Salem Resident Honored With Salem State's Alumni Association Award

SALEM, MA — The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation has named Salem resident Carla Guarnieri as its annual Elizabeth Williams Wade Award recipient for her many years of service to the university.

Guarnieri earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salem State in 1975 and is a current member of the Friends of the McKeown School of Education — a committee with a deep appreciation for the founding of the university as an institution dedicated to the training of teachers.

She has served as the chairperson of the Educators Pinning Ceremony for the past decade, which honors seniors who passed their license exam. She is credited with growing the program since its inception.

"I'm pleased to continue supporting Salem State's mission through my work with the McKeown School of Education," Guarnieri said. "Educators are the backbone of society, playing vital roles in the development of our youth, and it's imperative we support new teachers."

Guarnieri taught elementary, secondary and special education in the Swampscott Public Schools and retired from her career as a principal and administrator. In 2007, she was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award for her commitment to helping innumerable students throughout the community.

"Carla has been a strong advocate of the university and is deeply committed to supporting future
educators," Associate Director of Alumni Relations Mike Mitchell said. "We are proud to honor her
with this award."

The Elizabeth Williams Wade Award has been presented to a graduate each year since 1980 who has made a notable achievement or lasting contribution to Salem State University through their philanthropic and voluntary endeavors.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)