The fellow alumnus who nominated Mr. Closson for the award wrote that “Pat is a passionate and ardent supporter of UNH. I’ve often heard him speak of his experience in the Honors Program, how it augmented his academic achievement at UNH and also gave him skills which translated into his professional life. He is a very smart guy who is also a great friend and a wonderful reflection of UNH and the Honors Program.”
Mr. Closson graduated with University Honors in History in 1995. He went on to Boston College Law School and became a business lawyer with the firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson, and Middleton, where he is now Managing Director of the Portsmouth office and chair of the healthcare group.
In addition to his active professional life, he has offered his time and expertise to organizations including City Year, Child and Family Services, and the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. He is a past participant and immediate past board chair of Leadership Seacoast. He is also a past lecturer at UNH and has joined the Alumni Board of Directors.
He attended the May 5 ceremony with his wife, Angela, a human resources consultant who is also a graduate of UNH. Provost Lisa MacFarlane presented the award before an audience of Honors seniors. Mr. Closson counseled the graduating students to appreciate the special scholarly opportunities afforded by the thesis, recalling an instance in which his seemingly esoteric work on European history had enabled an unexpected connection.
The Honors Program will solicit nominations for the 2016 Alumni Award next spring.