STCC trustee honored with Pynchon Award for community leadership
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College Trustee Jeffrey S. Sattler put himself through college, founded a bank and has dedicated his life to service.
In recognition of his leadership in the community, Sattler will be honored Oct. 17 as one of three 2024 William Pynchon Medalists. The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts will bestow the award at a celebration event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition to Sattler, the other recipients are Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Kevin Vann, a Springfield native who has made serving the community a lifelong commitment.
STCC Trustee Jeffrey S. Sattler
“This year’s recipients all embody what this award is about: community enrichment, selfless acts, and a longstanding determination to better Western Massachusetts,” said Kelly McGiverin, chairperson of the Pynchon trustees.
Recognizing Sattler, the Advertising Club stated: “Inspired by his humble beginnings, Sattler has spent his lifetime dedicated to service over self. After putting himself through school to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College, Jeffrey Sattler went on to found a bank in Springfield. When he was 18 years old, he became a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council — 47 years later, he is still a member.”
STCC President John B. Cook shared: “The entire STCC community is proud of Trustee Sattler, knowing this honor is well-deserved. Through his service as an STCC trustee starting in 2018, and his work with numerous other organizations, Jeff has shown an unwavering commitment to community investment. This recognition is a testament to his impactful leadership and the positive change he encourages."
The entire STCC community is proud of Trustee Sattler, knowing this honor is well-deserved.Dr. John B. Cook, STCC President
Throughout Sattler’s professional life, public service has been a mainstay. He has volunteered and supported a variety of organizations. A partial list includes the Western Massachusetts Boy Scouts of America, Chicopee Rotary Club, Springfield Technical Community College, Chicopee Boys and Girl Club, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Mason Wright Foundation and Senior Living Facility.
The Advertising Club stated, “For each organization he serves, he has shown heart and commitment, with particular passion in fighting the impact of cancer in his community. When the American Cancer Society’s 2021 fundraiser was canceled due to Covid, Jeffrey was instrumental in launching the ‘Men in Pink’ event in its stead. ‘We have to beat this disease,’ he exhorted.”
Sattler is Senior Vice President at Liberty Bank in Connecticut. He has more than 40 years’ experience in commercial banking at various institutions in the region.
Sattler, in his sixth year of service on the STCC Board of Trustees, was nominated by his daughter, Ashley Kohl, one of three people putting his name forward.
“He believes in serving the community and the future of higher education to empower and support the next generation,” Kohl stated in her nomination letter. “He is not just my dad; he is a community leader, a philanthropist and a role model to many.”
Sattler gets involved “110 percent” when serving the community in any given project.
“I am deeply humbled and proud to receive this recognition to be in the company of so many others whom I have respected in the past throughout my career including this year’s fellow nominees,” Sattler said. “I am fortunate to work in an industry that allows me to spend some working hours giving back to my community especially here at Liberty Bank where our motto is ‘Be Community Kind.’”
The Order of William Pynchon was established in 1915 by the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts (then known as the Publicity Club) for the purpose of giving public recognition to those citizens in the region who have rendered distinguished civic service.
Nominees are brought forth each year by members of the community and medalists are chosen by unanimous decision of the Pynchon Trustees. The Trustees of the Order of William Pynchon are the current and five past presidents of the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts. Past Pynchon awardees with STCC ties include Robert “Bob” Greeley (2017; former member of the STCC Foundation Board); Brian Tuohey (2016; current member of the STCC Foundation Board); and Dr. Edmond Garvey (1971; founding president of STCC).
The Pynchon medal bears the name of Springfield’s founder, whose life and achievements typify the ideals of promoting citizenship and the building of a better community, qualities the award is intended to recognize and encourage. Recipients are presented with a bronze medal bearing Pynchon’s likeness and inscribed with the quotation: “They honor us whom we honor.” More than 200 citizens have been inducted into the Order of William Pynchon since its founding in 1915.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu