Babson’s Lawrence P. Ward Earns Distinguished Alumni Award from Penn

Listen

Lawrence P. Ward, Babson College’s vice president and dean of campus life, recently was honored by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (GSE).

Lawrence P. Ward holds the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award
Lawrence P. Ward, Babson College’s vice president and dean of campus life

Ward received the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management program. The award recognizes Penn GSE alumni who have demonstrated significant and effective leadership and management and have had a substantial impact or influence at an organizational, regional, or national level.

Ward earned his doctorate in education from Penn GSE in 2011, and he now teaches a course on crisis management in the program. At the awards presentation at the 18th Higher Education Leadership Conference this month in Philadelphia, he gave a moving and inspiring address about his experiences and his purpose.

“As an educator, a leader, and a thinking person, it is both my leadership mission and my ministry to shine a light on that which makes others feel capable, seen, and heard,” he said. “To be both a sounding board and a springboard. To authentically, and vulnerably, share my story such that others might have license to discover their own story. To speak up, speak out, and some days to show out as an example of what the world needs to see more of, especially from people who look like me.”

Ryan Travia, the associate vice president for student success at Babson, also earned his doctorate in higher education management from Penn’s GSE and attended the gala and awards dinner.

Watch Ward’s full acceptance speech:

Posted in Babson Briefs

More from Babson Briefs »

Latest Stories

First row (left to right): Laura Bautista ’29, Ezel Bhatty ’29, Sydney Fojas ’29; Second row (left to right): Lucas Lebrija ’29, Tia Malhotra ’29, Remy Witt ’29
Class of 2029 Blank Leadership Scholars Bring Excitement to Campus The Class of 2029 Blank Leadership Scholars arrive at Babson equipped with entrepreneurial spirit and social impact experience, from launching nonprofits and tech solutions to championing environmental education.
By
Melissa Savignano
Writer
Melissa Savignano
Melissa Savignano, a content marketing manager at Babson College, has worked in higher education for almost a decade, where she tells authentic, compelling campus and community stories. Before Babson, she managed communications for Boston University’s largest college, the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. She previously worked in client relations, helping brands of various sizes launch content marketing strategies and storytelling initiatives. When not at work, you will find her in the city of Boston, probably at the movie theater.
September 25, 2025

Posted in Community

An overview of the fair with students in a blur as the move around
Unscripted Moment: Club Fair Blur In our occasional photo series, staff photographer Nic Czarnecki shares a unique, long-exposure image to illustrate the movement of students at the Club Fair.
By
September 24, 2025

Posted in Community

Two students cheer with pompoms during move-in day
No. 1 Again: Babson Tops Entrepreneurship Ranking for 29th Consecutive Time For the 29th consecutive time, U.S. News & World Report has named Babson College the No. 1 undergraduate school for entrepreneurship.
By
September 23, 2025

Posted in Community