Celebrating the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Five exceptional individuals were recognized for their unwavering commitment to their communities and excellence in their chosen fields.

By Dave Eisenberg

Worcester State kicked off Homecoming Weekend 2025 in October 2025 by conferring the Distinguished Alumni Awards upon five truly exceptional individuals. The awardees included: an educator who empowers students to think beyond the classroom; a prominent business owner opening doors for women in a male-dominated field; the president and CEO of a leading human services nonprofit that serves individuals and families with complex needs; a former faculty member who helped make Worcester State what it is today; and a decorated U.S. Marine officer credited with helping hundreds flee Taliban rule.

Presented biennially, these awards represent the highest non-degree recognition the university bestows on alumni. Selected after a competitive nomination and review process by the Alumni Association’s Advisory Board and university representatives, winners are chosen for excellence in community service, education, professional accomplishment, and service to the university. While the awardees are diverse in their background, passions, and professional pursuits, they do share at least one thing in common: an unwavering commitment to making their communities, and the world, a better place.

Charran Fisher ’02 | Building a better world—literally

Charran Fisher ’02 founded Fisher Contracting Corporation in 1998. Since, the firm has become a major player in the Massachusetts business community, noted for its involvement in the construction of Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox, and Encore, a popular hotel and casino outside Boston.

At the same time, Fisher has leveraged her entrepreneurial success to become a community leader. As a woman and minority in a male-dominated field, she has opened doors for others who are underrepresented in construction, and inspired them to pursue careers in the field. She also sits on the boards of several local and state chambers of commerce, subcontractor associations, economic councils, and boys and girls clubs, advancing the interests of communities across the Commonwealth.

Accepting the award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Community, Fisher noted that she learned the principles at the heart of her work while a student at Worcester State. “The values I learned here—service, compassion, and a commitment to community—have stayed with me and guided everything I’ve done,” she said. “It has shaped how I show up in the world, how I lead, and how I give back.”

Ken Bates ’87 | Leading with a helping hand

Ken Bates ’87 has dedicated his career to supporting individuals and families with complex challenges and needs. 

As president & CEO of Open Sky Community Services, he leads one of the largest human services nonprofits in Central Massachusetts. Under his leadership, Open Sky has grown to employ 1,300 people, who serve constituents across the region with critical services in mental health, developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injury, substance use, housing and other areas of need. In 2025, Open Sky was named a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe. 

Accepting the award for Outstanding Professional Achievement, Bates said majoring in urban studies at Worcester State gave him, “the foundation to lead with purpose.” “Through teaching, coaching, and internships at local organizations, I was able to build relationships and gain hands-on experience that still informs my work today. The campus may look different now, but the core values of service, inclusion, and community-building remain as strong as ever.”

Craig Dottin ’94 | Empowering students to think beyond the curriculum

As an educator, Craig Dottin ’94, M.Ed. ’02, M.Ed. ’14 works to ensure every student succeeds, both in and out of the classroom. 

In his current role with Worcester Public Schools, he’s responsible for identifying internship opportunities for all students. Previously, as principal of Vernon Hill Elementary School, he implemented a financial literacy program, giving young learners early exposure to money management and career planning. In 2023, his advocacy for young women’s education and access to resources earned him the Smart Advocate Award from Girls Inc. of Worcester.

Dottin’s passion for education is deeply personal. While accepting the award for Outstanding Achievement in Education, he said Worcester State’s Office of Multicultural Affairs provided him with the support he needed to thrive, adding it gave him, “the kind of guidance every student deserves, especially those from marginalized communities.” He continued: “By building programs that provide mentorship and a strong sense of community, we ensure every student can succeed and know they are never alone.”

Paul Davis ’57 | Innovating right here on campus

Paul Davis ’57, M.Ed. ’59, Ed.D. earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Worcester State thanks to the GI Bill, which provided education for veterans. Ever since, he’s been a pillar of the university community, as both a faculty member and generous supporter.

Known for his innovative contributions to the university’s educational programs, Davis played a pivotal role in the development of the university’s audio-visual and media departments. Under his leadership, they evolved into the Communications Department, which continues to thrive today. Later, with his wife of more than 50 years, he established the Paul ’57, ’59 and Barbara ’71, ’73 Davis Scholarship, awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student residing in Worcester County. He retired as professor emeritus in 1992.

“I am so proud to have been a part of the history of Worcester State, and feel that my efforts helped build the institution to what it is today,” he said, accepting the award for Outstanding Service to Alma Mater. “I loved teaching, and I’ve loved interacting and relating with the students and faculty here.”

Omer Rafiq ’14 | Building a life of service

Omer Rafiq ’14 is a decorated marine officer and the director of an AI startup focused on national security. For this work, Worcester State recognized him with the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Read his full story here.