Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.
2024-2025 Philanthropic Impact Report
Dear Viking community,
As we reflect on fiscal year 2025, we are filled with immense gratitude—for your generosity, your partnership and your unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Thanks to your support, this year marked another meaningful step forward in our shared mission to remove barriers to education, expand access and create life-changing opportunities for students. We raised a total of $2,153,610 in FY25 in support of student financial assistance, ensuring that more students have the resources they need to stay on track and thrive. From Viking Completion Grants that help students cross the finish line, to the Student Emergency Fund providing vital
Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation Cheryl Webster, Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation Chair Annalisa C. Di Palma and President John D. Keenan
support for those facing unanticipated challenges, your contributions are doing more than supporting education; they are safeguarding futures. Since the launch of the Meet the Moment® campaign, 1,790 students have increasingly benefited from donor-supported financial assistance.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to the values, partnerships and opportunities that help guide our work and build on our students’ success. Through the dedication of our alumni network, 29 students from the Bertolon School of Business had the unique opportunity to participate in an experiential learning opportunity in New York City. They gained firsthand exposure to the finance industry and expanded their professional networks. This experience was supported by the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. (AAF), in collaboration with the Bertolon School of Business and proud Salem State graduate Pedro Palandrani ’18G. This experience included a visit to Global X ETF’s office, participation in the Nasdaq closing bell ceremony and an alumni and friends networking event, providing students with valuable industry exposure and career connections.
As the needs of our students evolve, so does our resolve to meet them. The challenges they face are real and the coming year brings new opportunities to expand our reach, deepen our impact and ensure every student has the chance to succeed.
Thank you for being a vital part of this mission. Your support makes all the difference. We look forward to continuing this important work with you.
With Viking pride,
John D. Keenan President, Salem State University
Annalisa C. Di Palma Chair, Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. Campaign Steering Committee
Mandy Ray
Vice President, Advancement Executive Director, Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.
In fiscal year 2025, the momentum of our Meet the Moment® comprehensive campaign continued to build. We added $5,144,778 in new support, bringing the campaign total to $59,490,322 raised, representing 79 percent of our ambitious $75 million goal. Our community of supporters also grew meaningfully, welcoming 784 new donors this year.
The foundation of our success lies in the strength of donor engagement. In FY25, we retained 44 percent, which is an impressive five-percentage-point increase over FY24. Long-term loyalty remained strong, with 77 percent of donors giving for three or more consecutive years.
Beyond numbers, this year’s fundraising achievements have translated into meaningful impact. One of our most exciting developments was the launch of a new program rooted in our experience with completion grants. Introduced last fall, this initiative secured a $1,000,000 grant over three years, aimed at supporting students approaching graduation. The third year of funding will be bolstered by a $200,000 matching gift, increasing our capacity to remove financial barriers for students nearing the finish line.
At every level, this year has exemplified the theme of persistence, expanding horizons and opening doors of opportunity. From increased donor engagement to launching the new academic initiatives and experiences you will read about in this publication, the progress we have made is both measurable and meaningful. We are grateful for every partner who has helped make this possible, and we are excited to continue building toward an even brighter future at Salem State.
(Membership through June 30, 2025)
A nnalisa C. Di Palma, chair
Louis J. George ’89, vice chair
Jeffrey V. Cicolini ’94, treasurer
Virginia C. Lyons ’16, secretary
John D. Keenan, president, Salem State University
Mandy Ray, vice president, advancement and executive director, Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc.
Erik J. Champy ’89, ’94G, PhD, legacy member
Jake J. Cotter ’12
Alicia Y. Depeña ’00
Nancy A. Dias ’09, ’13G
Anthony DiVirgilio ’19
Julianna W. Donovan ’20G
Kim D. Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H, at-large
Richard J. Gilmartin ’76
Craig E. Goryl
David C. Gravel ’78
Judith Josephs ’63, ’65G, legacy member
Josephine E. Kennedy ’72, ’76G, legacy member
James J. Lampassi, Jr. ’81, alumni trustee
Patricia M. Libby ’71
Andrea C. Liftman ’75G
Adam M. Lord ’08
Joanne Mendes ’79
Robert H. Millwee ’09
Lillian T. Pinard ’25, ’26G, student director
Katherine E. Reid, at-large
Stephen A. Rollins, Jr.
