As a donor to Salem State’s Annual Fund, thank you for supporting crucial programs and student services that ensure Vikings have access to academic, social and financial resources that lead to their success.
This spring, we welcomed 1,600 graduates into our alumni network as we celebrated their achievements at commencement. Many of these students faced challenges along their path to a degree but the financial support from donors like you helped to provide a cushion during their unexpected hardship.
Please know that by supporting Salem State, you are changing lives by helping students realize their potential and capitalize on their student experience.
Thank you for meeting the moment,
Lori Porter Boudo Director of Annual and Leadership Giving
$14,007,636 Total Funds
$3,517,152 were current-use funds
2,262 DONORS
Students volunteer in the Salem Pantry during the 2023 First Year Day of Service. (See Annual Fund on next page.)
Top Five Most Common Areas of Support
Annual Fund Unrestricted
Along with many other important initiatives, unrestricted funding strengthens Salem State University’s status as the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University, providing support for First Year Day of Service, an opportunity for more than 200 first-year and transfer students to volunteer on muchneeded neighborhood projects throughout the North Shore.
Senior Class Gift Scholarship
The senior class gift introduces philanthropy to graduating students and allows them to build a legacy by providing a scholarship for an incoming first-year student. Seniors who donate $20.24 or more receive a green cord of philanthropy to wear at graduation.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for this generous scholarship. Your support means a lot to me, and it will make a significant impact on my educational journey.”
— Rionah Nanteza ’27, nursing major and Senior Class Gift Scholarship recipient
Nursing Pinning
The pinning ceremony, also known here at Salem State as the recognition ceremony in nursing, is the moment when a nursing student finally becomes in name and title “nurse.” A nursing faculty member, whom the class has selected, awards a nursing school pin to each nursing graduate. This important event continues to be a tradition today through crowdfunding each year.
Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund provides vital support for Vikings with one-time grants that address unanticipated financial hardship and allow them to continue their studies and stay on track.
Men’s Soccer
• 10 percent of participants went on to hold leadership roles on campus and in the community
• 12 percent more persisted to their junior year compared to non participants
• Since 2016, 56 community partners in seven communities have participated
“This support made a big difference to my family and made it easier for me to complete my degree as planned, even while navigating some medical challenges and supporting both my young child and my mother at home. I also so appreciated that the application was simple and did not require an excessive amount of documentation—with so much on my plate as it is, I’m not sure I would have been able to apply otherwise.”
— Gabriella F., Student Emergency Fund recipient
What began as a friendly competition between athletic teams during Viking Warrior Day, our annual day of giving, has led to a significant impact for teams like men’s soccer, allowing them to create an even better experience for our student athletes.
“This type of funding is what helps us to put on events like the men’s soccer banquet. I’ve had donors and alumni ask what the money goes to, and it goes to a variety of things, but this is just an example of a special night that we wouldn’t be able to host if we didn’t have the support from donors. Thank you to everyone who supports us, and we hope that you continue to support us.”
—Matt Correia , men’s soccer coach
Class of 1972
Class of 2024
Eighty-three nurses graduated from the School of Nursing in May.
2023-2024 Men’s Soccer Team
Viking Warrior Day 2024
“Although this past Viking Warrior Day marked 20 years since my grandfather’s passing, his passion for higher education and commitment to an affordable path lives on. It’s been an honor to continue his legacy and build upon the George H. Ellison, Sr. ’54 Endowed Scholarship through a VWD challenge.”
Julie Ellison Palmedo, associate director, advancement, granddaughter of George H. Ellison, Sr. ’54
In May, we celebrated our seventh annual day of giving, Viking Warrior Day. The record-breaking event raised $786,426 over the course of 1,854 minutes—a nod to Salem State’s founding year. We thank Arlene Frances Nihan ’54 and her family and the Davis Educational Foundation for their extraordinary leadership contributions in support of our mission.
Donors
Classes Represented
Number of Match/ Challenge Donors 8 65
18
Number of States Represented
George H. Ellison, Sr. ’54 was awarded an honorary degree from Salem State in 1981.
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970-5353
ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
JULY 1, 2023—JUNE 30, 2024
SALEMSTATE.EDU/MOMENT GIVE@SALEMSTATE.EDU
“Through it all, we preserved. We refused to let our challenges define us. Instead, we embraced them as opportunities for growth and resilience. We leaned on each other, drawing strength and support from the bonds of community that define Salem State.”
– Tara Barlett ’24, Bachelor of Science in business administration, firstgeneration student, student veteran, recipient of the Frances M. Buckley ’40 Scholarship and John B. and Martha M. Zocchi Scholarship Fund, and 2024 Commencement student speaker
