Hansen, who had extensive leadership roles in health care and aging in her career as a nurse, was recently elected president of the AARP. She will be the first Asian-American to assume the position, after having worked in nonprofit elder care services in a Chinatown community. Her unique approach to health care for the aging population, called the Program of All-Inclusive Care to the Elderly, has been implemented in some form by every state in the country.
Jones holds both an undergraduate and a law degree from BC, has served as the Federal Communications Commissioner, and is an associate trustee at BC. Leaving private law practice for a role on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), she rose through the ranks quickly. She held various directorships and acted as general counsel in several capacities. She was then with the FCC for four years before returning to private practice. Although retired, she continues to serve on various advisory boards and remains involved in several legal organizations.
Neenan, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, became a member of the BC community in 1980 as the first Thomas I. Gasson, S.J., visiting professor. He never returned to his former institution, the University of Michigan, but has since been one of BC's best selling points for generations of students. Neenan also served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and academic vice president, and receives much credit for the University's rise to national prominence. Beyond his responsibilities as a University vice president, Neenan has officiated the weddings of many BC alumni and publishes an annual "Dean's List" of must-read books. He also provides a welcoming environment for students from across the nation, hosting luncheons where those from similar geographic regions can meet each other.
2008 Woodie Awards