Kathleen L. Skrabut, board member emerita
C. David Surface ’88
Joseph M. Wamness ’00G, board member emeritus
Elaine A. Zetes ’88G
Yaqin Zhu ’12, ’13
The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., is proud to share that the endowment market value has exceeded $77 million. The fiduciary responsibility is carried out by members of the AAF board of directors’ investment committee, management and staff.
(as of June 30, 2025)
2022-2023 PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT REPORT
2022-2023 PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT REPORT
Fiscal Year 2025
(July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025)
Total Raised $ 5,144,778
Types of Gifts
$ 3,940,831 spendable gifts, both restricted and unrestricted $ 963,947 endowed gifts
$240,000 planned gifts pledged in a will, trust, charitable gift annuity, IRA, or other estate plan
Number of Donors
2,240 (784 gave for the first time)
1,065 Alumni
733 Friends
176 Employees (current and retired)
58 Corporations and foundations
79 Students
117 Parents
12 Donor advised funds
Richard “Dick” Anderson ’52, a proud member of the Class of 1952, made the impactful decision to support Salem State University with a bequest in 2013, establishing the Richard S. Anderson ’52 Scholarship Fund. The fund will support students with demonstrated financial need who are in good academic standing, with preference given to students from Bristol County majoring in secondary education. In 2024, that bequest was realized, ensuring Dick’s legacy at his alma mater in a meaningful way.
In April, we celebrated the fifth annual Viking Business Pitch Competition, giving students the opportunity to pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges from the local entrepreneurial community and win up to $5,000. The presenting sponsor, John McQuillan and Triumvirate Environmental, supported students from across campus to compete and gain valuable experience in entrepreneurship, public speaking and creativity.
After years of planning to unify and modernize Salem State University’s footprint through SSU BOLD, a groundbreaking took place in late April, made stronger by a commitment from alumna and Campaign Steering Committee Co-Chair Mary “Midge” DeSimone ’76 and her husband, Tom DeSimone. In FY25, $500,400 was raised toward SSU BOLD, and construction is taking place on North Campus (see page 23).
The community came together for 1,854 minutes of Viking spirit and pride during our eighth annual Viking Warrior Day, held from April 30 to May 1, 2025. This year marked our most successful giving day yet, with a record-breaking 876 donors–a remarkable 64 percent increase from last year’s 534 donors. The day raised a total of $367,215, demonstrating the growing power of collective generosity and Viking pride.
Dr. Michael Harrington ’81H, a longtime supporter of civic engagement and political education at the university, made a gift to the Center of Civic Engagement at the beginning of the fiscal year. He followed up in June with a pledge to the Honorable Michael J. Harrington ’81H Washington, D.C. Congressional Internship Fund, his endowed fund that provides students with the unique opportunity to intern in the Washington, D.C. offices of members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, as well as congressional committees and caucuses. His commitment to politics, policy and advocacy through internships ensures that our students will develop these skills far into the future.
$29,539,586 $13,416,498 $14,341,603 $2,192,635
7,755 Donors
9 Gifts Over
(If you have questions about planned giving, please email
Major: Business administration
Scholarships: Donald F. Ross Jr. Endowed Scholarship for International Students
“Thank you so much for supporting me and international students like me. I’m from the Himalayas in Northeast India. I came to the US for a great education to make a career and something out of myself. And I’m so glad you are part of my journey to my success.”
Major: Media communication
Scholarships: Eleanor Blazer Powlesland Scholarship
“I hope to become a media coordinator at a non-profit or photojournalist to help amplify community voices. The financial assistance provided has given me that much more strength and encouragement to complete my courses and fulfill my goals.”
