Hosted in the Commons multipurpose room, the event welcomed alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the College for an afternoon recognizing graduates who have made lasting impacts on their professions, communities, and Flagler itself.
The luncheon opened with remarks from Director of Alumni Engagement Whitney Shafer before attendees gathered for lunch and the presentation of awards led by Alumni Board President Dr. Mary Beth Albritton. Honors presented included the Pride of Flagler Award, the Community Service Award, the Professional Achievement Award, and the Lion-Hearted Award.
Janet Wiseman English ’73 - The Pride of Flagler Award
The afternoon’s highest honor, the Pride of Flagler Award, was presented to Janet Wiseman English ’73 in recognition of her lifelong commitment to Flagler College and decades of alumni leadership and service.
A member of Flagler’s early student body, English helped shape student life during the College’s formative years while serving in student leadership roles and later helping organize the Alumni Association in the 1980s. She served on the Alumni Board of Directors during its first decade and has remained an active supporter of the College for more than 50 years through volunteerism, alumni engagement, and philanthropy.
During her acceptance speech, English reflected on Flagler College’s earliest years, sharing stories from her time as part of the College’s first generation of students and the resilience that helped shape the institution into what it is today.
“We were the operations staff for the college when it first opened,” English said. “Basically, people walked out of the hotel, and the college students walked in. They didn't remove anything.”
English recalled the uncertainty surrounding the College during its infancy and the celebration that followed once students learned Flagler would continue moving forward.
“In May of 1971, all of the College met in one room, and we heard that the school was alive and well,” she said. “So, we had the best dang party. And we all celebrated the birth of Flagler College.”
She also spoke about her lifelong commitment to supporting the College and helping future generations of students succeed through philanthropy and alumni engagement.
“I support the Advancement Office and try to make the connections with them, and with anyone who ever asks me how they can donate to Flagler College,” English said. “My investment is in the future of the College.”
Anila Lahiri ‘21 - Community Service Award
The Flagler College Community Service Award was presented to Anila Lahiri for her dedication to civic engagement and community education throughout St. Johns County.
Since graduating, Lahiri has become deeply involved in local government initiatives, community organizing, and educational outreach. In addition to serving on local boards and attending county commission meetings, she also teaches part time and remains active in her church community.
Lahiri credited Flagler faculty and mentors for helping shape her passion for service and education.
“Anything that I have been able to accomplish as an alumna or as a student is going to be from the opportunities and open doors I’ve received from this place entirely,” Lahiri said.
She emphasized that education remains central to her work in both public service and the classroom.
“All of that goes back to being an educator,” she said. “Whether it’s teaching history in the morning to ninth and twelfth graders, attending a local government meeting and suggesting a solution, or updating a community member on what happened with the latest bill.”
Laura Moody ’99 - Professional Achievement Award
The Professional Achievement Award was presented to Laura Moody, a judge on Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court, in recognition of her distinguished legal career and professional accomplishments.
Moody reflected on her time as a Flagler student and the role the College played in shaping both her personal and professional life.
“The things that I’ve been able to do in my career started here with the education that I got here,” Moody said. “It truly matters because there is somebody in one of your classes who will ultimately decide that they want to be judges, they want to be senators.”
She also highlighted the lifelong friendships and relationships formed during her years at Flagler.
“It laid the foundation for 31 years of amazing friendship, 28 years of a relationship with my husband, as well as the foundation being laid for the career that I have had,” Moody said.
Joel Weiss – The Lion Hearted Award
The luncheon also included the presentation of the Lion-Hearted Award to Joel Weiss, recognizing his extraordinary dedication, philanthropy, and advocacy in support of Flagler College and its students.
Presented by Vice President of Institutional Advancement Kristy Myers, Weiss was recognized for nearly a decade of involvement with the College, including his support of scholarships, entrepreneurship initiatives, study abroad opportunities, and institutional growth.
“Joel has demonstrated nearly 10 years of consistent engagement with the College, regularly attending and supporting key initiatives such as the Crimson and Gold Banquet, where he is our biggest bidder,” Myers said.
Recently, Weiss helped facilitate the donation of nearly one million Delta SkyMiles to support student travel abroad and FlagSHIP programs. He has also helped expand the College’s philanthropic network through his business and community connections.
Most notably, Weiss recently established a transformational planned gift supporting programs across the College. The commitment represents more than half of his estate and will leave a lasting impact on future generations of Flagler students.
“He recently joined our Business Advisory Board and has been counseling students who own businesses because he is a serial entrepreneur,” Myers said. “Since establishing his first endowment fund in 2019, Joel has demonstrated a clear long-term vision for Flagler.”
During his acceptance remarks, Weiss reflected on the personal meaning behind his involvement with the College and credited his family and late Wife for inspiring his commitment to service and philanthropy.
“My involvement with Flagler College has been very rewarding to me and my wife,” Weiss said. “If I were to dedicate this award, I would dedicate it to my wife, and to my parents who taught me the importance of giving back.”
