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.”
