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

January 24, 2023

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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: