Salem Statement Magazine 2025 The Magazine of Salem State University

STATEMENT

For many, the cost of higher education has become an insurmountable barrier to achieving their dreams.

That’s why we need you. Your gift will directly support the students who need it most: the talented, diverse and resilient learners who are ready to change the world.

Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders. Together, we can make sure that every Salem State student has the chance to succeed.

“My heart just about stopped when they told me I was a perfect candidate for a Viking Completion Grant that would allow me to earn my degree. I probably would have given up and not graduated if I couldn’t cover my balance. I can’t say thank you enough.”

—Alyssa Giordano ’21 Bachelor of Science in education

Table of Contents

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

4 Faculty Fulbright Work

Spans the Globe

Recognizing Salem State as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars

6 Building On Success

Mandy Ray named vice president of advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.

6-7 Powering the Future

Reaching Salem State’s 2050 climate neutrality goal and launching a stateof-the-art cybersecurity training lab

8 The Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University Carnegie reclassification reaffirms commitment

9 Success for All Commonwealth’s first four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution

10 Bertolon School of Business Visits Nasdaq

Connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities

11 Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

Commemorating Charlotte Forten and former president Nancy Harrington ’60, ’63G, ’10H, EdD

FEATURES

12 Meet the Moment ® The $75 million campaign for Salem State University

22 Driving Student Success

From the food pantry to the Career Closet, celebrating programs that make a difference

26 A New Era of Opportunity: Supporting Student Financial Assistance

Three multimillion-dollar gifts propel Salem State’s mission

30 Now and Then

Former SGA president Stephen Kelleher ’81 gives in to wanderlust

FEATURES CONTINUED

32 From Student Athlete to Director of Athletics Nicolle Wood ’95’s mission to support the student-athlete experience

34 Settling In at Salem State

The DiMento family legacy shines a spotlight on the university

EDITOR

Beth Harrington

ASSISTANT

EDITOR

Sara Ward

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Simeen Brown

COPY

EDITOR

Speros Zakas ’70, ’76G

PHOTOGRAPHY

VIKINGS PAY IT FORWARD

36 A Legacy of Support The Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund

38 Giving Back Nancy Dias ’09, ’13G comes full circle

39 Viking Warrior Day

Salem State’s annual day of giving sees remarkable growth

40 Mentorship That Inspires Dr. Lee Brossoit Second Chance Fund

41 Creative Ways to Give Robbie Millwee ’09 tackles planned giving

ALUMNI

43 Welcoming the Newest Class Your Salem State journey doesn’t end at graduation

44 40 Under 40 The next class

49 Voices of Our Alumni

Alyce Davis ’75 reflects on her 50th reunion year

50 What Does It Mean To Be a Viking? A tribute to Mary Dunn ’78, former assistant dean of undergraduate admissions

54 Inside the Salem State Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. Unlocking doors of opportunity

56 It Takes a Viking Celebrating Vikings one podcast at a time, featuring Board of Trustees Chair Samanda Morales ’98

Felicia Hayden ’16

Tom Kates

Nasdaq, Inc.

Joshua Qualls/Governor

Healey’s Press Office

Benjamin Rose ’20

Sperling

Lea St. Germain ’03

WRITING

Alyce Davis ’75

Rebecca Hains, PhD

Beth Harrington

Tina Karas ’90, ’96G

Dustin Luca

Mike Mitchell ’07

Brian Schubmehl

Sara Ward

ARTWORK

Keith Knight, Jr. ’90, ’22H

CONTACT

978.542.7530 statement@salemstate.edu

VIEW THE STATEMENT ONLINE salemstate.edu/statement

COPYRIGHT 2025

Salem State University

All publication rights reserved.

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES to alumni@salemstate.edu

978.542.7530

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ON THE COVER

President John Keenan takes center stage with members of the Salem State community during the campaign launch event on May 6, 2023.

President’s Letter

MEETING THE MOMENT

It is an exciting time to be a Salem State Viking! We are in the middle of our five-year Meeting the Moment Strategic Plan centered on our commitment to student success and life readiness. This core commitment has served as our beacon and guides us on the course ahead. Central to charting our course and woven throughout the strategic plan is our $75 million comprehensive campaign, Meet the Moment® , with four priorities to keep us focused. These are student financial assistance, student success, unrestricted support, and SSU BOLD. Earlier this year, we received a $10 million anonymous gift, which enabled us to fund Clipper Scholarships for students enrolled in the McKeown School of Education or the Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services who have an unmet financial need. The story on page 27 tells you more about this incredible gift and its impact.

In 2020, we earned the prestigious Carnegie Classification as a civically engaged campus because of our extraordinary history and dedication to service and involvement in our community. This is just one of the reasons why Salem State is known as the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University. The story on page 8 guides you through this journey and our reaccreditation process.

As a campus community, we will continue to embrace, be inspired by and embody our core values of justice, diversity and inclusion for everyone pursuing higher education at Salem State University. By leaning into our mission, we will continue to enable all students to achieve their educational goals by providing access and an intellectual home for anyone who

seeks a degree. In 2018, we set out to become the state’s first public four-year designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. We established clear objectives under our justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion goal with a focus on “servingness” and implemented a roadmap to guide us. In 2024, we surpassed the 25 percent eligibility requirement, and we are the first fouryear public university to achieve HSI status. Please read more on page 9.

Salem State is also a leader in building and maintaining a sustainable campus. SSU BOLD, our campus unification and modernization project is the guiding light for this work. We already have seven rooftop solar arrays with more on the way, and five of our buildings are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. As a part of our environmental stewardship and climate action and 2050 carbon neutrality goals, we started a decarbonization project. You will learn more on page 6.

We also continue to seek opportunities that give our students the tools and resources needed to be successful throughout their lives. The Salem State Cyber Range, featured in the story on page 7, is an incredible example. The only facility of its kind north of Boston, the SSU Cyber Range has the capacity to welcome students and professionals and give them the skills and strategies needed to help address, mitigate and prevent cyberattacks. We also continue to lead the way in Fulbright Scholars with nearly a dozen over the last two years who are teaching in classrooms around the world that, in turn, enhance educational opportunities and experiences for our students. You can read about their work in the story on page 4.

Much of this work is possible due to the dedication and talents of our colleagues and volunteer trustees. Seven of 11 of our trustees are alumni, plus our student representative. Samanda Morales ’98 leads this hardworking and distinguished group, and you can read about how she is making a difference at Salem State on page 56.

I hope these stories and the others in this edition of the Salem Statement inspire you. I know with student success and life readiness as our beacon, no matter the headwinds in higher education, we will lean into our core values of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion for all our students and reach our goals with your support, and we will Meet the Moment® !

Warm regards,

John D. Keenan, President

OUR UNIFYING COMMITMENT:

STUDENT SUCCESS AND LIFE READINESS

Our commitment to student success and life readiness is the unifying commitment at the very center of this strategic plan and will remain Salem State University’s North Star. We are committed to fostering student success and life readiness by creating a challenging and supportive learning environment that fully engages students in their learning and promotes attainment of academic, personal and career goals. This core commitment is reflected in and supported by the strategic plan’s seven goals and associated objectives.

Academic Excellence and Active Learning:

Financial Vitality and Sustainability:

Fortify Salem State’s financial foundation by stabilizing enrollment, growing income from existing and new revenue streams, advocating for greater public funding support, continuing to build a culture of philanthropy, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

Operational Excellence and Infrastructure:

Continuously assess and improve the administrati ve and operational systems, structures and processes that support the uni ver sity’s mission of teaching, research and public service, and maintain physical facilities and technologies necessary to deli ver the mission effecti vely and efficiently

Develop and suppor t high quality academic programs and innovative educational experiences that equip Salem State graduates to thrive in an evolving work force and to navigate confidently in an increasingly complex and global socie ty

STUDENT SUCCESS and LIFE READINESS

Provide a challenging and supportive learning environment that fully engages students in their learning and promotes attainment of academic, personal and career goals.

Campus Community and Culture:

Foster a campus culture that fuels school spirit, sense of community and collegiality, mutual respect and trust, and shared commitment to student success and the uni ver sity’s longterm future.

Learn more about Meeting the Moment, Salem State’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.

Civic Engagement and Public Good:

Culti vate a ci vically engaged community of learner s and scholar s committed to public problem solving in a di ver se democracy, and align curriculum, co-curriculum, research, and creati ve acti vity with opportunities to promote the public good.

Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action:

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Increase the di ver sity of our campus community, and promote equity and inclusion in all programs, policies and practices.

Reflect Salem State’s core commitment to protecting the natural environment in campus facilities, operations, academics, and decision making, and equip faculty, staff and students to under stand and engage in addressing the climate emergency.

Faculty Fulbright Work Spans the Globe

For the last several months, Salem State English Professor Alexandria Peary, PhD’s work has taken her to Pforzheim, Germany, where she has been digging through historical records, newspaper archives and more to document the devastation brought to the community toward the end of World War II.

She isn’t the only one. Spread across the globe, six SSU professors have traveled abroad for research and teaching Fulbright awards between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years. The number of faculty traveling internationally for Fulbright have helped establish Salem State University as a top Fulbright-producing institution for each of the last two years.

“It’s very important for all of our community that Salem State remains a leader in global engagement,” said Julie Whitlow, PhD, vice provost for faculty and global engagement at Salem State. “As faculty receive prestigious awards such as Fulbright and learn and grow from experiences abroad, they in turn are inspired to invigorate their courses and to provide opportunities for students to both travel and engage in globally inspired coursework. Some are then able to earn SSU’s new ‘global engagement seal’ which is affixed to their transcripts upon completion.”

Hundreds of hot air balloons ascend at dawn over Cappadocia, Turkey. The balloons give passengers a great view of the unique rock formations and beautiful walking trails below.

THREE FULBRIGHT RECIPIENTS RETURN

Rebecca Hains, PhD, a media and communication professor who traveled via Fulbright to teach in Poland for 2023-24, said relationships form through these experiences that often lead in the other direction—with prospective students and visitors from the areas coming to Salem. But at the same time, the impact learning abroad has on a local student can’t be understated, Hains explained.

“Taking Salem State students out into the world helps cultivate an international perspective within our students,” she said. “This informs their ability to be professionals in fields that are increasingly globalized.”

Hains’ work, which included an undergraduate and graduate class, put U.S. media in an international context to students from all over Europe, including everywhere from Spain to Ukraine, bringing to the coursework “various perspectives that American students wouldn’t have.”

“Two research projects emerged,” Hains said, “in which the students were collaborating with me, talking with adults in Poland, who were children when Communism fell, about their recollections of how media and popular culture changed in that era, from Communist-led Poland to the postCommunist era.”

For Theatre and Speech Communication Associate Professor Julie Kiernan, traveling to teach in Bulgaria for 2023-24 saw reciprocal benefit, one of the goals of the Fulbright program: She left feeling like she found a second home, and the Bulgarian students were left with a newly developed tool for inspiring change in their communities.

“The faculty, staff and students of the theatre department at New Bulgarian University embraced me with open arms, and I left feeling like it was a second home to me,” Kiernan said. “The students were eager to participate in the two projects that I proposed. Both projects increased the participants’ experiences using theatre as a tool for social change and expanding cultural competence.”

Economics Professor Kenneth Ardon, PhD taught economics at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University (also known as METU, or ODTU in Turkish). While teaching a course on the economics of education, Ardon focused partly on the education systems in Turkey and the United States. Through that, he also advised many students on their research and assisted with applications to graduate schools in the United States.

“While the course went well, my favorite part of the experience was the time I spent talking to my students outside of class,” Ardon said. “When we met after class, they introduced me to lahmacun and pide (Turkish foods that are

similar to pizza). We had great conversations about life in Turkey compared to life in America.”

With all that considered, Ardon found the trip to be particularly enriching.

“I chose Turkey because I have always wanted to travel there to learn more about its fascinating history and rich culture,” he said. “My students, and Turkish people more generally, were incredibly welcoming and friendly. Despite my poor language skills, I got to know many wonderful people both on campus and in the city.”

AS THREE RETURN, THREE MORE HEAD OUT

Peary’s work conducting research in Pforzheim, Germany, is one of three Fulbright journeys playing out during the 2024-25 academic year. Other faculty Fulbright recipients traveling this year are Vanessa Ruget, PhD, who left for Estonia in January, and Norbert Tschakert, PhD, who is spending the academic year in the Dominican Republic. n

Above: Rebecca Hains, PhD, delivers a lecture, “The erasure of counter-stereotypical female characters from Disney’s transmedia toys: Exploring toy industry, media, and audience tensions” at the University of Łódź, Poland, May 9, 2024.

Pictured Top: Julie Kiernan is pictured with other Fulbright Scholars and graduate student Fulbright Researchers on a cultural excursion to Rozen Monastery. The trip was organized and run by Fulbright Bulgaria.

Building On Success

SALEM STATE APPOINTS LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE MANDY RAY AS

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND FOUNDATION, INC.

Mandy Ray’s connection to Salem State goes far beyond a job title. “My stepson, Diego, is a Viking and will graduate with a degree in philosophy in the spring. Over the years, my husband and I have taken classes on campus, and my children have attended countless events. Salem State means more to me than people realize,” she shared.

Recently appointed as vice president of advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., Mandy is no stranger to the Viking community or her work in advancement. Since January 2011, Mandy has held various positions, from her days in alumni affairs to now overseeing the department. One of her priorities, which continues to guide her work, is that collaboration is the key to success.

“The reason we have been so successful with the Meet the Moment® campaign is because we work as a team. Together, we can achieve what none of us could alone.”

Mandy’s commitment to supporting accessible education shines through in everything she does, as she works hard to strengthen our Viking network and create meaningful connections across campus. “It’s about creating a community where everyone feels seen, supported and empowered,” she explained. Mandy’s approach is all about making a lasting impact, and her dedication to inspiring others to give back in support of student success is critical to the foundation of her work.

During her leadership, Salem State has experienced three consecutive record-breaking fundraising years, culminating in the securing of the largest gift in Massachusetts state university history. This momentum has made Mandy even more excited to step into the role. “I’m eager to advance our team’s work and help further drive our incredible progress with the Meet the Moment® campaign.” n

Salem State Selected for Geothermal Case Study by DCAMM

Salem State University has been selected by the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to undergo a geothermal heating case study. The project will see the usage of geothermal wells heating and cooling two newly built-out spaces on campus at no cost to the university, while also furthering the university’s environmental goals.

Transitioning to renewable energy to heat and cool campus buildings is a critical step in reaching Salem State’s 2050 climate neutrality goal. Geothermal wells take advantage of the ambient temperatures hundreds of feet below the surface to provide fossil fuel-free heating and cooling. The Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons on North Campus is already using a similar system, and the university has recently increased its use of

solar panels on campus, with seven roof arrays that produce over 3.8 million kWh of electricity.

The geothermal project represents a major milestone toward decarbonizing North Campus, as it allows two university spaces to heat and cool without relying on fossil fuels. It also ties into two major components of SSU BOLD, Salem State’s campus unification and modernization project.

“For Salem State University to achieve its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050, large-scale projects are required to bring new, state-of-the-art methods for heating and cooling buildings, such as the geothermal system being utilized in Project BOLD,” President John Keenan said. “We’re honored to have been selected by DCAMM for this pivotal project, which will become a test case informing and improving other decarbonization efforts across the Commonwealth.” n

Salem State University Launches Cyber Range

A new state-of-the-art cybersecurity training lab has come online at Salem State University that will not only help current students develop these important skills but will also help train the community long into the future.

The Salem State University Cyber Range is a robust lab space in the classroom building on the Harrington Campus. It offers users of all types—ranging from students taking a course to a business boosting its employees’ skills—access to training programs and cyberattack exercises such as simulations of system-wide ransomware attacks.

The Salem State University Cyber Range is supported with $624,437 in funding from the MassCyberCenter at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). The funds are part of the MassCyberCenter’s Security Operations Center (SOC) and Cyber Range Initiative, which supports the creation of Security Operations Centers and training programs at universities and colleges across the state. The program aims to help build a diverse generation of cybersecurity professionals through education, training and workforce development.

President John Keenan said Salem State is “grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MassCyberCenter for selecting us for this important partnership. This type of investment and collaborative professional relationships are a win-win for everyone involved.”

“The range will provide students the opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment and in real-world scenarios to gain the skills needed to help address, mitigate and prevent

Officials celebrate the ribboncutting of the new Salem State University Cyber Range on November 14, 2024.

Pictured from left: Peter Sherlock, president and CEO of CyberTrust Massachusetts; Carolyn Kirk, executive director of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative; Jay Ash, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership; Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll ’89, ’23H; President John Keenan; District Attorney Paul Tucker ’87; and Professor Brian Travers, PhD.

cyberattacks,” Keenan said. “Now that the space is established, we look forward to partnering with regional external agencies, municipalities and private companies who could also benefit from the education and training available through the range.”

The Cyber Range is powered by Immersive Labs and launched in partnership with CyberTrust Massachusetts. Salem State is part of the CyberTrust Massachusetts consortium that includes Cyber Ranges located at Bridgewater State University, MassBay Community College and Springfield Technical Community College.

“The Immersive Labs platform has many exercises for users, ranging from self-paced knowledge checks to real-life simulations that mimic cyberattacks,” said Brian Travers, a Salem State mathematics professor who helped launch the space. “In some exercises, you log into a virtual desktop with only the skills you’re allowed to have at your disposal, from which you need to solve a crisis.”

In time, the space will become available to the outside community so local businesses, organizations, cities, and towns can also take advantage of the platform.

“We hope to soon see activity from the community, like corporate retreats where businesses will carry out exercises and trainings, or school districts visiting to introduce the next generation of students to the world of cybersecurity,” Travers said. “As another example, we can work with companies on such cybersecurity training as how to deal with ransomware or malware attacks.” n

The Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University

CARNEGIE RECLASSIFICATION REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT

Salem State is further cementing its reputation as the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University by reaffirming its dedication to community engagement efforts through the Carnegie reclassification process.

“Civic engagement is in our DNA and a priority as we serve our students. It’s woven into each of our curricular and cocurricular departments and embedded throughout our institution,” said Cynthia Lynch, assistant vice provost for civic engagement and academic strategic support, who is leading the effort to reclassify under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

The classification highlights institutions that prioritize and actively engage with their communities—and alumni play a critical role in the process.

“We’ve heard from faculty, staff, students, and community members that they are noticing a lot of our community partners are alumni,” Lynch said. “Alumni are a big part of why we’re the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University—they’re the ones engaged civically when they’re students, get jobs in the community once they become alumni, participate in the political scene, serve on boards, and more.”

In 2015, the Center for Civic Engagement was established as a nexus for community-based initiatives, civic learning and public engagement. From annual days of service to civic fellowship opportunities, the center creates pathways for students to feel connected to their campus and region.

“Salem State remains deeply committed to civic responsibility and all its parts, through creating programs that help our students not just engage in all spheres of civic life, but also think critically and work creatively to address the pressing matters facing our community,” Lynch said. “We’re so grateful to everyone involved, from our alumni in the field continuing the legacy of civic engagement launched in their student years, to our community of donors who provide the support for our well-established campus initiatives. Because of you, this is our identity.” n

SPOTLIGHT

Al DiVirgilio ’64, ’66G, a dedicated alumnus and former foundation board member, celebrated his 60th reunion year with the creation of the Al and Ginny DiVirgilio Family IOP Endowed Fund, providing financial support to the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics, which aims to engage and inspire the Viking community to be active in our democracy and to pursue careers in politics and public service.

Carnegie Foundation

Elective Community Engagement Classi cation

Kaitlyn Evans ’24 and Briana Herrera ’26 participate in the Vikings Vote initiative.

Success for All

COMMONWEALTH’S FIRST FOUR-YEAR HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION

Salem State is not just keeping pace with the future— it’s shaping it. With a forward-thinking vision for the next generation of learners, the university is embracing its mission to serve all students in our region, emphasizing its commitment to access, improved graduation rates and economic mobility for all, inclusive of our growing Hispanic student population.

Since 2018, the university has been on the path to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)—a designation for two- and four-year colleges and universities that enroll a diverse student population comprising more than 25 percent Hispanic students. By fall 2024, Salem State met this milestone and became the first four-year public HSI in Massachusetts. The campus community has embraced this identity and is being intentional about serving our diverse student population, positioning Salem State as a leader in New England higher education.

Guiding the effort is Assistant Vice President for HSI and MSI (Minority-Serving Institution) Initiatives Elisa Castillo, PhD, who is committed to fostering an inclusive campus—not only for the Hispanic community but for everyone. “As a campus community, we created a ‘roadmap’ to be an intentional HSI-MSI. We gathered student data to help prioritize our efforts, and we are making data-informed decisions to help close equity gaps,” Elisa shared.

Current HSI-MSI efforts under Elisa’s leadership include

Learn more about HSI-MSI initiatives.

Salem State students and staff at the inaugural New England Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution conference.

professional development for faculty and staff, increased access to culturally responsive programming—from welcoming speakers like ABC News correspondent John Quiñones to taking students to national conferences—and translation services for admissions and financial aid materials for Spanishand Portuguese-speaking parents. “These efforts are possible because of the many cross-campus collaborations between students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” Elisa said.

Last summer’s inaugural New England Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution conference further exemplifies the university’s leading position with the sold-out Salem State event serving as an example of the escalating demand to focus on this growing population and elevating the important work of HSI-MSI designated colleges and universities. The conference was made possible through a consortium grant involving three other institutions that are two-year HSIs in Massachusetts.

“Becoming an intentional HSI-MSI not only recognizes and values our student population and the communities where they come from, but it also helps us update our institutional practices so that all students can thrive,” she said. “The goal is to make sure all students feel welcome on campus and can access the resources that will help them succeed.”

Through this initiative, Salem State plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter, more equitable future—not just for Hispanic students, but for society as a whole. n

Bertolon School of Business Visits Nasdaq

During spring break, Salem State made its mark on the national financial stage as the Bertolon School of Business took a group of students to the Nasdaq Stock Market in Times Square.

A cadre of students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to view the closing bell and stand atop the famed Nasdaq tower. The trip was coordinated through New York Citybased investment management firm Global X ETFs and the company’s head of product research and development, Pedro Palandrani ’18G.

CONNECTING CLASSROOM LEARNING WITH REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITIES

Palandrani said he is driven to give back to Salem State and support its students through experiences like the visit to New York City after the transformative experience he had as a graduate student.

“Salem State University opened doors for me as an international student and launched my career in finance through the internship at Cabot Wealth Management,” Palandrani said. “Welcoming SSU students to Global X ETFs and Nasdaq is simply honoring the cycle of opportunity. You give not because you have; you have because you give. Supporting the next generation of finance professionals from my alma mater isn’t just a responsibility—it’s recognition of the path that made my own journey possible.”

More than just an opportunity to visit Nasdaq, Global X ETFs hosted and took the students through the world of exchange-traded funds, or ETFs. The trip fully explored

the differences between ETFs and other investment vehicles, giving those on the trip a taste of what a career as an ETF issuer could be like.

“One of the most impactful moments for me was our visit to Global X ETFs. Listening to their pitch was not only informative but truly eye-opening,” said Xhesina Sirika ’26, business administration major with a concentration in finance. “It gave me a real-world glimpse into what a day in the life of finance professionals looks like, and it made the career path I’m working toward feel more tangible and exciting.”

SUPPORT PAVES THE WAY FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

As an experiential learning opportunity aligned with Salem State’s Meet the Moment® campaign, the trip was made possible by the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., allowing students to attend without the burden of cost.

“Support like this is critical in providing students with opportunities that enrich their learning and personal growth,” said Annalisa Di Palma, chair of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Salem State can help eliminate financial barriers, ensuring students have access to lifechanging experiences that shape their futures.”

Trips like the visit to Nasdaq are specifically that— invaluable experiential opportunities for the students who embark upon them. Not only did the students gain practical insights into the financial world, but also a deeper sense of connection to their academic community at Salem State. n

Photography

Salem State Names Central Campus for the Late President Emerita Nancy Harrington

Salem State renamed its central campus to honor the university’s 12th president, Nancy Harrington ’60, ’63G, ’10H, EdD. Harrington was the first woman, first alumna and first Salem resident to lead the institution.

The Harrington Campus sits on land that was once home to the Sylvania/FTE lightbulb factory. Known for ushering Salem State through continued growth and expansion, the naming pays tribute in part to Harrington’s leadership on the transformation of the former industrial site into a hub of campus activity.

“Our students learn, gather, dine, and live in spaces born from President Harrington’s leadership, and her vision set the stage for Salem State to achieve university status in 2010. Salem State, our students and the region are forever better thanks to the talent and tenacity of one of our most cherished Vikings,” said President John Keenan.

Except for a three-year stint as a teacher in West Peabody, Harrington remained part of the college until her retirement as president in 2007. n

Board of Trustees Chair Samanda Morales ’98; Terrence Jean Charles ’26, representing the student group The Brotherhood; Michael Corley ’23; Professor Lucinda Damon-Bach, PhD; President John Keenan; and retired Vice President for Student Success Nate Bryant ’87, ’93G, EdD at the February 29, 2024 dedication.

Charlotte Forten Honored with Building Renaming

Salem State has renamed its newest residence hall in honor of Charlotte Forten, the first African American graduate of the university, who earned her degree in 1856.

An abolitionist, educator, poet, and activist for women’s rights, Forten fought for equality and education throughout her life and became the first African American teacher in Salem public schools.

The renaming was proposed by Michael Corley ’23, a former student trustee, who first learned of Forten’s legacy in a first-year seminar class. He successfully advocated for the change during his tenure as president of the Student Government Association in 2022.

Shawn Newton ’96, associate vice president and dean of students, expressed pride in honoring Forten: “Celebrating the achievements and contributions of trailblazing individuals like her is an important step toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse community, a value that is important to SSU.”

After graduating from Salem State, Forten’s legacy continued in her work as an educator, in her involvement with the National Association of Colored Women and through her marriage to Rev. Francis Grimké, co-founder of the NAACP. n

Meet the Moment

Rising Up To Meet the Moment

Meet the Moment® addresses our community’s greatest needs and positions Salem State to make a positive, tangible impact on student success through a $75 million comprehensive campaign.

To learn more about the Meet the Moment® campaign, visit salemstate.edu/ moment.

This is our moment to reflect on the past 170 years—what Salem State was, what Salem State is and what Salem State will be. We are proud to co-chair the largest campaign in Massachusetts state university history, which addresses the concerns facing a new generation of Vikings.

Supporting the Meet the Moment® campaign affirms and empowers the students we serve: an exceptionally talented, diverse and tenacious group of learners who benefit dramatically from the generosity of donors who believe in their potential.

As a public university, our student body reflects the diverse racial identities and socioeconomic backgrounds of our communities with 39 percent of Vikings identifying as students of color and over 50 percent of this year’s freshman class as first-generation college students. In recent decades, as the funding model for state universities has evolved, the financial hurdles for many of our students have increased. For example, in 1983, students covered 30 percent of the cost to attend Salem State with the Commonwealth providing the remainder. Today, students contribute 70 percent.

Salem State students are doing amazing things and need your support. Students like Christina Barnes-Eames ’08, ’25, a married mother of three children, faced having to leave the university after exhausting financial aid options. That’s where the Student Emergency Fund came in during the winter of 2023, giving Christina and her family a vital boost and allowing her to continue her nursing program. This campaign is so students like Christina can push forward and turn their dreams into reality.

Join us in unlocking doors of opportunity for current and future generations of Vikings.

Campaign Steering Committee Co-chairs

Midge DeSimone ’76; Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83; ’18H, Nicole Goggin ’14, ’17G Donna Katzman ’78, ’98G; Elliot Katzman ’78

Cheryl Webster, former vice president of advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.; Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H; Midge DeSimone ’76; Nicole Goggin ’14, ’17G; Donna Katzman ’78, ’98G; Elliot Katzman ’78; President John Keenan

MEET THE MOMENT ® CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES

Meet the Moment® dramatically enhances student financial assistance, integrates even more innovative student programming, provides flexible unrestricted support to respond to emerging needs, and modernizes and unifies campus. Through the Meet the Moment® campaign, we envision what’s possible for the next chapter in our history.

Student Success

$25 Million

Meeting students where they are by:

• Expanding peer-to-peer mentoring and success coaching

• Serving students with distinct needs, including firstgeneration students and student veterans

• Providing spaces, programs and academic and social support to enhance the college experience

Student Financial Assistance

$20 Million

C losing the financial gap through:

• Scholarships

• Viking Completion Grants

• Student Emergency Fund

• Internship Scholarships

Unrestricted Support

$20 Million

Flexible resources that allow Salem State to capitalize on emerging needs and opportunities, addressing:

• Food and housing insecurity

• Tools and technology

• Supplementing financial aid

• Fueling efforts around civic engagement and inclusive excellence as we prepare to thrive as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)

SSU BOLD

$10 Million

Modernizing facilities and unifying the campus’s physical footprint, resulting in:

• A student-centered campus

• State-of-the-art laboratories and simulation labs

“Salem State students are some of the most awe-inspiring individuals: Their grit and determination rival their intelligence. It’s important for alumni to give back during this campaign, which is our opportunity to create meaningful change that will help students thrive at the university, to achieve their goals and instill a sense of purpose to empower them to go on to meet their own moments throughout their lives.”

—Nicole Goggin ’14, ’17G co-chair, campaign steering committee

CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE

Mary G. DeSimone ’76, co-chair

Kim D. Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H, co-chair

Nicole E. Goggin ’14, ’17G, co-chair

Donna M. Katzman ’78, ’98G, co-chair

Elliot M. Katzman ’78, co-chair

Elisa Castillo, PhD

Jake J. Cotter ’12

Annalisa C. Di Palma

Dino N. Di Palma

Ryan Fisher, PhD

Arthur T. Gerald, Jr. ’12H

Bernard M. Gordon ’85H

Kathleen A. Murphy ’75

John C. Pastore, Jr. ’94, CRPC

Philip M. Ricciardiello ’19H

Cindy Vincent, PhD

Meet the Largest Fundraising Campaign in Massachusetts State University History

Throughout its history, Salem State has been a pioneer. When it comes to Meet the Moment®, that legacy continues. The transformational $75 million campaign is the largest in Massachusetts’ state university history, positioning Salem State to holistically meet the needs of its students and the workforce demands of the North Shore region.

PUBLIC LAUNCH EVENT

On May 6, 2023, Salem State University, in partnership with the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., announced the public launch of the campaign.

That evening, approximately 400 community members came together to learn more about Meet the Moment® . An immersive 180-degree screen enveloped a captivated audience inside the O’Keefe Sports Complex where community members shared stories of impact and persistence.

A dramatic Kabuki fabric drop closed the program, revealing a series of interactive booths that encouraged guests to mingle among students, faculty and staff who were enthusiastically presenting their work. From elaborate costume displays by the theatre and speech communication department to a recreated Esports lounge, the university’s programs and initiatives were on full display.

It was the culmination of years of work put forth by the university community, highlighting the success of Salem State and its investment in Meet the Moment®.

COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER

With collaboration at the forefront, identifying the campaign’s funding priorities led the way for Salem State to build the university’s strategic priorities, resulting in the next iteration of the university’s five-year strategic plan: Meeting the Moment (page 3). The campaign and strategic plan came together in organizational alignment to better serve Salem State’s hardworking students, providing resources to advance initiatives that set Vikings on a path to lifelong success.

“Salem State faculty and staff go to great lengths to support students, and we’ve seen extraordinary collaboration across campus in establishing the campaign’s priorities and funding opportunities,” said Ryan Fisher, PhD, professor of biology and member of the campaign steering committee.

Engaging the community and putting into motion the hard work and investment of hundreds of faculty, staff, students, volunteers, alumni, donors, and friends became a testament to Meet the Moment® .

“Working with our community to build our campaign’s case for support has shown us just how much enthusiasm there is at Salem State and its efforts around student success,” said Mandy Ray, vice president of advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.

