Pictured from left: Lorraine and Hank Bauer, Thomas Tighe, the vice chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees, and College President Joann La Perla-Morales.
Hank Bauer (North Brunswick) was named the recipient of the 2012 L’Hommedieu Award, which was presented by Middlesex County College during its Fall Convocation August 27.
One of Middlesex County College’s longtime champions, Mr. Bauer served on the College Board of Trustees from November 1993 to April 2012. He has been vice chairman and secretary of the board, as well as a member of the Facilities, F
inance and Nominating Committees.
“He is one of the unsung heroes of the College,” said Joann La Perla-Morales, the president. “His guidance and support have been invaluable, particularly in facilities, which is his area of expertise. He has performed a great service for several generations of students, as well as the citizens of Middlesex County.”
The L’Hommedieu Award is the highest honor granted by the College; it is named for the founding chairman of the board, Paige D. L’Hommedieu, and it is presented annually to someone who embodies Mr. L’Hommedieu’s characteristics of humanitarianism, compassion and leadership.
Mr. Bauer is the retired vice president of manufacturing operations for Bristol-Myers Squibb. He was responsible for parenteral and radiodiagnostics manufacturing, materials management, process development, and facilities and engineering at the company’s New Brunswick venue. He also oversaw environmental health and safety at the 37 worldwide manufacturing sites as well as process development at the international parenteral and manufacturing locations. Mr. Bauer began his career at Bristol-Myers Scribb in 1966 and held positions of increasing responsibility until his retirement in 1994.
In addition to his service on the board, Mr. Bauer is also a director of the College Foundation since 1986 and served as its president as well as a member of several committees.
“I feel honored to have been a member of the board for 19 years and to have seen the tremendous growth and continuous improvement over the years,” he said. “I’m humbled by the L’Hommedieu award because I know many of the past recipients. Being part of the L’Hommedieu club is a high honor.”
His commitment to community service does not end with the College. He volunteers with Meals on Wheels and teaches wood carving classes to senior citizens, and he has been active with the American Cancer Society, the United Way, and the Middlesex County Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.