Public Service Award Committee

Alex Wood '06

Alex graduated (Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude) from Goucher in 2006 where he majored in history and was active in student government. Driven by his desire to give back for the many good things that he received during his time at the College and because of the joy it gives him to be involved, as an alumnus Alex has held numerous roles including serving on Goucher’s Board of Trustees and various College and AAGC committees and receiving the Jennifer Mitchell Reed ‘86 Young Alumni Award.

Professionally, Alex is a clinical social worker working as a psychotherapist in a private psychotherapy practice. Prior to his current profession, Alex spent a decade in the higher education sector, including several years at one of the Washington, DC based “Big Six” national higher education associations where he provided executive support and planned professional development sessions for new college presidents. He holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Social Work from The Catholic University of America.

His hobbies include being an ardent follower of politics (US, UK, and Ireland), reading, watching films, collecting stamps, photography, traveling, and learning how to play golf. He is a supporter of Manchester United, his Hogwarts house is Hufflepuff, and he believes that despite any imperfection Batman is the quintessential superhero. Alex also believes that good friends, unbounded curiosity, and most importantly a ready sense of humor are essential to a life well-lived. Alex resides in Baltimore County with his two dogs, Owney and Emma.

Noah Block '21

Noah Block is a transformative justice advocate who works to expand community-driven approaches that support systems-impacted adults and youth. Noah is the Advocacy Manager at ANCOR, national disability provider association where he develops their national grassroots advocacy strategy, leads their housing policy, and supports ANCOR’s Disability Champions Political Action Committee.

Before coming to ANCOR he worked in a variety of settings including the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Redwood Community Services, and the California Association of Youth Courts. In all his work Noah seeks to connect communities' voices to policy outcomes.

Beyond his professional commitments, Noah serves as secretary on the Board of Directors of Youth Transforming Justice, a California-based nonprofit that promotes peer-to-peer trauma-informed restorative justice practices. Additionally, Noah is a board member at the California Association of Youth Courts, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth diversion programs.

Noah holds a degree in Peace Studies and American Studies from Goucher and received the Elizabeth Nuss Emerging Leader Award as a student.

Virginia Verdirame-McMahon '83, P'09

Virginia was a history major who went on to earn two master's degrees in education—one from Adelphi University and one from Long Island University. She was an elementary school teacher for 27 years, where the majority of that time was spent in the Port Washington School District in New York.

Now retired, she followed her other passion and started a horseback riding/training and boarding facility, Stargazer Farm, in East Woodstock, CT four years ago. Virginia Ride all four years at Goucher and in 1983 riders for the first time competed in the ANRC national Championship. Virginia was also one of the first Goucher Gophers.

In her spare time, she loves traveling with her husband Chris, and riding with her daughter Claire (Goucher ‘09) and her granddaughter, Lucy.