In a remarkable recognition of service, leadership, and advocacy, the Executive Director of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC, has been selected to receive an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, Keene State College (KSC), in New Hampshire. The prestigious award, set to be conferred on May 10, celebrates Wenhold’s extensive philanthropic efforts and dedication to creating positive change in the world of government relations and lobbying.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Wenhold expressed deep gratitude for the honor, stating “I am deeply grateful to receive news from my alma mater, Keene State College, that I was selected to receive an Honorary Doctorate on May 10. KSC awarded this due to my philanthropic efforts in creating charities and my advocacy work in positively helping others in this world.” The recognition, he noted, came as a surprise, orchestrated by nominators who worked behind the scenes along with the selection committee and KSC President Dr. Melinda Treadwell. “This is one of the greatest moments in the world to me,” Wenhold added, emphasizing the personal significance of the accolade from an institution that shaped his life’s trajectory.
Keene State College, founded in 1909, has a storied tradition of honoring exceptional individuals with honorary degrees, having awarded only 83 in its history — 23 of which have gone to alumni. Wenhold joins this exclusive group, a testament to his extraordinary achievements and commitment to service. “I am proud to join those individuals as part of that club,” he said. “I will represent KSC well and continue to help others for the rest of my life.”
Wenhold’s journey is a powerful narrative of determination. As a first-generation college student, he credits KSC with instilling values that propelled him to success. “Keene State instilled in me the values of service, perseverance, and the power of using one’s voice to create change,” he reflected. “KSC helped make me who I am today. It gave me the confidence to go to Washington, D.C., with no job in place, make positive changes, and even take on former President Barack Obama (and win) on a constitutional issue that would have changed democracy in the worst way.” This bold reference underscores Wenhold’s impactful advocacy, including a notable victory in a constitutional challenge during his career.
“As a first-generation college student whose parents struggled on the economic scale but knew their sons would go to college whatever it took from them, this is proof that, with supportive friends and family and a killer work ethic, anything is possible in this world,” he said. This ethos of hard work and purpose has fueled Wenhold’s leadership at NCRA and his establishment of charitable initiatives that uplift communities globally.
“To be acknowledged by this incredible community is both humbling and inspiring,” he shared. “Thank you to Keene State for this meaningful distinction — I am forever proud to be an Owl!”
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