'Young Leader' envisions the urban landscape

WORCESTER Jonathan M. Weaver studied English as a major at Assumption College and he chose to minor in philosophy and politics.

So, it probably caught some people by surprise, that, after graduating in 2006, he began pursuing job opportunities in the urban development field.

"My parents, though, had a pretty good idea about where I might eventually look for a job," said the 29-year-old Mr. Weaver, who lives at 16 Homestead Ave. in Auburn. "When I was a kid, I liked to play with Legos, Lincoln logs and trucks. They probably figured that I might get a job in a field that had something to do with building things."

Mr. Weaver, a senior project manager at the Worcester Business Development Corp., has, within a short period of time, caught the attention of many in the city who are charged with planning and designing the urban landscape.

Because of his early career accomplishments, Mr. Weaver has been chosen by the Telegram & Gazette to receive the Young Leader Award at the Visions Community Awards program that will be held at 4:30 p.m. March 5 at Mechanics Hall. Carmen M. Ortiz, the U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts, will be the keynote speaker.

Mr. Weaver was born in Putnam and grew up in Danielson. A former high school hockey goalie, Mr. Weaver became familiar with Central Massachusetts when he attended Assumption, where he is now pursuing a master's degree in business administration.

While in college, Mr. Weaver said, he immersed himself in student government activities and was elected president of the Student Government Association during his senior year.

He said he thought it was always important that students attending college in Worcester learn more about the city by taking part in its various cultural, entertainment and other offerings. To that end, he and other student leaders convinced the Worcester Regional Transit Authority to set up a bus stop on campus so that the students could get about.

Mr. Weaver, who was also involved in associations involving student leaders from the other area colleges and universities, said he also got a grasp about the city's development agenda when he was invited to attend a program about The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts while it was undergoing renovations.

"I really was impressed about what I heard and I was fascinated with the work that was being done," Mr. Weaver said.

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'Young Leader' envisions the urban landscape