Your
Impact
In Action 2021
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
Table of Contents
2 Message from the President 4 Celebrating Outgoing Foundation Vice President
5 Donor Support Fuels Bertolon School of Business’s Path to Accreditation
8 The Power of Flexible Philanthropy 10 Viking Warrior Day 2021 12 Completion Grants Help Students
Cross the Finish Line
Educator-Scholars of Color
with New Emerging Scholars Program
14 40 Under 40 Inaugural Class 16 Eastern Bank Foundation Supports 18 Class of 2021 Graduating Scholars 20 First-Year Students Experience Success 22 Placing Aspiring Nurses’ Goals in Reach 24 James Pochy ’18G: A Passion for Giving Back
Message of Gratitude
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
Dear Viking Community, The resilience and tenacity of our Viking family were on full display throughout the 2020-2021 academic year. As we navigated trying times, we continued to rise and support our students—and at Commencement in May, nearly 2,000 graduates joined our alumni community, now 67,000 strong! Because of your generosity, we have much to celebrate this year. Our donorfueled Student Emergency Fund has helped 498 students with unanticipated financial challenges due to the pandemic, while our fourth Annual Viking Warrior Day broke all prior years’ records. There were 369 donors and matching donors who contributed $394,332—a 101 percent increase over last year (read more on pages 10-11), showing the power of how many donors contributing $50, $100 or $250 can make an incredible impact. We also received the largest donation in Massachusetts state university history: a $6 million gift from alumna Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and her husband, Philip Schiller. This gift created the Viking Completion Grant Endowment to help students conquer final financial hurdles before graduation—today and for generations to come. Grant recipient Sandrae Band ’21 credits the completion grant with his ability to graduate (read more on page 12). As we continuously seek to offer the best opportunities to set students up for future success, this year we celebrated the official launch of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement; our Bertolon School of Business received international Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation (read more on page 5), a distinction enjoyed by only five percent of business schools worldwide; and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival recognized our theatre department with 13 national awards for its fall production of Paula Vogel’s “The Long Christmas Ride Home.” The stories highlighted in this publication reflect your collective support for our students this year. Each article illustrates moments that tested our resolve, moments of pride and moments that filled us with gratitude. Thank you for your commitment and passion for Salem State University. I am filled with excitement and great anticipation for our continued work together in the year ahead. Sincerely,
John D. Keenan, president
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Celebrating Fred Cavanaugh ’69 Outgoing Vice President of the Salem State University Foundation
From his longtime philanthropy to his service on the Salem State University Foundation Board, Frederick “Fred” Cavanaugh, Jr. ’69 has been a champion of the Viking community for decades.
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colleague cannot be overstated. As a truly devoted Viking alum, Fred’s legacy will continue to inspire all who serve in the university’s best interests.”
At Salem State, Fred earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and went on to excel in finance, including at Dewey Square Investors, Bank of Boston, the J.L. Thomson Rivet Corporation, and John Hancock Advisers. There, he was senior vice president and lead portfolio manager for multi-sector/global bond, high-income and international fixed income strategies. He received the High Yield Summit Award in 1999.
In 2013, Fred received The Jacob S. Segal Award, presented each year by the university and foundation presidents to a board member who has shown extraordinary commitment to the Salem State University Foundation’s mission of engaging the community, inspiring philanthropy and stewarding resources to invest in student success. For years, he has also personally supported the Annual Fund to provide the university with flexible, unrestricted dollars.
Fred joined the foundation board and its Investment Committee in 2010, becoming committee chair after Frank Sparico ’53 ended his term. Fred’s achievements include creating and updating the investment policy statement (IPS) and diversifying our endowment portfolio, which led to hiring Boston Advisors in 2018 to join Eastern Bank Wealth Management. Investment returns have steadily increased since.
“Fred deserves enormous credit for his work on the foundation board, especially as chair of the Investment Committee,” says Paul Petrowski ’66, who now holds the chair role. “Over the years, he has provided great expertise and a steady hand at the wheel. As his successor, I am grateful for Fred’s mentorship and the standard he set. His departure leaves a big pair of shoes for me to fill, but also a solid deck to walk on.”
“Fred’s dedicated, expert service to the foundation established the groundwork for excellence in investment management,” says Kathy Skrabut, foundation board president. “His value as a trusted and fully engaged board
Adds Gina Deschamps ’92G, immediate past foundation board president, “Fred has a passion for the mission of Salem State. His thoughtful board service and wise, extraordinary counsel will be missed.”
YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
“This achievement reflects the commitment of our valued faculty, staff, campus leadership, alumni, and external stakeholders, and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of donors along the way—especially the transformational gift from Donna and Henry Bertolon ’74. Thank you for fueling our success with your support. We celebrate this victory with you!” —Raminder Luther, PhD CFP® interim dean, Bertolon School of Business
How Donors Helped Bertolon School of Business Gain Distinction The Bertolon School of Business (BSB) has been awarded the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation, a distinction enjoyed by only five percent of business schools worldwide. AACSB-accredited schools are recognized globally as having the highestquality faculty, relevant and challenging curriculum and educational and career opportunities not found at other business schools. The AACSB accreditation affirms BSB’s mission to educate and empower students to engage responsibly in the global economy and develop into regional leaders and entrepreneurs. See how the school’s activities and philanthropic support led to AACSB status over the decades on the following pages.
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DONORS FUEL PATH TO AACSB The business school fundraising campaign launches and runs through 2010, raising $5,064,873 from 960 unique gifts.
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• Jack and Suzy Welch donate $1 million to create the Jack Welch Scholarship. Each year, a business student from Salem, Mass., receives the full, four-year scholarship. • The Nicholas Xanthaky Estate’s gift creates the Xanthaky School of Business Fund. • The business school is formally dedicated as the Bertolon School of Business (BSB) to honor Henry ‘74 and Donna Bertolon’s philanthropy.
2006
2005 A Shea family members at the naming of the Helen Francis (O’Neil) Shea office B The Cabot Wealth Management Lab dedication
Donna and Henry Bertolon ’74 donate $2.5 million, naming the business school and establishing the Bertolon School of Business Endowment to enhance students’ experience and the school’s quality of education.
Donna and Henry Bertolon ‘74 6
YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
• Mary Ellen ’67 and John Galaris ’67 establish the John D. Galaris Endowed Internship Fund with their philanthropy.
• Donna and Henry Bertolon ’74 donate $1 million to launch the Henry and Donna Bertolon Career Readiness Endowment, helping the BSB connect with local businesses and provide student internship opportunities.
2011
2008-2009
• Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and Philip Schiller donate $1 million to create the GassettSchiller ‘83 Endowed Chair in Accounting and Finance, the first endowed chair at Salem State University and the second at a Massachusetts state university. • BSB’s financial aid and endowment increase, thanks to major donations from alumni Cheryl and Richard Durgan ’69; Pat (Grady) ’66, ’69G and Tom ‘65 Marmen; Janet and Eugene Salem ‘87H; Dandy and Bob Korzeniewski ’79; and David Masse ’86. • The Shea family’s support creates the Helen Francis (O’Neil) Shea Scholarship.
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Cabot Wealth Management Lab
• BSB launches new MS in accounting to meet critical workforce needs. Martha ’85 and John Zocchi donate to establish the John B. and Martha M. Zocchi Scholarship Fund.
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• The Cabot Wealth Management Lab is launched with support from lead donors Rachel ’98 and Rob Lutts, as well as the Charles Schwab Foundation, St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation, Eastern Bank Foundation, North Shore Bank, and Salem Five Bank Charitable Foundation. The lab brings industry to the classroom and allows students to access the same tools—such as 12 Bloomberg terminals—used by leaders in business, finance and government.
2017
2016
• Brian McNamara ’77 creates the Bertolon Faculty Awards for Excellence in Civic Engagement, Research and Training. • Donna ’78, ’98G and Elliot ‘78 Katzman along with Annalisa and Dino Di Palma donate to support the Center for Entrepreneurial Activity. • The 10,000 Reasons Campaign raises $26.2 million; BSB ranks among the top three areas supported by this effort.
2019
• BSB faculty members author more than 75 academic publications and win more than 40 excellence awards since 2015. • BSB joins the top five percent of the world’s business schools by earning the prestigious AACSB accreditation.
2020
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• Key AACSB reports, visits and recommendations take place. • The Cabot Wealth Management Lab officially opens its doors. Since then, over 200 students have earned Bloomberg Market Concepts certification through a 10-hour e-learning course that provides an interactive introduction to the financial markets. • Nearly 100 BSB students are now completing an internship each year. • The Individual Projects in Business Administration course launches with support from the Student Managed Investment Fund. Fueled by donors Rachel ’98 and Rob Lutts, the fund allows finance students to use real money to learn about the investment management process. The fund also establishes a scholarship for BSB students. s alems t a te.e du/impac t
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The Power of Flexible Philanthropy Visit salemstate.edu/impact to learn more about how unrestricted support has made an impact this year.
