Join Bristol Community College for the annual Bristol Awards, an event honoring the efforts of an outstanding and inspiring group of alumni. The Bristol Awards event will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, with a gathering from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Commonwealth College Center (G building), on the Bristol Fall River Campus, 777 Elsbree Street.
The cost is $50 per person to attend. Sponsors can also purchase a table for up to 10 guests. Please RSVP and register by March 29, 2024, by visiting www.bristolcc.edu/alumni, calling 774.357.2007, or mailing in your checks payable to:
Bristol Community College Foundation
777 Elsbree Street, D109
Fall River, MA 02720
Attn: 2024 Bristol Awards
The Paragon Award is the most distinguished award given to a graduate of Bristol Community College. Inspiring alumni will also be honored in the event’s annual categories, including the Distinguished Black or African American Alumnus, Maury Kusinitz Volunteer of the Year Award, Championing Diversity and Inclusion Award, Alumna of the Year Award and the Alumni Service Award.
2024 Bristol Paragon Award Recipient: Representative Alan Silvia ‘74, of Fall River, Mass.
Representative Alan Silvia's entire life has been about public service. After graduating from B.M.C. Durfee High School, Silvia enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam conflict. He graduated from Bristol in 1974, and then from Northeastern University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He received a Master of Science degree from Salve Regina University.
A lifelong resident of Fall River, Silvia went on to become a police officer in the city of Fall River. He served as a detective in the Major Crime division, where he served for more than twenty years. He was involved in the investigation of all major crimes, including rape, robbery, embezzlement and homicide. Additionally, he served several years in the Sexual Abuse Unit, investigating crimes of violence against children. He developed and implemented a sexual abuse prevention curriculum within the Fall River School District (called the SPEAK Program), and he provided community education in areas of child abuse prevention, rape, elder abuse and substance abuse.
Silvia's commitment to Bristol Community College runs very deep. An advocate for student veterans, Bristol established the Representative Alan Silvia Veterans Scholarship, which supports students who are active in or retired from military duty. Those interested in donating to this scholarship may do so by visiting https://app.donorview.com/gkpVn.
Since 2013, Silvia has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing the 7th Bristol District, which encompasses the South End of Fall River. He fights for the safety and welfare of the people of Fall River and of the Commonwealth every day and stands as a pillar of this community.
2024 Maury Kusinitz Volunteer of the Year Award: Scott Lopes ’06, of Swansea, Mass.
2024 Alumna of the Year Award: Paula Bradley ’90, of Portsmouth, RI.
2024 Championing Diversity and Inclusion Award: Von Marie Moniz ’08, of New Bedford, Mass.
2024 Distinguished Black or African American Alumna Award: Esha Boyd ’22, of Marion, Mass.
2024 Alumni Service Award: Robyn Worthington ’01, of Westport, Mass.
For more information about the Bristol Community College Foundation’s Bristol Awards, please visit www.bristolcc.edu/alumni.