In one of his last acts as president of Bowdoin College, Barry Mills on Monday morning presented Hope Marden with an award recognizing her contributions to the community.

Marden, a housekeeper for Bowdoin, received the Mckeen Center Staff Award for Commitment to Community. She was traveling in May when the McKeen Center presented its annual staff, faculty and student awards, so the McKeen Center organized a special ceremony for her.

Before presenting Marden with her certificate, Mills described what Marden has done to support lung disease and cancer research. Each year for the past 16 years, Marden has ridden in the Trek Across Maine, an annual bicycle ride and fundraiser for the American Lung Association.

Mills continued, “Here on campus, she has been the force behind the Housekeeping Team for Relay for Life, raising money hand-over-fist through bake sales — with good food, wonderful food — and raffles as part of the annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.”

The McKeen Center staff and Mills also commented on how generous Marden has been in sharing details of her family’s on-going battle with cancer to bring awareness to the disease. “With every pedal and step she takes, Hope spreads hope, awareness and inspiration across campus and beyond,” Mills said.