Major: Nursing Scholarships: Viking Completion Grant
“I chose Salem State University because it felt like the perfect place for me to grow academically and professionally. The welcoming campus environment reminds me of home, which was a key factor in my college decision. This grant was not only a tremendous help financially, but it was also a source of inspiration and motivation as I work toward my dreams.”
Major: School counseling with a school adjustment counseling concentration
Scholarships: Walter A. Cuffe, Jr. and Sally A. Cuffe Class of 1962 Endowed Scholarship Fund
“If I could accomplish one thing in life, it would be to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of students and families through my work as a school counselor and social worker. I want to help young people navigate the challenges they face, providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.”
Major: Computer science with an intelligent systems concentration Scholarships: Mary Powlesland Commager Senior Arts and Sciences Scholarship
“Studying computer science has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am passionate about this field, and I feel that I have made a great decision with prospects of successful employment. The timing of this scholarship made me feel recognized for all of my hard work and gave me so much inspiration to finish the school year and receive my degree.”
Major: Business administration with a human resource management concentration Scholarships: Francis H. McGrath Fund
“I am committed to pursuing a career that will allow me to grow professionally and contribute to the well-being of others. This has always been a passion of mine since I was young, even when I was unsure of exactly what career I wanted to pursue.”
Major: Elementary education and dance major with a justicelicensure pathway concentration Scholarships: Susan Marvin Barker Scholarship Fund, The Walter Parker Scholarship Fund and Class of 1954-Centennial Class Endowed Scholarship Fund
“Through these scholarships, I have gained the ability to continue studying elementary education here at Salem State and slowly grow closer to my dreams of teaching a group of young minds. Thank you, donors, for allowing me the opportunity to continue doing what I love!”
Major: Nursing Scholarships: Martha Evans and Betty Groce Scholarship
“The greatest learning experience at Salem State University for me was being able to adapt and get involved quickly. The interactions between students and professors made me feel much more comfortable to be myself and learn easier.”
When Brian Kibler ’14 received the Dr. Terrence P. O’Donnell Scholarship in 2013 while pursuing a history degree, the vital support pushed them to achieve their bachelor’s degree and inspired a lasting commitment to act compassionately.
After graduation, Brian went on to serve two terms in AmeriCorps, focusing on civic engagement, before joining an environmental organization. There, they worked to understand the history and current realities of a frontline community, envisioning a greener and more equitable future. It was through these experiences that Brian discovered a passion for social impact.
Today, Brian works in private philanthropy, researching and writing about the history of social challenges and policy approaches and their implications on grantmaking strategies.
With every step taken in their career, Brian is quick to credit Salem State and the philanthropic support they received. Since 2015, Brian has been a loyal donor to the Commonwealth Honors Program, a program they benefited from while at the university. Brian also joined the Salem State University Scholarship Committee this past academic year.
Brian notes feeling fortunate to have had professors, like Dr. Joanna Gonsalves, who invested time in mentorship and staff who cared deeply about students’ success, which taught them what generosity looks like in practice. “I believe deeply in the power of higher education to change lives,
because it changed mine,” Brian says. Their time on the scholarship committee only solidified a desire to stay connected to Salem State and support students aiming to build brighter futures.
“I read countless inspiring letters that showed the wide range of student ambitions and experiences,” Brian shares. “I saw how Salem State students, when supported and resourced, can invest more deeply in their education and time on campus.”
“I was given opportunities made possible by others who chose to invest in students they might never meet. If I have the resources to do the same, I believe I should. Philanthropy made my path possible, and it is my responsibility to keep that path open for future students.”
A Salem State history professor since 1970, Dr. Terrence P. O’Donnell’s impact on campus was immeasurable. In addition to inspiring generations of history students, he was also instrumental in the establishment of the Center for the Study of the Future and the peace studies minor. Following his death in 2001, his family created the Dr. Terrence P. O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting students pursuing a career in the field of history who participate in campus or outside community programs for the benefit of others. His legacy lives on in the successes of students and alumni just like Brian who are striving to make a difference in the world.
