Career Resources at
SNHU:
Guiding a New Generation of
Leaders
In this Issue
Celebrating 50 Years of Athletics Study Abroad College for America
im足足足pact Advancing
Volume 5 | 2013-2014
Southern New Hampshire University
Letter from a
Scholarship Recipient
When I began the search for a college, I knew affordability was the key factor. Without the scholarships provided to me at Southern New Hampshire University, I would be commuting to a state university. I have scholarship supporters like you to thank for this. SNHU was able to provide more than $29 million in scholarship support to students like me in the past academic year. Knowing that I would not be able to receive the same quality of education at a larger institution, I am grateful for this opportunity to attend a small university where I can excel. Your generosity helps make an education at SNHU affordable for me, and so many students like me, who come from various economic backgrounds. It opens doors to knowledge, relationships, and opportunities. My programs are challenging me to think critically and effectively, and my professors are testing my limits with every problem that I am assigned. As a freshman, I am already very involved on campus, and I look at networking opportunities as an integral part of my college experience. “Involved for Life” is an expression that I think about each morning when I wake up. What I learn in the classroom and around campus is what will define me as a person outside of this university. SNHU offers so many opportunities for students to become the leaders of tomorrow, and I plan on taking full advantage of each one of them. I am honored to attend a university that is recognized for its innovative approaches to education, and one that was founded on the basis of providing an affordable education to a diverse population of students. Still today, it is through the generosity of donors like you that this is possible. Thank you for making a difference! Sincerely,
Ben Harris Class of 2015
President: Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc Managing Editor: Audrey Bourque Editor: Jerri Clayton ’10, ’12 Contributors: Nick Drinker Kristi Durette Meredith LaPierre Greg Royce ’00 Graphic Design: Karen Mayeu Photography: J eremy Earl Mayhew Printing: Printers Square Proofreader: Susan Morgan Impact is published by the
Office of Institutional Advancement Don Brezinski, Vice President Changes of address may be sent to alumni@snhu.edu or to the
Office of Institutional Advancement Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road Manchester, NH 03106 Visit us online at alumni.snhu.edu for more university news and information about upcoming events.
/SNHUalumni @SNHUalumni bit.ly/SNHUcommunity
inside
impact Advancing Southern New Hampshire University
Professional Sales Minor
2
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Career Resources at SNHU
Sponsored Scholars Program
Partnerships between Career Resources, Alumni Relations and Academics give SNHU students an edge over the competition.
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Building Strong Connections & Healthy Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Meet Brian ’88 and Linda ’89 McLaughlin. . . . . . . . . 16
Meet Samantha Whittier ’14. . . . . . . . . 17
Micro-Profiles Alumni & Students. . . . . . . . . . . 20
Professor Ravi Pandit. . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2013 Faculty Emeriti . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 In Memorium: Marty Bradley. . . . . 25 Engaging Alumni – Event Photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Property Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 President’s Circle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Annual Report Letter from the President. . . . . . . 30 Money Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 How It All Adds Up. . . . . . . . . . . 32
10
Celebrating 50 Years of Athletics Remember the journey, celebrate current achievements, and learn about the future vision for athletics at SNHU.
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Study Abroad – More Than a Destination Not your average study abroad experience, these new programs are supported by a new scholarship fund.
22
College for America Learn about the program that is turning the traditional model of education on its head.
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Feature Story
Career Resources at SNHU:
Guiding a
New Generation of
Leaders by Audrey Bourque
Impact recently sat down with the directors of the Career Resources and Alumni Relations teams to discuss how the three offices are forging new partnerships and programs to bring a wealth of hands-on life skills to the student experience. Under the guidance of the new career directors, this focused approach to career planning encourages students to take advantage of experiential learning components such as internships, job shadows and networking events. At the same time, alumni partners can both volunteer their time in meaningful ways and scout fresh, competent talent for their own business endeavors. 2013-2014
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In a nutshell, how do you define the career planning goals your office has developed? Beth Prieto, executive director of the Dorothy S. Rogers Career Development Center - (BP) The goals of the CDC are all based on students securing a job placement in the fields they are studying. We help them build a career plan from day one, so as early as freshman year, they’re thinking strategically about what they need to be market ready. Carrie Weikel-Delaplane, director of COCE Career - (CWD) We serve our students wherever they are in their career lifecycles, balancing personalized support when students need it and self-service tools when they don’t. Whether a student is looking for a promotion in their current field or contemplating a major career change, we work with them to address and achieve their goals. Kristi Durette, director of Alumni Relations - (KD) There are more than 54,000 SNHU and New Hampshire College (NHC) alumni around the world. It’s a natural tie to work with the career resources teams as they educate and support students in their career exploration and placement process. Alumni provide resources for career advisement, and they are potential internship and employment providers.
It’s unusual to have two career resources offices. How do you come together to serve the greater SNHU community, and how is the work with your specific populations unique? BP: We have two distinct career offices to serve the needs of two very different populations: my office, the Career Development Center, works with the undergraduate day students. So, primarily, we’re working with students who came to college right out of high school and are moving through their studies in a more traditional model. CWD: And my office, COCE Career, serves the online and continuing education population. We do have some traditional college-age students, but predominantly we see adult learners, most of whom are already employed and are looking for a way to improve their standing or earnings. BP: Our two offices coordinate efforts to provide employers with a menu of different services and exposure to students from all programs. Carrie Weikel-Delaplane, director of COCE Career
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We also work together to identify synergies in terms of services to students – webinars, self-service tools, events on campus, and so on. But my primary goal is to get my students off campus and exposed to career options in the workplace, through internships, case analysis, volunteering – anything that takes them out of the classroom and gives them direct experience in industry work. CWD: In our world, our main partnership is with the academic advising team. A COCE student’s advisor is the primary point person in his or her lifecycle with the institution, and we work with the advising team to make sure students know they have lifetime access to our services, because they will likely need help down the road, as well. BP: And my model integrates career development planning with different programs already run by various departments on campus – student life, academic advising, et cetera. We help our students through the process of career exploration into a more tactical job search, equipping them with that skill base. We are teaching them from the ground up, starting with how to conduct themselves in a professional setting.
Now, how does the Office of Alumni Relations fit into this partnership? KD: Our mission is, simply put, to more broadly and deeply engage alumni in the life of the university community. One of the most valuable resources we can offer our professional alumni is access to a pool of competent, talented new employees, and the earlier we can introduce students to our alumni network, the sooner we see those connections being made. BP: Alumni involvement is critical to the success of our career development goals. We’re in a referral-based market, and we will be for a long time yet. We are always thinking about how to tap into the expertise and connections of our alumni population to help students make key connections in their job searches. KD: And on top of providing an exclusive talent pool for alumni business owners, our programs also allow alumni a whole host of ways to stay involved with the university. People want to give back in various ways. Many of our current volunteers say that, during their days as students, there was a certain guest speaker or alumni mentor who really made an impact on them. It’s a cycle of inspiration – that act of a volunteer enriching the student experience inspires current students to give back in the same way.
So, what are some of the ways alumni can get involved? KD: Alumni have served as panelists in classroom discussions, industry experts in networking events, discussion group leaders in our LinkedIn group “SNHU Community.” We’ve had alumni
Feature Story
bloggers writing about their lives after SNHU, and people have written testimonials for SNHU Stories, department or program websites, and so on.
KD: Really, if an alumna or alumnus is interested in giving back to our students, we’re open to discussing any possibilities. Each alum brings her or his own skill set back to their interest in volunteering, and we can really customize the experiences. It’s a win/win.
Beth, you said that placement in a student’s field of study is your ultimate goal; and Carrie, that yours is to work with a student’s existing career goals, whether that be to secure a promotion or pay raise through a degree, or to change industries. Can you share some of your success stories?
Beth Prieto, executive director of the Dorothy S. Rogers Career Development Center
Your job search should be 70/30, with 70% of your time spent networking and talking to people, and just 30% spent online. BP: We’re also starting a job shadow program, where employers can host a student for a week. The student gets some hands-on, experiential learning, and the employer can identify early talent. CWD: My team has started the Employer Spotlight Series, a monthly virtual networking session that spotlights employers interested in working with SNHU students. In each session, the company will detail what it’s like to be an employee, what opportunities are currently available, and how to apply. Many of these leads come from alumni employers looking to promote their own companies or endeavors. BP: There’s also the Entrepreneur Development Program, in which current students are able to network with alumni entrepreneurs. We’ve had dinners where we matched entrepreneurially-minded students with business leaders who provided critiques for the students’ business plans and class projects. It’s a really focused program that gives students direct feedback from real-world experts in business.
CWD: Sammi Chickering ’10, ’12 is a great example (see profile on page 6). She did her undergraduate work on campus, and then completed her MBA online through COCE. Sammi has a very specific career goal: she wants to be a sports information director at a university. She had some great experiences as an intern during her undergrad studies, and she networked, networked, networked to land a great job at Norwich University as an assistant SID. I have no doubt that she’s going to continue to rise in the ranks until she achieves her goal of a director position.
