Awards - Fall 2024

Gayl M. Crump Swaby, EdD, professor of Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling coordinator for Boston Virtual Pathway, was honored as one of the EXTRAordinary Women award recipients from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in March 2024. The award recognizes women who are dedicated to their community, workplace, and neighborhood. Crump Swaby was celebrated for “employing an empathetic approach and an innovative fusion of therapy and coaching, she serves as a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of her clients.” 

Diana Curtis, PhD’23, was awarded the 2024 Dissertation Award by the American Psychological Association, Div. 47 for her work, titled “Today is not my day: Development of a self-handicapping scale for competitive amateur distance runners.” Curtis received the award when she attended the American Psychological Association Annual Convention in Seattle, Wash., in August 2024. She also gave a presentation on her dissertation at the convention. Jasmin Hutchinson, PhD, professor of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, served as her dissertation supervisor.

Allene B. Curto, consultant for the Office of Financial Aid, was awarded the Lifetime Membership Award from the Eastern Association of Financial Aid Administrators in May 2024. The award is given to individuals who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to student financial aid. Curto served as associate director of financial aid at Springfield College for 32 years before retiring in January 2024.

Michael M. Gale, PhD, assistant professor of Psychology, received the Outstanding Contribution Award from the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers in May 2024. Gale was honored for his contributions as a co-author on “Development and initial validation of the Multicultural Training and Education Questionnaire” in the journal Training and Education in Professional Psychology.

Naomi Graves, MEd, associate professor of Physical Education and head women’s basketball coach, received the Inspirational Pathfinder Award from the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance at its 30th annual banquet in April 2024. Graves was selected for her leadership in women’s athletics, and the way she has blazed the trail for those newer to the coaching profession.

Michelle Moosbrugger, PhD, professor of Physical Education and chair of the Department of Physical Education and Health Education, received the Sheryl Hall Distinguished Service Award from the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance at its 30th annual banquet in April 2024. Moosbrugger was selected for exemplifying distinguished service in the educational field, and reflecting the values of kindness, generosity of spirit, thoughtfulness, and hard work.