“Unrestricted support is especially important at a time of change in higher education and the world around us. We remain committed to investing in areas that help to advance our diversity and inclusion efforts, drive our equity agenda, enhance student success and retention, and position students to lead in their communities and in their careers. These priorities are front and center as members of the Salem State community collaborate to determine where unrestricted support will have the greatest impact, and as we seek to be more student centered than ever before.” —John D. Keenan, president
Unrestricted gifts are critical to Salem State University. These flexible gifts provide us with critical and necessary funding—whether to start a new student success initiative, support students’ needs or weather a pandemic. Here, we share the perspectives of six individuals—donors, program leaders and students—who deeply understand the power of unrestricted philanthropy. SUPPORTING SALEM STATE AND ITS STUDENTS: ELAINE A. ZETES ’88G “It was known and expected in our family that higher education would push each of us forward. In the 1940s, my aunt and uncle graduated from Salem State. I followed them in 1988 when I earned my MBA here. When I give unrestricted dollars through the Annual Fund, I know I’m giving to an institution that is well managed. It doesn’t matter what amount you give—every unrestricted dollar goes to further the goals of Salem State and its students. It’s important to remember that you can give to unrestricted as well as other specific areas of the university. Doing one doesn’t mean you can’t do the other!” PROTECTING AND ADVOCATING FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS: EVAN KRAVETTE ’22G “I joined the Inclusive Excellence team as an intern to help figure out how to better support LGBTQ students. When I saw that our bisexual, transgender and queer students are more likely to report experiencing unwanted sexual contact than their cisgender peers who are heterosexual, gay or lesbian, I wanted to focus my work in that area. I’m grateful that unrestricted funding provided this opportunity to create a new program and simultaneously prepared me for my career while engaging in this crucial work for our most vulnerable students. The more unrestricted funding we can access moving forward, the more we can develop programs and resources to support underrepresented student populations across Salem State. There’s so much more we could do.” 8
YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE A COLLEGE DEGREE: WENDY M. NASSER CPA ’89 “I’ve been giving to Salem State every year for 22 years. I chose to study at Salem State because I could keep my part-time job. I put myself through college by working for the accounting department with the Gloucester newspaper that became part of Salem Daily News. I think it’s become harder for students to put themselves through college. When I decide where I’m donating every year, Salem State is at the top of my list. Unrestricted is very important in my opinion. I want the leadership to be able to use the funds where they feel the need is the greatest and make sure that students are receiving the support they need and deserve.” FINDING MEANING THROUGH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: LIZABETH DAVIS ’23 “Fueled by unrestricted dollars, Salem State’s First Year Day of Service gives 100 first-year students the chance to spend a day giving back to the local community. I volunteered at the food pantry at Citizens Inn Haven from Hunger. After this, I applied for and became a civic engagement fellow through the university’s Center for Civic Engagement. A lot of the issues students face, like accessing resources and food insecurity, shouldn’t be their problems to solve alone. I’ve learned from the center how to advocate for people without speaking for them. If I see an issue on campus that other students want to solve, I can be part of the solution by amplifying their voices and helping them push it through. It’s really empowering.” PRIORITIZING THE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE STUDENTS: RACHEL FRANK ’19G, MSW, student life case manager “Students aren’t going to graduate if they’re hungry and have nowhere to sleep. Thanks to the Massachusetts Student Housing Security Pilot Program and unrestricted gifts to Salem State, we’re able to provide our most vulnerable students with the basic security, dignity and autonomy they need to succeed in college. We guarantee 12 months of campus housing and cover meal plans. When these individuals can stay enrolled and ultimately graduate, upward socioeconomic mobility becomes possible for these motivated and deserving students.” PROVIDING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: SANJAY KUDRIMOTI, assistant professor of accounting and finance “Thanks to unrestricted funds, the Cabot Wealth Management Lab continues to provide hands-on experience in and out of the classroom. It’s an essential tool for my students managing the Student Investment Fund. The lab provides access to the financial information through 12 Bloomberg Terminals and elevates the abilities of student asset managers to investigate and analyze the work in using real dollars invested in their own portfolio.”
RECENT AREAS IMPACTED BY UNRESTRICTED GIVING • Student Emergency Fund • Center for Civic Engagement • Cabot Wealth Management Lab • Internship Scholarships • Office of Inclusive Excellence • Massachusetts Student Housing Security Pilot Program • Endowed scholarships and departmental awards s alems t a te.e du/impac t
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“I gave on Viking Warrior Day because I know how it feels to be unsure about how I will pay for school and other expenses on and off campus. If I can support a student in even the smallest way, I’m sure it will be a help!” —Ashley Gordon ’16
Vikings Rise in Support of Viking Warrior Day On May 5, Viking pride was on full display as we celebrated 1,854 minutes of pride through our fourth Viking Warrior Day—an annual Salem State University tradition that celebrates our connections to each other.
