My Colby-Sawyer Experience
“But countless hours at the keyboard have taught me that what writer Octavia Butler says is true, 'Habit is more important than inspiration.” - Humanities Professor David Elliott
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distinguished alumni award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually at Commencement in recognition of an alumna or alumnus who has made a distinctive and unique contribution to his or her profession and to society.
2007 Award Recipient: Jean “Je-Je” Harding Pierce
Jean Harding Pierce, a graduate of the class of 1947 and member of the Colby-Sawyer College Board of Trustees, has distinguished herself as a visionary philanthropist, a wise leader and devoted friend and volunteer. She has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to her alma mater and to organizations that protect the environment and provide community services.
A trustee since 1998, Mrs. Pierce has assisted Colby-Sawyer in its successful capital campaign and extensive efforts to beautify the campus. Through her vision, flair for design and philanthropy, she led in the creation of Pierce Park, a popular gathering place at the heart of campus. Mrs. Pierce has also hosted many college events and served as a class agent and reunion chair. A member of the Heritage Society and Legends Society, Mrs. Pierce is an influential leader and benefactor whose wide-ranging contributions have strengthened the college.
“Je-Je Pierce is a loyal and generous graduate supporter of Colby-Sawyer College,” said President Thomas C. Galligan Jr. “She is a fantastic trustee and a warm, kind and engaging person. We are incredibly lucky to have a friend like Je-Je.”
Mrs. Pierce's strong interest in the environment and higher education has led her to provide service and support to many organizations. She serves as trustee for the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory and the Heritage Museums and Gardens at Sandwich (Mass.) and as a board member for the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association in Florida. She is also a supporter of the Center for Coastal Studies and Dartmouth College, the alma mater of her late husband, Robert W. Pierce. Mrs. Pierce is a past president of the Southwestern Villagers and the Boca Grande Woman's Club.
Mrs. Pierce earned an associate's degree from Colby Junior College and a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine. She and her husband raised a family of five sons, Robert Jr., Jeffrey, Frederick, Richard and the late Winthrop Pierce.
Past Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
| 2006 | Leslie Wright Dow '57 |
| 2005 | Mary Trafton Simonds '38 |
| 2004 | Suzanne Simons Hammond '66 |
| 2003 | Eleanor Morrison Goldthwait '51, '52 |
| 2002 | Deborah Field McGrath '68 |
| 2001 | Barbara Clough '31, '01 |
| 2000 | Anne Winton Black '73, '75 |
| 1999 | Sharon Fitzpatrick Merrill '68 |
| 1998 | Diane Shugrue Gallagher '57 |
| 1997 | Joyce Juskalian Kolligian '55 |
| 1996 | Rebecca Young Robinson '64 |
| 1995 | Veda Kaufman Levin '67 |
| 1994 | Marilyn Moore Maslow '52 |
| 1993 | Jan Brett '69 |