The collective support for the Meet the Moment® campaign enables the university to meet the evolving needs of students and provide them with the resources, experiences and real-world training they need to succeed. n

JULY 1, 2019JANUARY 31, 2025

Vice Provost for Faculty and Global Engagement Julie Whitlow, PhD; Associate Professor Julie Kiernan; and Associate Professor Melanie González, PhD represent efforts around Collaborative Online International Learning. Raised: (77%) $58,065,197

7,040 Donors

$100 Most common gift size

8 Gifts Over $1,000,00 0

Pictured above, left to right: Career Closet ( page 22 )

Professor Ryan Fisher, PhD presents on behalf of the biology department.

Esports lounge Theatre and speech communication department

Donors

Gift Types

Endowment Management

The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.’s endowment market value has exceeded $66 million. The fiduciary responsibility is carried out by members of the AAF board of directors’ investment committee, management and staff.

Campaign Timeline

THANK YOU TO THE OVER 7,000 DONORS WHO HAVE MADE A GIFT TO THE MEET THE MOMENT® CAMPAIGN SO FAR.

FEBRUARY

The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. and Board of Trustees voted to enter the largest comprehensive campaign in Salem State’s history.

MARCH

Salem State focused fundraising efforts toward the Student Emergency Fund at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

JANUARY

The Viking Completion Grant Endowment was established through a $6 million gift from Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and her husband, Philip Schiller, which, at the time, was the largest donation in Massachusetts state university history.

SEPTEMBER

Salem State secured its largest private foundation grant, totaling $3 million, from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to establish a national university network for digital ethnic studies, ensuring that the voices and stories of underrepresented populations are heard in an increasingly digital world.

2021 2022 2020

MARCH

Fundraising for the Thomas ’68 and Joan Feeley Unrestricted Endowment exceeded its $1 million goal, culminating in a naming celebration of the Joan M. and Thomas M. Feeley ’68 Atrium in the Frederick E. Berry Library.

APRIL

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced that Salem State University would receive $30 million for SSU BOLD, our campus unification and modernization project.

MAY

In celebration of the fifth anniversary of Viking Warrior Day and the 40th anniversary of the Salem State Series, the university welcomed David “Big Papi” Ortiz to the stage with proceeds benefitting vital unrestricted support.

JULY

A historic $10 million gift from Cummings Foundation (page 26) named the McKeown School of Education while supporting efforts to strengthen the teacher pipeline. The gift broke the Commonwealth’s record for the largest cash gift given to a state university.

SEPTEMBER

Award-winning lawyer Amal Clooney headlined the Salem State Series in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the series, moderated by journalist Anne Driscoll ’76.

MAY 6

Salem State University, in partnership with the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., hosted a campaign launch event announcing Meet the Moment®, Salem State’s $75 million comprehensive campaign focused on student success.

JUNE

The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. voted to unify the alumni association and foundation boards to efficiently advance the university’s mission and inspire philanthropy to invest in student success.

MAY

The seventh annual Viking Warrior Day raised a record-breaking $786,426.

VIKING

WARRIOR DAY

JUNE

A $10 million gift from an anonymous donor established Clipper Scholarships to help close the financial gap of a college education.

THANK YOU!

Meet the Moment ®

SSU BOLD

A CAMPUS UNIFICATION AND MODERNIZATION PROJECT

“The more we can mirror what students, like me, will find in the workplace, the more prepared we will be to meet our moment.”

Evie Holden ’26, nursing

“Facilities and resources gained through SSU BOLD will increase efficiency, allowing me to spend even more time guiding my students and preparing them for their careers.”

Assistant Professor Laura Laranjo, PhD biology department

Salem State stands at the threshold of a transformative journey. Through SSU BOLD, the university is reshaping the landscape of higher education on the North Shore by addressing some of our long-term infrastructure needs. The project is not merely about buildings or renovations; it’s about community.

Behind SSU BOLD is a strategy to unify the campus, both physically and holistically. In modernizing facilities, Salem State is enhancing the academic experience for students by fostering innovation and providing critical resources.

CAMPUS UNIFICATION

SSU BOLD is not simply a capital project—it’s a vision that brings new life to Salem State. Over the years, South Campus has presented challenges for students who’ve felt isolated from the rest of the campus community. The sale of South Campus allows the university to focus on a smaller footprint, alleviating some operational costs associated with deferred maintenance and outdated facilities.

Salem State leaders and project partners broke ground on SSU BOLD on April 23, 2025. Pictured from left to right: Vice President Karen House; Justin MacEachern (VP, Gilbane); Commissioner Adam Baacke (DCAMM); President John Keenan; Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll ’89, ’23H; Provost David Silva; Vice President Chris Macdonald-Dennis; Peter Vieira (Principal, Payette)

Rendering of the proposed east façade of the Meier Hall addition

Photography courtesy of Joshua Qualls/Governor Healey’s Press Office

MEIER HALL ADDITION

A well-loved building, the plans for Meier include an addition that will house modern, flexible, high-intensity teaching labs for Salem State’s science programs—programs that have long outgrown the outdated facilities of the 1960s-era building.

The modernization of Meier increases the capacity for science programs at the university and will more accurately mirror the lab experiences graduates will encounter in the workforce. An upgraded space not only benefits the students, it also enhances research opportunities for faculty and ensures that Salem State is on the forefront of innovation.

THE RENAISSANCE OF HORACE MANN

By focusing on the North Campus, SSU BOLD will breathe new life into the Horace Mann building by transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility for nursing, healthcare studies, occupational therapy, and criminal justice programs.

The original home of the historic Horace Mann Laboratory School, the building has been vacant since 2018, and the prime piece of real estate is set for a significant overhaul that will reflect a 21st-century education.

LAUNCHING THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY

SSU BOLD is a game-changing initiative that redefines the future of Salem State. It’s propelling ideas, empowering voices, creating leaders, building community—all in an environment that helps Vikings thrive. n

Learn more about SSU BOLD.

THE IMPACT OF SSU BOLD

The Meier Hall addition and renovated healthcare SIM labs will increase Salem State’s ability to provide students with academic and technical preparation that is directly comparable to the lab environments where they are likely to work, while also permitting the expansion of graduate-level offerings in these areas. The new labs enable Salem State to further partner with regional industries to provide employee training and certification programs, providing the hands-on clinical experiences students require on campus.

Additionally, the consolidation of South Campus will create a 10-minute walking radius between campuses, promoting a stronger sense of community and making it easier for all students to access the university’s resources.

The renovation of the Horace Mann building will create a new home for the majority of the Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services and restore the existing building to its original prestige.

Rendering of the Meier Hall intro to biology teaching lab

Driving Student Success

Dressing for Success

THE CAREER CLOSET

Established in the spring of 2020, the Career Closet is a service at the university that has provided access to thousands of free, career-ready attire pieces for student Vikings. With the initial goal of helping students navigate their job and internship searches with confidence, the career readiness program is part of Salem State’s mission to foster inclusivity by removing financial barriers, helping students prepare for interviews, internships, networking events, and more.

“The Career Closet being open permanently has provided me with ongoing access to professional attire throughout the week, ensuring that I am prepared for any opportunity that arises,” explained Abigail Laliberte ’25, an education major and work study student in the career services office.

Students can book shopping appointments to access new and gently used professional attire and accessories of all sizes.

“The Career Closet is an incredible resource available to all SSU students. Through the extraordinary generosity of the SSU community and our external supporters, the Career Closet has been able to provide students with professional attire that may have otherwise been beyond their reach,” said Jeff McGann, administrative assistant in the career services office.

As the North Shore’s comprehensive regional university, with one of the most diverse student populations in the Massachusetts system, Salem State has a proud legacy of unlocking the doors of opportunity, and this program continues to carry out that legacy.

“It’s a joy to see our students make a memorable first impression with employers as they strive to achieve their career goals. I am proud of how the Career Closet has grown and brought the Salem State community together in support of our incredible Vikings,” said Helaina Polito, associate director of career services. “Every piece in the Career Closet is offered at no cost, and career services staff are available to offer styling advice and tools to help students navigate their job or internship search with confidence.” n

SERVED OVER 1,500 STUDENTS

10,000+ DONATIONS COLLECTED

Lorraine Sanchez ’26, early education and care major, sorts through wardrobe options in the Career Closet.

Jess Tetreault ’25, psychology major

Food for Thought

THE SALEM STATE FOOD PANTRY GIVES STUDENTS THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO STAY HEALTHY, FOCUS ON THEIR STUDIES AND BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

By Professor Rebecca Hains, PhD, media and communication

At Salem State University, addressing food insecurity has become a student support cornerstone. The Salem State Food Pantry helps students overcome food access challenges, providing the nourishment they need to focus on coursework and thrive in college. Since its inception, the food pantry has offered students essential nonperishables. But students also need fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and healthy frozen meals, which the pantry has neither space nor refrigeration to offer.

To better meet students’ needs, in 2023, the Student Wellness CARE office partnered with the Salem Pantry’s Mobile Market Food Truck. With this innovative arrangement, the Salem Pantry brings fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and sometimes baked goods directly to various campus locations.

“The partnership has been a game-changer,” said Susan Berube, case manager at Salem State’s Student Wellness CARE Office. “The Mobile Market started as a twiceweekly service, but with demand so high, we’ve expanded to three times a week.”

As many as 30 or more students line up during peak

times to access the Mobile Market’s nutritious and dynamic stock with an easy swipe of their ID cards.

“Its offerings never get boring,” Berube noted, “because they change with donations and with seasonable availability.” The Mobile Market’s flexibility and consistency have made it easy for both commuter and residential students to incorporate a wide array of nutritious food into their routines without worrying about how they might afford to do so.

The food pantry has also added personal care items and clothing basics to its regular offerings. Community donations enhance the pantry’s stock, as do Amazon wish list gifts and fundraising drives hosted across campus.

“We have active campaigns by student clubs and different departments throughout the year, especially at Thanksgiving,” explained Berube. “Thanks to the generosity of students, staff and community partners, we keep the pantry well-equipped to meet students’ needs.”

“Each dollar or item donated makes an immediate impact on our students,” Berube added. “Nourishing them is such a meaningful way to support students in their academic journeys.” n

Driving Student Success

“The stipend I received while participating in my internship allowed me to focus on my training, and I couldn’t be more grateful. For now, I can set the stage for my future career. Through my Salem State journey, so many doors have opened for me.”

—Carlos Cueva Caro

’25 history major, College of Arts and Sciences

Experiential Learning and Research Fund recipient

Unlocking Career Opportunities

INTERNSHIPS AT SALEM STATE

Today’s employers expect that students will arrive prepared with the type of training and expertise that can only be gained through experiential learning. Salem State University has focused in on providing internship experience to Vikings across campus, immersing them in the real world, expanding their cultural awareness, connecting them with mentors and future employers, and positioning them to hit the ground running after graduation.