“Being the Student Government Association president during a pandemic wasn’t easy, but seeing the entire community come together and overcome unique challenges showed what the Viking community means and what it can do. Thank you for choosing to support Vikings like me as we work to build a brighter future. Your support means so much.” —Megs Ricci ’22
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
Together, we broke all prior years’ records by raising $394,332. We saw 369 donors make 391 gifts in support of Salem State students. Featured on our new virtual platform, givingday.salemstate.edu, Viking Warrior Day had over 60 volunteers who boosted fundraising efforts through contests, social media takeovers, livestreamed episodes of our It Takes a Viking podcast, and inspiring videos shared throughout the day. Our deepest gratitude goes out to the matching gift donors who helped us make the day a huge success for our students. • KIM GASSETT-SCHILLER ’83, ’18H AND PHILIP W. SCHILLER • JEAN WALSH ’71 AND RICHARD WALSH • JOHN PASTORE, JR. ’94 Thanks to you, so many donors were able to double their impact!
“Paying tribute to my husband on a day filled with Viking pride and celebration was an amazing way to celebrate the legacy of the proudest Viking I know,” shares Joan M. Feeley, who made an incredible $200,000 gift toward the Thomas M. Feeley ’68 Unrestricted Fund in memory of her husband Thomas M. Feeley on Viking Warrior Day.
Joan Feeley and Thomas M. Feeley ‘68
VIKING
WARRIOR DAY
VIKING WARRIOR DAY GROWTH BREAKS RECORDS! Since 2018, Viking Warrior Day has evolved into a vital effort that raises critical dollars to directly support students.
$394,332 NUMBER OF GIFTS:
NUMBER OF DONORS:
391 336
369
367
216
2018 2019 2020 2021
320
340
191
2018 2019 2020 2021
DOLLARS RAISED: $197,876
$58,914 $37,797 2018 2019 2020 2021
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Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and her husband, Philip Schiller
Sandrae Band ’21
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Completion Grants Help Students Cross the Finish Line
Imagine waking up at 3 am to log in and take a college class from a different time zone. That’s how Sandrae Band ’21, who is completing his military service in the Republic of Korea, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science.
Sandrae had already exhausted his available Veterans’ Affairs assistance. Student Navigation Center Assistant Director Evelyn Almeida ’10G connected him with the Viking Completion Grant, a financial lifeline to get seniors to graduation, and he finished his degree.
Starting at Salem State University in 2014, Sandrae’s military obligations with the Massachusetts National Guard caused him to fall behind. In the end, Sandrae had only two classes left before he could receive his degree. A few years passed, and with COVID-19 causing universities to shift studies online, Sandrae saw his chance to finally take those remaining classes. However, he faced another hurdle: financial aid.
“The completion grant arrived at the perfect time,” Sandrae shares. “I don’t know what I would have done without it. The funds were extremely helpful and I truly appreciate the support.”
YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
Sandrae’s Viking Completion Grant was possible because of a historic $6 million gift to Salem State from alumna Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and her husband, Philip Schiller. This amount represents the
largest cash gift made to one of the Commonwealth’s nine state universities. Of the couple’s support, $5 million established the program that helped Sandrae graduate: the Viking Completion Grant Endowment. Wishing to assist undergraduate seniors in overcoming their final financial hurdle before graduation, the Schillers’ philanthropy provides a key resource to help students earn their degree. The Viking Completion Grants launched last academic year and will benefit up to 75 undergraduate students every year in perpetuity. The $1 million balance from the couple’s gift fuels additional student resources at Salem State University that the couple have long supported, including the Center for Academic Excellence and the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center, as well as flexible dollars called unrestricted funds that can be deployed to address emerging university priorities focusing on student support and success. “Philip and I are grateful that we are able to establish the Viking Completion Grants,” says Kim. “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. This gift will remove that risk and make earning a Salem State degree possible. We hope our gift will inspire others to support our students in any way.” The first in her family to earn a college degree, Kim graduated from Salem State with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1983 and made her first gift to her alma mater. It totaled one dollar. Since then, she has contributed consistently to numerous Salem State initiatives alongside her husband.