Graduating from Salem State University was a life-changing milestone for Chelsey Buckley ’25, ’26G , one made possible by resilience, community support and a deep commitment to helping others. A single mother working full time in the nonprofit sector, Chelsey juggled parenting, classes and rent, nearly stepping away from her dream until a timely Viking Completion Grant helped her cross the finish line.
Her path to social work was anything but traditional. A survivor herself and now a proud Salem State graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Chelsey brings lived experience and deep purpose to the field. “I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger,” she says. Her journey through recovery, surviving trafficking and raising a child on her own drove her to return to school at North Shore Community College and eventually Salem State University.
She chose Salem State for its convenience and flexibility but stayed for the strong sense of community and support she found here. “Salem State was incredibly supportive. Every professor I reached out to was understanding, especially with my parenting schedule,” she shares.
Now the director of programs at Lifebridge North Shore, she oversees shelters and staff in Beverly and Salem, serving vulnerable and unhoused individuals. “The beauty
of social work is the diversity since it opens up so many doors,” she says. “I work with people from ages 18 to 80. Everyone has a story, and I’m honored to be part of their journey.”
Financial support played a crucial role in her success. “I didn’t think I could graduate because there was a moment in time when I was going to have to choose between rent and school,” she recalls. “When I learned about my Viking Completion Grant, it was a relief because I could finally finish my BSW.”
Now pursuing her master’s degree in the advanced standing program at Salem State, Chelsey has dreams to one day open a private practice. In the meantime, she continues to pay her support forward, mentoring others and helping clients believe in their potential. “One of my clients told me that seeing me go back to school made him believe he could do it too, and now he’s a college student. That’s what it’s all about.”
Salem State didn’t begin Chelsey’s journey in social work, but it did strengthen it. Through the community and financial support that made earning her degree possible, the university helped to grow the impact she was already making in the community. Her message to donors and the Salem State community is simple: “Your support doesn’t just change lives, it makes success possible. Without it, I wouldn’t be standing here today as a graduate.”
For 30 new nursing students, the first day of classes at Salem State was marked by a moment they will never forget: the gift of a stethoscope from the MM Trant Foundation and the story behind it.
Each student in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received a Littmann Classic III stethoscope, a tool that will accompany them through clinicals, long study nights and their future nursing careers. More than an instrument, however, each stethoscope symbolizes compassion, dedication and the enduring legacy of Mary M. Trant ’21, a nursing student whose dream was to care for others.
Mary’s life was tragically cut short in 2021 at just 21 years old, on the verge of completing her nursing degree. Her family, inspired by her commitment to helping others, created a foundation in her memory. Through their non-profit organization and in partnership with Salem State, they have dedicated themselves to supporting nursing students by establishing an endowed scholarship fund for future generations of nurses and by donating stethoscopes like the one Mary once cherished.
Every stethoscope was accompanied by a card bearing a heartfelt message: “We wish you much success with your nursing education and career. The compassionate and quality care you provide your patients will change lives for the better!”
“The Trants wanted to honor their daughter in a way that felt true to the nursing profession, something their daughter had been passionate about,” said Lori Porter Boudo, senior director of annual giving. “Through these deeply personal gifts, they’ve helped future nurses not only overcome financial barriers but also carry forward a legacy of empathy and excellence.”
Thanks to donor generosity, Mary’s compassion and enduring legacy continue to echo—one nurse at a time.
Professor Rebecca Hains, PhD ensures her media and communication (MCO) students thrive— not just by hoping for their success, but by taking action to support them academically and personally.
Rebecca has made annual philanthropic gifts to Salem State for well over a decade. Her support has helped to fund student travel abroad, the Salem State Food Pantry, the Career Closet, and a variety of scholarship funds.
“Faculty members here know that anytime there’s an opportunity to help our students, we can make a tangible difference,” she explains. “We see the direct impact that every single dollar has, and that perspective informs my giving.” Every day, she and her colleagues witness the effort, resilience and sacrifices their students make to complete their undergraduate
education—and in addition to her charitable giving, she has taken many steps to support students in her department and beyond.
