In June 2016, Nancy (Battaglia) Gustafson (’66) was recognized as an Unsung Heroine of Massachusetts during a celebration at the State House in Boston.
Each year, women across the state are nominated by state legislators for their outstanding contributions to organizations and communities that often go unnoticed. Gustafson, who lives in Easton, MA, was nominated by State Rep. Claire Cronin.
In an Easton newspaper article, Cronin said, “Not only is Nancy’s volunteerism something to be admired, she also has a beautiful singing voice, which she has been able to use as a means to help others. She has performed at benefit concerts and community events, and sells CDs of her music for charity. Everything she does is for the benefit of others, and we are very lucky to have her in our community.”
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| Nancy Gustafson and State Rep. Claire Cronin at the State House |
Since her retirement in 2004 as assistant principal of North Junior High School in Brockton, MA, Gustafson has dedicated most of her time to charity. She volunteers at St. Joseph Manor Nursing Home and Our Lady of Lourdes Church, and helps young people find jobs through a program at Brockton High School. She also served as the President of the Alpha Delta Kappa Mu Educational Society, which gives scholarships to high school students, and is a member of the 20th Century Women’s Club and the Community Benefits Committee at Good Samaritan Hospital.
“I was most humbled by this award since I view many other people as more deserving,” Gustafson said. “But when I was in the State House accepting the award, I was so proud of what I have accomplished. It was a feeling that can’t be described because it was in my soul and heart. Needless to say, there were tears!”
Cabrini recognized Gustafson for her many accomplishments in 2013, honoring her with the Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Award for Community Service.
During the 2016 Homecoming at Cabrini, Sept. 23–25, Gustafson gathered with classmates for a Class of 1966 50th Reunion.
“Many of us became teachers,” Gustafson said of her class. “We knew we would face students every day and have to instill in them what was instilled in us at Cabrini—the power of learning. Being a teacher means you are going to help students learn. From this grows the need to help. One cannot escape wanting to do for others. I would have to say that after having spent a day with my fellow classmates at our 50th class reunion a few weeks ago, each of them have this spirit of giving back. Thus, between the inspiration of helping others through Cabrini life and my role models, my parents, I continue to be involved with my church and my community. There is a satisfaction that goes beyond words.”