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Central Connecticut State University conferred its 2024 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) upon two deserving professors during the university’s annual opening meeting on Sept. 24.
The honorees are Professor of History Dr. Mary Ann Mahony of Collinsville and Professor of Physics and Physics Engineering Dr. Peter LeMaire of Longmeadow, Mass.
In making the announcement, Central President Zulma R. Toro noted, “The honorees represent two very different academic fields, but they have both pursued and achieved commendable goals toward multiculturalism and diversity.”
The DSA is one of the university’s highest honors. It recognizes members of the Central community who have provided exemplary service to the university. Nominations for the award are submitted by faculty and staff, students, and peers at other institutions of higher learning.
In their nomination letters, Dr. Mahony’s colleagues cite her as a “dedicated scholar, an inspiring educator, and a committed leader.”
Dr. Mahony joined the faculty at Central in 2003 and teaches Latin American history. Her academic achievements include several scholarly publications and fellowships at prestigious institutions. In 2017, she was named a Fulbright Scholar at the Institute for International Education at the State University of Santa Cruz in Brazil.
“Beyond her research, Dr. Mahony has been a driving force within the university community,” Toro added. “As the director of the Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Center, she has transformed the center into a thriving hub of cultural and academic exchange.
Mahony also serves on national and university committees, including the American Historical Association, the Minority Recruitment and Retention Committee, the Faculty Senate, multiple university search committees, and the Latin American Studies Association. She is the current president of the New England Council of Latin American Studies.
Dr. LeMaire is a 34-year member of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics faculty and is the department’s current chair.
In a recommendation letter, Lemaire’s colleague notes, “In his role as chair of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, Dr. LeMaire exemplified fairness, thoroughness, and a leadership style rooted in service. He spearheaded efforts to establish the department and has nurtured it into a dynamic and thriving group.”
LeMaire also was instrumental in launching the Center for Africana Studies at Central and helped to create its mission and programs.
Lemaire has also pursued and established connections between Central and educational institutions in India and Africa. Among other projects, LeMaire established a middle school in a remote region of Ghana and provided access to potable water.
LeMaire is a member of Executive Committee of the American Physical Society’s New England Section and serves on the Board of Directors of the Community First School in Hartford.