Joyce Craig, Georgia Lord, Martha Pappas, Jamie Trowbridge to be Recognized at Franklin Pierce University Commencement
Apr 2, 2019
Franklin Pierce University is pleased to announce it will be awarding three honorary
degrees as part of the university’s 2019 commencement exercises, Saturday, May 18.
“It is a longstanding tradition at Franklin Pierce University to honor individuals
whose personal and professional accomplishments provide examples for our students
to admire, and hopefully, emulate,” said President Kim Mooney. The honored recipients
will be Mayor Joyce Craig of Manchester, NH, Mayor Georgia Lord of Goodyear, AZ, and
Jamie Trowbridge, president and CEO of Yankee Publishing Inc. In addition, lifelong
educator, author, and civic leader Martha Pappas will receive the Honorable Walter
R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award, named for New Hampshire’s distinguished 72nd governor
and the second president of Franklin Pierce University.
“Mayor Joyce Craig’s determination to build relationships with businesses and universities
to improve employment and quality of life in Manchester resonates with the strategic
goals of Franklin Pierce University,” said Mooney. “As the first female mayor of New
Hampshire’s largest city, which is home to our New Hampshire Doctor of Physical Therapy
program, she has already made a recognized positive impact on our New England community.”
Born and raised in Manchester, Joyce Craig was elected mayor in 2017 on a pledge
to reposition the city for a new era of economic vibrancy, improve the city’s schools
and address the opioid crisis. Mayor Craig is also a former school board member and
alderman, and has prioritized making Manchester a place where people want to live,
work and raise their children.
“Mayor Georgia Lord has had a positive impact on another community near and dear
to Franklin Pierce University, where our Goodyear, Arizona campus and Doctor of Physical
Therapy program are,” said Mooney. “As another first female mayor, but this time in
one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Mayor Lord is passionate about city
government and the opportunity to impact the quality of life for residents.”
Elected to her third and final term in 2017, Mayor Georgia Lord was first elected
in 2011 and served on the Goodyear City Council for six years before that. With extensive
experience in real estate sales, she was named one of the most influential businesswomen
in Arizona in 2014 and has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Greater
Phoenix Economic Council.
“Finally, as the president and CEO and the third generation of a family enterprise,
Jamie Trowbridge has brought Yankee Publishing into the 21st century,” said Mooney.
“Despite all of the modernization in the industry, he maintains Yankee’s founding
values of helping to preserve the culture that makes New England unique.”
“Martha Pappas’ philanthropic work makes her an ideal recipient of the Peterson Citizen
Leader Award, which recognizes her commitment to public service, selfless contributions
to higher education, sense of humor, and high moral character.”
Trustee of the Arthur M. and Martha R. Pappas Foundation, Ms. Pappas’ work on numerous
nonprofit boards and community foundations has improved health, recreation, and education
opportunities in communities throughout New England. This has included generous support
for the Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Health Science and Athletic Training Center on
Franklin Pierce University’s Rindge, NH, campus.
These four special guests will join families and friends in celebrating the Franklin
Pierce University Class of 2019 at their commencement on May 18. Upon receiving their
honors, the honorees will each share remarks reflecting on their own personal and
professional experiences that may serve as an inspiration for the graduating class.
For more information about Franklin Pierce University’s 2019 Commencement Exercises,
please visit the Commencement Page.