BP: And on our end, Morgan Munson ’13 is a perfect example of a driven young professional working her SNHU connections to land a great job (see profile on page 6). She came to SNHU from Australia to play basketball, and was, in fact, applying for a position to coach and mentor underserved children in Rwanda after graduation. However, when Kristi saw her application video for that program, she introduced Morgan to Shawn Sullivan ’95, an alumnus who works for the Boston Celtics, just so Morgan could ask him a few questions in an informal, informational interview. He was so impressed with her that he offered her a job almost on the spot. She’s now living and working in Boston, with a great first job secured.
What career advice do you find yourself giving students again and again? BP: It seems counterintuitive, but we’re always trying to get students to be more targeted. When you’re in a job search, it’s more useful to be more specific. It’s easier to network, easier for companies to understand where you add value. 2013-2014
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impact on UNIVERSITY CWD: Balance. Your job search should be 70/30, with 70% of your time spent networking and talking to people, and just 30% spent online. The Internet is such a powerful tool to search for opportunities and learn about industries. But, it should just be one tool in the toolbox. I tell students all the time: get active in your field of study; network; get to know people. Use LinkedIn and the Internet as a base, but join professional associations, meet people, get interactive.
out there and make contacts in your field. Take advantage of internships and networking events. Search LinkedIn for people you could introduce yourself to in a certain industry or at a particular company. Ask your friends and family for contacts they might know in your field. The more people you know and make a favorable impression on, the better. And, remember to consider how you can help facilitate that for others as well. Being a connector is a great value as well. ◆
KD: From my perspective, it’s all about networking. Whether you’re looking for your first job ever or you’re trying to improve your current career path, you should always be asking yourself, ‘Who do I know?’ Or, even better – ‘Who should I know?’ Get
To learn more about volunteering with career services at SNHU, visit alumni.snhu.edu/career.
student PROFILES Name: Sammi Chickering ’10, ’12 MBA Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Sport Management with a minor in Communications Hometown: Hillsboro, NH Current Employer: Norwich University, Assistant Sports Information Director How did your experience at SNHU help shape your career goals? In my very first Sport Management class with Kim BogleJubinville, I had to complete an informational interview with someone in the field of sports. When I started the class, I thought I would want to be a high school athletic director, but I happened to interview the sport information director at New England College for this project. And from then on, I knew I wanted to pursue a similar position. I interned at NEC in my junior year, and was the assistant to the same woman I interviewed. I created programs for games, wrote post-game stories, sent out hometown releases. I knew this was what I wanted to be doing. I worked through my graduate degree in the Department of Athletics at SNHU, and there was a huge networking component to my job. I was constantly working with other sport information directors, and this is how I landed my current position at Norwich. The absolute best career advice I can give, based on my experience: get involved early. When I’m looking at applicants now, I know we’d much rather have an experienced, well connected volunteer than someone with a degree but no practical experience. alumni.snhu.edu/impact/meetsammi 6
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Name: Morgan Munson ’13 Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Marketing, with a minor in Graphic Design Hometown: Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia Current Employer: Boston Celtics, Inside Sales How did your post-graduation plans develop? I was a finalist applying for the Shooting Touch sabbatical program, a 10-month assignment in Rwanda influencing African youth through basketball. Kristi Durette in the Office of Alumni Relations saw my video application, and she introduced me to an alumnus who works with the Boston Celtics, hoping I could ask him some questions about different careers in basketball. I went down to Boston for an informational interview, and then all of a sudden this alumnus was introducing me to the vice president of Sales. They offered me a job in inside sales for the Celtics, selling ticket packages and managing season ticket holders. I took a few basic sales classes at SNHU, and I’m so happy I did – I didn’t think I’d get into sales necessarily, but the foundation I have from those classes has helped tremendously. I see all kinds of pieces I can use from my studies. The best career advice I received while at SNHU was to be prepared to talk to anyone, and don’t be afraid. The next person you talk to could be your next employer, if you’re in the right place at the right time. alumni.snhu.edu/impact/meetmorgan
impact on ALUMNI
Nancy Scandura ’13 (left), says her experiences in the sales class she took at SNHU helped her stand out as an intern and an employee.
Professional Sales Minor:
Setting SNHU Students Apart from the Competition
by Audrey Bourque
Assistant Professor Micheline Anstey’s passion for sales education is contagious. In the last 15 months, she has championed the development of a Professional Sales minor that launched in the fall of 2013. The program is designed to set students apart with a relatively rare, but increasingly valuable skill set, for new graduates facing tough competition in today’s job market. Anstey has focused on introducing the power of a sales skill set to students of all majors. After attending a conference for sales educators in 2012, she was dismayed to see how some peer institutions were leaps and bounds ahead of SNHU’s modest offering of two undergraduate courses. She knew that a minor in sales would increase the value of a graduating student while mitigating risk for employers, who would have the opportunity to hire savvier new employees with more experience and increased confidence. The minor in Professional Sales boasts a curriculum that will hone business-to-business communication, relationship-building and sales skills through real life and experiential exercises. Class work is supplemented with hands-on applications such as video-taped role plays and presentations, which are critiqued by faculty and sales professionals from a pool of SNHU corporate partners and alumni executives. In addition to a robust classroom experience, students are strongly encouraged to complete a sales-related marketing internship to round out their education and develop the necessary skills and experience to launch a successful career in sales. 2013-2014
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impact on UNIVERSITY Beth Prieto, executive director of the Dorothy S. Rogers Career Development Center, has worked closely with Anstey to ensure SNHU’s corporate partners and network of employers are on board with the program, and she says the new minor will be a win/win for employers and students. Employers can begin prospecting new talent early on, building relationships with students through internships, networking opportunities, and in-class projects; students, meanwhile, are benefitting from professional mentors, hands-on experience, and challenging problem-solving. “Ultimately,” says Prieto, “employers will be looking at graduates who have been vetted by faculty and pre-screened by career development staff, a distinguishing point on any new graduate’s resume.”
more effectively and ensure that they’re not pigeonholed into one industry.” Nancy Scandura ’13 is a prime example of how even moderate exposure to sales training provides long-term value. Scandura graduated from the 3Year Honors Program in Business, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Marketing at SNHU. Because the rigorous curriculum of the 3Year Program does not leave much room for electives, Scandura took just one sales class during her undergraduate studies: Anstey’s Professional Selling course. Scandura affirms that, as a young professional at the beginning of her career, sales acumen sets an applicant apart from the competition. The Professional Selling course exposed her to a wealth of information that she applied directly to her work as a summer intern doing market research for a pharmaceutical delivery company, where she worked under the VP of Sales and Marketing.
Anstey credits alumnus Ed Ithier ’87, ’93 as the third partner in developing the Professional Sales minor. Ithier, who has more than 25 years of sales experience under his belt, has been an active member of At a training session the campus community for hosted by her employer decades. Anstey runs her this summer, Scandura’s This curriculum gives students a foundation to semester projects by him to insights – based on her ensure the work is relevant market themselves more effectively and ensure experience in the Profand challenging in a realessional Selling course – that they’re not pigeonholed into one industry. world sales environment; so impressed her superadditionally, Ithier volunvisor that he asked her to teers in her classroom provide the name of the several times per semester textbook she used in class so he could review it himself. as a guest speaker, panelist, or critic. Ithier helped Anstey review the curriculum so the minor provides a significant value Anstey is proud of Scandura, and excited to watch her students add for students, especially in these slow economic times. grow in the Professional Sales minor. “There is certainly a “Whether you’re in accounting, hospitality or IT, at the end of the day, selling is part of any business,” says Ithier. “This curriculum gives students a foundation to market themselves
demand for this skill set. You sell things every day – ideas, products, even yourself in a job interview. This is going to increase career options for our students. It’s an opportunity that can’t be missed.” ◆
Support SNHU’s Students One
Month at a Time
Every day, SNHU is changing lives through the gift of education. Participants in our monthly giving program understand the university’s need for ongoing, consistent philanthropic support. Your monthly gift will have a direct impact on our students and programs and provide a stable source of funding. SNHU’S monthly giving program allows your gift to be deducted monthly from your debit or credit card. You remain in control – cancel or alter your gift any time by calling 603.645.9799. Become a monthly supporter today at alumni.snhu.edu/monthlygiving. 8
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impact on ALUMNI
Giving a
Lifetime of
Opportunity
Sponsored Scholars Program
Cowels is a senior at SNHU majoring in Sport Management, with a minor in Sports Special Event Planning. This summer, she worked at the Nashua Silver Knights in the PR department and at a local YMCA as a senior counselor. During the past three winters, she has worked with the Manchester Monarchs in the Kids Club. Cowels has held as many as four jobs at a time to make her dream of college become a reality. And while she has overcome much hardship, Cowels had come to terms with the fact that her junior year would be her last at SNHU because of financial restraints. It was then she learned of Casel’s generous donation. Cowels wants donors to know how influential and meaningful this support is. “You don’t know how much of a difference you are making in someone’s life. You are giving a student a chance, you are giving them hope, you are giving them motivation and inspiration!”
by Jerri Clayton ’10, ’12
The Sponsored Scholars Program was created as a current-use scholarship designed for a student with financial need. The intent is for the donor to personally experience the impact of the scholarship. Sidney Casel ’71 knew he could help by sponsoring a student, but could never have known the impact he would make on Michelle Cowels ’14. Her gratitude was expressed in a four page heart-felt thank you letter to Casel.
