Worcester State University will honor five exceptional alumni at the Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony on October 3 as the university kicks off Homecoming Weekend. The winners include an educational leader, prominent business owner, the president and CEO of one of the community’s largest human services organizations, a retired faculty member and a decorated U.S. Marine officer with national security expertise.
The awards, given biennially, are the highest non-degree recognition Worcester State bestows upon its alumni. After a nomination process, a selection committee composed of the Alumni Association’s Advisory Board and university representatives chooses winners based on their outstanding achievements in five categories: community service, education, professional accomplishments, and service to the university.
“These alumni truly embody the spirit of being a Lancer leader,” said President Barry Maloney. “Their remarkable contributions and impact, both in their careers and communities, are a testament to the transformative power of a Worcester State education. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their success and unwavering dedication to making a difference.”
The five honorees represent the diverse pathways a Worcester State degree can unlock. President Maloney said, “The breadth of their accomplishments reflects the far-reaching influence of our graduates and the university’s commitment to instilling a strong ethic of service in all our students.”
The event will be held at Worcester State in the DeFeudis Wellness Center at 6:30 pm. Here are the honorees:
Ken Bates ’87: Outstanding Professional Achievement
Ken Bates is President & CEO of Open Sky Community Services, one of the largest human services nonprofits in Central Massachusetts. A life-long resident of Worcester and graduate of the Worcester State University’s Urban Studies program, Ken has dedicated his entire career to serving the community and supporting individuals and families with complex challenges and needs. Under his leadership, Open Sky has grown to a $135 million organization with 1,300 employees serving people in 140 programs across the region, providing critical services in mental health, developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injury, substance use, housing/homelessness, and other areas of need.
Ken is known for his compassionate and humble leadership style, which is rooted in his early years of working directly with individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. His hands-on approach and ability to tackle complex behavioral health issues head-on have earned him a reputation as both a trusted leader and an advocate for those who are often overlooked. Before leading Open Sky, Ken held leadership roles at respected organizations including Advocates, Spectrum Health Systems, and UMass Medical School. Throughout his career, he has been driven by a deep commitment to strengthening community and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Craig Dottin ’94, M.Ed. ’02, ’13: Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Education
Dottin’s unwavering commitment to education, community engagement, and youth empowerment exemplifies the values of Worcester State University. As the former principal of Vernon Hill Elementary School in Worcester, Dottin created opportunities for young learners, ensuring they not only receive a quality education but also develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in life. In his current role with Worcester Public Schools, he identifes internship opportunities for all students.
Dottin’s leadership extends beyond the walls of his school, as he has been recognized with multiple awards for his impact on education and the community. His initiative in implementing a financial literacy program at Vernon Hill Elementary has empowered students with critical knowledge about money management, career planning, and entrepreneurship skills. Additionally, his advocacy for young women’s education and access to resources earned him the Smart Advocate Award from Girls Inc. of Worcester. Dottin’s passion for education is deeply personal, and his journey from a student at Worcester State to a dedicated educator and leader serves as an inspiration not only to students but to the larger community as well.
Paul Davis ’57, M.Ed. ’59: Outstanding Service to Alma Mater
Davis has been a pillar of the Worcester State community for decades, known for his innovative contributions to the university’s educational programs and his unwavering commitment to supporting students. Davis earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Worcester State in the 1950s and later joined the faculty, playing a pivotal role in the development of the university’s audio-visual and media departments.
Under his leadership, the department evolved into the Communications Department, which continues to thrive today. Beyond his work on campus, Davis dedicated countless hours to mentoring students, teaching media courses both locally and internationally, and supporting a wide range of community organizations. Throughout his career, Davis remained deeply committed to Worcester State. With his wife of over 50 years, he established the Paul ’57, ’59 and Barbara ’71, ’73 Davis Scholarship awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student residing in Worcester County. His selfless service and passion for education have left an indelible mark on Worcester State and the lives of countless students. He retired as professor emeritus in 1992.
Charran Fisher ’02: Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Community
Fisher founded Fisher Contracting Corporation in 1998 to address the growing needs of women in construction. Fisher Contracting Corporation has since become a highly recognizable and respected construction firm. In 2011, Fisher was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year for the New England region, as well as the Massachusetts Minority Business Person of the Year. Her innovative approach to the construction field has earned her many accolades, including being selected as a partner for the Worcester Red Sox ballpark project as well as receiving awards for her commitment to diversity on the Encore Casino (formerly Wynn Casino) project.
Beyond her business success, Fisher is a tireless community advocate. She sits on the boards of several local and state organizations, including the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce where she serves as Chair of the Board of Directors, the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts (ASM), the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) and is also a Corporator for Fidelity Bank. Fisher was also appointed by the City Manager to serve as commissioner on the Worcester License Commission, becoming the first person of color to fill that role. Her leadership, dedication and mentorship continues to make a positive impact in Worcester and throughout the surrounding region.
Omer Rafiq ’14: Outstanding Young Alumnus
An expert on national security and technology, Rafiq has worked for the U.S. government and the military, with a focus on improving technology usage. Rafiq currently is director at C3 AI, an AI software provider, and a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a think tank that works on making the world a more peaceful and prosperous place.
Rafiq, who immigrated to the United States from Saudi Arabia at a young age, is a strong advocate for human rights and social justice. He is a decorated U.S. Marine officer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service in both military and civilian roles. During critical moments, such as the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021 and the Sudan evacuation in 2023, Raffiq played pivotal roles in coordinating complex rescue operations that saved hundreds of lives. Beyond crisis response, Rafiq’s commitment to public service and bridge-building across communities has led to significant contributions in the private sector, including as a fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and as a reserve attaché at the US Defense Intelligence Agency.