While many face significant financial challenges throughout their college career that make fitting in unpaid internships difficult, donors have stepped up to make this critical education possible. Since 2012, 1,152 students have received an internship scholarship with 105 being awarded in the last academic year.

“In my social work program, an internship is required, so I was concerned about taking on an unpaid internship in addition to all of my other responsibilities,” shared social work major Angela Gomez ’24, who received the Ouellette-Di Palma Family Internship Fund last year. “The scholarship that I received from the Di Palmas helped lessen the financial burden and motivated me to finish my degree.”

Last year, an impressive $771,564.91 was raised for internship scholarships, spanning schools and colleges across campus, like the Andrea Crupi Costa ’01 State Policy Internship Award, Bertolon School of Business Internship Program, Honorable Michael J. Harrington ’81H Washington DC Congressional Internship Fund, Ouellette-Di Palma Family Internship Award, State University Internship Incentive Program, and Salem State University Internship Scholarships.

A celebration of student interns, the faculty and staff who support them and the business leaders who recruit them took place in March 2024, emphasizing not only the impact that internships have on the students themselves, but also how well-trained student Vikings will have an immediate impact on the region’s business economy.

The event, sponsored by Triumvirate Environmental and St. Jean’s Credit Union, raised a total of $220,000, ensuring that support of internships at Salem State University will remain a priority far into the future. n

“I had never worked professionally in a creative agency environment before. This experience was invaluable—both for learning about the industry, and for learning how I want to use my skills in the future.”

Clifmon Leroy ’22 art and design major and former intern with digital agency TeamOne

President John Keenan; Angela Gomez ’24 along with her mother and son; Annalisa Di Palma, Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. chair and campaign steering committee member; and Dino Di Palma, Salem State trustee and campaign steering committee member, at the 2024 Internship Celebration.

“There is only so much you can learn in the classroom before getting your hands dirty and preparing for the lifetime of work ahead of you. My experience taught me about teamwork, reliability, organizational behavior, and much more.”

Marguerite Ortiz ’22 business administration major, Bertolon School of Business Internship Program award recipient

Building Bridges of Opportunity

CUMMINGS FOUNDATION MAKES INVESTMENT IN NEXT GENERATION OF EDUCATORS

McKeown family members

Molly Vardaro, Kelly Bourque and Denise McKeown, along with Joyce ’13H and Bill Cummings ’13H, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the McKeown School of Education.

A record-breaking $10 million gift to Salem State University from Cummings Foundation is supporting programs and initiatives aimed at diversifying, strengthening and sustaining the next generation of educators. The gift represents the largest cash contribution made in the history of the nine Massachusetts state universities, stemming from the university’s continued partnership with Cummings Foundation, which was founded by philanthropists and champions of education Bill Cummings ’13H and Joyce Cummings ’13H.

“This generous contribution is an investment in our students, our campus goals and the entire region’s education pipeline,” said President John Keenan. “I could not be more proud of what Cummings Foundation’s support says about the high-quality academic programs Salem State offers.”

The donation led to the naming of the school, the university’s founding program, after James L. (Jamie) McKeown ’77, establishing the McKeown School of Education. The naming celebrates the legacy of McKeown, a Salem State alumnus, former Cummings Properties

president and dedicated community leader who passed away unexpectedly in 1996.

Through the investment, the McKeown School of Education launched the Institute for Advancing Education and the Educator Workforce (IAE 2), pronounced IAE squared, which aids community partnerships and aims to influence more equitable educational practices and outcomes throughout the region’s school districts.

As the interim executive director of IAE 2 , Nicole Harris, PhD lauds the impact of this critical programming, saying, “We’ve increased the graduation rate of the McKeown School of Education’s undergraduate students of color pursuing teacher licensure by 400 percent and supported hundreds of educators through professional development and transition to initial teacher licensure to help sustain and retain them in the teaching field.”

With Cummings Foundation’s generous support, the McKeown School of Education’s established infrastructure and programming will continue to address the needs of the region’s citizens and help to influence student and educator success. n

Sailing Toward Opportunity

NEW CLIPPER SCHOLARSHIPS OFFER CRITICAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENT VIKINGS

Salem State is celebrating a transformative $10 million gift from an anonymous donor aimed at addressing the gap in financial support for students in the “murky middle.”

The gift directly benefits students enrolled in the Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services and the McKeown School of Education, both of which prepare future leaders in fields from healthcare studies and education to social services.

BRIDGING THE GAP

The gift establishes Clipper Scholarships, designed to support students who are just over the cusp of Pell Granteligibility, often leaving them out of federal and state aid programs. By providing critical financial aid, the investment helps bridge the gap for these students by funding the cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books, meal plans, and more.

“With our long history of preparing front-line workers who go on to serve the Commonwealth, a gift of this magnitude will help us maximize student potential by lessening their financial burden and helping them graduate on time,” said Sami Ansari, PhD, dean of the Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services.

63 STUDENT VIKINGS RECEIVED CLIPPER SCHOLARSHIPS IN FALL 2024

UNDERSTANDING THE NEED

The donor, who made the gift in honor of his parents, both of whom graduated from the university in the 1950s, understands the financial struggles many students face. “These students are the future of our country,” he shared, emphasizing the critical importance of society doing more to support education.

Bonnie Galinski, vice president of student success, noted the immediate impact of the transformative gift: “This gift provides flexible support for students with unmet need, allowing them to pursue their dreams and graduate with minimal educational debt.”

Further explaining the importance of philanthropy, she continued, “Having the ability to consistently award significant funding to students throughout their academic career is life-changing for not only our student Vikings but also their families.”

IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITIES

The newly established scholarship is a testament to the Meet the Moment® campaign, which is focused on helping students navigate opportunities in an evolving landscape. Thanks to such vital generosity, countless Vikings will be able to persist to graduation, ready to make an impact within the communities Salem State serves. n

Salem State scholars gather at the 2024 Scholar and Donor Celebration in the O’Keefe Sports Complex.

Achieving the Ultimate Goal of Graduation

VIKING COMPLETION GRANTS HELP SENIORS CROSS THE FINISH LINE

Audrey St. Gelais ’25 has always had a passion for helping others. In high school, she studied in a nursing aide program and graduated with her CNA (certified nursing assistant) license, working as a CNA ever since.

Attending Salem State University represented a critical step in her journey of becoming a nurse, but the financial obligations placed a significant hurdle to overcome for her and her family.

As she headed into senior year, that hurdle seemed insurmountable, but that’s when she got the call that she received a Viking Completion Grant, allowing her to focus on reaching the finish line without worry.

“It felt like a giant weight had been lifted not only off my shoulders but also off my parents’ shoulders,” Audrey explained. “I am beyond thankful for the generosity and support.”

With her dream of becoming a nurse finally a reachable reality, Audrey hopes to get a job at Mass General as a labor and delivery nurse after graduation, a goal made easier by the grant she received.

ENCOURAGING PERSISTENCE

Established in 2021 by alumna Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H, co-chair of the Meet the Moment® campaign and her husband, Philip Schiller, Viking Completion Grants are a financial lifeline, helping seniors just like Audrey achieve the ultimate goal of graduation.

“When we learned that some Salem State students, who achieve so much and are so close to graduating, risk dropping out for financial reasons, we had to step up,” Kim shared. “This gift removes that risk and makes earning a Salem State degree possible. We hope our gift will inspire others to support our students in any way.” n

Audrey is just one of over 200 students who have received Viking Completion Grants so far. Benefitting Vikings across majors, the grants have made an immeasurable difference at Salem State.

“Mr. and Mrs. Schiller’s work towards helping the students here at Salem State is second to none. I thank them for the time and effort they’ve put into making this possible. It puts a smile on the face of us students and gives us hope knowing someone is not only rooting for our success but also playing an active role in helping us succeed.”

Ricky Berard ’23 Viking Completion Grant recipient

“I never would have been able to get to where I am without support from generous donors. I am very grateful for the opportunity to finish my degree and the doors that have opened.”

Nicholas Shoults ’22

Viking Completion Grant recipient

“We live in times where college is becoming unaffordable for most families, but donations like this make a huge difference. I will most definitely value this and pay it forward to another Viking, in whichever way that will be.”

Madison Hart ’24

Viking Completion Grant recipient

Stephen (second from top) and other members of the Student Government Association at a student conference in Washington, D.C.

Wanderlust with a Purpose

FROM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION TO AFRICA, VIKINGS ARE HAVING A GLOBAL IMPACT

“My father thought I would make a good lawyer, but I wanted to go into theater,” recalled Stephen Kelleher ’81. He later quipped, “After my first year at Salem State, I realized theater wasn’t my skill set.”

Kelleher eventually fell into a political science major after finding his community in the Student Government Association, where he rose from senator to president. “Between school, social activities and work, I kept myself busy during my time at Salem State. I had to bartend my way through school to make ends meet, which was a lot of fun but also a lot of work,” recalled Kelleher.

Kelleher’s life trajectory has taken him many places since graduation, eventually leading him to the consulting and engineering firm Tetra Tech ARD, where he is the chief of party managing the West Africa Biodiversity and Low Emissions Development program—a role based in West Africa that combats illegal wildlife and endangered species trafficking, reduces forest and biodiversity loss, increases coastal resilience, and builds capacity in the region for lowcarbon emission strategies.

EXPLORING NEW FRONTIERS

His journey to West Africa began in 1983 as a Peace Corps volunteer. Originally assigned as an agricultural education volunteer, Kelleher laughed, “What did I know about agriculture? I only had a backyard garden.” He goes on to reminisce about his life-changing experience in Benin and how the program changed his entire perspective on life. Soon after, he researched forestry schools and wound up graduating from Yale’s School of the Environment with a master’s degree in environmental management.

“I was always engaged with environmental groups, even back in high school. I think my nature has always been more hands-on, and I really wanted to understand forestry and its impact.”

After Yale, Kelleher interned for a think tank in Washington, D.C., which had an international program. They hired him as a consultant, and he jumped at the chance to travel back to West Africa. He was eventually introduced

to the World Wildlife Fund, where he ascended to deputy director of global forest programs. There, he learned more about land tenure and the rights of women and Indigenous people. “I always say, even in my current job, I get paid to learn, which is pretty nice.”

Kelleher went on to work for the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Switzerland, where he managed a global program called Livelihoods and Landscapes, helping to aid forest governance and poverty reduction. Through this work in Liberia, he was introduced to Tetra Tech ARD and was assigned to a government-funded project focused on forest carbon markets and communities.

Kelleher has an international resume that includes work in Indonesia, Nepal, Liberia, Switzerland, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Washington, D.C., and more.

