2009 Distinguished Service Award Winners
James Betts '69, MD '73
Alameda, California
James Betts, a native of Bennington, Vermont, has been a loyal and dedicated UVM volunteer for more than twenty years. A class officer in his undergraduate class and in medical school, he has served in leadership roles, as either chair or co-chair, on the Reunion Gift Committees for both classes. Jim has served as interim chair of the Planned Giving Committee and was a participant in the campaign planning study that preceded the University's six-year comprehensive Campaign for the University of Vermont; he assumed a leadership role as a member of the National Campaign Steering Committee for both that campaign and the 1987-1991 capital campaign. Currently a member of the Medical Dean's Council, he also serves on the University's Board of Trustees. In 2003, he was the recipient of the A. Bradley Soule Award, the top honor bestowed by the UVM Medical Alumni Association. Beyond his service to UVM, Jim is revered for the work he does every day as surgeon-in-chief, senior vice president for surgical services, and director of trauma services for the Children's Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, California.
Thomas "Ted" Child '74
South Burlington, Vermont
Ted Child has dedicated significant time and effort in support of UVM for many years. A former varsity hockey player at UVM, he has been especially dedicated to UVM Athletics and has served on numerous committees, including the Catamount Club Executive Committee and the Hall of Fame Committee, and as President of the Friends of UVM Hockey. Always working in support of his alma mater, he has been a member of the Ira Allen Society Committee, actively fundraising to help UVM reach its goals. Ted has also been a Reunion volunteer and served as a class agent.
Fred "Chico" Lager '75
Williston, Vermont
Chico Lager has been a loyal alumnus who has worked on behalf of his alma mater for many years. Currently a member of the Ira Allen Society Committee, he has been and continues to be a dedicated fundraiser for UVM. He served on the Vermont Regional Campaign committee during The Campaign for the University of Vermont and was part of the team of fundraisers who brought the Vermont Campaign to a successful conclusion. "Chikago Landing," in the Dudley H. Davis Center, is the result of a generous gift from Chico and his wife, Yvette Pigeon, UVM Class of '80, G'87, Ed.D.'99. Chico is a dedicated, long-time member of the UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Board of Advisors and in 2008 was the featured speaker for the College's graduation ceremony. He was also a member of the class of 1975's 20th Reunion Committee in 1995.
(for UVM staff)