The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has selected President Lawrence Bacow for this year's Chief Executive Leadership Award.
"Needless to say, I am very honored," Bacow said in an e-mail. "I would note that university presidents do not accomplish anything on their own. This award really recognizes the outstanding work done by all those who work at Tufts as well as the good work of our Board of Trustees in helping to promote the institution."
Bacow said he is "very familiar" with CASE but called the honor "a complete surprise."
The award's description says nominees must "actively support advancement, create a vision and inspire others, establish a positive image for their institution while leading it to higher levels of success, increase his institution's stature in the community, and encourage innovation and risk-taking among employees."
CASE is a non-profit association that seeks to advance education professionals in alumni relations, communications, fundraising, marketing and other related areas.
CASE will present Bacow with the award on Feb. 11 at its annual District I conference in Boston.
Members of the Board of Trustees praised Bacow's guidance throughout the past few years, during which he has helped enact various new policies.
"Larry's leadership in higher education extends beyond his role at Tufts," Board of Trustees Chairman James Stern said in a press release. "He has become a highly visible spokesperson for the importance of providing access to education through increased financial aid and need-blind admissions, for the benefits of diversity in broadening students' experiences and perspectives, and for the responsibility of colleges and universities to teach their students the skills and values of active citizenship."
Christine Sanni, Tufts' director of advancement communications and donor relations, noted the level of achievement of Beyond Boundaries, Tufts' $1.2 billion capital campaign. In an e-mail to the Daily, Sanni called the campaign a "testament to the trust the board has in the President's vision and leadership."
Alan Solomont, a university trustee, cited Bacow's testimony to the Spellings Commission as an example of the university president's vision in broadening Americans' access to higher education. The Spellings Commission was a group appointed by the U.S. Department of Education in 2005 to help reform higher education in this country.
Other Tufts employees also received recognition from CASE. The Rising Star Award went to Associate Director of Alumni Relations Gretchen Dobson. That accolade recognizes new advancement professionals "whose early success promises future leadership and achievement."
"Gretchen has done so much in her short time at Tufts," said Director of Alumni Relations Timothy D. Brooks, who nominated Dobson for the award. "Through her hard work she has helped create a domestic and international Tufts [alumni] network."
Dobson will receive her award at the Feb. 11 conference as well.
Five Tufts communications vehicles were also recognized, including Tufts Magazine, Tufts Nutrition and a short film called "Tufts Is," promoting Beyond Boundaries. Additionally, Tufts received an award in special communications. Since 2000, CASE has given out 22 awards to a variety of Tufts publications.
