Evening of Champions Returns to Massasoit May 13

Massasoit Community College’s signature fundraiser to support scholarships and honor community leaders and organizations

BROCKTON, Mass (April 25, 2023) – Massasoit Community College will host the second annual Evening of Champions on Saturday, May 13 in the College’s Student Center on the Brockton campus. This signature fundraiser benefits the Marvelous Marvin Hagler Memorial Scholarship and recognizes Champions of the College.  This year’s Champions are the Brockton Area Branch NAACP and President Phyllis Ellis, Peter Forman of the South Shore Chamber, and Chris Cooney of the Metro South Chamber.

This event benefits Marvelous Marvin Hagler Memorial Scholarship fund, which was established in 1996 and awards up to $2,000 to students who demonstrate financial need. In 2016, when Hagler personally awarded the scholarship to two Massasoit students, he remarked, “All I can do is give you a helping hand, then it’s up to you to make this happen. Education opens doors and opportunity is waiting for you. Dreams will come true if you believe in yourself. Never give up!”

“We are once again excited to welcome our community of supporters and “champions” to campus to celebrate the contributions of the College to our region while raising much needed funds to help our students find success here at Massasoit,” said Ray DiPasquale, President of Massasoit Community College.

The Evening of Champions promises to keep you ringside for a night of tasty food, good drinks, and engaging company – all for a great cause. Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Jimmy Myers will be the evening’s emcee. Tickets are $125 per person, and cover food and drink: hors d’oeuvres, multiple food stations, carving stations for dinner, wine, and beer – including special offerings from the Brockton Beer Company. Cocktail attire is recommended. There will also be a wine pull and silent auction. Sponsorship opportunities and program listing options are available at Massasoit.edu/champions.

About the Honorees

Community ChampionThe Brockton Area Branch NAACP and long-time President Phyllis Ellis are being recognized as this year’s “Community Champion” for their service to the community. With roots dating back to the 1920s, the Brockton Area Branch has long been an advocate for the protection of civil rights in our community. Formally established in the 1950s, the branch has played an active role in making public housing available to low-income people in Brockton, fostering youth development, and encourages students to stay in school, promotes equal access to jobs and business opportunities, registers and encourages people to vote.

Ellis is now serving her fourth term as president of the Brockton Area Branch. She is chair of the ACT-SO Committee She is also active outside of her work for the Brockton NAACP, serving as chair of the Mayor’s Community Justice Task Force and Commissioner for the Plymouth County Status of Women.

Champions of Education

Peter Forman, President and CEO of the South Shore Chamber, and Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, are being recognized as this year’s “Champions of Education” for their support of the College and its mission.

Peter Forman has led the South Shore Chamber since 2005. He led a successful career in public service before joining the Chamber, having served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Sheriff of Plymouth County, and in two gubernatorial administrations. Forman has helped define a regional agenda for long-term economic competitiveness and responsible growth for South Shore communities. The chamber has been a champion for housing diversity and development of multi-family housing. It is now exploring the critical issues of water resources in the region to promote future economic opportunity and sustainably water resource management.

Christopher Cooney, MPA, CCE, IOM has served in several elected and appointed education leadership roles including the Board of Trustees at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Bridgewater State University Foundation, Brockton Education Foundation, and the Westport School Committee where he was elected chair at the age of 25. Cooney has led the Metro South Chamber of Commerce since 1998, after holding leadership roles at several chambers in Massachusetts. In his more than 33 years of Chamber work, he has recruited, trained, and provided experience for countless numbers of students and young people in the field of association and non-profit management. His impact on their lives, trajectory, and the communities they now serve is extraordinary. Beyond the people he has impacted so positively, he has helped build one of the strongest Chambers of Commerce in the Commonwealth, and currently serves on the United States Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, a business and education leadership group of the organization.