American Cancer Society to Present Award to President Flynn
April 30, 2009SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 1, 2009 – The American Cancer Society will present the Omar T. Pace Award to Springfield College President Richard B. Flynn at the 2009 Evening of Hope Gala, May 9, at the MassMutual Center.
The award, now in its 17th year, honors community leaders who have made a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families throughout Western Massachusetts.
Responding to the announcement, Flynn said, “I am deeply honored by this recognition. Few people have not been touched or impacted by this dreaded disease, either personally or through family and friends. I am proud of the effort and wide range of activities conducted by students, faculty, and staff at the college in support of cancer awareness and research.”
Both Flynn and Springfield College have been long-time supporters of the American Cancer Society. The college has hosted the Relay for Life since its inception 17 years ago, and Flynn was its chair in 2002. The annual 24-hour event is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity in which teams of runners and walkers raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.
In addition, the college supports Daffodil Days, which help fund cancer research and public education through flower sales, and its athletic teams have sponsored pink ribbon campaigns to increase breast cancer awareness.
Springfield College physician assistant and AmeriCorps students have hosted the annual 5K Run/Walk for Research for the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation. Last year, the college helped support students who completed a 1,400-mile bicycle ride to raise cancer awareness and funding for the American Cancer Society.
Flynn has been involved with the American Cancer Society since the 1980s, when he served on its board and education committee in Nebraska. Flynn became Springfield College president in 1999 following a 30-year career with the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
The Evening of Hope Gala, formerly the Omar T. Pace Gala, is Western Massachusetts’ premiere black-tie event supporting cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Annually, it brings together business leaders, medical professionals, and volunteers who are committed to conquering cancer. In its 17-year history, the event has raised more than $946,000, and this year’s goal is to reach the $1 million mark.