“Many of our students don’t have someone at home who can help them navigate higher education,” she explains. “They need professors who understand their situations and respect the complexity of their lives. I find my advisees thrive when I help them with their unique needs and professional goals.”
For example, to help ensure a quick professional start, Rebecca successfully advocated for creating an internship coordinator position in her department, to help source high-quality internships that align with students’ professional interests. With approximately 95 percent of media and communication majors completing an internship, this work is meaningful and impactful.
In addition, after returning to campus from her Fulbright Scholarship in Krakow, Poland, she launched MCO’s first faculty-led study travel course offering. This past May, Rebecca and student Vikings explored the media, culture and politics of Poland and Czechia in person. Rebecca crowdfunded about $2,500 to defray students’ travel costs.
“Many of our students have had limited travel opportunities,” she explains. “It’s an honor to work with the wonderful team in the Center for International Education and help make this experience possible. It will broaden students’ horizons and increase their global awareness.”
She says, “If we meet students where they are, we can make a tremendous difference in their lives—in the classroom, in the world and in giving.”
Sam Cioffi’s family alongside Salem State’s Athletic Director Nicolle Wood ’95 at the ribbon cutting for the Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Center.
At the start of academic year 2025-2026, the Salem State community gathered to celebrate healing and hope with the opening of the Sam Cioffi StudentAthlete Wellness Center, a first-of-its-kind space dedicated to studentathlete wellness, prevention and community. The center stands as a living tribute to Sam Cioffi, a standout men’s lacrosse player and VeSPY award winner whose life was tragically cut short by fentanyl poisoning in 2022.
Sam’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. A transfer student from Beverly Farms and Marblehead, Sam quickly became a leader on and off the field. In his first season, he shattered the men’s lacrosse singleseason scoring record with 55 goals, an achievement that earned him campus-wide recognition. But Sam’s legacy extends far beyond his record book. “He was a very engaging, honest young man who didn’t shy away from his story,” shared Nicolle Wood ’95, Salem State’s athletic director. “He spoke openly about how supportive everyone was, and how that helped him stay clean and become the best version of himself.”
When Sam’s life ended suddenly, the Salem State community and Cioffi family channeled their grief into action, and the Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Fund was established. The fund has since fueled vital wellness programming, providing students with resources and lifeskill development to help navigate the demands and opportunities they encounter on and off the field.
Now, with the opening of the Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Center, meaningful impact is visible in every corner. The center offers studentathletes a safe, supportive space where they can rest, refuel and seek help when they need it most. Inside, they’ll find a wellness lounge, confidential counseling spaces, a refueling station stocked with healthy snacks and drinks, and discreet access to resources like Narcan and fentanyl test strips—all made possible through donor support.
Sam’s family has been deeply involved in shaping the center, ensuring that his story continues to inspire and protect others. Within the center, one wall incorporates the design of a tattoo Cioffi had that has become a rallying phrase for Salem State athletics in the wake of his loss: “Let Them Know You Passed This Way Once.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors, Sam’s legacy now empowers every student-athlete who walks through those doors. Together, the Salem State community has turned tragedy into a source of strength and support for every student-athlete who follows.
The Sam Cioffi Student-Athlete Wellness Center offers a variety of services, supplies and support with the swipe of a university student ID card.
• A wellness lounge where student-athletes can gather between classes, practices and other events.
• A refueling station with healthy snacks and drinks supported and stocked by the Wellness Fund.
• A private office for confidential one-on-one conversations with staff or coaches.
• Discrete access to harm reduction resources, including Narcan and fentanyl test strips.
• Access to sports psychology and other support services.
Since the start of Meet the Moment®, donors have contributed $14,341,603 in unrestricted funds. Unrestricted giving allows Salem State to have flexibility when responding to both emerging needs and challenges when they arise. Whether it is supporting the groundbreaking of SSU BOLD, enabling the community to come together to celebrate a milestone, or enabling student groups, like The Brotherhood, to experience lifechanging leadership development, unrestricted donors make it possible for the university to continue helping all students build brighter futures for themselves.
