Farias honored for service

Suzanne Farias

Westminster resident Suzanne Farias was one of three honored with the 2008 Service Above Self Award by Mount Wachusett Community College at the college's 43rd Commencement on Thursday, May 15.

Farias, the general manager of the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton Leominster, was honored along side Ladd Lavallee, the co-president of Laddawn, Inc.; and John Mulqueen, MD, and Paula Mulqueen, RN.

The Service Above Self Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to the 29 cities and towns that comprise the community college's service area.

"These individuals selflessly dedicate their time and talents to make our communities - and the world - a better place. We are proud to honor them for their abiding commitment to serving others," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, in a press release.

Farias has used her visibility as general manager of the Four Points to live her paradigm: "If you are going to be here, be involved."

Among her volunteer service, Farias is the chairwoman of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Supervisory Committee of the IC Federal Credit Union, a member of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, and a board member and past chair of the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is also a member of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Massachusetts, the Advisory Board of MWCC's School of Business and is a member of the HealthAlliance Golf Classic Committee and the HealthAlliance Hospital Guild.

Working within and through the hotel, she seeks every opportunity for civic engagement, from co-sponsoring the regional competition of the National Spelling Bee to employee participation in the United Way's Day of Caring, to sponsoring the Annual Holiday Concert, free to all attendees with a donation of toys, clothing or food for Ginny's Helping Hand. She has incorporated teaching and mentoring into her work by offering internships to area high school students who pursue a hospitality career, volunteering as a trainer within the industry, and working with Leominster's Center for Technical Education on its Community Business Partnership.

Fairis was a member of MWCC's "Beyond 9 to 5" career re-entry program. She is a graduate of American International College in Springfield, and is the 2008 recipient of the Dr. Robert Goldman Award for Excellence, presented by the Multi-Service Center of Leominster.