Jola Leary, University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Jola Leary is the definition of a student leader and she has made a significant impact on our community on and off campus. She is attracted to the philanthropic missions of the campus organizations in which she participates. Although she is a successful student, service is central to her college experience and she is guided by her big heart. She thinks of her community first, putting those interests before her own. Jamie Saucier, UNH Manchester’s coordinator of student activities explained that “Jola has developed her thinking into what it truly means to give back to others in every facet of her campus life.” She blends her role as a student leader with student engagement and community service. She has been a vital member and leader of student organizations including the college’s a cappella group, Milling Around, Voices of the 603, Brick and Mortar Theatre Group and the Frisbee club. Collectively these organizations have raised more than $15,000 for organizations including the American Cancer Society, Society for Suicide Prevention, Hope Live Foundation, the Manchester Historical Association, Central High School Science Department, the NH Food Bank and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Jola has set a standard that will be hard to follow.
-Dr. Mark Huddleston, President