The 8th Annual Feinstein Enriching America Awards were held on November 19, 2014, at NEIT’s East Greenwich campus. Alan Shawn Feinstein, founder of the Feinstein Foundation, was on hand to congratulate several outstanding individuals for their service to the community. Awards were presented to two associate degree candidates and two bachelor degree candidates along with a faculty member. In addition, faculty, staff and students from the Automotive Technology program were also recognized for
their contributions to a new on-campus program established with Rhode Island Special Olympics.
Congratulations to the following individuals for sharing their time and talent with so many worthy organizations.
David Cranmer, Professor and Assistant Department Chair
Dav has dedicated over 60 years of community service both in this country and in Africa ranging from scouting to church activities including extensive volunteer work with church choirs. Dav currently serves as the treasurer and executive committee member of the
Northeast Region Two Year College English Association. He is a board member of the New England Association of Teachers of English and is involved with the International Institute of RI. Dav is also secretary of the RI Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Sherika Parfitt, Information Technology, Bachelor of Science
Sherika is a very active member of NEIT’s Rotaract Club and participates in several on campus and off-campus activities. She has volunteered at several NEIT events including the Technology Career Expo, Health Care Career Fair, the Transportation Technology/Marine Technology Career Fair, and the annual fall cookout. Sherika served as the student representative on the First Dormitory Committee. In addition to sharing her time and talent for New England Tech activities, Sherika also volunteers for the South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, Kent County YMCA, Church of the Master, and numerous food drives and soup kitchens.
Matthew Speidel, Information Technology, Bachelor of Science
Matthew is extremely active as a World War II re-enactor. He serves as a unit clerk and is responsible for all communications between the re-enactors and the community including arranging performances as well as tracking participants, equipment, personnel records and historical documents. Matt plays the role of an American soldier in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, as well as that of a German 6th SS Mountain Division soldier. He also participates in parades, living history performances, public re-enactments, and tactical events.
Keith Doherty, Physical Therapy Assistant Technology, Associate in Science
Keith shares his talents at Generations Rehabilitation Center assisting with the rehabilitation of individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. He also works with adjudicated teenage boys at Ocean Tides, a Lasallian school and residential program that is committed to providing a challenging, safe and healthy learning environment for its residents. For more than 10 years, Keith has taught martial arts self-defense techniques to local law enforcement as well as military personnel through the Modern Army Combative Program.
Aaron White, Veterinary Technology, Associate in Science
Aaron is an active participant with the Rehoboth Historical Society. Each year, he honors all veterans at a cemetery in Rehoboth by placing a new flag on each grave. He also helps maintain the Historical Rehoboth Liberty Tree. Aaron is a volunteer at the Sylvan Animal Clinic in Fall River, MA, and participates in the Alan Shawn Feinstein Campaign Against Hunger. Aaron is president of NEIT’s Vet Tech Club.