Nominating his parents for the Parents Leadership and Service Award, their son Craig wrote, “Even though my parents do not have the graduation dates after their names, I believe they are just as much part of the fabric and spirit of Saint Anselm as any other alumni.” The recognition committee of the Alumni Council could not agree more.

Carol and George (aka Mike) sent three out of their four children to Saint Anselm College – their daughter graduated from U Mass Lowell – every family has its black sheep.

Fiercely devoted to each other and to their children, Mike and Carol created a home full of love if not a little chaos. "Mike and Carol embody the blue-collar Irish and Italian Catholic. Money was never plentiful, but we never went to bed hungry, and they always figured out a way to pay for the 4 children to go to Catholic schooling. This included my father running the bingo program at Malden Catholic on Sundays, deciding to leave behind a corporate life for a more flexible job as a sole proprietor installing ice machines and soda systems so that he would be around for his four kids who were all within six years of each other. This new schedule afforded my dad to coach and volunteer more, and he never once expressed any regret."

"My mother worked 2-3 jobs at any given time. These jobs ranged from a dental office to waitressing on nights and weekends, and working in the emergency ward on weekends in a hospital to help me with my Saint Anselm loans. This last job was something I knew she despised but never wavered nor complained."

Faith, family, and food characterize the Hooper family.

Faith: "My parents have a deep faith in God. No matter how hectic our family schedules may have been, my parents made sure we all got to Sunday Mass. My parents truly believe and instilled in each of their children and grandchildren (members of the Class of 2038, 2039, and 2040) that God will provide."

Family: "Their loyalty and devotion to being parents far exceeds the vast amounts of sacrifices they made. The more difficult and important part was their active parenting. My parents were never too tired to drive us somewhere, to console us, to pick us up at college, or just to listen to us."

Food: "Dinner time was a sacred moment in our home: no TV, no phones just food and family. We were sent to school with 'extra' snacks in case any other student 'forgot' their lunch, but it was really for students who possibly just did not have much or anything that day. We were scraping by, but my mother and father always thought of others and were thankful for everything they had. At our table friends were always welcomed."

I’ll let Craig have the last word, "My siblings and I owe a debt of gratitude to my parents. Our parent’s sacrificial love is inspiring, and when Mike, Jess, Nick, Alicia, and I look at them and see their goodness, we are inspired and desire to be a little better ourselves. Thanks, mom and dad."