THE OFFICE OF INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE advanced the university’s Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI) work through a membership to Excelencia in Education, supporting progress toward earning the Seal of Excelencia; support of faculty, staff and student participation in external conferences and campus-wide trainings; testing fees and study materials for five biology students; and an honorarium for a guest speaker to enhance campus dialogue around equity and inclusion.
THE COMMONWEALTH HONORS PROGRAM received a needed boost to continue supporting high-impact academic and co-curricular experiences for honors students.
THE OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE supported The Brotherhood, a student group aimed at creating and facilitating safe spaces to support Black/ Brown men, with the group’s annual spring retreat. (See page 22.)
THE GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT supported a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) service agreement, ensuring continued access to advanced lab equipment for research and teaching.
SSU BOLD broke ground during a special event last April, enabling the campus unification and modernization project to move forward and giving the Salem State community a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come together. (See page 23.)
THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT brought Jean O’Brien, PhD, regents professor of history at the University of Minnesota, to campus last November to discuss her book “First and Lasting: Writing Indians out of Existence in New England,” which traces the persistent myth of the “Vanishing Indian” to its origins in nineteenth-century New England.
“With the unwavering support and encouragement from my family at home, the faculty and staff at Salem State University and my donors, I will continue to transcend my expectations and put my acquired skills to work within my community— none of which is possible without the support of programs like the Commonwealth Honors Program and The Brotherhood.”
—Angel Garcia ’25 history and philosophy majors, Honors Program Scholarship recipient and 24-25 student trustee
Unrestricted gifts strengthen the foundation of our Viking community. This year, flexible donor support allowed us to deepen connections and extend our reach through programs built on partnership and belonging.
Pictured in front of the Capitol Building: Assistant Director of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Hannah Levine ’22; Assistant Vice President for HSI-MSI Initiatives Elisa Castillo, PhD; Terrence Jean Charles ’26, business administration major, Annalise Hart ’27, English teacher pathway major; Angel Garcia ’25, history and philosophy majors; and Grace Rondon ’27, mathematics major
Thanks to donor support, students and faculty had the opportunity to attend the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Conference in Aurora, CO. and the HACU Annual National Capitol Forum in Washington, D.C.— both experiences were described as life changing. For students, the conferences opened doors to professional networks, internships and future careers, while also creating space to connect with peers who share their culture, aspirations and drive to make a difference in education. One student reflected, “It was one of the most impactful moments of my four years here.”
Beyond professional development, the conferences offered something even more meaningful: belonging. Students left feeling more confident about their futures and inspired to bring what they learned back to campus, applying new ideas to support their peers and strengthen the university community.
Faculty attendees gained equally valuable insight by learning new strategies in leadership, inclusion and innovation that will ripple through classrooms and programs for years to come. As one faculty member shared, “Donor funding is more than a plane ticket—it’s an investment in a cascade of knowledge and resources that will benefit hundreds.”
Because of donor generosity, these shared experiences expand perspectives, build confidence and ensure that both students and educators return empowered to lead, connect and inspire.
The Brotherhood
Unrestricted donor support strengthened The Brotherhood, a student organization dedicated to empowering male students of color through mentorship, service and leadership development. The program fosters a strong sense of belonging, helping members build confidence, community and the skills to thrive both on campus and beyond.
Through donor support, members of The Brotherhood were able to travel to New Hampshire for a retreat, which provided a space for reflection and connection. Surrounded by peers and mentors, students explored identity, mental health and leadership, returning to campus with a deeper sense of purpose and support.
By creating safe spaces, providing role models and preparing students for success after graduation, The Brotherhood helps reduce isolation and strengthens the fabric of the Salem State community.
“With your support, we have been able to give back to our community through annual service initiatives like providing meals to the homeless at My Brother’s Table in Lynn. We also hosted events like the Barbershop Talk, which was extremely successful with 50+ attendees; a Financial Literacy Workshop, helping students gain crucial financial knowledge and The Brotherhood Retreat.”