TURNING PASSION INTO PURPOSE

“Coming from a middle-class background, I look back at the things I’ve done and the places I’ve lived and think, ‘Wow!’ I want people to know that if international development and working with diverse cultures interests you, and you have the passion, you can do it too.”

Kelleher continues to give credit to Salem State when it comes to his career preparation. “Working in student government was pretty key in my development. In terms of learning to lead, meeting with diverse groups, political networking, managing budgets, interacting with university leadership and senior management, it was all important.”

“I have really good memories of Salem State,” Kelleher recalled. “I still have some lifelong friends, and if there is any small way I can give back, then I’m happy to do it.” n

FOOTNOTE:

Since we first spoke with Stephen, there have been changes in U.S. foreign assistance, which may result in the closure of the West Africa Biodiversity and Low Emissions Development program. He noted, “We hope that solutions can be found to address vital environmental issues until lasting governance and budgetary systems are in place.”

From StudentAthlete to Director of Athletics

Check out Nicky on a podcast episode of It Takes a Viking.

Director of Athletics Nicolle “Nicky” Wood ’95 has made it her mission to holistically support the student-athlete experience at Salem State. “We see ourselves as an opportunity for student-athletes who are supremely talented in their sport to also have that balance to pursue a meaningful academic career. Salem State is unique because it isn’t just about getting your diploma; it’s about what that diploma represents, your experience and what you’re prepared to do once you graduate.”

ONE VIKING’S JOURNEY

A graduate of the sport and movement science program, Wood was a goalkeeper for the Lady Vikings from 1991 through 1994 and was a member of four Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) championship teams. In addition, she was a member of the women’s soccer team during its most successful period and participated in three National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournaments and one Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament during her playing days. Wood is the only SSU player or coach who has played a role in seven of the program’s nine MASCAC titles since college added women’s varsity soccer at the NCAA Division 3 level in 1986.

“My experience as a Viking helped shape so much of what I have become, and I am grateful to be in a position to continue to pay that forward through the experiences we can offer our students.”

Wood joined Salem State’s staff in 2007 as coordinator of CHAMPS Lifeskills programming and head women’s soccer coach. She has since served as coordinator for student-athlete affairs, assistant and associate director of athletics and as director of athletics since June 2020.

“I realized very quickly that this is where I belong,” Wood reflects.

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF ATHLETICS

In her role, Wood is responsible for overseeing the vision of Salem State athletics and guiding it to provide a positive and competitive program that focuses on student-athletes’ academic and personal goals.

In addition to success in athletics, Viking student-athletes have had a high level of academic success and civic engagement programming. This past fall, 118 fall and winter student-athletes were named to the All Academic team, and the average team GPA across all 15 sports was a Dean’s List level of 3.24. Viking teams have also won national awards for their community service programming including hosting mentoring events with Girls Inc. of Lynn, the Massachusetts Coalition to End Homelessness and the Special Olympics.

Wood is excited about the current state of athletics programming: “Now is the time for us to grow. We have an amazing coaching staff where they can have the impact they want. We have the infrastructure and collaboration on this campus to support student-athlete needs. And I’m proud to tell students, whatever your definition of success is, Salem State can help you meet that goal.” n

Below: Wood with her son, Cody Wood ’27, who is a member of the men’s soccer team and a business administration major

Settling In at Salem State

THE DIMENTO FAMILY LEGACY SHINES

A SPOTLIGHT ON THE UNIVERSITY

For the DiMento family, Salem State pride runs through the generations, demonstrating that, despite obstacles, an unwavering commitment to education can lead to a lifetime of success.

THE BEGINNING

It all started with Marion Louise Mythen DiMento (class of 1925), an alumna of the junior high education program. A trailblazer in her own right, Marion was an educator, wife, mother of nine children, respected community member, and fierce advocate for higher education.

“Our mother was determined to instill in her children the importance of college education,” William “Bill” DiMento ’65 recalled. “An educator throughout her life, she understood the significance of a degree.”

Marion didn’t merely discuss the value of learning; she embodied it daily. Her voracious reading habits, as recalled by her children, were legendary. Bill remembered, “If I ever set a book aside, she would swiftly pick it up and either immerse herself in it or ask me why I was reading it.” Marion’s thirst for knowledge profoundly impacted her children, nurturing a lifelong love for learning within the DiMento household that passed from generation to generation.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Marion impacted innumerable children as a substitute teacher in Winthrop, Mass., and she instilled in her own

children the belief that education was the key to their future success. “She was formidable, and the kids knew to respect her,” Peter DiMento ’58 recalled. This respect for education and their mother’s unwavering convictions became deeply ingrained in the DiMento family as they carried Marion’s legacy, each in their own way.

While some siblings pursued college immediately after high school, Bill’s journey took an unexpected turn after he left the university to serve in the United States Army, eventually returning years later. “My time in the Army instilled in me a greater sense of discipline than I had previously experienced,” he shared.

Bill, Peter and the rest of the DiMento family affectionately refer to Salem State as “a college of opportunity,” emphasizing how the small classes and personalized attention made them feel valued and supported. They weren’t just faces in the crowd; they were part of a community with many members of the DiMento family seizing opportunities at the university.

ROOTED IN VALUES

Deeply appreciating the value of their Salem State education, the DiMentos continue to support the university as a way to honor their mother’s legacy.

As they reminisce about photographs of Marion’s diploma and her time at Salem State, it becomes a tangible reminder of the foundation she laid for the family’s future— a legacy rooted in the values of community, resilience and gratitude with Marion serving as the guiding figure in shaping those principles. n

Family Tree

John R. DiMento* former Sylvania plant engineer, which is now the site of the Harrington Campus

Donna Rose DiMento Hibbison ’56 elementary education

Peter R. DiMento ’58 elementary education

Donna Rose DiMento Hibbison ’56 elementary education

William R. DiMento ’65 elementary education wife, Carol Guerrette Di Mento ’65, ’67G elementary education

James R. DiMento 60, ’67G* junior high education

Phillip R. DiMento

Daughter, Ellen DiMento ’92 geography

Richard F. DiMento wife, Emilie Cappezza DiMento ’67, English

Marion Louise Mythen DiMento 1925*, junior high education, married John DiMento*

Marion and John had nine children, seven of whom either graduated or had a spouse or child who graduated from Salem State.

Son, Michael DiMento ’97 business administration

Robert M. DiMento

Daughter, TamiRae Boncore ’04 educational studies

Daughter, Tina Boncore Gilson ’94 elementary education

Mary Jane DiMento Boncore

Learn more.

A Legacy of Support

THE NATE BRYANT AND FAMILY STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND

By Professor Rebecca Hains, PhD, media and communication

Portrait courtesy of Keith Knight ’90, ’22H

When Nate Bryant ’87, ’93G, EdD reflects on his nearly four decades at Salem State University, his voice fills with gratitude: “Salem State has given me more than I could ever give in return,” he said.

That’s why, upon his retirement last summer, he and his wife, Joy Livramento-Bryant ’85, decided to create a lasting resource to benefit generations of students: the Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund.

In his 36-year career at Salem State, Bryant embodied the Viking spirit both on and off the court: first as a student-athlete, then in roles spanning admissions, student life, financial aid, multicultural affairs, chief of staff, and vice president for student success. Across these many positions, he saw firsthand how unforeseen emergencies—an urgent car repair, fire-damaged books or a temporary housing emergency—could force students to consider putting college on hold or even drop out.

“College is about opportunity,” he explained, “but too often, that opportunity gets suspended over something, that with a little financial support, can be resolved.”

In his official capacities, Bryant did whatever he could to help students overcome such obstacles, but as the landscape of higher education has become more complex over the years, so, too, have student needs. Recognizing these mounting pressures, the family launched the Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund. It will help students to navigate the sudden and unexpected crises that can derail an education: “It’s heartbreaking to witness students consider dropping out because of a $500 or $1,000 emergency,” Bryant said, “and we’re grateful for this opportunity to help them overcome these obstacles.”

“We want to make sure students’ educations aren’t derailed by

something out of their control,” he explained. “Salem State students are already ‘battle-tested’—working multiple jobs, supporting families, juggling more than most people realize—and poised for success upon graduation. If we can help them past one crisis, they’ll keep going and ultimately become the next leaders in our communities, like so many alumni have done before them.”

For Bryant, the decision to support students in this way reflects a deeply personal commitment to Salem State. “I met my wife here, I built my career here and I’ve seen firsthand how our graduates thrive once they cross the commencement stage,” he said. “At Salem State, we meet students where they are, and we do all we can to help them succeed. This fund is another way to make sure we keep our promise.”

Upon hearing about the Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund, alumnus Keith Knight ’90, ’22H noted that the fund’s student-centered approach resonated with his own experiences. “Nate was like my Salem State big brother,” explained Knight, who received an honorary doctorate from Salem State in 2022. “As my resident advisor, he looked out for me until I matured into what I would eventually become: Dr. Keith Knight.”

As he eases into retirement, Bryant remains adamant that the word “family” in the fund’s name is no coincidence. “My wife, Joy, and our daughters, Jasmine and Alix, have been my rock,” he said. “Everything I’ve done at Salem State has been a family effort. Now, our family is proud to help future Vikings clear life’s hurdles, one emergency at a time.” n

The Bryant family at Nate’s retirement celebration.

Courtesy of Keith Knight ’90, ’22H

Vikings Pay It Forward

Coming Full Circle

NANCY DIAS ’09, ’13G, CPA PAYS IT FORWARD

A double Viking and member of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. (AAF) board of directors, Nancy A. Dias ’09, ’13G, CPA is paying it forward.

“I’m proud to be a Salem State alumna, as I wouldn’t be where I am today without my higher education degrees from such an exceptional institution,” Dias exclaimed.

Her Salem State journey began in 2005 as an undergraduate in the business administration program. An active member of the campus community, Dias joined the mentoring program where she coached freshmen on class scheduling—a role she found particularly rewarding since it enhanced her connection with younger students.

Dias’ involvement in the program led to a professor encouraging her to teach in the finance and accounting lab. Her mentoring experience became an asset as a tutor, which also enabled her to earn additional income.

A scholarship allowed her to eventually pursue an internship, which she credits as an important stepping stone in her career development. “Many of my professors went above and beyond to help me excel. My experience as an undergraduate made my decision to complete an MBA at Salem State an easy one.”

She has held various positions in finance and accounting since graduation and is currently a certified public accountant who works as treasurer for Geode Capital Management Trust Company, LLC, an investment management company with over $175 billion in assets under management (AUM). Her professional experience adds valuable insight to the AAF, particularly as chair of the investment committee.

Dias is committed to creating pipelines into the financial services sector for women and women of color. “I want to show Latinx students what success in asset management looks like. My professional progression is credited to the foundation I received at SSU.”

