President Matteson Receives Harvard Club Award
November 6, 2009
The Harvard Club of Boston has named Dr. Carol J. Matteson, president of Mount Ida College, a recipient of this year's "Friends of Education Award." The Harvard Prize Book Committee selected Dr. Matteson for this award, which was presented at the annual Prize Book Breakfast.
The Harvard Prize Book is a distinction awarded to high school juniors who combine excellence in scholarship and exemplary character with achievement in other fields. Presently, the Book Prize is offered annually in almost 1,700 schools around the world. Recipients, along with teachers and counselors, are invited to the breakfast at the Harvard Club, which is always held the first Wednesday in October. This year, over 150 students attended, along with teachers, counselors, and special guests.
The "Friends of Education Award" is given to individuals who have made significant contributions toward the education of students in their communities. Dr. Barbara Pulaski, professor of sociology at Mount Ida College and a long-time member of the Prize Book Committee, proposed Dr. Matteson for the award. "President Matteson's abilities, especially in the financial realm, have done so much to transform the College," said Dr. Pulaski.
Philip C. Haughey, president of The Harvard Club of Boston, presented the award. "Dr. Matteson's whole life has been devoted to education," Haughey said. "As a resident of Newton, I have witnessed firsthand the outreach that she has been involved with in the community. She has established a President's Advisory Board that has greatly added to the credibility of the College and has improved the quality of life in Newton, inviting the community to audit classes and take part in programs."
For Dr. Matteson, the award serves as a special validation of the good work done by the College. “While I am being recognized, I realize that it takes the work of a talented team to make a leader shine," she said. “It has been my great honor to have had the opportunity to lead the transformation of the College over the past decade.”