Jim Larranaga ’71, head coach of the men’s basketball team at George Mason University in Virginia, will join five other previously announced alumni in being honored at the Providence College National Alumni Association Awards Presentation on June 23.

Larranaga will receive the “Personal Achievement Award” for exceptionally high accomplishment in his career field.

Alumni and friends are invited to the awards presentation, which is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Angell Blackfriars Theatre of the Smith Center for the Arts at PC. The program will be followed by a buffet reception on the East Campus quadrangle.

An economics major at PC, Larranaga was a standout player on the men’s basketball team for three seasons and served as team captain his senior year. Following graduation, he went on to coach at Davidson College, American International College, the University of Virginia, Bowling Green State University, and George Mason.

In 10 seasons at George Mason, he has compiled a 184-120 record, making him the winningest coach in both the history of the university and the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). His 2005-06 team shocked the basketball world by advancing to the NCAA Final Four. This past season, the Patriots posted an 18-15 record for their ninth consecutive winning season under Larranaga. 

Besides Larranaga, who lives in Oakton, Va., the other awards recipients are:

• Maureen Davenport Corcoran ’79, of Chestnut Hill, Mass., executive vice president of the Financial Markets Group for State Street Bank and Trust, who will receive the Distinguished Service to the Alumni Association Award;
• The Hon. Francis J. Darigan, Jr. ’64, of Jamestown, R.I., associate justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, who will receive the Exemplary Citizenship Award;
• Joseph A. Gemma ’75, of Providence, R.I., assistant professor of management and assistant dean of undergraduate studies at PC, recipient of the Faculty/Staff Award;
• The Most Rev. Paul H. Walsh, D.D. ’59, auxiliary bishop of the Western Vicariate of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., recipient of the Bishop Harkins Award for outstanding service to the Catholic Church; and
• Warren C. Howe, Jr. ’60, of Wallingford, Conn., retired vice president of The Travelers Insurance Company, recipient of the Faithful Friar Award for extraordinary dedication to PC.

Tickets for the program are $50. Tickets and information on purchasing a congratulatory sponsorship ad are available by clicking here.