After graduation, Cowels says her goal is to “work in a job that I love and make others happy while doing it. I want to provide services planning, organizing and executing events.” Cowels wants to remain involved with the university and inspire others. “I want to come back and speak. I want to talk about my experiences and how they have helped guide me to where I am going to be. When I get settled down with a job, I want to be able to provide a scholarship to someone in need, just like Sidney did for me. I want to help others succeed and get further in life.” ◆
93
%
of students receive academic scholarship or need-based aid.
Number of students who applied for financial aid
89
%
Scholarships and need-based aid underwritten by SNHU
32
$
2, 138
million
2012-13 SNHU Financial Facts
“You gave me the push I needed to not give up. If it weren’t for you, I would not be able to live out my dreams. To some people, this may just be another scholarship, but to me it is so much more. Please know that I am going to do everything I can to make you proud and show you that I truly deserve this. The fact that someone besides my mom is willing to invest in me made me feel something I have never felt.”
of students had financial need
Indicated by the Fee Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Average unmet need of students who applied for financial aid
Average scholarship and need-based aid awarded per student
14 747
$ ,
$7,427 $24,084
Average debt upon graduation 2013-2014
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50
Celebrating
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Yofears Athletics by Greg Royce ’00
Feature Story
This year, Southern New Hampshire University is celebrating 50 years of athletics. Much like the university itself, the Department of Athletics and Recreation has grown from modest beginnings: in 1963-64, then-New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce sponsored a single team, men’s basketball, under the watch of head coach and athletic director Lou D’Allesandro. In the past five decades, the university’s athletics and recreation programs have enjoyed tremendous growth and diversification. Today, SNHU sponsors 17 NCAA varsity sports and will have three additional programs by the 2015 academic year.
decade, team sports included skiing, lacrosse, hockey, and trap and skeet shooting, and the first athletics scholarship was created in honor of Robert S. Williams, a basketball coach and admissions counselor who died suddenly of a heart attack.
Yet as Director of Athletics Anthony Fallacaro is quick to point out, the growth trajectory is not the only thing to celebrate; it’s the quality of each program, the bond between athletes and coaches, the pride fostered in the entire SNHU community. In 2012-13, Southern New Hampshire University had by far its most successful year on the fields and courts, with six teams qualifying for NCAA tournament play – a school record. And under Fallacaro’s guidance, the future of athletics at SNHU is certainly as bright as its legacy is worth honoring.
By 1971, when the college moved from downtown Manchester to its current location on North River Road, Penmen Athletics was a powerful force in New England. As the new campus was built, the college incorporated plans for its very own athletics facilities, and for the first time, the men’s soccer and basketball teams enjoyed home-court advantage.
A LEGACY WORTH HONORING Athletics has played an integral role in the growth of the university from as early as 1937, when the school (then New Hampshire School of Accounting and Commerce) announced it would sponsor a basketball team. Just a few years later, the school catalog touted its modest athletic offerings: “Basketball and baseball teams function when there is sufficient student interest.”
The programs thrived, and men’s basketball put the college on the map in the 1979-80 season when it became the first Penmen team not only to qualify for an NCAA tournament, but to win an NCAA regional and advance to the national stage. While the Penmen fell to Virginia Union in the Elite Eight, it marked the first of six regional titles for the men’s basketball program. Men’s basketball has made a total of 17 trips to the NCAA Tournament, 15 coming under veteran head coach Stan Spirou, one of the winningest coaches in Division II history.
The future of athletics at SNHU is certainly as bright as its legacy is worth honoring.
Sure enough, interest grew quickly, and by 1963, the college began to attract enough students to make a true athletics program possible. Lou D’Allesandro, a former football star at UNH and coach at Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester, was appointed director of Athletics and head basketball coach.
Under D’Allesandro’s guidance, athletics flourished quickly. Throughout the 1960’s, he fielded winning basketball teams using rented gym space, added baseball and soccer programs with coaching staff who doubled as faculty members, and organized men’s intramural programs in touch football, basketball, broom hockey, tennis and golf. By the end of the
When Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 was passed into law, a new world of opportunity developed for women in athletics. New Hampshire College (NHC) allowed women to play any sport, and programs and conferences dedicated to female athletes developed quickly.
The women’s soccer program was one of the early powers in the sport, capturing a total of seven Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championships from 1984-96 (at that time, the NCAA was a nascent field, and the ECAC was the premier tournament). Women’s basketball qualified for NCAA play in 1988 and 1990, and the team is currently enjoying its resurgence in the conference, having recorded double-digit victories in each of the last six seasons. 2013-2014
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Penmen athletes continued to build momentum throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. The men’s soccer program, the only Penmen team to capture an NCAA national championship to date, defeated UNC Greensboro 3-1 in 1989 to capture the Division II crown. The program has made a total of 18 NCAA appearances, including in each of the past five seasons under head coach Marc Hubbard. More than 30 players in the proud history of Penmen soccer have been named All-Americans, the most of any SNHU team.
Head men’s soccer coach Marc Hubbard, who joined SNHU in 2008 and helped to reestablish the Penmen as one of the nation’s premier Division II programs, says his team is dedicated to winning championships. “We train hard every day. That’s our focus. Our motivation is to get better every day, and the opportunity to get better every year is what motivates me as a coach.” This dedication and drive is mirrored in the women’s program, with both teams bringing home the NE-10 conference titles in the past year.
Men’s ice hockey has consistently been one of the top programs In March 2013, the men’s basketball team overcame Franklin in the Northeast-10, reaching the league semifinals 12 times in Pierce University to capture the NE-10 crown, earning their the past 14 seasons. While there is currently no NCAA Division first NCAA berth since 2005. The win marked SNHU’s first II tournament in the sport, the Penmen qualified in 1984 and NE-10 title in its third finals appearance, and was the seventh also participated in the final NCAA championship series in conference title in program history (the Penmen captured six 1999, finishing as national New England Collegiate Men’s Basketball, 2013 Northest-10 Champions runner-up. Conference crowns before that league ceased operThe golf team, reinstated ation in 2000). prior to the 2000-01 academic year, captured The baseball team has back-to-back NE-10 champenjoyed similar success ionships in 2001 and 2002 in the past two years. In and has qualified for NCAA just five seasons, head play three times in the coach Scott Loiseau has past ten seasons, while the transformed the baseball men’s lacrosse team posted program into one of the top six victories and reached programs in the country. the NE-10 tournament this Loiseau led the Penmen to Coaches Greg Coache (near right) and Deb Robitaille (far right) past spring, its fifth postseason a 43-15 season in 2012 – appearance in the past ten years. which culminated with the NCAA Division II College The women’s lacrosse team, which began play in 2004, World Series appearance – and a 35-19 season in 2013. quickly became one of the top teams in the country, qualifying Five players have been drafted by Major League Baseball clubs for the postseason in just its third season as a varsity program, in the past three seasons, with three Penmen selected in the and the Penmen reached back-to-back Northeast-10 finals in 2013 draft. 2008 and 2009.
A MOMENTUM WORTH CELEBRATING The 2012-13 year was wildly successful for Penmen Athletics: on the whole, Penmen teams were 188-137-6, good for a .577 winning percentage, the fourth-highest in the Northeast-10. Six teams qualified for NCAA postseason play. Men’s and women’s soccer and men’s basketball all won their respective Northeast-10 Conference tournament titles, marking a school record for conference titles in a year. Both tennis teams also reached the NE-10 finals, and individually, six Penmen studentathletes were named All-Americans. Another four were named Capital One Academic All-Americans, while 20 SNHU athletes garnered All-Region honors. Two SNHU head coaches, Deb Robitaille in softball and Greg Coache in men’s and women’s tennis, were named NE-10 Coaches of the Year by their peers. 12
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NE-10 COACHES OF THE YEAR
The Southern New Hampshire tennis programs were reinstated in 2000-01 after a hiatus, and experienced modest success until head coach Greg Coache arrived in 2007. Coache, a longtime high school coach and teaching tennis pro in the state, took over the women’s program and in 2009, guided the Penmen to the first of their five straight NCAA appearances. SNHU has also captured four straight NE-10 regular season titles, three conference tournament crowns, and has had the league’s Player of the Year in each of the past five seasons. Coache took over the men’s program in the spring of 2010, and the following season, guided SNHU to a shot at the NE-10 regular season crown. The Penmen reached the NE-10 final in 2011 and again in 2013, and have qualified for NCAA play in each of the last three seasons. For his efforts, Coache was
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named Northeast-10 Coach of the Year for both the men and women in 2013, and has captured that honor a total of five times between the two programs. “I consider myself a blessed man to coach this amazing sport at SNHU! There is a wonderful formula here that aids in recruiting top tennis athletes, allowing us to compete against some of the nation’s top teams.” Likewise, Deb Robitaille has turned the Penmen softball program into a perennial conference tournament participant and one of the top teams in the region. After serving as an assistant coach, Robitaille took the reins prior to the 2006 season and guided SNHU to its only NCAA appearance to date. A three-time Northeast-10 Coach of the Year, she captured the award in 2006, 2007 and again this past season, as the Penmen won a school-record 29 victories, the NE-10 Northeast Division regular season title, and the right to host the league tournament. The Penmen have appeared in the postseason six times in Robitaille’s eight years. “What keeps me motivated as a coach? It’s really the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of the student-athletes. And watching the SNHU pride shine through – they are SNHU Softball players!”
