
Walter J. Gallo ’58 Award
Keith Morse, the printer at Saint Anselm College, received an award honoring his dedication and service. From the first postcards sent to prospective students to the diplomas proudly displayed by graduates, Morse’s work has touched every Anselmian. As he prepares to retire in May 2025, his legacy at Saint Anselm College will remain woven into the fabric of the institution.
“For 41 ½ years, I have loved driving onto the Hilltop, seeing so many different colleagues over the years, the always present and caring monks, and of course the students (that look younger and younger every year),” said Morse. “They all have helped keep my joy for printing as I see the gratitude in their faces looking at the final printed piece I have produced for them.”
Karen Clark '10
John A. Houghton ’46 Alumni Council Award
For four years, Clark served as President of the Alumni Council. During that time, she was invaluable in enhancing the council and fostering connections to the College, during a challenging time – the COVID-19 pandemic. She did this while also excelling in her career, where she is currently a senior consultant and business intelligence practice lead at Arkatechture, a database management company.
“The Alumni Office is so grateful for Karen’s leadership and dedication to our alumni community. The Alumni Council is strong and vibrant because of Karen’s passion and hard work," said Joseph Emmons '04, assistant vice president Alumni Relations and Engagement.
David L. St. Pierre '91
Career Achievement Award
St. Pierre, Chief of Police for the Lewiston Police Department, is a 1991 graduate of Saint Anselm College with an associate degree in criminal justice. Since graduating, he has devoted his life to the Lewiston Police Department, rising through the ranks and making a lasting impact on his community. In 2021, St. Pierre was appointed the Chief of Police, and has led the department since then. In October 2023, he was responsible for the response to the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. His steady leadership and swift response earned him widespread respect and commendation, showcasing his unwavering commitment to public safety.
“While I certainly appreciate being the recipient of this award,” said St. Pierre. “Those that really should be acknowledged and commended far more than I, are the men and women of the Lewiston Police Department along with officers and first responders across the Country who day in and day out unselfishly wear the badge; going to work every day to protect and serve their communities.”
Kevin & Liz Powers P'08, '09, '12
Parents Leadership and Service Award
Kevin and Liz Powers first became members of the Anselmian community when their son, Kevin Powers ’08 matriculated as a student. They went on to send their two other children, Katie ’09 and Christopher ’12, to the college as well. Since their children graduated, they have served as college ambassadors, guiding over 15 students to Saint Anselm College from local schools.
“22 years ago this fall, my oldest son, Kevin and I were driving through Manchester, and we saw a rusted sign that said Saint Anselm College with an arrow on it,” shared Kevin Powers. “We decided to take a detour to find Saint A’s. Immediately upon entering the campus, it felt like divine intervention. We walked around the campus on our own, and were blown away by the beauty, atmosphere, and spirituality permeating through the campus, starting with the Abbey Church.”
Joelle (Millar) O'Brion '09
Catholic Leadership Award
“Growing up in a low-income family, pursuing theology seemed like a leap into the unknown,” shared Joelle (Millar) O’Brion ’09. “I faced countless questions, such as the most popular, so are you going to be a nun? How would I make a living? What are you going to do with a theology degree? And I was the only woman, at first, in a class of men, to pursue theology.”
From her time on the Hilltop, serving as the Office of Campus Ministry’s first intern to her graduate studies at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry, faith has always been at the center of Joelle (Millar) O’Brion’s life. She moved on to become the Director of Campus Ministry at the Academy of Notre Dame. After having children, and a move to Rhode Island, O’Brion continued to serve as a leader within her parish, running Religious Education, Confirmation, and RCIA classes, and making sure that her Catholic faith is the driving force in her life.
“Thank you again for this tremendous honor, for the gift of my Catholic education, the value and importance of my education - the seeds that were planted - cannot be overstated,” said O’Brion at the ceremony.
Louise (Giguere) Morgan '75
Nursing and Health Sciences Award
Louise Giguere Morgan ‘75 began her journey at Saint Anselm College, where she built the foundation for a remarkable career in nursing. For more than two decades, Louise has championed quality improvement in cardiovascular care, with the last 11 years spent as Director of International Quality Improvement at the American Heart Association, where she brings best practices in cardiovascular care to 30 countries across four continents through her dedication to the implementation science and global certification programs.
During the awards ceremony, Morgan shared, “It started with my nursing education at Saint Anselm College! One of our instructors, (Sr. Carmen), said to our class, we cannot teach you EVERYTHING, but we are providing a foundation, and it is up to you to build upon that foundation. I can honestly say that has been my guiding principle for the past 50 years! I have continued to build on that foundation through hard work, continual learning and the willingness to take a leap of faith at several points along the journey!”
