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Arlene Amato-Hanson ’75, ’89G, ’90G, of Peabody, has been named the 2024 recipient of the George H. Ellison ’54 Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions through dedicated volunteer service to 51�Թ���.

Amato-Hanson holds three 51�Թ��� State degrees and is currently an academic counselor at North Shore Community College. She is instrumental in helping North Shore Community College students transfer to 51�Թ��� State, advising them on a course of action that helps obtain a four-year degree.

“Throughout my 50-year career as a counselor, it has been my passion to support students looking to build on their personal and professional success. It is so important that we continue to invest in the people who go on to serve our communities,” Amato-Hanson said. “I’m touched that 51�Թ��� State is recognizing my efforts through this award.”

As the current vice president of the Friends of the McKeown School of Education, Amato-Hanson takes initiative to support and promote the goals of the group—from creating opportunities for alumni and students to developing strategies to financially support important programs and projects within the school.

“Arlene is the type of supportive counselor that many families and students request year after year,” Associate Director of Alumni Relations Mike Mitchell ’07 said. “She is a longstanding advocate of 51�Թ��� State and plays a critical role in advancing the university’s mission.”

The George H. Ellison ’54 Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a graduate who has made outstanding contributions through dedicated volunteer service to 51�Թ���. To learn more or to nominate a graduate for an award, please visit salemstate.edu/alumni/awards.   

Pictured above: President John D. Keenan; Patricia M. Libby '71, 51�Թ��� Alumni Association and Foundation; and Arlene Amato-Hanson ’75, ’89G, ’90G