A FUTURE WORTH WATCHING As impressive as the past and present have been for the Penmen, the future may be even brighter. With new programs and upgraded facilities on the horizon and a new Director of Athletics at the helm, the university is investing in its commitment to excel on the field as well as in the classroom. In April of 2013, Anthony Fallacaro was named the fifth Director of Athletics in SNHU’s 50year athletics history. Fallacaro, a veteran of more than 15 years as an athletic administrator, spent the past seven years in a similar capacity at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. While there, he oversaw a major expansion of Post’s athletic department, as the Eagles added eight new sports and renovated LaMoy Field, Post’s primary outdoor facility. A former baseball coach, Fallacaro took a struggling Division II program at Post and transformed it into a robust, broad-based department offering 17 sports that garnered regional prominence in several programs. He looks to build upon the strong tradition Director of Athletics Anthony Fallacaro came to SNHU in April 2013
of SNHU athletics forged over the last half-century and take the university’s athletic program to even greater heights. “This is a successful program that is rich in tradition. The folks that have been here and are here now have done a wonderful job of building a program that the alumni, the student-athletes, the community and the administration can be proud of,” said Fallacaro, who got his start in intercollegiate athletics as a baseball player and a coach at St. John’s. “I want to continue that tradition by having some initiatives in place that will allow us to grow in all of our sports.” In the coming years, Fallacaro plans to continue investing in the right coaches to build the programs. Men’s and women’s cross country, a pair of programs that have struggled to gain momentum since their introduction in the mid-1990s, began this year with high hopes and a new coach in Olympian Joanne Dow. Dow brings a bevy of experience to SNHU as she enters her first season guiding the cross country programs. A native of Manchester, Dow competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing in the sport of racewalking, and is a 10-time United States national champion in the event. She has also competed internationally in both the Goodwill Games and the Pan-Am Games, capturing bronze in both events. Dow, a University of New Hampshire alumna, was an assistant coach for cross country and track for the Wildcats from 2010-12 before taking a post as the cross country coach at Siena College in 2012. “I am very excited to be back home in New Hampshire and part of the SNHU family,” said Dow. “I look forward to working with the current student-athletes and building the Penmen cross country programs to take them to a new level in the Northeast-10 Conference and the East Region.” Last March, SNHU announced a major expansion of its sport offerings, the largest in more than a decade. This fall, women’s golf began play as the University’s 17th varsity sport. Next year, field hockey, a sport sponsored by NHC from 1977-81, will return to the university. And in 2015-16, women’s bowling and women’s outdoor track and field will make their debut. When all is said and done, Southern New Hampshire will sponsor 20 varsity sports, bringing the school in line with peer institutions in the Northeast-10. The university is also exploring tentative plans to build a second artificial turf facility with a track on campus, and 2013-2014
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it will conduct a facility feasibility study to determine the possibility of additional new athletic facilities on campus to compliment the new programs.
Six NCAA Tournament Teams
Fallacaro says this process is a natural part of the planned growth. “We have wonderful facilities here now, but any time you’re expanding the number of programs you offer, you have to be mindful of what you already have in place and how to best support those new endeavors.” With all the growth planned in the coming years, Fallacaro intends to ensure that every program under the Penmen banner is strategic in setting goals: “Folks have been winning championships here, and our next goal has to be to win a national championship.”
Women’s Soccer - First Round Men’s Basketball - First Round Men’s Tennis - First Round Women’s Tennis - First Round Baseball - Third in Regional, Regional Host
THE $50,000 CHALLENGE The legacy of sport at SNHU is based not only on achievements on the field, but also in the community and the classroom. Head men’s soccer coach Marc Hubbard describes the work ethic that infuses his program and the Department of Athletics in general: “we work on creating good habits on and off the field, and this eventually turns into the character of our team.” In this same spirit and in honor of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Mark Ouellette ’77 has established a $50,000 challenge to benefit student-athletes through the Penmen Fund. Ouellette, a former member of the men’s basketball team, a 2011 Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, and chairman of the Board of Trustees since 1997, will match all new and increased Penmen Fund gifts up to $50,000.
Mark Ouellette ’77
“I believe athletics, and in particular team sports, teach many important life lessons,” Ouellette says. “You learn how to work within a group toward a common goal and develop strong relationships that last a lifetime. You learn how to adjust, fail and get back up again. And, you learn and often demonstrate leadership, commitment and a strong work ethic. This gift is a way to give back and to raise awareness for those who have benefitted from the Penmen experience, to give back and to continue the great tradition of SNHU athletics.” Gifts to the Penmen Fund will enhance athletic facilities and help recruit, coach and educate our talented student-athletes. Learn more at alumni.snhu.edu/Penmen. ◆
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Men’s Soccer - E ast Region Champs, National Quarter finalist
Northeast-10 Tournament Champions Men’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Men’s Basketball
Northeast-10 Tournament Finalists Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis
Six All-Americans Jonathan Lupinelli ’16 - Men’s Soccer Junior Mendez ’14 - Baseball Andrew Pezzuto ’14 - Baseball Ruben Resendes ’13 - Men’s Soccer Kaleigh Roberge ’13 - Women’s Soccer Chris Tsonis ’13 - Men’s Soccer
Four Academic All-Americans Daniela Abruzzese ’13 - Women’s Soccer Jordan Branco ’13 - Men’s Soccer Austin Britt ’12, ’14 - Men’s Soccer Derrick Sylvester ’14 - Baseball
20 All-Region Selections 46 Northeast-10 All-Conference Selections Three Northeast-10 “Coach of the Year” Recipients Greg Coache - Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis Deb Robitaille - Softball
Overall Record: 188-137-6 (.577) Fourth-highest winning percentage in Northeast-10
& Healthy Communities
impact on ALUMNI
Building Strong Connections
by Audrey Bourque
Name: Christie Cole ’12 Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Communications Minor: Sport Management, Public Relations
Hometown: East Haven, CT Current Employer: New Haven Open at Yale, Tennis Industry Sales & Marketing Consultant
In just over a year since graduating, Christie Cole ’12 has helped to organize Fitweek New Haven; worked in marketing and promotions for AHL team The Connecticut Whale; volunteered as a tennis coach and mentor in South Africa; and secured a sales and communications job with the New Haven Open at Yale, organizing major events and media days to promote community involvement and physical fitness.
and a portable net, and just about an hour and a half with each set of kids. You learn to help them make every minute count.”
While this may seem like an ambitious year for some, it was all part of Cole’s strategic career planning, inspired by Professor Andrea Bard’s guidance. Cole quickly came to value a welldeveloped career plan, and even gave up her spot on the varsity tennis team in her senior year to devote more time to exploring career options. “I knew I needed to gain experience and build my résumé in order to land a good job that combines communications and the event management side of sports,” she says, explaining how she justified giving up competing in the sport she had played for more than a decade. After graduation, Cole took a creative approach to keeping tennis in her life, with the added bonus of feeding her love of travel and her ambition to help develop community involvement. She applied to a London-based program called Sporting Opportunities, which matches athletes with coaching and service opportunities throughout Africa, Asia and South America.
In her current position with the New Haven Open at Yale, Cole is fostering that same sense of community in some of her most ambitious event management projects yet, largescale community events that are designed to highlight the importance of mentoring and physical activity. In May of 2013, she oversaw the 12th annual First Niagara Free Lesson, which brought tennis pro Taylor Townsend to lead a clinic introducing more than 300 New Haven youth to the game of tennis, emphasizing the importance of fitness in their lives. Townsend also spoke to members of the New Haven public school system and various community leadership programs about mentorships and physical activity as positive influences in youth. Cole plans to continue building community engagement, both in her hometown and in the SNHU community. “I want stay to involved and help make current students’ experience as enriching as mine,” she explains. ◆
Cole describes her five-week engagement teaching tennis to underserved school children in South Africa as an eye-opening and humbling experience. She gained a newfound appreciation for her education while working in an area where teachers often send children home if they don’t feel like teaching. She said the kids’ excitement was palpable when the Sporting Opportunities van arrived: “I had a bag of rackets, a few balls 2013-2014
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Southern New Hampshire University
Experiences
Name: Linda McLaughlin ’89 Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Marketing Minor: Fashion Merchandising Hometown: Madison, NJ
Name: K. Brian McLaughlin ’88 Degree: Bachelor of Science, Economics & Finance Hometown: Nashua, NH
SNHU provided us with an extremely well-rounded education, not only through classes, but with our involvement in activities and clubs. We participated in the Programming Board, Special Events Committee, Student Activities, and Admission internships. The university encouraged community involvement. We are both past members of the alumni board.
achieve success and pay it forward, so others may have the same opportunity.
SNHU courses offer the benefit of lifelong learning. Many of our professors were actively involved in the workforce and brought their experiences to class.
