UMass Boston Alumni Engagement Announces 2024 Beacon Award Recipients
The UMass Boston Alumni Association announced the 2024 Beacon Awards recepients.
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The UMass Boston Alumni Association announced the 2024 recipients of four alumni awards—called Beacon Awards, which honor individuals for their commitment to the University and to their community. Honorees will be recognized at a special reception on November 7 at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.
This year, the Beacon Awards Selection Committee named the following 2024 honorees:
Robert “Emmet” Hayes ’90
UMass Boston Distinguished Alumni Award
Patrice Lamour ’03
UMass Boston Outstanding Service Award
Alexis Perry ’21
UMass Boston Emerging Leader Award
Jack Wiggin G’82
Boston State College Outstanding Service Award
Learn more about the 2024 Beacon Award recipients here.
Honoree Highlights
Robert “Emmet” Hayes ’90, recipient of the UMass Boston Distinguished Alumni Award, is a Navy veteran and former State Representative who made significant contributions to environmental policy. He authored the “Hayes Bill,” establishing Massachusetts’ $1.4 billion revolving loan fund for clean water projects. Hayes continues to influence public policy through his consulting firm, Massachusetts Bay Associates. “I’m amazed at UMass Boston’s positive trajectory. Receiving this award is truly humbling,” he remarked.
Patrice Lamour ’03, UMass Boston Outstanding Service Award recipient, is the founder and CEO of the LAMOUR Clinic and Community Health Institute, providing culturally competent healthcare to underserved communities. Dr. Lamour reflected on her time at UMass Boston, saying, “UMass Boston has always been a pathway for those who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to pursue higher education. It’s an honor to be recognized by such an institution.”
Alexis Perry ’21, UMass Boston Emerging Leader Award recipient, was honored as one of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s “29 Who Shine” for her exceptional research, academic success, and civic engagement during her time at UMass Boston. Now a second-year medical student at Tufts University School of Medicine, Perry continues to give back through community initiatives, including co-founding the Tufts Music and Medicine Collaborative. Reflecting on the honor, Perry said, “Receiving this award rekindled fond memories of my time at UMass Boston, and I feel empowered to help others and improve our community.”
Jack Wiggin G’82, Boston State College Outstanding Service Award recipient, has made a profound impact on urban planning and coastal management through his leadership at UMass Boston’s Urban Harbors Institute. His work has shaped waterfront planning and earned him national and international recognition. On receiving the award, Wiggin said, “To be singled out among so many accomplished alumni is humbling.”
The annual Beacon Awards Reception offers an opportunity for the UMass Boston community to come together and celebrate its legacy of alumni dedicated to making a difference. To learn more about this special event on November 7, and to register, please visit egitimmalta.com/beaconawards.