Student Christopher Blunt Receives “29 Who Shine” Award from Department of Higher Education
May 8, 2017 – On Friday, May 5, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education honored 29 outstanding students from the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities, honoring one graduate from each community college, state university and University of Massachusetts campus. Massasoit Community College’s honoree, Chris Blunt, is a student in the Business Administration Transfer program and serves as the College’s elected Student Representative to the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Blunt is a United States Marine Corps Veteran, having served four years on active duty, including a tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and a tour in Bahrain in support of anti-piracy efforts; he also served two years in the Marine Reserves. During his time in the Marines, Mr. Blunt worked as an Aviation Supply Specialist, conducting supply chain management operations for rotary wing aircraft. During each of his deployments, Mr. Blunt earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement and superior performance. Mr. Blunt has also received several letters of appreciation for volunteer service; was promoted to the rank of Sergeant within four years of honorable service; and earned two Good Conduct Medals for exemplary personal and professional conduct.
“Chris is an excellent student who is deeply committed to Massasoit and his fellow students,” said Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College. “We are proud to see Chris honored for his hard work and academic excellence, and look forward to seeing his future successes.”
Additionally, Mr. Blunt is an active officer in the Brockton Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1046, and in Fellowship Masonic Lodge in Bridgewater. He volunteers at the Brockton Veterans Administration Hospital and has participated in several charitable fitness challenges. Mr. Blunt serves as the Vice President of both the Massasoit Veteran and Servicemember Club and the Honors Association. He has recently been inducted into the Alpha Kappa Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa with a 3.97 GPA. Mr. Blunt also serves as a Student Veteran Ambassador and is a work-study student in the Massasoit Veterans Center.
As part of the ceremony, students are asked to name a faculty or staff mentor who has contributed to their success. Chris chose to honor Brian Smith, Massasoit’s Veteran Services Academic Counselor. According to Chris, “Brian’s selfless dedication to serving the veteran population is a true example for others to emulate. Being a veteran himself, I view Brian not only as a mentor, but a friend and brother as well. I can confidently say that Brian has made a positive and lasting impact on my education and ultimately my life.”