We support the Caswell Scholarship because Scott was a friend and classmate of ours. The Caswell Fund was created by Scott’s roommates and has grown significantly over the years. We lost Scott our senior year, and his passing was a defining moment for our class in 1984. His enthusiasm for life served as an example for all of us. By contributing to the Caswell Fund, we are able to assist current students and ensure that Scott’s legacy lives on.
The school has come so far since we graduated and we want others to share the rewards of receiving a degree from SNHU. We think it is important to remember where you came from, and how you got to where you are today. Identify what helped you
We believe education is the fundamental tool for success. A state-of-the-art learning environment is key to achieving that goal. We reaped many benefits from SNHU and feel strongly about giving others the same wonderful experience. ◆
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Preparing for My Future Name: Samantha Whittier ’14 Degree: Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Business Hometown: Sutton, Mass. Current Employers: SNHU Telefund SNHU Office of Student Involvement Whittier Farms Inc., Sutton, Mass. Creedon and Co. Catering, Worcester, Mass.
My experience at SNHU is preparing me for my future because the education doesn’t end when class does. As a fifth-generation dairy farmer, I will continue to farm after earning my degree; my passion for bringing people together around food is really driving my education at SNHU. I want to open a restaurant in my community someday. My classroom education is preparing me to operate a restaurant and equipping me with the skills I’ll need to sustain the farm. My involvement with SNHU began when I was recruited to play for the Penmen Women’s Soccer team. I have since taken my passion for collegiate athletics one step further to serve as the public relations representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and I was selected to represent the student-athletes of the Northeast-10 Conference on the NCAA Division II National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Additionally, my work experience at SNHU has connected me to the Office of Institutional Advancement and the Office of Student Involvement. I also volunteer with the Office of Admission through the Admissions Leaders program. I advise students looking at the Hospitality Business major that, while they might convince themselves that the
career path is too narrow, it’s actually just the opposite. I have taken what I’ve learned in the Hospitality courses and applied it to all aspects of my life. I like to think that I’ve turned my experience at SNHU into a full circle because I have the opportunity to meet and connect with prospective students, help facilitate oncampus activities for current students, and foster relationships with SNHU alumni. It is the collaboration between all the different groups on campus that makes SNHU such a great place. For example, each year, the Office of Alumni Relations sponsors an event called Career Points for student-athletes through SAAC, so current student-athletes can meet alumni athletes in various industries. This crucial networking event demonstrates the power of teamwork on campus. My experiences across campus have allowed me to grow as an individual while working with groups large and small. Every Telefund call, every student involvement event, and every SAAC meeting is an opportunity to network, ask questions, and grow. I have really tried to diversify my involvement so my education is well-rounded, so I graduate as much more than just a soccer player with a Hospitality Business degree. ◆ 2013-2014
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Study Abroad:
More than a
Destination by Audrey Bourque
Stefano Parenti, director of SNHU Study Abroad, has poured his heart and soul into creating cultural immersion programs and service learning projects for SNHU students that are more than a destination or a party – these are the experiences of a lifetime, meant to foster a global perspective and respect for different ideas and cultures. “This school is known for innovative programs like College for America and the 3Year Honors Program in Business,” says Parenti. “With the new options for study abroad that we began to roll out in the fall of 2013, we will also become known for the global components to our educational menu.”
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Parenti has re-imagined the programs offered at SNHU so American students are not living in an enclave; rather, they are involved in service-oriented activities and immersed in the culture of their host country. SNHU students can currently choose from seven new opportunities at esteemed universities across Europe, including Ireland, Italy, Austria, Greece and France. In the coming year, students will also be able to explore service learning projects in Ecuador and Chile, as well as additional academic programs in the U.K., Spain, Belgium and Malaysia. Parenti is also in discussions with leaders of the Culinary, Marketing and International Business programs about integrating a semester abroad into the curricula for students in those majors.
impact on ALUMNI Parenti stresses that the beauty of these programs is in their financial sustainability – that is, they come with no additional loans or costs. “The price tag for a study abroad experience is certainly a factor for many of our students,” he says. “Our goal is to provide that global perspective, that hunger for different ideas, without any new loans or debt.” In response to Parenti’s commitment to developing opportunities that are both transformative and accessible, SNHU President Paul LeBlanc and his wife, Pat Findlen, created a scholarship fund to help students who might have otherwise assumed that study abroad was out of their reach.
The Findlen-LeBlanc Travel Scholarship Fund
Jaimie is really enjoying Florence and the rest of Italy; she loves the school and her classes. I am on my way to visit today. Name: Jim Konowitz, father of Jaimie Konowitz ’14 Major: Elementary Education Certification: General Special Education Study Abroad Program: Florence University of the Arts, Italy
LeBlanc and Findlen watched their own two daughters return from trips to Africa, Asia and India with a much deeper appreciation of cultures other than their own, thinking both more critically and appreciatively of aspects of American culture. “The reality is that we are sending our students into a globally connected world. There’s no version of the future in which Americans stand in isolation,” says LeBlanc. “Cultural immersion and service learning projects engender in people a sense of awe at just how complicated and rich and wonderful the world can be.” This belief in the power of travel led LeBlanc and Findlen to donate $100,000 for study abroad scholarships, a gift that was matched by the Board of Trustees. The Findlen-LeBlanc Travel Scholarship Fund will help grant access to study abroad experiences for students in financial need, opening the door for many more students to get involved in a world larger than their own. ◆
President Paul LeBlanc and his wife, Pat Findlen
I’m big into culture and not being just a tourist. Sure, it’s nice to see places I’ve only read about in books, but I’d rather meet locals and do my best to absorb the culture and blend in. This helps me see any place I go in a deeper way than if I stay in the tourist mindset. Name: Ariana Refsdal ’15 Major: Psychology Minor: Justice Studies Study Abroad Program: Webster University, Vienna, Austria
Visit alumni.snhu.edu/impact/studyabroad for more student stories. 2013-2014
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micro PROFILES Name: Jasmine Hutchins ’14 Major: Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood Development Minor: Early Education Current Employer: SNHU Telefund
I chose to attend SNHU based on the programs offered, the great financial aid package, and the size of the campus. And now, SNHU is helping me reach my career goals: I have found the university provides resources to help me network, develop my resume, and assist me with my actual job search. I’ve made great connections with professors and staff who have shared their own career experiences with me.
Name: Amy Van Arsdale ’06 Degree: Master’s in Business Administration Current Employer: Azimuth Systems, Inc., Accounting Manager
SNHU has provided countless individuals the ability to further their lives and pursue their dreams. Investments in educational opportunities, such as the various scholarship programs provided by SNHU, allow university alumni to “pay it forward” for others seeking to improve their lives through education.
Name: Carl W. Burdin II ’96 Degree: Master’s in Business Administration Current Employer: FSP Consulting, Inc., Managing Director
I always wanted to pursue a graduate education, and SNHU provided the exact type of program I was looking for. With my MBA, I was able to advance quickly up the corporate ladder in Fortune 500 companies, and I became equipped with the overall business skills I needed as an entrepreneur.
If I were able to offer a piece of advice to a new student, I would say to take advantage of the extra resources on campus. Anything you need, you can always find a faculty member who will assist you. Find a professor in your major and concentration, and develop a relationship early on. The staff makes you feel comfortable approaching them with any questions you have, and they’ll always refer you to someone who can help if they can’t. The whole campus is welcoming and provides students with a positive experience.
My husband and I believe strongly that education is fundamental to individual liberty and freedom, and donating to SNHU scholarships gives us the opportunity to help others.
Being a successful entrepreneur is a tough endeavor. Small business owners wear many hats. Without a well-rounded business education, it becomes very easy to overlook essential parts of your business simply because you don’t feel comfortable in those areas. Although I outsource some functions, I still need to manage them effectively to support the overall direction of my business. My MBA directly supports my day-to-day activities. As a professional in the field of technology, I understand the importance of innovative change. Classroom and online learning is no different. I support SNHU knowing all of this comes at an expense that doesn’t always get covered by tuition.
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micro PROFILES Name: Maylin Chin ’14 Major: MBA, Operations & Supply Chain Management Current Employer: Premier Builders Guild, Guitar Amplification Division, Administrative Assistant
I enrolled in the online MBA program as part of a pretty significant career change, and for me, feeling like part of a community is important, especially when you’re in an online setting where human interaction can be limited. An MBA program is about communication skills, networking, marketing yourself... and you need to engage in a live setting to get the most out of your coursework. In my foundational coursework, I took a statistics course where the professor set up weekly virtual meetings for people to connect in real time. I took advantage of that every week. Those sessions gave me the in-person experience I needed, and it really helped with some of the areas I was struggling in. I appreciate that SNHU offers career resources and networking opportunities to make the online student experience real and vibrant and valuable. I met President LeBlanc and some of the staff from the main campus in New Hampshire, at a networking reception in San Francisco. I was surprised to see how many alumni and students are in the Bay area. It was nice to connect with people who have had similar educational experiences to mine. I even met another student who lives just 30 minutes from me, and we check in with each other periodically, to make sure we’re both doing well with our courses and getting the most out of our degree and experience. To learn more about Maylin’s experience as an online student, please visit alumni.snhu.edu/impact/meetmaylin.
A student will be calling soon!
