The NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selected Eric Gaynor from Bentley as the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award.
The award is named after a Bellarmine physical therapy professor who died in 2013 and recognizes faculty members at Division II schools for their dedication to supporting and mentoring student-athletes, as well as their commitment to Division II student-athletes' lifelong learning, competition and well-being.  Â
Gaynor, a lecturer of accounting at Bentley, will be honored at the 2026 NCAA Convention in National Harbor, Maryland.
The Division II SAAC selected Gaynor for embodying the values of learning, sportsmanship and balance. As a lecturer at Bentley, Gaynor consistently supports student-athletes in both their academic and athletic pursuits. He fosters an environment of respect, fairness and integrity, and his mentorship extends beyond the classroom by attending games, celebrating achievements and reinforcing the importance of sportsmanship.
Gaynor also supports career readiness and professional growth for student-athletes. He provides networking support and career opportunities that help students transition successfully into the workforce. In addition, he provides CPA advising, helping students build a strong foundation for professional advancement.
Among his responsibilities is designing and delivering the curriculum for performance measurement, one of Bentley's midlevel accounting courses that many business students take as part of their degree. This course turns concepts into action by integrating practical, career-ready skills. Students receive hands-on training in data analytics and are required to earn Excel certification, a credential highly valued by employers.
To deepen students' understanding of business operations, the course also incorporates an interactive business simulation, challenging them to make strategic decisions and manage resources effectively. This immersive experience helps them develop a holistic view of how operational and financial choices impact overall performance, preparing them to succeed in real-world business environments.
"This award means so much because it comes from the students themselves, reflecting the trust and connections we've built together," he said. "Accounting is challenging under normal circumstances, but for student-athletes, the demands are even greater as they juggle coursework with practices, games and travel. Their determination motivates me to give my best every day. Watching them grow, overcome obstacles and thrive — both on the field and in the classroom — is a privilege and a joy. I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected as recipient of the NCAA Division II 2025 Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award."
