HM
HEARTS & MINDS SERVING THE WORLD
Message from the President Dear Friends of Rivier, This issue of Rivier Today shows quite dramatically that the University is on the move. The cover highlights the inaugural year of men’s and women’s ice hockey—one of the fastest sports on earth. Raiders took the ice to a packed crowd at Conway Arena, and we were able to raise the roof. This issue also highlights long-standing, nationally acclaimed men’s and women’s volleyball coach, Craig Kolek, as he has now exceeded 1,000 career wins and was named GNAC Coach of the Year. The University celebrates significant grant funding supporting STEM research awarded in the first year of the opening of the Science and Innovation Center and a $1.8 million federal grant to expand educational opportunities for behavioral health professionals. The Davis Educational Foundation has recognized excellent faculty leadership and is providing additional support for educational technology that will strengthen online learning and retention. Rivier alumni and friends renewed old friendships and strengthened memories of past years during Alumni Reunion Weekend and the Golf Classic Fundraiser. A feature on the Office of Campus Ministry highlights the University’s mission and campus engagement and reflects Blessed Anne Marie Rivier’s own words, “Your charity should shine forth in all your words and deeds: it should be the motivating force behind all you do.” As we anticipate the Christmas season and look forward to 2022, may the blessings of family and good health be yours. Thank you for your support of our students and our mission of transforming hearts and minds to serve the world. Sincerely,
Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM President 1
Remembering Rivier Chaplain Brother Paul Demers In recognition of the second anniversary of his passing, the Brother Paul Demers Memorial Scholarship was awarded this fall to two Rivier students. Created by his dear friend Dr. Ann McGreevy and devoted cousin Mrs. Claire Bilodeau in memory of his life and 30 years of faithful service to the Rivier University community, the scholarship serves as a tribute to his enduring friendships, commitment to service, and lifelong love of teaching and learning. This year’s recipients, Sara Court ’23 (pictured above, right) and Derek Labbe ’23, share Brother Paul’s love of learning and commitment to mission. As an elementary education major, Sarah student-teaches at the middle school level in Nashua and Derry and also works with children at a 21st-century afterschool program in Manchester, where she collaborates to foster an environment that supports their socialemotional learning. A nursing major and Global Honors Scholar, Derek aspires to work in the field of psychiatric nursing and to advocate for the mental health field and the important role of nursing. As an 11-year Scout, service has always been an important part of his life. He has worked with Nashua PAL to host a book drive for infants to high school students and conducted a service project to help the homeless youth population in the Nashua community by increasing access to services and shelters.
