The Council Alumnus of the Year Award is different than other awards in Scouting as it does not simply recognize the individual for being a distinguished person or honor those giving time and energy to the BSA as a volunteer leader; Scouting already has awards that do that. It is more of a combination of the two. Primary consideration is given to those that remind Scouting alumni to maintain a lifetime relationship with Scouting, which enables Scouting to remain healthy for future generations. In addition, potential recipients of the award may be nominated based on the three following categories:
– Career and/or avocation, such as achieving high honor or distinction in their chosen profession.
- Community service, including contributions to Scouting or other community efforts or organizations.
- Scouting promotion, contributing significantly to the promotion and/or advancement of the BSA alumni program and activities at a council level over a sustained period through word and/or deed.
Spencer’s Scouting journey has spanned nearly 30 years in three different states and councils. From Tiger Cub to Senior Patrol Leader, Camp Staff to Lodge Chief, and Assistant Scoutmaster to Council Executive Board Member, Spencer has provided distinguished service at the council, regional, and national levels of the Boy Scouts of America. Influenced by his experience in scouting, Spencer has devoted his life’s work to the growth of young people through leadership experiences and civic engagement, with the goal of developing lifelong active citizens.
Spencer is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. He has received the Silver Beaver Award, the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, the BSA Alumni Award, the Alpha Phi Omega Herbert G. Horton Youth Service Award, and the Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service, Founder’s, and Centurion awards. Within the Pathway to Adventure Council Spencer has served as High Adventure Chair, National Eagle Scout Association Vice Chair of Recognition, National Eagle Scout Association Chair, Vice President of Program, and currently serves as the Pathway to Adventure Council Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Professionally, Spencer serves as Senior Director of Member Education and Development for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He is a member of the Central Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee and is the immediate past National Co-Chair of the NASPA Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Knowledge Community. Spencer and his wife, April, have one son, Carson and a dog, named Scout (of course)!