In his introduction to honor the 2025 Alumni Service Award winner Jim Walsh ‘75, alumnus Christopher Hendry ‘91, ‘07 said Walsh embodies the highest qualities of volunteer alumni leadership.
Walsh has always given his time selflessly, Hendry said, not for recognition but in the deep belief of the Alumni Association and the community it serves.
“It’s about more than the hours volunteered, it’s about spirit, dedication and vision and how our alumni remain connected, empowered and inspired long after graduation,” said Hendry, the president of IC Credit Union. “Jim Walsh is the perfect example of that spirit.”
After making his way to the podium, Walsh admitted that he couldn’t believe he was receiving such a prestigious award.
“I’ve been to many of these events and it’s a moving ceremony,” Walsh said. “It’s very touching being here as one of the recipients. I’m happy that I became involved with the alumni board.”
Walsh, who was born and raised in Fitchburg and earned a bachelor’s degree in geography and a minor in earth science from Fitchburg State and later a master’s in librarianship from Western Michigan University in 1977, was a member of the Fitchburg State University Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2013-2024. During his time on the board, he was elected to serve as treasurer, vice president, and president.
“Jim embodies what you want in volunteer alumni leadership,” said Hendry. “Through his work, he has strengthened the bonds that connect us back to our alma mater, but what truly sets him apart is his heart behind the service. Whether it’s welcoming new graduates into the alumni family at commencement, helping alumni in times of need or extending our mission into the broader community, he has approached every effort with humility, warmth and perseverance. He’s just such a good guy. The Alumni Service Award is not simply about what has been done, it is about the example that it sets. Jim reminds us that giving back is not an obligation, but a privilege. In doing so, it inspires all of us to find our own ways to serve.”
Walsh has made volunteerism his career calling hard. As president of the Alumni Board, he chaired the selection committee for the Vincent J. Mara Excellence in Teaching Award. He has been a regular participant in the university’s commencement exercises, and supported admissions activities including open houses and receptions for accepted students.
During his leadership, Walsh joined other board members and alumni for two days in helping Habitat for Humanity by framing the second floor of a new house in Fitchburg and rebuilding a new porch in Gardner.
“I think one of the reasons that the Fitchburg State Alumni Board is so successful is because there’s a wide range of generations of people who have graduated from Fitchburg State, who work together to do whatever they can to improve the situation here with the university,” Walsh said. “Receiving the service award, I think it’s like anything, you’re successful because of all the people who work with you. The board was fantastic.”
Walsh’s service also extends to his city. He served on the Fitchburg Cultural Council during former Mayor Lisa Wong’s administration. In one of those years, the Fitchburg Cultural Council was selected as the Massachusetts Cultural Council of the Year. He was president of the Friends of the Fitchburg Public Library and he and his wife, Beth, are still members. Walsh has been a trustee of the Fitchburg Public Library since 2011, and is a member of the library building committee. Walsh is involved in the Fitchburg Public Schools, currently serving his second, four-year term as a member of the Fitchburg School Committee.
“Over (Walsh’s) 12-plus years of serving the university, he’s taken a special interest in ensuring that our alumni association is not just an organization, but a living network of support, opportunity and service,” Hendry said. “Outside of the university, his community service and commitment to the city of Fitchburg is unparalleled.”