“No words could adequately describe our gratitude to Kim and Philip,” said President John Keenan, ”and it furthers their decades of generosity toward Salem State. Kim and Philip have positively shaped the lives of thousands of students; their new gift will continue this impact for generations of learners to come. We are forever appreciative of and inspired by the Schillers’ philanthropy.”
Sandrae Band is just one of many students who have benefited from the Viking Completion Grant so far. Ishbel Donegan ’21, a social work major and first-generation college student, took full advantage of the opportunities at Salem State, including an internship with Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC) and a study abroad trip in Greece. The Viking Completion Grant gave her a critical boost leading to Commencement. “I already had to take out so many loans for school and I didn’t get very much financial aid, so it was really helpful,” Ishbel shares. “It allowed me to graduate.” Another senior, Nick Principi ’21, had just reached the final semester of his senior year when his father’s salary was cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing him to fall behind on his tuition payments. After completing the paperwork, he and his father were relieved to see a zero balance, enabling him to graduate on time. “It was like magic,” Nick says. “I could feel my dad’s relief and happiness over the phone.”
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CHRISTOPHER CORRENTE ’10, ’12G BA, History; MEd, Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA), coordinator of college based advising at UMass Lowell Award Received: Donna Tosches Fund
Inaugural Class This year, the Salem State Alumni Association began a new tradition: the 40 Under 40 program to celebrate young alumni leaders. These remarkable individuals exemplify true Viking spirit and are a testament to the work ethic, talent and perseverance that define a Salem State graduate. We are proud to share the stories of three honorees who attribute their success today to the scholarship support they received as students, helping to lift them up and prepare them for their future successes.
Learn more about all of the inductees to this year’s 40 under 40 class at salemstate.edu/40under40. 14
YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
As an advisor for almost 600 students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Chris’s decision to pursue his work stems from the relationships he forged across the Salem State University community, and he notes that without financial aid, he would not have been able to engage so actively on campus; instead, he would have needed to work more to earn money to pay for college. Chris received many honors and awards at Salem State, including one awarded by his peers in the Student Government Association (SGA). The Donna Tosches Award is given to an SGA member to recognize their accomplishments and their contributions to the Salem State community. “This award was presented at a time when I was really just becoming an engaged member of the university community,” Chris says. “It was one of the earliest indications that my involvement was making a difference. The award inspired me to believe that I could potentially leave behind a lasting impact for future generations.” Today, Chris serves as vice president for administration on the Alumni Association’s board of directors and continues to give philanthropically. “My involvement and my service to the Alumni Association are ways for me to give back to the university which has given me so much: an education, a career, lifelong friendships, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. If I can assist today’s students with a little financial support to provide them the means to gain similar experiences, then I absolutely want to. Working in the field of student affairs, I have witnessed too many students foregoing their college education because of financial hardships. They’re the reason I give today.”
NIKOLLA “NICK” PAPA ’19 BS, Business Administration, growth equity investor at Akmazo Capital Scholarship Received: Opportunity Fund Award
AASMA AZIZ SAHOTRA ’18G MSW, founder of One Little Light and Aasma’s Dream Scholarship Received: Eugene and Janet Salem Fellowship
A first-generation immigrant and first-generation college student, Nikolla “Nick” Papa ’19 works at Akmazo Capital as a growth equity investor, focusing on originating and evaluating investment opportunities.
As a young woman growing up in Pakistan, Aasma Aziz Sahotra ’18G always knew she wanted to make a difference. During her MSW program at Salem State, she founded One Little Light and Aasma’s Dream.
While at Salem State, Nick received the Opportunity Fund Award, graciously supported by benefactor Oscar Malcolm.
“I was attending an Agency Practice class and was given the assignment to write a fundraising proposal,” Aasma shares. “The assignment helped to clarify how I would start a nonprofit program and got me familiar with the basics of fundraising and reaching out to people.”
“Given the extra free time I had from no longer working full-time at two different jobs, I was able to join the honors program, become a peer mentor, take on leadership positions in extracurriculars such as the Student Government Association and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, and maintained straight As throughout my last two years at Salem State,” Nick shares. In his senior year, Nick gave back to the university through the Senior Class Gift Fund and has gone on to establish his own scholarship award at Ipswich High School for lowerincome students who have overcome insurmountable obstacles through persistence, grit and resiliency. “My motto is that once you’ve climbed up a ladder, it’s your duty to help the next person reach for a rung that they might not be able to reach themselves,” he says. “It’s important to give back to the communities that have molded you into the person you are today, and I can without a doubt say that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of everyone that’s helped me along the way.”
