Bristol Community College hosted the annual Bristol Awards, an event honoring the efforts of an outstanding and inspiring group of alumni.
The award winners are as follows:
2026 Paragon Award Recipient: Constance Messier ’96, of Little Compton, R.I.
The Paragon Award is the most distinguished award given to a graduate of the college. Awardee is a community leader with outstanding service and a demonstrated loyal interest in Bristol Community College.
Constance Messier is a proud graduate of Bristol Community College’s inaugural Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) class of 1996 and first-generation college graduate. She began her career as a certified occupational therapy assistant before continuing her education at Salem State University and earning her post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Constance joined Bristol’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program as an adjunct faculty member in 2010 and became the program’s chair in 2024. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her dedication to enhancing the OTA program, including founding of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Forum, supporting the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and serving as a mentor to students, faculty and practitioners.
A hallmark of Constance’s leadership is her work developing community partnerships and connecting OTA students with valuable fieldwork placements and service-learning experiences that enrich student learning and community wellness.
2026 Maury Kusinitz Volunteer of the Year Award: Donna Cambra ’21, of Fall River, Mass.
This award is given to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of Bristol Community College. Any person associated with the College (not necessarily an alumnus/a) as a volunteer, excluding currently serving Trustees, Foundation Directors, and employees may be considered for this award.
2026 Alumna of the Year Award: Jessica Coelho Arruda, of New Bedford, Mass.
This award is given to an alumnus/a who, through professional achievement or personal dedication, has demonstrated an outstanding commitment and accomplishment to his or her field or community.
2026 Championing Diversity and Inclusion Award: Kieran Doherty ’24, of Attleboro, Mass.
This award honors a Bristol alumnus/a who has made a difference at Bristol and in the community focusing on the following areas: LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Religious affiliations, Gender equality. These contributions can relate to policy, volunteerism, and community outreach. The awardee does not necessarily need to identify as a member of one of the above mentioned communities.
2026 Distinguished Black or African American Award: Talos Farris, of Fall River, Mass.
This award is given to a Black/African American alumnus/a who, through professional achievement or personal dedication, has demonstrated an outstanding commitment and accomplishment to his or her field, community, or Bristol Community College.
2026 Alumni Service Award: Miriella Gonzalez ’24, of New Bedford, Mass.
This award honors those making significant achievements and contributions to their profession or community and/or share a commitment to the service of others in their community.
