By Matthew K. Roy
PEABODY — The New England Board of Higher Education last week honored Congressman John Tierney with its award for leadership.
The board annually recognizes individuals and institutions for their contributions to improving higher education opportunities for New England students. Tierney's honor, called the Governor Walter R. Peterson Award for Leadership after a former New Hampshire politician and college president, has previously gone to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of the Granite State. New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch was last year's winner.
"I am humbled by the receipt of this award," Tierney said in a press release issued yesterday by the board. "I have always believed that access to a quality, affordable education is a right, not a privilege and I thank the New England Board of Higher Education for recognizing and honoring my work on this issue."
Tierney is in his seventh term representing the 6th District, which includes the North Shore. He has served on the House Education and Labor Committee since arriving in Congress.
The board highlighted his work keeping college affordable, including efforts to expand Pell grants and other forms of federal financial aid. It cited his championing of high-quality programs for students with intellectual disabilities, alternative paths to the teaching profession and loan forgiveness for borrowers who pursue public service professions. Tierney was also credited for fighting to include money for eduction in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"Congressman Tierney's work in Washington has made a college education more accessible and more affordable for students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and across the nation," Board President and CEO Michael K. Thomas said in the release. "We're truly fortunate to have such a committed advocate."
North Shore Community College President Wayne Burton called Tierney a "godsend for our students and institutions."
"During his long and distinguished career in the U.S. Congress," said Salem State College President Pat Meservey, "(Tierney) has consistently championed higher education as an inalienable right of all Americans, and remains one of its most steadfast supporters."