One Little Light creates opportunities for disadvantaged persons by addressing inequality and increasing access to education and strengthens families and communities. Aasma’s Dream works with artisans and organizations helping women in difficult circumstances. Receiving the Eugene and Janet Salem Fellowship at Salem State helped Aasma explore her passions even further, allowing her to intern at the Haven Project, a Lynn-based organization led by alumna Virginia Mazman ’85 that helps young adults in Lynn and surrounding areas who face homelessness and would benefit from guidance. “The fellowship funds eased the financial and emotional burden that came with paying for grad school as an international student,” Aasma says. “I am endlessly grateful for the fact that this and other scholarships exist. Now I have what it takes to be an effective social worker. My internship at the Haven Project greatly enhanced my educational experience and my professional development.” s alems t a te.e du/impac t
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Assistant Professor of Secondary and Higher Education Leslie Duhaylongsod and Associate Dean for the School of Education Nicole Harris meet with students on Salem State’s campus.
Eastern Bank Foundation Supports EducatorScholars of Color
Increasing Diversity in Early Childhood Careers
Although Simone French ’23 loved her teachers growing up, none of them looked like her. “My teachers ignited my love of learning but, unfortunately, I didn’t have any teachers of color until I began college,” says the Beverly, Mass., native. “Having a teacher of color would have enhanced my learning experience and offered a different cultural perspective.” Now, Simone wants to help transform the teaching landscape by becoming an educator. A new program funded with a $100,000 pilot-grant from Eastern Bank Foundation is setting her up for that success. Salem State’s new EducatorScholars of Color Program aims to increase racial and ethnic diversity in the teacher pipeline by inviting students of color majoring in early childhood and elementary education into peer groups. Three faculty advisers provide guidance and build community throughout participants’ college years.
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
According to Salem State’s School of Education Associate Dean Nicole Harris, the program’s monetary awards help reduce racial and socioeconomic barriers to higher education, including the costs associated with Massachusetts’ many requirements to become a teacher. “Individuals preparing to become educators face many out-of-pocket costs—including unpaid work as student-teachers and fees associated with the MTEL and other mandatory tests,” says Nicole. “The new program alleviates the financial burdens of these requirements and supports our students so that they are well-prepared to excel not only on their tests, but also within the classroom settings where they practice their teaching skills.” Dean Joseph Cambone adds that the School of Education has made it a priority to diversify its own faculty and staff members, preparing them to train our students in a culturally responsive way. “With Eastern Bank Foundation’s generosity, we’re
Education Majors Melissa Noel ’24 and Simone French ’23
continuing this work to give today’s Salem State education students of color equitable access to obtain their degrees so that they may teach and inspire children across the region,” he says. The Educator-Scholars of Color Program is initially focusing on placing student-teachers in Salem, Lynn, Chelsea, and Revere school districts—where School of Education graduates often serve as teachers and where white educators far outnumber educators of color. Ultimately, the School of Education hopes to expand the program geographically and across the K-12 spectrum. Founded more than 200 years ago in Salem, Eastern Bank is proud to continue its decades-long partnership with the university through this new support, says Eastern Bank Foundation President and CEO Nancy Huntington Stager. “This latest grant to Salem State University furthers both organizations’ increased commitment to addressing racial inequities, achieving social
justice and eliminating issues that perpetuate income and wealth gaps across our communities,” Nancy explains. “We recognize that a strong, diverse early childhood system is fundamental to achieving lifelong success, and it is an honor to help Salem State University launch the new EducatorScholars of Color Program and advance our shared commitment to create greater opportunity for future educators, child care professionals and the children they serve.” As for Simone French, she plans to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from Salem State by 2024. She notes, “The Educator-Scholars of Color Program has shown me that there are others like me who want to make a difference as a teacher of color. It provides a community of people who I feel comfortable asking questions of and sharing concerns with. The program directors have created a great space for us students to feel safe and supported.”
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Class of 2021 Graduating Scholars MICHELLE LE ’21
Hometown: Woburn, Mass. Major: Nursing Scholarships: Luke A. Wood and Mary Moore Wood Fund: Nursing, Travis Caffrey Schwidder Memorial Scholarship Award, Kristen Stromberg Memorial Scholarship Fund, Mary E. Coppola Scholarship Fund Post-graduation plans: Work as a nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital with plans to pursue a nurse practitioner degree and certification in psychology. “Thank you so much to all of the donors, because without you, students like me would not have the opportunity to finish school as easily as I did. Because of your generosity, I had more time to study and be involved on campus, and I’ve experienced so many more opportunities that I would’ve missed had I been working so much, like making a difference for others while being an RA [resident assistant] and being on the volleyball team.”