Answer the Call and Make Your Annual Gift Today. Talking to a student caller – like Shanice Drysdale ’16 or Ashley Florence ’17 – is a great way for you to reconnect, hear updates about the university, ask questions and offer your support to SNHU. Annual gifts have a direct impact on our students and programs.
Make a Difference. Give today. alumni.snhu.edu/telefund 2012-2013 Impact 21 2013-2014 Impact 21
impact on UNIVERSITY
Redefining
Success in Education by Audrey Bourque
College for America (CfA) delivers an innovative solution to the most pressing problems of cost, access and quality in higher education in the United States and around the world. CfA seeks to create a talent pipeline that addresses retention, succession and economic prosperity in the business world. It is the first program to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education, and has been recognized by President Obama as a way to prepare students for a 21st century economy without breaking the bank. The Challenge The U.S. ranks 16th among developed nations in percentage of sub-baccalaureate degree holders. By 2018, the U.S. will require an additional three million workers with college degrees, and 63 percent of all jobs will require some college. Access to traditional higher education and its guarantee of mastery of relevant skills is at an all-time low. Without radical change, the U.S. will see its competitive strength continue to wane.
The College for America Solution By building competencies rather than credits and reducing the cost burden, College for America breaks down the barriers 22
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to college-level education for millions and is poised to help put America back in its position of global leadership. At just $2,500 per year, the CfA program offers a powerful way to develop the workforce and a low-cost benefit to retain employees who are seeking their Associate’s degree. Students enter an online, self-paced, self-directed model guided by their own personal coach, and set out to master 120 competencies – the most relevant and desperately needed skills in a competitive environment. As the first and only “disruptive education” model approved by the federal Department of Education to receive Title IV financial aid, CfA tackles the dual challenges of accountability
impact on ALUMNI and accessibility for nearly 40 million Americans who have yet to complete their degrees, as well as the countless adults who thought college was simply beyond their reach.
Accessibility In the current job market, businesses have the luxury of sifting through an enormous number of applicants, and yet employers still struggle to find workers with the skills they need. The CfA program is based on the idea that higher education should be directly connected to employer needs, while simultaneously providing an employee with a foundation of career skills that are portable within a company and across occupations and industries.
Accountability A college degree no longer guarantees sound basic skills in oral and written communication, quantitative literacy, and collaboration. Meanwhile, key employees within an organization seek advancement, yet without a degree – which often is too difficult to complete in traditional settings – many are held back. CfA addresses the quality of education by building the program around assessment, ensuring that students demonstrate mastery of the 120 competencies.
The Competencies Studies focus on nine competency clusters reflecting the priorities employers seek: communication skills; critical and creative thinking; digital fluency and information literacy; quantitative skills; personal effectiveness; ethics and social responsibility; teamwork and collaboration; business essentials; and science, society and culture. A student has mastered a particular competency once he or she can complete a “Can Do” statement that represents observable, measurable behavior, such as: ‘Can negotiate with others to resolve conflicts and settle disputes” or “Can convey information by creating charts and graphs.” SNHU President Paul LeBlanc says that “while every college is not right for everyone, almost everyone is right for college.” The College for America learning model is setting out to prove that everyone, regardless of past educational experience, can learn and excel at the skills necessary to advance their career. ◆
CfA PROFILES Name: Marc P. Guertin Hometown: Manchester, NH Current Employer: Southern New Hampshire University, Assistant Director of Facilities Previous Education: High School Diploma How Does CfA Differ From Your Past Education? I enjoy being able to work at my own pace, set my own goals and resubmit if I missed something in the task. I like having fellow CfA students in the office who are also in the program with me. We work on the team tasks together, and if we get hung up on a task, we are able to ask each other for help. How are your studies helping you to further your career goals? Having the knowledge behind me and resources for things like writing a business letter or memo, using Excel for more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Once I complete the Associate’s program, I would like to continue onto whatever the next step might be at that time – maybe continuing on to a Bachelor’s degree on campus or online. Name: Zachary Sherman Hometown: Dayton, OH Current Employer: ConAgra Foods, Inc., Sanitation Associate Previous Education: High School Diploma How did CfA differ from your past education? I did attend college for a year, but I was driven away because of my work schedule. This program is like nothing I've ever done before. It gave me freedom to complete the material how I wanted and when I wanted. This is a great approach and I think lots of students were drawn to the program because of this. How did your studies help you to further your career goals? Completing the program (not to mention the time frame I did it in) is very impressive to many people. I have received several interviews at my job, and they are all wowed by my accomplishment. I know this program was a stepping stone for me to move forward and advance; it's just a matter of time. 2013-2014
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“ I’m humbled and honored to have been awarded this Fulbright; I’m looking forward to the research and the experience, and I’m also excited to help expose SNHU students to the importance of international research.”
PROFESSOR Ravi Pandit
by Audrey Bourque
Name: Dr. Ravindra Pandit, C.H.E. Department: Hospitality Business Years at SNHU: 15
Courses Taught: Strategy Management, Financial Analysis, Advanced Hotel Operations
Dr. Ravi Pandit, popular professor and chair of the Hospitality Business program at SNHU, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to work in Finland during the fall 2013 semester.
Upon his return to SNHU, Pandit plans to continue developing opportunities for his students to work and study abroad. He is helping to develop an exchange program to Italy, where culinary and hospitality students can immerse themselves in a well-established and highly successful environment.
Dr. Pandit will be teaching undergraduate courses in tourism and hospitality at HAAGA-HELIA University in Helsinki, in addition to conducting collaborative research with the faculty on what drives the successful tourism industry in Finland. He will be studying ways to interface education with tourism, looking for marketing models that may be replicable in the United States.
2013 Faculty Emeriti 24
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This is Dr. Pandit’s second Fulbright Scholar grant; his first brought him to the Maldives in 2006, where he focused on boosting tourism by helping to create a four-year hospitality program to improve leadership in the island’s hospitality industry. ◆
Prof. Christopher Toy, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Dr. James Freiburger, Professor Emeritus of Organizational Leadership Prof. Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger, Professor Emeritus of Ethics and Engagement Dr. Paul Schneiderman, Professor Emeritus of Finance
impact on ALUMNI
Tribute to a Leader
Marty Bradley
1958-2012
by Jerri Clayton ’10, ’12
Marty Bradley and Joe LaRocque ’89, ’91
If you ask anyone who knew Marty Bradley to describe him, you will likely hear the word “leader” among his many attributes. While Bradley had a long and active career serving more than 30 years at SNHU, his tenure is highlighted by his leadership role in the development and growth of the 3Year Honors Program in Business, where he became the program’s first director. Bradley was the lead author of the book Saving Higher Education: the Integrated, Competency-Based Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program, published in 2011. Steven Painchaud, a co-author, colleague and friend of Bradley, praises his efforts. “He wanted to start a national discussion about competency-based three-year education, and I believe he succeeded. I wish he were still with us to participate in the conversations and realize how forward-thinking he was. He was truly a visionary when he led the effort in 1996 to develop our integrated, competency-based, three-year business administration degree program – a program that was teamand technology-intensive and included general education requirements as an integral part of the curriculum. “The key was breaking away from the ‘seat-time trap,’ which led us to discover ways for students to earn academic credit without class contact hours being the driver of what was possible. The design stressed student learning communities and faculty as facilitators of the learning process. No one else was thinking in this way in ’96.” Joe LaRocque ’89, ’91 served on the Student Government Association his senior year when Bradley was the advisor.
“I had the privilege of working with – never for – Marty as a graduate assistant in the Student Activities Office. I became friends with Marty, and considered him to be a mentor ever since. I feel like I owe a lot of my success to Marty’s influence on me.” Ashley Liadis ’02, ’05 knew Bradley as a professor, mentor, supervisor, colleague and friend. She shared these remarks at Bradley’s celebration of life held on campus. “Before Marty passed, I received a signed copy of his latest book with a note in the cover, thanking me for carrying the 3Year torch. With more than 250 3Year alumni and 106 students now in the program, it is safe to say that there are many of us to keep the torch burning over the years to come.” As a further tribute to Bradley, the 3Year Business Honors Scholarship has officially been renamed the Dr. Marty J. Bradley Three Year Business Honors Scholarship. Once endowed, this fund will provide financial aid with priority given to those students who are making significant contributions to the 3Year Honors Program and who demonstrate financial need. ◆
To help the Dr. Marty J. Bradley Three Year Business Honors Scholarship reach the $50,000 needed to begin awarding scholarships, please go to alumni.snhu.edu/BradleyScholarship or email giving@snhu.edu. 2013-2014
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Engaging Alumni 1. President Paul LeBlanc (left) and alumnus Rob Freese ’89 (second from right) at the ribbon cutting for the renovated Robert A. Freese Student Center, October 2012. 2. Winners of the 2012 Alumni Golf Tour nament Matt Gerardi, Rob Gerardi ’74, Tim Gerardi ’04, and James Harrison ’03.
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3. Members of the Class of 1992 celebrate their 20th Reunion at Homecoming 2012. 4. Alumni helped to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research and to cheer on the women’s basketball team – at Penmen Pink Day, February 2013.
