NEWSWORTHY

News from campus and the world beyond

Biomedical research grants foster facultystudent research

Three Rivier University biology professors have been awarded grants in support of projects that will engage students in authentic scientific research, training the next generation of researchers. The New Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) grants were received through an Institutional Development Award (IDeA), P20GM103506, from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Michelle Beck’s research project will examine element concentrations in song sparrows across urban and rural habitats to determine if element concentrations have effects on stress and immune responses. Using songbirds as a model will allow Dr. Beck to determine if the elevated element levels could negatively impact human health as well.

Dr. Tatiana Jones’ project will explore how extracellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) can influence activities of macrophages, white blood cells responsible for primary immune defenses. Student-researchers will learn how these cells are involved in responses of our immune system to different pathogens, including viruses.

Dr. William Schmidt will investigate the targeted modification of muscle proteins in hopes of identifying potential biological mechanisms that can be modulated to alleviate or prevent disease. The project will determine if modification of a key muscle protein influences specific molecular interactions that determine muscle function, thus identifying the protein as a potential target for consideration in future drug discovery and design studies.

“Receiving three grant awards reflects our faculty’s dedication to academic excellence and the University’s commitment to innovation in the sciences,” say Dr. Brian Ernsting, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Rivier’s new Science and Innovation Center was designed to advance faculty-student research and to elevate the student experience. The vision that built the new Center is realized in these projects.”

The research projects are anticipated to begin this summer, and grant funds will support stipends for Rivier student-researchers.

Board of Trustees appoints local leaders

Expanding its expertise in business strategy, healthcare, philanthropy, and workforce development, the University’s Board of Trustees welcomed four new members (pictured left to right): Dr. Marie Elizabeth Ramas; Mr. Joseph Bellavance IV; Mr. Douglas Barker; and Ms. Keeva Davis, Class of 2000.

Dr. Marie Elizabeth Ramas is the Medical Director at GateHouse Treatment, an addiction treatment center in Nashua. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for the New Hampshire Endowment for Health and is a member of several New Hampshire state medical and health assessment advisory councils. Dr. Ramas was honored with a Union Leader “40 under 40” Award in 2020.

Joseph Bellavance IV is the President of Bellavance Beverage Company, a major distributor of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages for New Hampshire retailers since 1902. Mr. Bellavance has strong ties with the local business community and is wellknown for his success in building the Bellavance business.

Douglas Barker is Treasurer of The Barker Foundation, a private foundation that provides funding to social services, education, health, and youth organizations located primarily in Greater Nashua. Mr. Barker has served as a Trustee for Edgewood Cemetery for more than 25 years, as well as having held Board positions at Home Health and Hospice Care and the Hospice House Foundation.

Keeva Davis ’00 is a Federal Project Officer specializing in workforce development for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. She has maintained a close and supportive relationship with the University through support of her family’s scholarship fund, the Davis Family Minority Merit Scholarship.

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Thank you for supporting Day of Giving

A record level of participation and generosity resulted in a new milestone reached for the University’s annual Day of Giving in April. In just one day, alumni and friends donated more than $121,000 to support the Rivier University Fund and student scholarships.

“Gratitude, appreciation, and thanks … simple words with deep meaning,” said Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM. “Your record-breaking participation in Rivier’s annual Day of Giving is inspiring and energizing. Your continued generosity makes a difference in the lives of our Rivier students and allows all of us to continue to transform hearts and minds to serve the world.”

This year, donations had double the impact through a generous gift from alumna Catherine Eames ’81, who matched the first $10,000 received during Day of Giving dollar for dollar. Donors were able to designate their gifts to support scholarships, athletics, academic innovation, global engagement, or the area of greatest need. These gifts not only ensure access to a Rivier education, but a full and enriching experience that allows each student to reach their full potential.

We thank all who donated on our 2021 Day of Giving and who support Rivier throughout the year!

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First-year students provide impactful service

Each year, Rivier first-year students spend a day volunteering to serve nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Nashua community. This year, students assembled tote bags filled with donations customized to meet the needs of each organization’s clients. Healthcare and hygiene items were included, as well as donations of crafts, entertainment and outdoor activities, and a variety of other themed items.

Representatives from Girls Inc., Marguerite’s Place, Nashua Children’s Home, Nashua PAL, Nashua Soup Kitchen, and the Front Door Agency came to campus and spoke to the firstyear students about the populations they each serve and the services they provide.

“Given limitations of the pandemic, Rivier collaborated with our Nashua community partners to identify the most impactful service project for our students,” says Kevin Cloutier, Experiential Learning Coordinator. “These are trying times for the people and families they serve; they’re struggling, and we were happy to help make a difference.”

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Rivier rises to the top of college rankings

Rivier has been awarded top national ranking status for multiple nursing and business programs by two independent, higher education organizations. Nursing Schools Almanac has ranked Rivier in the top 100 U.S. nursing schools of 3,000 assessed.

Institutions were evaluated on three critical dimensions: academic prestige and perceived value, breadth and depth of nursing programs offered, and student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination.

NEWSWORTHY

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Rivier students have achieved an aggregate NCLEX pass rate of 99% over the past three years. In addition, Nursing Schools Almanac recognized Rivier as the #1 private nursing school in New Hampshire.

We are honored by these top rankings for excellence in nursing education,” says Dr. Paula Williams, Dean of the Division of Nursing and Health Professions. “Consistently, Riviereducated nurses are hired and recognized for their strong clinical skills, compassionate care, and dedication to lifelong learning for improved patient outcomes.”

Intelligent.com, an organization that provides unbiased research results to assist prospective students in making college selections, released its 2021 higher education resource guide ranking U.S. institutions based on an assessment of 2,277 accredited colleges and universities. Rivier has been recognized for earning the following national rankings: • Best Colleges in New Hampshire | 4 • Best MBA in Marketing Degree

Programs | 23 • Best MBA in Information

Technology Degree Programs | 28 • Best Nurse Practitioner Degree

Programs | 46

Each program was evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. “The academic integrity and value of a Rivier education are reflected in the results of these extensive studies,” says Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM. “We view these top rankings as fulfilling the University’s motto—Altiora et Meliora, Higher and Better—a tenet to which the University, our students, and our graduates ascribe and continuously strive to achieve.”

View more information on Rivier's rankings at www.rivier.edu/news.

Welcoming alumni home

The Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations is planning an Alumni Reunion Weekend (September 25-26) that will celebrate two years of milestone reunions for 2020 and 2021. This year’s annual fall weekend celebration will recognize Reunion Classes ending in 0s, 1s, 5s and 6s.

“After postponing last year’s weekend, we are especially looking forward to welcoming all alumni back to campus for a special weekend celebration this fall,” said Karen Cooper, Vice President for University Advancement.

Events will maximize outdoor venues and include a variety of social gatherings, activities, and Raiders athletics events. New this year, the University’s Student Government Association will sponsor a reception for our most recent graduates of the Classes of 2020 and 2021. Undergraduate Reunion Classes will receive an invitation by mail in June and event information is available online for all alumni at www.rivier. edu/reunion. Make plans to come home for a fun weekend celebration!