Distinguished Alumni Awards

The College of Education and Human Development Distinguished Alumni award recognizes an alumnus, or alumna, for his or her professional achievements and contributions in the education or recreation, health and tourism related fields.

Each year’s distinguished alumni represents the college’s core values of collaboration, ethical leadership, innovation, research-based practice, and social justice.

Previous Winners

2021: Tiffany Reaves

BS Health, Recreation, Tourism ‘09

Tiffany Reaves

Tiffany Reaves is the current Senior Director of Social Impact and Fan Engagement for the New York Knicks. In this role she sets the strategy and runs operations for the department responsible for all community activation, youth basketball programming, and fan engagement platforms for the brand.

2020: Anthony “Tony” J. DeGregorio

BS Physical Education ’84, MS Physical Education ‘89

Anthony “Tony” J. DeGregorio

The late Anthony “Tony” J. DeGregorio taught elementary physical education for Fairfax County Public Schools for 26 years, with three years as the school district’s administrator for physical education and driver education. For more than 30 years, DeGregorio served as a Mason instructor to the next generation of physical education teachers. In addition to being a College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) faculty member, he served for many years on the Alumni Association Board as the CEHD representative. DeGregorio passed away in 2019.

2019: Thomas J. Snee

MEd Education Leadership ‘06

Thomas J. Snee

Thomas J. Snee is the National Executive Director for the Fleet Reserve Association and Co-Chair for The Military Coalition representing over 5.5M active, reserve, veterans and retiree service members.

2017: Dr. Britt J. Davis

BS Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies ’91, MPA ’96

Dr. Britt J. Davis

Dr. Britt Davis is currently the Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Senior Advisor to the President at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC.

2016: Sharon LePage Plante

MEd Special Education ’96

Sharon LePage Plante

Sharon LePage Plante currently teaches students with learning disabilities and dyslexia at Eagle Hill Southport School in Southwestern Connecticut.

2015: Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro

MEd Special Education ’96

Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro

Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro is chief executive officer at the United States Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic Section.

2014: Melissa Porfirio

MEd Curriculum and Instruction ’05

Melissa Porfirio

Melissa Porfirio was named Virginia’s 2014 Teacher of the Year.

2013: Amy Bokker

MS Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion ’08

Amy Bokker

Amy Bokker is Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse at Stanford University.

2012: Dayton Moore

BSEd Physical Education ’91, MS Physical Education ’93

Dayton Moore

Dayton Moore is the General Manager of the Kansas City Royals.