Hearts & Minds

HM HEARTS & MINDS SERVING THE WORLD

Message from the President

Dear Friends of Rivier, This issue of Rivier Today is quite singular in that it spans four centuries of stories. The story of Saint Marie Rivier, the story of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in North America, Rivier’s founding story, and of course the stories of our alumni, staff, and students of today.

The University’s own story began with Anne Marie Rivier, who was born in the late 18th century. One who walked boldly, overcoming physical limitations and social barriers. In the midst of the French Revolution, she focused on educating women and children in the faith. Hers was a Gospel spirituality imbued with the practical applications of service. In her own words: “Holiness does not consist in doing spectacular things, but in doing our duty as well as we can, wherever God has put us.”

The 19th century calls to mind the influence of the Industrial Revolution— the period in which her community, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, boldly journeyed to North America. First to Quebec in 1853, then 20 years later they accompanied French Canadians to the mill towns of Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire.

The beginning of the 20th century represented a time of bold action and investment. Women religious across the United States saw the need for Catholic higher education for women. Rivier, founded in 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression, achieved bold initiatives including the growth of the Nashua campus, the development of graduate programs, and an everpresent focus on service that imbues the campus to this day.

The 21st century unfolds on the Rivier campus with a bold and bright vision including expansion of student residential life and a focus on community that is founded on the transformational nature of education. Our time also offers its own opportunities to Go Boldly, a theme we will celebrate throughout our 90th anniversary year in 2022-2023.

This span of centuries represents a lived experience of Gospel values and Saint Marie Rivier’s faith-driven vision to Go Boldly. To Go Boldly in serving the vulnerable and to Go Boldly in building an institution that would meet the needs of the times.

Sincerely,

Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM President Dedicated to a life of service

Jake DeStefano ’21 has chosen a life of service. He came to Rivier to earn a degree in Criminal Justice and to become a police officer. The education he received went far beyond academics. DeStefano received his badge and became an official member of the Nashua Police Department in a badge pinning ceremony held at Rivier in June. He is pictured above (left to right) with his faculty advisor Professor Eric Gentes, his athletic head coach James DeLanoy, and his internship supervisor and Director of Public Safety Robert Casey, all of whom had an impact on his educational experience and proudly attended the ceremony. DeStefano was a global honors scholar, captain of the men’s lacrosse team, and a peer mentor while he attended Rivier. He is recognized for his intelligence, leadership skills, and dedication to service by many in the community. Though a Massachusetts native, he chose to return to New Hampshire and devote himself to serving the Nashua community.