RYAN NOWAK ’21 Hometown: Salem, Mass.
Major: Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance Scholarship: Delphine M. & James B. Sullivan, PhD Scholarship Post-graduation plans: Pursue a Master of Business Administration degree at Salem State University. “I would like to thank you for your extreme generosity and continued support of all Salem State University students. Your support has helped me and many other students be able to work towards our degree and be prepared for our future careers and life.”
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
MADELEINE DOWNS ’21
Hometown: Rockport, Mass. Major: Music Scholarship: John Finnegan Scholarship Award Post-graduation plans: Become certified to teach K-12 music. “Thank you so much for your scholarship; it means so much to me. My degree wouldn’t have been possible without it. Thank you!”
MALANA MALONSON ’21G
Hometown: Revere, Mass. Major: Master of Science in Behavior Analysis Scholarship: Barbara Ann Sogoloff Scholarship Post-graduation plans: Pursue a PhD to conduct research and teach at the college level. “I want to thank you for the scholarship I received in the 20-21 academic year. It greatly helped me financially and I appreciated your kind donation.”
OLIVIA MAIMARON ’21
Hometown: Newburyport, Mass. Major: Early Childhood Education Scholarships: Dorothea A. Lyons Scholarship Fund, Class of 1945 Education Scholarship Fund, Class of 1961 Endowed Scholarship Fund Post-graduation plans: Continue in the combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Early Childhood Education program, with plans to become a kindergarten teacher. “Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of the scholarships. I appreciate it and it’s going to help me so much in my future. It has provided me the opportunity to learn something new every day, a privilege that I will always appreciate. Thank you!”
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Peter DiPlacido ’24
Emerging Scholars Program Coaches, Encourages First-Year Students When Peter DiPlacido ’24 started his coursework at Salem State University, the differences between high school and college learning surprised him. “I had to plan independently—no one was going to tell me when to do my homework,” recalls Peter, who began college during the COVID-19 shutdown. “It was hard to adjust to college classes, virtual learning and planning out my assignments all at the same time.”
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
Peter says he learned how to create a schedule that balanced school projects with his work shifts through the Emerging Scholars Program, a pilot initiative that guided 55 first-year students through their transition from high school to college. Managed by the Center for Academic Excellence’s First Year Experience office, the new program targeted students with a 2.0-3.0 GPA and equipped them with a success coach—a graduate student they could lean on for advice and structured support—throughout their first year of college. “Research shows us that students with a high GPA are more likely to succeed in college than not,” explains Mathew Chetnik, director of First Year Experience. “But students with, say, a 2.8 GPA, who didn’t receive scholarships and didn’t get invited into special academic programs, too often have no one looking out for them. The success coach cheers and challenges them, but ultimately provides a supportive environment and helps them learn how to pick themselves up.” Emerging Scholars participants met with their success coach every other week to develop skills ranging from time management to study habits and how to feel comfortable communicating with their professors. According to the data, it worked: 95 percent of the first-year students in the Fall 2020 Emerging Scholars group fully enrolled for the Spring 2021 semester, versus 79.8 percent overall for students who did not participate. Mathew anticipates an even higher Emerging Scholars retention rate of 98.9 percent for Fall 2021, based on students’ self-reported data.
These positive outcomes convinced David Ives that the Emerging Scholars Program should expand to reach more students. The longtime Salem State philanthropist and volunteer leader donated $20,000 to launch a second cohort this fall— which doubled the number of students served by Emerging Scholars to 110 in academic year 2021-2022. “When I learned that the new program was helping students who otherwise might lack support—and that it had such a high retention rate—I could see the idea was very viable,” David explains. “It will open up a pathway to success, opportunity and happiness for participants, who so deserve this assistance.” An alumnus of the Horace Mann Laboratory School on the Salem State campus and a 10th-generation Salemite, David contributed to the program in honor of his mother, alumna Marjorie Ives ’70G, who made education a shared family value in his childhood home. As the Emerging Scholars Program grows, he hopes other individuals will donate the funds needed to make it available to every Salem State student who could benefit from such a meaningful opportunity. “Many of today’s students don’t have the same advantages I had, and by supporting Salem State’s mission through its various programs, I’m able to do good for the citizens of Salem and the greater North Shore community,” he explains. “Participating in this way is important to me and my family.”
s alems t a te.e du/impac t
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RECOGNIZING DONOR LOYALTY AND LEADERSHIP
Placing Aspiring Nurses’ Goals in Reach
Robert Groce’s late mother, Betty, dreamed of becoming a nurse. “Mom always admired her aunt, who was a nurse in Georgia and provided care to President Roosevelt when he stayed in Warm Springs for physical therapy,” he explains. However, life had other plans for Betty. She married her great love, Walter, and became a dedicated stay-at-home mom to three sons and a daughter. Her commitment to home life allowed Walter, a Peabody native, to advance in his own career in Middleton, Gloucester and other areas throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Ultimately, Betty manifested her dreams by making nursing education possible for others.
