Celebrating Outgoing Foundation President

Celebrating Gina Deschamps ’92G

Outgoing Foundation President

Virtually every corner of Salem State University has been positively impacted by Gina Deschamps ’92G. The outgoing president and 13-year member of the Salem State University Foundation Board of Directors has helped to achieve new levels of philanthropy, innovation and volunteerism across the institution. She now serves as an advisor to the board.

During Gina’s tenure, she helped to quadruple the Foundation’s annual financial support to the university by championing SSU’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, 10,000 Reasons, which raised $26.5 million.

“The [10,000 Reasons] campaign taught us a lot about how to raise money at a greater level, with everyone pitching in, moving together toward a single goal and making SSU better than it was yesterday,” Gina shares.

“Gina was at the forefront of the 10,000 Reasons campaign, serving on university search committees— including the most recent search for our current university president, John Keenan—and the campaign’s steering committee,” says Cheryl Crounse, SSU’s vice president of institutional advancement and the Foundation’s executive director. “Gina has set up the Foundation for great success.”

A role model for giving back, Gina has attended and volunteered for more than 50 SSU events over the past 13 years, and provided significant charitable support alongside her husband, Hank.

The couple furthered their generosity with in-kind printing services and longstanding Salem State Series sponsorships from their former company, Deschamps Printing.

“It’s a good feeling to pay it forward,” Gina says. “We owe it to the students.

I’m not doing all I can if I’m not volunteering my time and creating opportunities for them to thrive.”

President John Keenan admires Gina’s many contributions over the years. “I continue to stress that the support our Foundation provides to students is critical,” he says. “The unfortunate reality is that reliance on this support will keep increasing as we face a challenging economic climate, and as state funding continues to decline. Volunteer leadership, guidance and community connections like Gina’s are vital to our success. I cannot thank her enough for her service.”

Recently, Gina received the 2020 Elizabeth Williams Wade Award from the Salem State University Alumni Association. It is presented annually to an alumnus/a who has attained notable achievement and/or made a lasting contribution to the university through philanthropic and voluntary endeavors. Board colleague Jeff Cicolini ’94 nominated her for the honor.

“My mother was the one who saw to it that my sister and I were educated,” recalls Gina, a first-generation college student. “I understand the struggle of achieving an education and striving to achieve one’s dream—all in an effort to make the world a better place.”

Leaders and Colleagues Weigh in on Gina’s Legacy

“A first-generation college graduate who successfully worked her way up in the gritty paper industry in New York City, Gina brought those experiences back home to share with the North Shore and Boston areas. Gina was raised to be, and always will be, a ‘family-first’ woman. And, Salem State is fortunate to be part of her family. She is a Viking...through and through!”

—Cynthia McGurren ’83

former SSU vice president of institutional advancement and SSU Foundation executive director

“People with Gina’s level of energy, talent and dedication are extremely rare. When an organization is fortunate enough to find someone like Gina, that person typically doesn’t serve on the board for over a decade like she has. We are well positioned to face upcoming challenges and reach new heights because we’ve benefitted from Gina’s knowledge, energy and leadership.”

—Jeff Cicolini ’94

SSU Foundation treasurer