Salem State University Alumni Weekend 2024

Presented by the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation

WELCOME

Salem State University President John D. Keenan

As president of Salem State University, let me be the first to welcome you to Alumni Weekend 2024! As we celebrate this special time together, please be sure to experience as much as possible in your return to campus. Meet up with old friends and if you see me, please make it a point to say hello.

It has been an exciting year at Salem State, especially after the launch of our Meet the Moment™ campaign. We are thriving and have raised $42 million toward our $75 million goal. The campaign is focused on student success, and this is our moment to celebrate the dedicated alumni and friends who are helping the university and its students meet the moment.

Always remember, your relationship with Salem State did not end when you graduated. You will forever have the title and privilege of being a graduate of this remarkable institution. I look forward to meeting so many of you and hearing more about your experience.

Go Vikings!

Share your photos on social media using #SSUMoment on Facebook, X and Instagram!

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Coffee with University Leadership

9–10 am // Starbucks, Charlotte Forten Hall // Harrington Campus Mix and mingle with various members of university leadership over coffee and light pastries in our newest residential living space.

State of the University

10–11 am // Forten 123, Charlotte Forten Hall // Harrington Campus

Hear directly from university leadership about the state of campus and higher education, and ask any questions you may have!

Self-Guided Walking Tours

11 am // Throughout campus

If it’s been a while since you’ve been back to campus, there’s no doubt that things look a little different. Take part in a self-guided walking tour and explore at your own pace. All campus buildings will be open for your tour.

The Paul Rabchenuk Collection

11 am // Martin Luther King Jr. Room, Ellison Campus Center // North Campus

Please join us for a special display celebrating the history of the Ukrainian community of greater Boston through a special display provided by Salem State University adjunct professor and Northeast Regional Educator Hall of Fame inductee, Paul Thomas Rabchenuk JD. Pieces on display are from Professor Rabchenuk’s personal collection as well as from the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America’s Boston Chapter. Light refreshments will be served.

Class of 1964–60th Reunion

4–6 pm // Essex Room, Hawthorne Hotel

A special class of 1964 celebration as you commemorate 60 years since graduating from Salem State. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and great fun are all included.

Reunion Society Reception

6–8 pm // Grand Ballroom, Hawthorne Hotel //

18 Washington Square West, Salem, Mass.

An exclusive reception for those who graduated 50 or more years ago from Salem State. This year, we induct the class of 1974. Hors d’oeuvres and bar service included.

Class of 1974–50th Reunion

8–10 pm // Sophia’s, Hawthorne Hotel //

18 Washington Square West, Salem, Mass. // $25 per person

The party continues as the Class of 1974 turns 50! Join us for the private celebration of your milestone reunion and stay right in the Hawthorne as you reconnect and reminisce with classmates and friends from long ago.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Breakfast on Campus

8–10 am // $10 per person

Stop by our newest on-campus dining experience, Marsh Hall Dining Commons, to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet.

President’s Lunch

12 pm // Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center

A new twist on an old tradition, President’s Lunch takes the place of our annual Champagne and Jazz Brunch. Join Salem State President John Keenan as we celebrate all of our Alumni Weekend milestones: reunions, alumni award recipients, class gifts, our incredible volunteers, and more!

Explore Salem

2 pm // Downtown Salem

Take some time on your own and rediscover our amazing city by the sea! Salem has such rich maritime and culinary histories, in addition to all the fun spookiness. Enjoy visiting alumni-owned businesses like Harbor Sweets, Goodnight Fatty, Jaho Coffee & Tea, and many others. Stop by Destination Salem to learn more!

Celebrating the Retirement of Nate Bryant PhD ’87, ’93G 4:30 pm // North Campus

After more than 30 years of service, our very own Nate Bryant PhD, is calling it a career. Please join a farewell celebration for this Salem State titan as he heads off into retirement.

* All events are complimentary unless otherwise noted. Kindly RSVP at https://bryant.eventbrite.com. Registration fees are non-refundable.

In recognition of Nate’s remarkable career we encourage you to make a gift to the Student Emergency Fund., participate.salemstate.edu/bryant.

Part y on McKeown Plaza

Celebrating its ninth year, join Viking friends and families for the biggest party of the year. Enjoy food trucks, beer, wine, entertainment, and so much more! This event is likely to sell out, so don’t delay, get your tickets today!

6-9 pm // McKeown Plaza // North Campus // 352 Lafayette Street

$30 until May 10 // $40 from May 10–June 7 // $50 day of event

Food and beverage trucks:

Bit-Bar After Party

9:30 pm–12 am // Bit Bar Arcade // 278 Derby Street, Salem, Mass.

$15 pp

The party doesn’t end at 9 pm with POMP! Join us at Salem’s fun, new night-life location, Bit Bar! We’ll have food and beverage available, as well as tokens for tons of entertainment as you take a step back in time to play some arcade classics. 4

Accommodations

We are pleased to offer two different options for preferred housing partners this year.

The Hawthorne Hotel is once again offering Salem State alumni a discounted rate for Alumni Weekend. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay in this historic Salem landmark! Please call 978.744.4080 and reference code SSU0606 to receive the Salem State Alumni Weekend discount. A two night minimum is required for any stays involving a Saturday.

For those alumni and friends looking forward to reliving the old days and staying on campus, stay in one of our beautiful residence halls, for the low price of just $80/per person, per night!

For more information or to register, please call alumni relations at 978.542.7530 or alumni@salemstate.edu.

At 5:06 pm on Wednesday, May 1, Salem State will kick off 1,854 minutes of giving for our seventh annual Viking Warrior Day. Since the beginning, Salem State has been committed to making higher education a reality for students, and VWD24 continues this tradition.

On May 1 and 2, the Salem State community comes together with Viking spirit to help transform lives by building a better, stronger, more affordable Salem State. Learn more by visiting givingday.salemstate.edu. #VikingWarriorDay

Viking Warrior Day 2024 runs from 5:06 pm on Wednesday, May 1 through 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 2. The 1,854 minutes of giving is a nod to our founding year.