The Alumni Association honored a nationally recognized cardiologist, an advocate for the University, a former dean of students, the editor of The Observer, and a devoted volunteer at the 41st Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony in November.

The association presented its highest award, the Distinguished Alumnus Award, to Dr. David A. Meyerson '74. Meyerson is senior clinical cardiologist and director of outpatient specialty services at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, and he serves on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Throughout his career, Meyerson has been committed to educating the public about health issues and preventing heart disease and stroke. He hosts an award-winning radio program, serves on a congressional health-care advisory committee, and is a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

As an undergraduate at the University of Hartford, Meyerson found a mentor and role model in Malcolm Stevens, professor emeritus of chemistry. Stevens "had a striking effect on me as a person and on my career," Meyerson said, asking the audience at the awards ceremony to give Stevens a standing ovation.

The Alumni Association presented its Distinguished Service Award to Jan Laraia '63, '66, an exceptionally involved alumna and a dedicated elementary school teacher in South Windsor, Conn.

Laraia has brought tremendous energy to her role as a University alumna, having served as a regent from 1998 to 2001 and as president and vice president of the Alumni Association. She also serves on the Hawks Athletics Board and is a former member of the University's Athletics Council. In addition, Laraia has found ways for the University to partner with the school where she teaches, resulting in significant benefits for both institutions.

Anne Fitzmaurice, who stepped down last year as vice president for student affairs and dean of students in order to return to teaching, was presented with an Honorary Alumna Award. Since joining the University in 1979, Fitzmaurice has served in many different capacities and has influenced the lives of thousands of students.

Among her many roles, Fitzmaurice served as a mathematics professor at Hillyer College and as dean of the College from 1990 to 1996. In 1996 she became dean of students for the entire University, a job that includes such wide-ranging functions as residential life, career counseling, and athletics. She also has served as a member of the Board of Regents, chair of the Faculty Senate, and a key participant in the University's strategic planning efforts.

President Walter Harrison, who presented the award, said Fitzmaurice "embodies the spirit of the University of Hartford."

Diana Simonds, who also has been serving the University for more than two decades, received a Special Recognition Award in appreciation for her work as the long-time editor of The Observer.

Simonds has overseen The Observer's evolution from a tabloid newspaper to a glossy, four-color magazine, and she has chronicled the dramatic changes that have taken place at the University over the past 23 years. From in-depth profiles of successful alumni to news articles about campus events, Simonds has provided the University community with important information while at the same time conveying a sense of the University's spirit.

In addition to the honors for Meyerson, Laraia, Fitzmaurice, and Simonds, a Special Alumni Association Recognition was presented to Lina Friedman, a dedicated volunteer for the Office of Alumni Relations.

Over the years, Friedman has helped to update the addresses of more than 10,000 alumni in the University's database. Friedman volunteers four to eight hours of her time each week identifying returned mail and assisting in the process of updating alumni mailing records. "We couldn't keep up with our alumni without her," said Director of Alumni Relations Barb Klemmer.