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5. T he 2012 President’s Gala brought together faithful donors and friends of the university, including Wayne Robinson ’81 (center) and retired Professor Emeritus Dr. Ernie Holm (right) 6. B ob ’78 and Trish DeColfmacker react to receiving caps at the opening ceremony of the DeColfmacker Veterans Lounge and Resource Center, located in the Robert A. Freese Student Center, November 2012.
7. Mike Warenda ’02 and Tim Thyne ’13 volunteered with the Capital Region Food Program in Concord, NH, in November 2012. 8. The newest inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame (from left): Mike Hutnick ’06 (lacrosse), John Baiano ’06 (basketball), Nikki Cote DiOrio ’06 (soccer and softball), and Miguel Gonzalez ’06 (basketball).
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Property Update: New Developments by Jerri Clayton ’10, ’12
• Physical
changes in 2013 continue to transform the campus. The Campbell House was taken down as groundbreaking for the Learning Commons, a 50,000 square foot building located at the center of campus that will provide a beautiful, state-ofthe-art facility for students to conduct their academic work. The Learning Commons is designed to serve a growing student population and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014. The new building will be the center of learning that meets the needs of today’s students and their collaborative, social learning style, while conveniently providing more services in one location.
• Parking
issues are being addressed with 436 new spaces available in the lot being built behind East Side Drive, and another 150-space lot behind Webster Hall.
• The
plans for the CB Sullivan buildings and land purchased in 2012 include a new arts complex, and possibly a daycare and additional athletic space. A connector road from West Alice Drive to East Side Drive is in the planning phases. This will not be open to outside traffic. A widening of the campus entrance will create more of a sense of arrival into the community.
• Tuckerman
Hall joins Hampton and Windsor Halls in what has been dubbed the Conference Village. These three buildings will be used as summer rentals for conferences and other events. Tuckerman opened as a freshman residence hall in the fall of 2013. Views from the upper floors of Tuckerman span the baseball fields and Merrimack River. Each unit has individually controlled air conditioning. At 80,544 square feet, it houses 308 students and contains its own fitness center. The structure of the building allows flexibility in the wings to offer individualized housing.
• The
George Larkin Field was updated with new turf this past summer, bringing the field up to standard to host NCAA tournaments.
• Also
new in the athletics area: The Co Gen system behind the Athletics building is a gas-fired electrical generator that will offset the electrical load, as the Athletics building generates the highest electrical and gas load on campus.
• While
these larger projects take place, smaller ones are happening all over campus. The Accounting Department and IT Help Desk have been revitalized, and SNHU’s first physical science lab opened in Robert Frost Hall. Vendor transition and renovations are complete, with Barnes & Noble running the on-campus bookstore now open in the Robert A. Freese Student Center.
• While changes are happening on the main campus, there is also much activity going on in the Mill Yard. An additional 12,000
square feet is being transformed on the third floor of the SNHU building, opening up space for 120 more employees. The Mill Yard will then be at 90,000 square feet. Two hundred parking spaces were added two blocks from the Mill Yard space, with shuttles provided throughout the day. ◆
28
Impact
2013-2014
impact on ALUMNI
Why I Give ... “My parents taught me to always take care of people who need help. And back when SNHU was New Hampshire College on Hanover Street, I was studying under the G.I. Bill. My mother met Mrs. Shapiro, president of NHC at that time, and we both never forgot how we were treated like members of the family. When I graduated, I knew I had to start giving back. It was small at first, but as I grew more comfortable in life, I was able to afford more. Now, my youngest daughter and her husband are both studying at SNHU, and I’m proud to see them pursuing their education at my alma mater. For me, supporting SNHU is a no brainer; someone helped me, and now I can help students pursuing their education and bettering their lives.” - Ed Hannigan ’75
President’s Circle Mission To honor and recognize those alumni, parents, and friends who have demonstrated exceptional interest and tangible support for Southern New Hampshire University and a desire to become more closely associated with its mission.
Privileges of Membership • Recognition: President’s Circle members are individually acknowledged as leading supporters of the university in the Honor Roll of Donors and in mailings during the year. • Invitations: President’s Circle members receive exclusive invitations to special events throughout the year. • Involvement: President’s Circle members receive a special newsletter that includes fundraising accomplishments and articles designed to foster a better understanding of today’s Southern New Hampshire University experience.
We invite you to grow with the President’s Circle Your annual gift of $1,000 or more brings you into a community of like-minded donors. Note: Graduates of the last decade are invited to join the President’s Circle with a donation of $500.
President’s Circle “When I first arrived at SNHU, I was unsure of what direction life would take me. All of my professors and the staff – from residence life to the tutoring center, career services to financial aid – played such an important role in my life and helped shape who I am today. Thinking back to those days and where I am today, I’m thankful for all of the wonderful people I met and still keep in touch with today, and all they helped me accomplish. I hope that what I am able to give helps the university continue impacting gener ations of students to come.” - Alex Bickford ’01, ’03, ’05
L eadership Levels Quill Society $50,000 and above
Richard Gustafson Associates $10,000 to $49,999
John Miles Patrons $5,000 to $9,999
William Green Partners $2,500 to $4,999
S hapiro Society $1,000 to $2,499
Celebrating Our Donors Thank you for your dedication and support! Visit alumni.snhu.edu/thankyou to learn more.
Feature Story
Letter from the President
Future
Strategic Investments FOR THE
I hope you enjoy this issue of Impact. You will find it full of stories that highlight how the university and members of our community are making strategic investments in the future. You’ll learn about the ways we are better preparing our students for what is still a tough job market. As you’ll see, our expanding career resources team is partnering with the business community and alumni population to guide students in executing strategic career plans. Also, you’ll read about our new minor in Professional Sales, the culmination of efforts from a passionate professor and an experienced alumnus to equip students of all majors with a versatile, valuable skill set that sets them apart from the competition. Our students will compete in a global economy, so you will appreciate the transformative power of travel in the new study abroad and service learning programs, which are designed to foster a global perspective in our increasingly interconnected world. In this issue, we also celebrate 50 years of varsity athletics at this institution, and you will meet our new Director of Athletics, who shares his vision for the future of sport at SNHU, including four new programs to be rolled out in the next two years. All part of an exciting next phase for SNHU Athletics to include new teams and facilities. Finally, you’ll meet some of the students from College for America, our new competencybased program, which is offering a degree at extremely low prices and to the least served of adult students. SNHU made higher education history when this program became the first of its kind to be approved by the Department of Education in April of 2013. These stories and the many more on these pages reveal how we are making strategic investments in education, whether by way of a residential “coming of age” experience that includes exposure to full-time faculty, opportunities for growth and leadership through extracurricular activities such as student organizations and service learning, and our expansion of career services; or by way of innovative programs designed to bring education to adult learners who have struggled with formal education models in the past. SNHU continues to expand opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, believing as we always have that education has the power to transform lives. I’m proud to be part of the generous donors, engaged alumni population, ambitious students and talented faculty and staff that make up this community.