Years later, Dias continues to be actively involved at her alma mater and is honored to champion the importance of a Salem State education. “Continually hearing about student success and the donors who are putting their faith in them, the same way they did for me, is unbelievably rewarding.” n

Together We Rise

SALEM STATE’S ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING SEES REMARKABLE GROWTH

What started as a seedling has blossomed into a highly anticipated annual tradition. Since its inception in 2018, Viking Warrior Day (VWD) has seen remarkable growth over the years, bringing together community members in celebration of a stronger Salem State.

“We have alumni from as far as China join in our fundraising effort,” shared Lori Porter Boudo, director of annual and leadership giving. “Gifts provide access to student scholarships, athletics, resources for faculty and staff, programming, and so much more.”

Channeling their competitive spirit, Salem State athletics has come out in strong support of VWD each year with what has become a friendly competition among the coaching staff and student-athletes, each team battling to secure the most donations.

“The teams have encouraged family and friends to participate, and it has been wonderful to see excitement grow year over year,” Lori exclaimed.

Through a strong focus on the impact of each donation, the tradition has instilled a deep sense of pride and connection among alumni, donors, friends, and the greater community.

“People are always looking for ways to make a difference during VWD, whether through matching gift challenges or as a social media ambassador,” Lori said.

Leveraging social media and engaging volunteers to help spread the word has amplified the power of VWD and as a result, not only have donations increased exponentially, but it has also become a testament to the strength of the university community and its commitment to advancing educational opportunities for future generations of Vikings. n

VIKING WARRIOR DAY THANK

Vikings Pay It Forward

Mentorship That Inspires

DR. LEE BROSSOIT SECOND CHANCE FUND

To leave a lasting legacy is to create something that continues to inspire and benefit others for generations to come. That is the legacy of Lee Brossoit, PhD.

Learn more.

Arriving on Salem State’s campus in 1990 as director of residence life, Lee built a nationally recognized housing program, a higher education in student affairs master’s degree program, introduced countless initiatives and policies to enhance the student experience, and mentored thousands throughout his nearly 35-year tenure.

It came as no surprise that at a gathering to say farewell to this Salem State titan in June 2024, more than 100 people joined together to celebrate his accomplishments and reflect on his impact.

In honor of his commitment to the students of Salem State, the Dr. Lee Brossoit Second Chance Fund has been established. The fund will benefit students registered with the Center for Academic Excellence who experience academic probation but are able to recover and regain good academic standing—a cause close to Lee’s heart. n

The Crosby Society recognizes thoughtful individuals who have created a planned gift to support Salem State University. Crosby members demonstrate a true testament of faith in the institution and its longevity through impactful gifts.

Start planning for the future. Learn more about planned giving today.

Leaving a Legacy

CREATIVE WAYS TO GIVE AT SALEM STATE

When it comes to planned giving, leaving a legacy is something anyone can do, regardless of age.

For Robbie Millwee ’09, a business administration major, the idea of giving back to Salem State was never about waiting for the right time—it was about recognizing the university’s impact on his life and wanting to ensure future generations have the same opportunities.

Robbie’s journey to Salem State began when he followed in the footsteps of his older brother. Growing up in Stoneham, Mass., Robbie wasn’t entirely prepared for the challenges of adulthood; however, Salem State provided that “close-to-home feeling.” “I could maintain that small-town life that I desired while gaining exposure to a broader, more global perspective,” he shared.

Robbie recognizes that the university played a vital role in helping him navigate life after graduation. “From communication skills to technology, Salem State prepared me for the real world.”

As a director on the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. board, a consistent donor and champion of events in his current home state of Florida, Robbie is invested in the university’s success, and his personal experience drives his commitment to giving back.

Robbie’s decision to make a planned gift was inspired by his own financial struggles while funding his education. “The biggest hurdle was the cost,” he explained. “I know that’s a challenge the majority of Salem State students face. If I can alleviate some of the burden for future generations, I consider that a success.”

Thinking about legacy giving, Robbie encourages others to consider their plans. “It’s never too early to start planning for the future,” he said. His journey from student to alumnus and volunteer is a reminder that no matter your stage in life, it’s never too early to make a difference. n

A fresh perspective on insurance

Congratulations!

New Alumni

You are now a member of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation. Numbering more than 75,000 strong, Salem State alumni and friends are civic and community leaders, local business and healthcare professionals and changemakers around the globe.

It brings me great joy to have you in our ranks, and I can’t wait to see how you grow and thrive as you have now transitioned from students to alumni.

As graduates, you have access to many things, and I encourage you to take advantage of them. Check in with career services if you need to update your resume, join us on LinkedIn to connect with fellow graduates, attend events and shows, or come back to tell the younger version of yourself what life is like as a well-prepared citizen of the world.

Stay in touch with us to make sure you aren’t missing out on exciting news or developments on campus. We want to share your new job or promotion, life changes and celebrations with our community. The next few years may be a little different than what you’re used to. There will be successful moments that you’ll meet along the way. There may also be some challenges, too.

Everything’s going to be alright. Always remember we’re here to help you whenever we can. You are going to do great things, and we can’t wait to see it all. Always remember, our greatest success is seeing you achieve yours.

Go Vikings!

Mike Mitchell ’07, Director of Engagement

Learn more about the benefits of being a Viking.

Molly Abrahams ’16

Ellen Acheampong ’19

Michael Corley ’23

Brandi Brook ’17

Mirlesna Azor-Sterlin ’13G

Lauren DiCredico ’14

Angel DonahueRodriguez ’12

Renee DuShane ’16

Madison Estes ’17

Lataya Ferguson-Jean ’16

Samantha Giffen ’22G

Christopher GomezFarewell ’15, ’20G

Tyreke Harris ’19

Julio Hernandez ’23

Chelsea Kopacz ’12

Cheryl M. Lawrence ’16, ’18G

Hannah Levine ’22

Qingzhi James Li ’15

Virginia Lyons ’16

Sam Mandracchia ’15

Jobita Mao ’14

Amanda Mark ’17 Armando Martinez ’20

Erica McAvoy ’10

Lindsey McGovern ’15

Traci Mentuck ’10, ’14G, ’24G

Michael Mulkern ’17

Brenda Ortiz-Peral ’15

Taylor Philcrantz ’12G, MS, LMHC, LMFT

Jessica Pittenger ’16

Alexis Quintal ’13, ’15G Kali Richards ’09

From Meme to Mobile Bar

ALEXANDER TILKENS ’20, ’24G, MBA SHARES HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY—AND THE SALEM STATE STUDIES THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE

By Professor Rebecca Hains, PhD media and communication

It all started with a meme. “Adults need a champagne truck like kids need an ice cream truck,” read the captioned photo that Alexander Tilkens’ mom sent him during his MBA studies.

“Do you want to do this?” she asked next.

The image sparked the idea for Bubble Bar Boston—a mobile bar experience that has blossomed into a thriving business, complete with a brick-and-mortar location in Amesbury.

As this anecdote illustrates, for Alexander, the road to entrepreneurship was anything but typical.

Continued on page 48

Edi Rovi ’14

Stella Scata ’19

Danielle Terrell ’16

Continued from page 47

A veteran and a proud “double Viking,” Alexander earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2020, initially planning a career in federal law enforcement. When military-related injuries made that path impossible, he pivoted: Leaning into his love for problem-solving, he pursued graduate studies, completing his MBA in 2024.

“Salem State’s MBA program was instrumental,” Alexander said. “It taught me everything from market research to financing and how to differentiate a business from its competitors.”

Those lessons helped Bubble Bar Boston take shape. The business began as a unique mobile bar that catered private events, featuring vintage-inspired decor and glassware.

Yet the challenges of seasonal operations in New England spurred Alexander and his business partner—his mom, Maria—to expand. In August 2023, they opened Bubble Bar Boston on Main in Amesbury. The glamorous 1930s-style bar features live music, and locals delight in its rumored history as a former FBI sting house.

“People say the bar is haunted,” Alexander noted with a smile.

For Alexander, the speakeasy offers more than the best drink in town: His team prioritizes creating memorable guest experiences, a philosophy rooted in lessons from the mobile bar. “We try to remember names, anniversaries, even birthdays,” he said. “It’s about building connections.”

Alexander’s commitment to his community extends far beyond the bar. Grateful for his experiences as a veteran, including his service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Salem Veterans’ Council, he sees Bubble Bar Boston as another way to give back. The bar contributes to local causes through monthly philanthropic cocktails and provides meaningful employment opportunities for veterans, offering competitive wages and a supportive workplace culture.

Additionally, Alexander uses the bar as a platform to host veteran-centered events, such as fundraisers for military charities and social gatherings that help local veterans connect with resources and one another. By combining his passion for entrepreneurship with his dedication to the veteran community, he ensures Bubble Bar Boston makes a lasting impact both inside and outside its doors.

Reflecting on his time at Salem State, Alexander credits the university for shaping his journey. “My professors genuinely cared about my learning and helped me refine my business ideas,” he recalled. “Salem State is a place that welcomes people from all backgrounds and empowers them to succeed.”

Looking ahead, Alexander aspires to one day return to campus as an educator, teaching entrepreneurship or management. “Giving back to the place that gave me so much would be incredibly rewarding,” he said. n

Jessica Tomlinson ’09

Tianna Torres ’13

Jabari Tovar ’16

Yaqin “Liz” Zhu ’12, ’13

Voices of Our Alumni

FIFTY YEARS LATER: ALYCE DAVIS ’75 REFLECTS ON HER SALEM STATE JOURNEY

“Educator, school administrator, district leader, adjunct professor, and educational consultant with significant experience in educational leadership, teacher training, curriculum development, literacy instruction, special program management, and central office administration. Leadership experience as a district assistant superintendent and school administrator.”

This statement describes my career in the field of education in fairly succinct terms. It sums up a professional life dedicated to K-12 public education and higher education. What it doesn’t include is the full story of how I got there. That story began at Salem State College in 1971.

As the eldest of six children I was, by default, the first to do everything; go to school, learn to read and write, and eventually, to attend college. That last milestone, attending and graduating from college, was not anticipated by my parents who had not attended college themselves. They acquiesced

By Alyce Davis ’75

to my wish to continue my education post-high school, but simultaneously made it clear that they could not offer financial support. I would be on my own in that respect.

My story is not unique. I’m sure there are many of you who have similar experiences of attending classes as a commuter student or of living in one of the two dormitories. It was typical to meet at the Bell Tower or in the Student Union to share class notes, eat our lunches or to simply take a break from studying.

As I walk through the campus now in my role as a trustee, I see the many and varied faces of the students who, like many of us, are first-generation college graduates. They are blazing a trail that others will follow. They will achieve dreams their parents, like mine and yours, could not have imagined for their children. Salem State University is still that “Beacon on the Hill” for so many first-generation students.

