Hearts & Minds

HM HEARTS & MINDS SERVING THE WORLD

Message from the President

Dear Friends of Rivier,

The past 18 months have brought both challenges and opportunities to our Rivier community as it has for many of you. It is with gratitude that we share stories in this issue that recognize the resilience of our students, the focus of our faculty on teaching and learning, the continuing vibrance of student engagement, a commitment to innovative and technologically sophisticated learning spaces, and most importantly, the unique conditions under which the mission of the University continues to flourish.

This issue highlights Rivier’s recognition as the 2021 ‘Education Business of the Year’ by Business NH and the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Truly a distinction earned by the entire University community, this award celebrates excellence as recognized by New Hampshire’s business community particularly in the areas of academic quality, workforce development, and service learning.

You will share in the excitement of Rivier’s 86th Commencement ceremony which had special meaning as the University community celebrated the singular achievements of the Class of 2021. The ceremony provided an opportunity to remind our graduates of those times in which they embraced challenges with perseverance, gratitude, and a focus on service.

Reimagining Sylvia Trottier Hall through Project Excel for nursing and Project Elevate for the Division of Business and Securities Studies is the next step to ensure that faculty and students have the resources to engage in real world learning experiences. Building on the components of the Science and Innovation Center, this capital renovation will provide the foundation for continuing enrollment growth and academic distinction.

As we look ahead to the fall semester, the Rivier community will prepare to welcome one of the largest first-year classes in fifteen years and prepare for a comprehensive on-campus living and learning experience that will be embraced by all. May these days also offer you and your family the blessings of good health and safety.

Sincerely, Nursing alumni recognized for commitment to service

The New Hampshire Nurses’ Association (NHNA) recently named Julie Williams ’21 (pictured with Rivier’s Dr. Judi O'Hara and Dr. Paula Williams and Dr. Pamela DiNapoli and Carlene Ferrier of NHNA) of Lowell, Massachusetts as the 2021 Student Nurse of the Year. Julie received this award in recognition of her professionalism, patient advocacy, leadership, and involvement in nursing and in community service. The Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners honored Mary-Ellen Cooper ’03 with the 2021 Distinguished Nurse Practitioner Award. She is recognized for being a role model for excellence in the provision of health care services and for contributions to nurse practitioner education. In addition to her nursing practice, MaryEllen is co-founder and Vice President of Into Action Recovery, Inc., which maintains a 12-step sober living home in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM President

Rivier proudly supports New Hampshire vaccination efforts

This spring University alumni, faculty, and students took lead roles in the efforts to vaccinate New Hampshire and Massachusetts residents against the COVID-19 virus. Alumna Major Lindsey Whelan ’09 led the first Phase 1 clinic held in Nashua to vaccinate front-line personnel. Working as both a Trauma Program Manager at Elliot Hospital and a Chief Nurse for the NH Air National Guard Wing at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Lindsey’s service extends beyond these roles into the community and around the globe. (See page 19) Rivier faculty and students volunteered at a mass vaccination clinic sponsored by and held at Fidelity Investments in Merrimack, New Hampshire in March. Seven faculty members, eight nursing students, and a public health student assisted in vaccinating more than 2,500 people during the two-day clinic. The clinic was hosted by the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services, which is headed by Director Bobbie Bagley ’97/’14G. The effort focused on immunizing teachers, school staff, childcare workers, and those 50 and older in the Greater Nashua area.

Throughout the past several months, faculty and nursing students volunteered to serve at additional COVID-19 vaccine clinics hosted by the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services and Lowell General Hospital. Embracing a real-world teaching opportunity, all junior class nursing students administered vaccines through Lawrence General Hospital as part of their Community Health rotation during the spring semester. Clinical rotations also engaged students in providing telehealth services, enabling care virtually while protecting patients and nursing staff. “It is gratifying to see our nursing and public health faculty, students, and alumni continue their outreach to combat COVID-19,” says Dr. Paula Williams, Dean of Rivier’s Division of Nursing and Health Professions. “From working on the front lines with COVID-19 patients to donations of personal protective equipment and loans of telehealth and hospital equipment, to widespread vaccination efforts throughout the spring, the University and our community members have been active partners in delivering effective public health solutions.”