DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire has announced the recipients of its most prestigious awards, the UNH Alumni Association's Pettee Medal and the UNH Foundation's Hubbard Award.

James and Anne Loomis, of Dover, are the 2011 recipients of the UNH Foundation's Hubbard Family Award for Service to Philanthropy. They will be recognized alongside New Hampshire icon, Eugene Savage, later this month.

Savage is the recipient of the Pettee Medal, the UNH Alumni Association's award given to a person who exhibits the rare devotion to service expressed by the life of the late Dean Pettee, who served the college unselfishly for 62 years as professor and dean. The medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding accomplishment or distinguished service in any form to the state, the nation or the world.

"Service and philanthropy are two qualities that have helped make UNH a great place," said Peter B. Weiler, vice president for University Advancement. "This event recognizes not only three of the most deserving individuals you can imagine, but also raises the visibility of the importance of engagement and philanthropy in our campus culture."

Savage's career spans 35 years in education, beginning as a teacher-coach and guidance director in schools in New Hampshire and Vermont. In 1967, Savage began working for the University System of New Hampshire first as dean of admissions at UNH, followed by 13 years as vice president for university relations, vice chancellor and, finally, as consultant to the chancellor. Following his retirement from the University System, he accepted a position as senior government relations advisor with the law firm of Rath, Young and Pignatelli.

Savage has served on numerous boards and councils--notably, the USNH Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees of the College Board. He also served as a college admission consultant for the U.S. Department of State and the College Board in Africa, Asia and South America.

The Hubbard Award is the highest honor bestowed by the UNH Foundation, and is named for the university's greatest benefactors, Oliver, Austin, and Leslie Hubbard. It recognizes outstanding individuals whose philanthropic leadership has significantly strengthened the state of New Hampshire, its communities, and the university.

James Loomis, co-founder of Bottomline Technologies, and Anne Loomis, a former pre-school teacher and medical administrator, generously support Northeast Passage (NEP), which provides recreational opportunities to people with disabilities. In addition to their philanthropic support, the family has worked tirelessly on behalf of NEP - from participation in and sponsorship of Northeast Passage's many events, to giving the program a transportation van.

The Loomis family was first introduced to Northeast Passage after their son, Nathan, suffered a spinal cord injury in 1998 while vacationing with his family in the Caribbean. During Nate's rehabilitation, the family was introduced to therapeutic recreation, for which Northeast Passage is nationally known.

"Gene Savage and Jim and Anne Loomis represent what the combined power of service and philanthropy can mean in people's lives," said UNH President Mark Huddleston. "We are delighted we can recognize these three extraordinary individuals for their service and support of higher education."

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling more than 12,200 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.

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