Ernest R. Therrien

Ernest R. Therrien, 82
1928 - 2010
AGAWAM, Mass. -- Ernest R. Therrien, 82, of Mansion Woods, died Wednesday in Baystate Medical Center. Ernest was born Feb. 18, 1928, in Sanford, the son of Ernest J. and Alda (Ricard) Therrien. He earned a B.A. in Economics/Business from the University of Maine, Orono, and a master's degree in Economics from Calvin Coolidge College of Liberal Arts, Boston. He received a second master's degree and pursued doctoral studies in Economics at Fordham University, N.Y.
During his 25 years at St. Francis College, Biddeford, (now the University of New England), Ernest was a Professor of Economics and held several administrative positions, including Acting President. Ernest was active in civic and political organizations and served as City Treasurer for Biddeford under the late Mayor Gilbert Boucher.
In 1974, Ernest joined the faculty at Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, Mass., as a Professor in Business and Management Studies. He taught as an adjunct professor at Western New England College, American International College, and Westfield State College. Ernest was appointed a member of the Massachusetts Board of Regents' Task Force on Continuing Education.
For many years, he was a leader in the Massachusetts Community College Council, the union for faculty and professional staff. Ernest was elected to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association. He was elected or appointed to numerous state and national task forces and committees, including the Massachusetts Higher Education Leadership Council, the NEA Northeast Leadership Planning Committee, and the NEA Negotiations Team for a possible NEA-AFT merger. Ernest was a longtime member of the Massachusetts and National Rehabilitation Associations, the Industrial Relations Research Association, and the National Council for Higher Education.
Ernest R. Therrien
Ernest received numerous awards and honors. He was the first recipient of the Raymond C. Lemieux Award for contributions to the teaching profession, to higher education and to the Massachusetts Community College Council. He was the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year at STCC for 1993-94 and was given the Excellence Award of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for 1995. Ernest was recognized for his leadership role in 'promoting excellence in teaching and learning' by the National Foundation for the Improvement of Education. According to both the Chair of the Board and the Executive Director of NFIE, his 'efforts and willingness to strive for ambitious goals will be remembered each time a school teacher, support person, or university professor introduces an innovation that brings American public education closer to our highest standards of quality.'
Ernest was predeceased by his first wife, Corice; a brother, Urban Therrien, and sisters, Ida Barone, Rena Cunningham, Jeanne Nadeau and Patricia Roth. He is survived by his wife Carolyn L. Tetrault; a daughter, Patricia Boston and her husband Dennis of Biddeford; two grandsons, Timothy and Zachary Boston; sisters, Aline Schad and Theresa Facer; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the Curran-Jones Funeral Home, 745 Cooper St., Agawam, Mass., on Friday, June 4, from 4-8 p.m., with Liturgy of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church, Chestnut Street, Springfield on Saturday, June 5, at 11 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions
may be made to:
Covenant House
461 Eighth Ave.
New York, New York 10001
or to Renovation Fund
Sacred Heart Church
395 Chestnut St.
Springfield, Massachusetts 01104