Hersch Rothmel, Keene State College

I have known Hersch for over two years through his involvement with Mentors in Violence Prevention and the CCDEI. He has become an active and skilled campus leader willing to serve as a bridge between students and staff and faculty, particularly through his work on the transition to and as co-chair of the CCDEI. His enthusiasm is contagious, he brings students together on campus, and also seeks to support Keene State College nationally, such as through his involvement with the DC based Healthy Masculinity Project and his recent effort to connect KSC with the Stoney Brook Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities. I have also watched as Hersch has learned when to moderate his enthusiasm and find the patience to work with students where they are, showing growing finesse in helping shift the campus culture towards equity and equality. Finally, when I first met Hersch, he seemed at a crossroads, uncertain of whether he could effectively work within the system and still stay true to his radical roots. I find his efforts to straddle both of these perspectives while maintaining his integrity to be inspirational, and worthy of the honor the President’s Leadership Award would bestow.