Kate Carignan
Staff Writer
Most people believe that chivalry is dead. This may be true in some cases, but not for freshman history major and secondary education minor Larry Liuzzo and Professor Michael Crosier.
Both men, one a student, the other a professor, were nominated for Gentleman of the Year, an event sponsored by Framingham State's Women's Empowerment group. Since 2006, the group has hosted the event honoring FSU's true gentleman. This includes but is not limited to, respecting women and viewing them as equals in their fields.
Liuzzo and Crosier both fulfill these requirements to the fullest.
Monique LaPierre, a fellow freshman, nominated Liuzzo for the honor after reading the criteria for the award.
"Males typically believe they must hold to a certain 'macho' stereotype. ...Larry does not fall under this stereotype. ... He is not afraid to express his emotions. ... He does not use a 'mach' facade in order to appear tougher. ... He is simply Larry Liuzzo," said LaPierre
Crossier, a nutrition professor, was nominated when collegue and nominator Susan Massad overheard students praising Crosier's respect for the women he taught.
"He's always been very approachable, very fair. ... And he treats us as if we're also fellow scientists, that we are equal. He never assumed that because we're women, we don't know as much about science," said Massad of students' remarks.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Women's Empowerment President Amanda Kirdulis, and some words on gender equality by Vice President of Enrollment and Student Development Dr. Susanne Conley.
The general feeling of the night was one of mutual respect for everyone in the room - no matter the gender.
The nominators each praised the nominees, and then Kirdulis presented a plaque to each recipient.
Though the ceremony was equally a celebration of both men, Crosier was recognized in the event program as "a true gentleman. ...He comes from a place of mutual respect - he respects his students and colleagues in a way that they all respect him."