Walter and Betty Groce
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After Betty and Walter’s passing, $1.3 million of their estate established a permanent, endowed fund for Salem State University’s School of Nursing. The fund will provide $4,500 scholarships to ten nursing students every year in perpetuity. Established as the Martha Evans and Betty Groce Scholarship, the gift also memorializes Walter’s halfsister, Martha, who planned on a nursing career before passing away from tuberculosis at age 17.
“Through the opportunities they have opened up for generations of aspiring nurses, and the communities that will benefit from their care, the Groce family’s deep kindness will touch many lives for years to come,” says President John Keenan. “Our School of Nursing is a great point of pride for Salem State, and I am thankful and honored that the Groce family saw what a lasting impact could be made through their support.” With 565 students enrolled, the Salem State University School of Nursing helps prepare current and future nurses to meet the many challenges of today’s complex healthcare environment through several undergraduate, graduate and certification programs. “The majority of our nursing students rely on scholarships and other forms of financial aid to complete their degree and reach their goal of launching a healthcare career,” said Joanne Carlson, chairperson of the School of Nursing. “We are forever grateful to the Groce family for bequeathing such a generous gift to assist our dedicated students, both today and for generations to come.” Adds Cheryl Crounse, executive director of the Salem State University Foundation, “Through their estate planning, Mr. and Mrs. Groce were able to stipulate how their remaining funds should be allocated to charity
while still offering an annual income stream to their children and grandchildren. We at Salem State University are honored to carry out their wishes.” From humble beginnings, Walter and Betty Groce worked hard throughout their marriage to save and invest. “When my father, Walter, enrolled in the Army Corps of Engineers Unit in the late 1930s, he saved all his military pay and sent it back to Betty for savings,” says Robert. “In the 1950s, he began investing these meager savings in electric, gas and telephone utility stock.” Through the 1990s, these original investments grew into a sizable fortune. This is when the Groces decided to create an estate plan that would allow them to support deserving organizations after their passing. “Had my mom not gotten married, she would’ve pursued nursing,” Robert explains. “In her later years, she said she was interested in doing something that would perpetuate her original dream of that vocation. It was moving to realize how strong that dream was all those years later, and that she was able to reconnect with that dream by arranging for funds to support nursing students at Salem State.”
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RECOGNIZING DONOR LOYALTY AND LEADERSHIP
James Pochy ’18G: A Passion for Giving Back
James Pochy ’18G made his first donation to Salem State University while still a student— and never stopped giving back. Donating every year since graduation, James wants to help the university flourish while ensuring that financial assistance is always available to students in need. James first gave to his senior class gift and made subsequent gifts to the annual fund and to a scholarship fund for first-generation college students established in memory of his classmate Chris Joyce ’18, who tragically lost his life just two weeks before graduation. “It’s imperative that all Salem State stakeholders, especially alumni, work together so future generations have the opportunity to attend college,” says James. “I’m truly passionate about helping
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YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
students with their college-related expenses.” Ensuring that the university can continue to invest in campus improvements and attract the best faculty are also top priorities, he adds. A native of upstate New York with an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Maryland, James was living and working in Boston when he entered the industrial and organizational psychology graduate program at Salem State, the only one of its kind regionally. “I had a great experience at Salem State and have stayed in close contact with my professors and classmates since graduating,” he says. “They have always cheered me on and provided career advice.” His networking recently paid off with a new position as an employee engagement analyst at Ellos Global, a management consulting firm based in Miami. “I’m proud of Salem State and its vision for the future,” says James. “I plan to continue giving and do my part.”
Veridson Felissaint ’21
“In the most challenging year we can remember, so many alumni and friends stepped up with generous support for our talented and driven students, helping them earn their degrees and graduate strong. Salem State University’s students, faculty and staff deeply appreciate our Viking community!” —Cheryl W. Crounse vice president, institutional advancement executive director, Salem State University Foundation, Inc.
352 Lafayette Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970-5353
salemstate.edu/impact
