WESTBOROUGH - Nov. 18, 2010:University of Massachusetts President Jack M. Wilson was honored last night with the 2010 Westborough Good Scout Award - an award presented to those in the MetroWest area who make significant contributions to their community.
According to the Framingham-based Knox Trail Council of the Boys Scouts of America, President Wilson was being recognized as "an active volunteer leader and successful business professional."
"He has enriched the lives of many people in his community through his concern, kindness and generosity. Due to his deep personal commitment to quality, access and affordability, the University of Massachusetts during his tenure as President has increased its funding for financial aid by more than $100 million, opening the doors of opportunity to thousands of deserving, talented students from across the Commonwealth."
President Wilson, who lives in Westborough with his wife and children, said he was very pleased to receive the scouting award.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Knox Trail Council of the Boys Scouts of America," said President Wilson. "Doubly so because I am receiving it from the council that represents the community in which I live and volunteer. Scouting builds both a sense of civic pride and adventure in young people that is very much needed in the world today. I see that same sense of pride and purpose in the students at the University of Massachusetts. I know that both institutions will continue to promote that mission and will continue to prosper."
President Wilson added: "Scouting is one of our local and national treasures and has shaped so many lives and placed so many young people on the road to success in their personal and professional lives. Building better and richer lives has been at the core of my work as an educator and for that reason I am very pleased and truly honored to be the recipient of this distinguished award."
The award was presented to President Wilson during a dinner attended by representatives of the Boy Scouts of America as well as local civic and business leaders.
In a letter to President Wilson congratulating him for the award, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said: "I have seen first-hand the level of concern and commitment you have for students at all levels of the educational spectrum -- with a special commitment and loyalty, of course, to the 68,000 students of the University of Massachusetts system. I also know how hard you have worked to improve economic circumstances throughout the Commonwealth and recognize that your efforts emerge out of a sincere desire to improve the lives of all of our fellow citizens."
President Wilson also received congratulatory citations from the Massachusetts House and Senate. The Good Scout Award was presented at a dinner held at the Westborough Doubletree Hotel.
Contact: Robert P. Connolly, 617-287-7073