—Terrence Jean Charles ’26 business administration major, president, The Brotherhood
Years of planning to unify and modernize Salem State University’s footprint through SSU BOLD have broken ground and are now underway, made stronger by a $1 million commitment from alumna and Campaign Steering Committee Co-Chair Mary “Midge” DeSimone ’76 and her husband, Tom DeSimone.
SSU BOLD, a campus unification and modernization project first announced in 2019, was the subject of a groundbreaking held April 23, 2025. It incorporates renovations to the existing Horace Mann Laboratory building on Loring Avenue, as well as the expansion of Meier Hall on Lafayette Street to bring new lab spaces to programs housed in the building. Once completed in the fall of 2027, the project will bring Salem State’s South Campus programs to North Campus, creating a unified university and allowing the state’s planned sale of South Campus to move forward.
The Salem State community came together for a beam signing celebration, a traditional construction milestone that invited participants to sign a ceremonial steel beam, symbolizing shared pride, progress and a pivotal moment in the university’s history.
The groundbreaking, performed at the campusfacing side of the Horace Mann Laboratory building, also saw the announcement of the DeSimones’ $1 million contribution to the project. This extraordinary show of support will help provide critical resources that foster innovation and further enhance the academic experience for students.
While the DeSimone’s gift supports enhancements to facilities at Salem State, what happens within those buildings is what matters most to them.
“New labs, classrooms and community spaces will enable our students to carry out innovative research and participate in real-life simulations that aid in their career preparation,” Midge said. “This is our moment to unify the campus in ways that support the success of students, faculty and staff.”
$10,000,000 GOAL
$2,192,635 RAISED as of June 30, 2025
Follow our progress. Scan the QR code for the latest construction updates.
• Seven fl exible science teaching labs
• Shared prep space for lab materials and equipment
• Study space and collaboration areas
• Improved corridor circulation–connecting all sides of the building
• A new courtyard entrance with a fully accessible ADA ramp, with a new elevator and accessible entryway
• A cascading rain garden to manage stormwater and promote sustainability
• Thoughtful integration with the existing building and campus landscape
Above: Lab space
Above: Student commons
• Five general-purpose flexible classrooms
• Two computer classrooms
• Two bedside skills labs
• Seven nursing simulation suites
• One occupational therapy lab
• Five student hubs
• Five office suites
• A new accessible campus-facing entrance
From top to bottom: Occupational
Nursing bedside skills lab Lobby Alternative view of the lobby
“A member of the last eighth grade class to graduate from Horace Mann Laboratory School, many hours during my most formative years were spent at 33 Loring Avenue. What set our elementary school apart from others in Salem was the longstanding alliance with what was in those days Salem State College.
As SSU BOLD strives to unite their students and faculty on North Campus and renovate the Horace Mann Building, I am reminded of a highlight during my grammar school years. In seventh grade, Horace Mann North welcomed students who had been attending the recently shuttered Horace Mann South, resulting in a mashup of students from the two elementary schools that reinvigorated the student body and faculty as new relationships were established and diversity in all forms expanded.
Exploring new ways to connect and collaborate during these complex times provides lessons not always learned in a classroom. SSU’s initiative will unify the campus as well as the broader community in ways that have yet to be revealed.”
—Paula (Tremblay) Burke, former student of the Horace Mann Laboratory School and friend of Salem State University
“Horace Mann Elementary holds a special place in my heart. I still remember us as kids watching the ‘big kids’ from Salem State walk by, dreaming we’d be there one day. That dream became reality when a few of us graduated from Salem State. The teachers, staff and friendships made those years unforgettable. Even now, I stay in touch with classmates, a lasting reminder of how meaningful that time was.”
—Maria R. Bakas ’01, former student of the Horace Mann Laboratory School, current Salem State employee and graduate of the geography program
of the
352 Lafayette Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970-5353
352 Lafayette Street Salem, MA 01970 salemstate.edu/moment
salemstate.edu/moment
President John Keenan delivers remarks during the SSU BOLD groundbreaking on April 23, 2025. Learn more on page 23.