March 2001 University Reporter

by Leigh DuPuy

Father George Each year the Robert H. Quinn award is given to an individual who has displayed exemplary community leadership. At the fifteenth annual breakfast honoring the winner, to be held on March 21, UMass Boston will recognize Father George Carrigg, MSW, and his 31 years working to develop communities and leadership in the Harbor and Columbia Point neighborhoods.

"My goal is to try and build communities with people from all parts of the world," Carrigg said, in describing his years as an administrator and spiritual leader at St. Christopher's Church. Arriving at the parish prior to the busing crisis in the early 1970's, Father George has been credited as providing stability and guidance for the neighborhood during that tumultuous time. He developed many of his community initiatives by creating programs for children, including the early childhood program at the Notre Dame Montessori School, in 1973. He worked to establish parish youth groups and provide scholarships for Montessori school graduates, and he helps run a yearly summer camp for over seventy children from the ages of three to twelve years old.

"I think you need to start off kids right," said Father George, "by providing educational experience for preschool children. My goal is to draw parents into participation in school with the children. The success of the kids depends on interested parents." To help both children and parents, Father George created parental support groups, tutoring and mentoring programs, and leadership training programs.

Father George is also known for his community thanksgiving dinners, attended by over 300 community residents each year, and for the annual International Dinner that honors the cultural backgrounds of residents from over 26 different countries. Sensitive to cultural differences, Father George learned Spanish to celebrate Mass, counsel, and conduct outreach for residents from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, and other Latino countries.

Father George celebrated the 44th anniversary of his ordination with his parish on February 18. "Longevity helps build communities," he commented. "I am very happy to receive the Quinn award for my work."

The Quinn Award was established in honor of Robert H. Quinn, whose record includes years as speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Massachusetts attorney general, and chair of the UMass Board of Trustees.

Dorchester's Father George Receives 2001 Quinn Award

by Leigh DuPuy

Image: Father George Carrigg of St. Christopher's Church