30 Impact 2013-2014
Annual Report
Money Matters Statements of Financial Position | Fiscal years ending on June 30, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Assets Cash Cash equivalents Short-term investments, at fair value Student accounts and other receivable, net Other assets, net Contributions receivable, net Student loans receivable, net Deposits with trustees Long-term investments, at fair value Property and equipment, net
2013 $686,734 $29,416,343 $7,579,855 $2,286,336 $4,201,383 $321,062 $5,533,552 $45,697,965 $57,527,159 $111,245,699
2012 $2,523,621 $18,054,505 $7,402,378 $2,368,137 $3,001,582 $410,128 $5,575,904 $60,866,907 $50,740,787 $82,249,980
2011 $245,422 $21,729,295 $5,450,226 $3,656,104 $3,142,032 $41,932 $5,424,148 $5,787,795 $47,703,147 $75,933,860
2010 $609,835 $20,921,833 $5,130,059 $3,695,636 $2,778,854 $176,841 $3,785,064 $9,175,538 $28,506,852 $71,041,639
$264,496,088
$233,193,929
$169,113,961
$145,822,151
Total assets
Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $19,669,136 $13,432,770 $12,092,960 $12,501,767 Student deposits and advance payments $14,048,957 $16,856,999 $21,804,918 $12,758,852 Interest rate swap $385,197 $942,035 $1,238,463 $1,142,867 Bonds payable $119,941,031 $121,539,747 $63,569,192 $66,611,597 Refundable advances – U.S. Gov’t grants $3,228,749 $3,085,592 $3,086,771 $3,141,449
Total liabilities
$157,273,070
$155,857,143
$101,792,304
$96,156,532
Net assets Unrestricted 89,936,632 60,576,490 50,862,683 35,671,283 Temporarily restricted 5,268,385 5,075,745 5,334,879 4,114,362 Permanently restricted 12,018,001 11,684,551 11,124,095 9,879,974
Total net assets
107,223,018
77,336,786
67,321,657
49,665,619
Total liabilities and net assets
$264,496,088
$233,193,929
$169,113,961
$145,822,151
Financial Position (in millions)
$280 $260
264.5
$240
233.2
$220 $200 $180 $160
169.1 157.3
$140 $120 $100 $80 $0
155.9
145.8
107.2
101.8 77.3
2013
2012
96.1 67.3
2011
49.7
2010
2013-2014
Impact
31
Annual Report
How It All Adds Up Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Assets | Fiscal Years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010. Operating Revenues Tuition and fees Residence and dining Less institutional student aid
2013 2012 2011 2010
Tuition and fees, net
Other auxiliary enterprises Contributions Grants and contracts Investment income and gains Other interest income Other income Total operating revenues Endowment appropriations
Total operating revenues and other support
Expenses Instruction Academic support Student services General institutional Auxiliary enterprises
Total operating expenses Increase in net assets from operations
Nonoperating Contributions for long-term investment Investment income and gains Investment return, less amount appropriated for operations Net realized loss on sale of assets Net unrealized gain on interest rate swaps Loss on extinguishment of debt Increase (decrease) from nonoperating revenue Board designated net assets Increase (decrease) in net assets
32
Impact
2013-2014
$212,762,050 $12,700,677 ($32,136,285)
$149,461,808 $12,659,752 ($30,590,540)
$117,863,504 $11,661,763 ($26,092,188)
$98,674,871 $10,264,500 ($20,207,359)
$193,326,442
$131,531,020
$103,433,079
$88,732,012
$1,753,868 $780,016 $2,003,045 $1,582,689 $771,856 $1,740,735 $201,958,651 $576,550
$1,526,722 $1,720,322 $928,139 $579,708 $473,758 $1,886,865 $138,646,534 $587,052
$1,438,734 $795,961 $1,374,295 $1,178,521 $438,637 $1,656,660 $110,315,887 $587,052
$1,359,314 $833,413 $1,748,218 $581,892 $379,298 $849,996 $94,484,143 $587,052
$202,535,201
$139,233,586
$110,902,939
$95,071,195
$46,503,136 $22,919,994 $55,293,620 $36,993,723 $13,571,450
$40,136,200 $15,421,545 $23,783,590 $36,491,353 $10,028,956
$37,808,383 $6,920,793 $16,237,087 $27,001,309 $10,361,210
$36,441,155 $6,907,939 $14,556,771 $21,697,352 $10,358,445
$175,281,923 $27,253,278
$125,861,644 $13,371,942
$98,328,782 $12,574,157
$89,961,662 $5,109,533
$333,450 $600,961
$552,622 $323,665
$1,234,421 -
$1,273,778 $49,900
$1,244,764 ($103,059) $556,838 -
($3,439,572) - $296,428 ($1,089,956)
$4,993,553 ($135,719) ($95,596) ($49,266)
$637,216 ($231,472) ($1,061,420) -
$2,632,954 - $29,886,232
($3,356,813) - $10,015,129
$5,947,393 ($865,512) $17,656,038
$668,002 ($1,134,488) $4,643,047
Annual Report
2011
2012
26.5 %
1,4,45500
2011
2010
tioonnaall sttiittuuti all iinns ,72233 neerra ,999933,7 GGeen $$3366,
77.7.7%%
$0
2012
2013 and Expenses Net Tuition Fees (in millions)
2013
2011 2012 $175,281,923
21.1%
$30 2013
26.5 %
2010
7.7%
Auxiliary ent e $13,571,45 rprises 0 Auxiliary ent e $13,571,45 rprises 0
7.7% 2013 Expenses 7.7% $175,281,923
26.5 %
.5%
88.7
$30AAuuxxililaiarryyeen ntte $60 $$1133,5,5771 errpprrisiseess $0
ion uct 3,136 0
I $46 nstr 26 ,5
2013 Expenses $175,281,923
2013 Expenses $175,281,923 % 13.1
% 13.1
ort supp c i dem 9,994 Aca $22,91
2010
ional titut l ins 23 era 993,7 Gen $36,
7.7%
I $46 nstr ,5
I $46 nstr ,5
es
$90 $120
ion uct 3,136 0
pport c su 94 i m de 9,9 pApcoart $22,91 u s ic dem 9,994 Aca $22,91
ts a $2,0 nd co 03, ntr 04 act 5
es
To t a l a uxili a $1,7 ry en To t a l 5a3 , 8 6 t e r p u i8 ris x i l a $1,7 ry en 5 3 , 868 terpr is 131.5
103.4 131.5Auxiliary ente $13,571,45 rprises88.7 0 103.4
and tion 6 Tu i 1 9 3 , 3 2 $
n $0 uctio$60 136 03, 2013 $90
I $46 nstr ,5
fees and tion 6,442 Tu i 3 , 3 2 $19 fees and tion 6,442 Tu i 1 9 3 , 3 2 $
is
$30
88.7
$120 $150
$2,783,061 21
g
EEnnddooww m e m e nn t t
$60
42.3
Increase Increaseininrevenues revenuesfrom fromnet net tuition and tuition103.4 andfees fees2012 2012toto2013 2013
193.3
$150 $180
42.3
Increase in revenues from net tuition and fees 2012 to 2013
% 13.1
To t a l a u x iliar y $ 1 , 7 53, enter 868 pr
$180$210
Increase Increaseinintotal totaloperating operating revenues revenues2012 2012toto2013 2013
131.5
n
ional titut l ins 23 era 993,7 Gen $n3a6l , io titut l ins 23 era 993,7 Gen $36, .1%
193.3
Auxiliary ent Constituent Giving and 2012-2013 e $13,571,45 rprises Government 0 Contributions Total:
io 95.5Increase % in2012totaltooperating uct 3,136 revenues 2013 0
9 5.5 %
Increase in revenues from net tuition and fees 2012 to 2013
Government Grants and Contracts $2,101,724
39.3 45.7
Increase in total operating expenses 2012 to 2013
Increase in revenues from net tuition and fees 2012 to 2013
ional titut l ins 23 era 993,7 Gen $36,
$90
2013 Revenues $202,535,201 95.52013 % Revenues $202,535,201
42.3
$2,101,724
21.1%
$120
$210
Endow me $576 nt Spe ,550 nd in
c ommee e r iinnc o5 Otthhe r
$150
.4%
fees and tion 6,442 Tu i 1 9 3 , 3 2 $
tions ni ot rni bs u 1 6 o C t r i b u 7 8 0 , 0s C o n t 0 , 0$1 6 e $78
.3% .4% .8%
21.1%
$180
193.3
Increase Increaseinintotal totaloperating operating expenses expenses2012 2012toto2013 2013
.4%
ervices ent s Stud 5,293,620 $5
.3% .4% .8%
42.3 45.7 39.3 39.3 45.7 42.3
ervices ent s Stud 93,620
Gran
$202,535,201
Increase in total operating revenues 2012 to 2013
$681,337 Increase in revenues from net Increase in total operating Increase total tuition and infees 2012operating to 2013 expenses 2012 to 2013 revenues 2012 to 2013 Increase in total operating Increase in total operating expenses 2012 to 2013 revenues 2012 to 2013
E ow n d come me er in 5 $5 nt Sp Oth 3 7 7 , 6 0 , 5 50 endin E ow n d 1c, o7 4m e me g eErn i$n $57 nt Sp O t h d o 3w5m 6 , 5 40,7 ent 50 endin $1,7 $576,55 Spend g 0 ing
s ribution Cont 0,016 $ 7G8 rant Gran $ s and c ts a 2,0 0 on $2, 0 nd co 3,04 trac 03, ntr 5 t 04 act 5
1.0% .9% % .9 2013 Revenues
39.3 45.7 come er in Oth 0,735 4 $1,7
$210
Inte r $ 7 7 e Isnt i n 1 , 8 t e cr o 5 $67 7 ems te i n 1,8 co 56 me
.9%
s
39.3 45.7
Increase in total operating expenses 2012 to 2013
come er in Oth 0,735 4 $1,7
income t m e n t .4% s e v I n .3% .4%2 , 6 8 9 $ 1 , 5 8s t m.8%e n t i n c o m e e v I n 1 , 51.08%2 , 6 8 9 $ .9%
s
Inte r $77 est in 1,8 co 56 me
1.0% .9%
55,2 3$1.5%
.9%
Inte r $77 est in 1,8 co 56 me
31.5%
s
Alumni $419,927 Corporations and Organizations $128,219 Faculty, Staff, Parents and Friends $110,842 Foundations $22,350
er1v.i5c%es ent s 3 Stud 5,293,620 $5
income tment s e v In 1,582,689 $
2013-2014
Impact
33
.1 2211.1
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, NH PERMIT NO. 6025
Office of Institutional Advancement 2500 North River Road Manchester, NH 03106-1045 Address Service Requested
Give
the Opportunity
If we reflect on how we got to where we are today, we can be sure that opportunities have been a part of that success. Whether it was the advice we received from an instructor, the mentoring we benefited from as a student or the education provided through scholarship assistance, we were provided with opportunities through the support and means of others. I believe it is important to offer others the chance to give back. We need to strengthen the opportunities available for future generations, as they will be leading us someday. Give back through mentorship, engagement with our students, financial assistance… give an opportunity. As SNHU faculty, staff, students and alumni, we collectively benefit from each individual opportunity provided to our students. If we can provide our graduates the opportunity to give – our future is most certainly bright. Ashley Liadis ’02, ’05 ‑ Founding Society Member For more information, visit http://snhu.giftplans.org.