This year, 2025, will mark the 50th year of our graduation. The Class of 1975 will gather to share our life stories and marvel at all that we have accomplished in our chosen careers, all because we attended an institution of higher learning we knew as “Salem State.” n

What Does It Mean

To Be a Viking?

A TRIBUTE TO MARY DUNN

For many at the university, Former Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Executive Director of Partnership Development and Outreach Mary Dunn ’78, EdD was a true example of what it means to be a Viking. A strong, perseverant and courageous leader, Mary served as a dedicated mentor to her colleagues right up until her passing in January 2024.

A firm handshake and clear introduction—including both first and last name, of course—is often associated with memories of Mary. She taught staff and student admissions ambassadors about the power of networking, the importance of soft skills when entering the professional world and the value in finding purpose, all with an air of tough love and encouragement.

In honor of Mary, former admissions ambassador Erin Mayo ’16 reached out to Salem State alumni, faculty and staff impacted by her legacy. The testimonials showcase Mary’s larger-than-life persona and passion for her work. “Mary embodied Salem State wherever she went, and this is a way for me to give back and celebrate her and her love of her alma mater,” she shared. n

“Mary staunchly advocated for second chances for students, firmly believing that even those who faced challenges during their initial college experience deserve another opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. She emphasized the importance of giving students a chance to prove, not only to others but also to themselves, that they can successfully achieve the significant milestone of earning a college degree.”

—Jackie Haas, former director of admissions at Salem State University

“Mary is someone that enters your life and makes a permanent impact. She has that type of contagious energy that brings everyone around her joy, and she also is willing to give you a teachable moment when you need it. For me, that was exactly what I needed as a role model in college. I will always admire Mary for how much she overcame and how focused she was on succeeding in a role that impacted others in such a positive way.”

—Alexis Rose Quintal ’13, ’15G communications and higher education in student affairs majors

“What started out as colleagues turned into a long and wonderful friendship. When I began my career in admissions, Mary was extremely supportive and served as a mentor to me. I will be forever grateful for her mentorship and friendship.”

—Nate Bryant ’87, ’93G, EdD retired vice president of student success

“For me, there is no Salem State without Mary Dunn. She was a Viking through and through. When thinking about what it means to be a Viking and how Mary embodies those traits, I think of a warrior who fought for students with a fierce passion. Her work ethic and her passion inspired me to pursue a career in higher education. I was fortunate to know her.”

—Mike Russo ’15, ’18G English and higher education in student affairs majors

“Mary’s unwavering support during my pursuit of an MBA and her ability to see potential in others has left an indelible mark on my life. She was the captain, the Viking ship, the mentor, the cheerleader, and the voice of reason, a guiding light that shaped not just my career but also my character. Every conversation we shared meant the world to me, and her wisdom and encouragement gave me purpose. Mary reminded me that when you don’t have a village, all it takes is one person to alter the trajectory of one’s life, and I owe my professional career to her.”

—Jovan

Sempa ’13, ’17G, MBA

INCREASING EQUITY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Erin Mayo ’16 credits the late Mary Dunn ’78, EdD with being a valuable resource and mentor since her days as an admissions ambassador.

“Mary always encouraged me to embrace new opportunities, even long after I graduated. With each move, new job, new life update, and everything in between, Mary was there to cheer me on with her regular spontaneous calls checking in. Mary pushed us out of our comfort zone, always believing that we were capable of doing something that we may not have thought we were capable of doing ourselves. I cherished those conversations and am thankful for her mentorship.”

Erin applies the lessons she learned from Mary in her work as an educational professional focused on equity and inclusion.

She recently partnered with the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) advocating for the Respond, Innovate, Support, and Empower Students (RISE) Act in Congress. With dedication and persistence, Erin secured Senator Ed Markey’s co-sponsorship of this important legislation, which increases equity for individuals with disabilities in higher education.

“Disability policy is a passion of mine, stemming from my enjoyment of government and being a history major at Salem State. Mary advocated fiercely for students through the admissions process, and today, I advocate for students with disabilities to receive an equitable playing field in higher education. Mary instilled in us life lessons that I will continue to carry with me throughout my life.”

Reliving the Moments

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

POMP24

(above) Party on McKeown Plaza brought Vikings together under the stars for great food, games and unforgettable memories.

EDUCATORS PINNING CEREMONY

(right, center) The 10th annual Sheila P. Kearney ’54, ’67G Educators Pinning Ceremony honored 129 students who completed their 2024 educator license program.

Florida 2025

(right, bottom) Alumni and friends gathered for the annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

SCHOLAR AND

DONOR CELEBRATION

(above) It was a recordbreaking turnout at the Scholar and Donor Celebration, where student scholars and donors celebrated the impact of philanthropy over dinner.

VETERANS STOLE CEREMONY

(right) Graduating veterans were recognized at the 2024 Veterans Stole Ceremony, an annual event that celebrates service and commitment to education.

NURSING RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Eighty-three nurses graduated from the School of Nursing last spring with the pinning ceremony continuing to be an important annual tradition for the nursing graduates.

2024 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

Honoring excellence and achievement, the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. celebrated alumni award recipients during Alumni Weekend.

from left to right

Pictured

are Carla Guarnieri ’75; Leanne McGuinness ’17; Arlene Amato-Hanson ’75, ’89G, ’90G; and Marion Frost ’91, ’97G, DNP.

Inside the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.

A MESSAGE FROM CHAIR ANNALISA DI PALMA

Dear Viking community,

Within the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. (AAF), our mission is clear: We foster connections within the community and promote pride to inspire philanthropy that is invested in student success initiatives.

One of the primary reasons we voted to unify the Salem State Alumni Association with the Salem State Foundation, now known as the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., was to enhance our organizational alignment. Our unified vision, enhanced decision-making, strategic priorities, and improved communication has led us to this moment, one that has enabled our organization to grow the endowment more than 164 percent in the past 10 years, raising it to $66 million. These dollars are critical to Viking student success.

In my role as chair, I am humbled by our collective impact, and I am inspired by the shared vision that continues to guide our work. With each partnership we cultivate and every individual we engage, we are not only transforming lives today, but we are also unlocking doors of opportunity for future generations of students.

As we continue on this path, we are reminded that the strength of our community lies in the strength of our connections. It is because of your generosity and dedication that we are able to support the transformational education of our students and build a lasting legacy of impact. Your support is not just a gift— it is an investment in the future of Salem State University.

With deepest appreciation and excitement for what lies ahead,

Annalisa Di Palma Chair, Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., Campaign Steering Committee

SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND FOUNDATION, INC.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Annalisa C. Di Palma, chair

Louis J. George ’89, vice chair

Jeffrey V. Cicolini ’94, treasurer

Virginia C. Lyons ’16, secretary

EX OFFICIO

John D. Keenan, president, Salem State University

Mandy Ray, vice president, advancement and executive director, Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. (non-voting)

DIRECTORS

Dr. Erik J. Champy ’89, ’94G, legacy member

Jake J. Cotter ’12

Alicia Y. Depeña ’00

Nancy A. Dias ’09, ’13G

Anthony DiVirgilio ’19

Julianna W. Donovan ’20G

Kim D. Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H

Richard J. Gilmartin ’76

Craig E. Goryl

Dr. Judith Josephs ’63, ’65G, legacy member

Josephine E. Kennedy ’72, ’76G, legacy member

James J. Lampassi, Jr. ’81, alumni trustee, Salem State University Board of Trustees

Patricia M. Libby ’71

Andrea C. Liftman ’75G

Adam M. Lord ’08

Joanne Mendes ’79

Robbie H. Millwee ’09

Lillian T. Pinard ’25, ’26G, student director

Katherine E. Reid

Stephen A. Rollins, Jr.

Dr. Kathleen L. Skrabut, board member emerita

Joseph M. Wamness ’00G, board member emeritus

Elaine A. Zetes ’88G

Yaqin Zhu ’12, ’13

STRATEGIC PLAN

MISSION STATEMENT

T

Unlocking

CELEBRATING VIKINGS ONE PODCAST EPISODE AT A TIME

It Takes a Viking is the official podcast of the Salem State alumni and friends’ community, hosted by Director of Engagement Mike Mitchell ’07.

Launched in 2020, the podcast has featured more than 50 guests over five seasons. Each episode features inspiring Vikings who share their personal journeys, career successes and lessons they’ve learned along the way.

WHY LISTEN?

• Exclusive stories: Hear firsthand from those who have had an impact in our community.

• Networking: Learn how you can tap into the Viking alumni network to further your own professional growth.

• Career insights: Find out how alumni and friends have built bright futures for themselves and learn about their success.

• Pride: Tune in to feel more connected to Salem State and what’s happening on campus and to support your fellow Vikings.

SEASON FIVE WELCOMES SAMANDA MORALES ’98

As chair of the Salem State University Board of Trustees, Samanda Morales ’98 proudly joins a distinguished list of alumni dedicated to the university’s success.

Samanda’s journey to Salem State began when she and her sister immigrated from the Dominican Republic to Massachusetts during her sophomore year of high school. She was introduced to Salem State through the Summer Bridge Academy, an opportunity that laid the foundation for her academic and professional growth.

“I completed an internship at State Street Bank and Trust Company, which led to a full-time position after graduation. Salem State truly changed my life.”

Today, Samanda is the founder of WellFin360, a financial planning and investment advisory firm that provides personalized financial services designed to empower young professionals and small business owners. Before launching WellFin360, Samanda spent over 20 years working at Fortune 500 companies such as State Street Corporation and Bank of New York.

Samanda is also passionate about giving back to the community; she is the co-founder of Ahora Inc., a nonprofit that provides financial education and coaching to support low-income individuals in achieving financial independence.

Reflecting on her role at Salem State, Samanda shared, “I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be part of a truly caring community until I returned to Salem State. Serving as a trustee has deepened my appreciation for the dedicated professionals and colleagues who work tirelessly to help this institution thrive. Together, we provide students with the education, resources, tools, and support they need to achieve academic excellence. Being part of a community that shares my passion for empowering the next generation is incredibly rewarding.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

At Salem State, your journey doesn’t end with graduation. Every graduate and friend of the university is a vital part of the Viking story, and by getting involved, you help strengthen our community reach.

• ATTEND AN EVENT: Make the journey home for Alumni Weekend or join us at a regional networking event to reconnect with fellow Vikings.

• NOMINATE A GRADUATE: Help us honor a proud Viking who has made a difference in the community.

• BECOME AN ADVANCEMENT AMBASSADOR: Spread the word about Salem State on social media and through your personal network.

• SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: Get inspired by the stories of alumni and friends who are having an impact in our region and beyond.

• UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION: Keep up to date on what’s happening around campus by ensuring your information is current.

• SUPPORT SALEM STATE: Give back by making a gift to a school or program that is most meaningful to you. Ready to make an impact?

Learn more about the ways you can stay connected.