On May 6, 2023, Salem State University announced thepubliclaunch ofa $75 million fundraising campaign,the largest philanthropic endeavor in the history of Massachusetts’ nine state universities.
TheMeet the Moment™campaigncombinesdeep investments in student success with the revitalization ofSalem State’scampus, positioning the university to meet the needs ofits studentstodayandthe North Shore region for decades to come.
At theMay 6public launch event,about 400 students, alumni, donors, and community members came together at Salem State’s O’Keefe Complexto learn more about the goals ofMeet the Moment™,which areall centered around student success.Salem State President John D.Keenan announced that theuniversity is already more than 50 percent of the way to its $75 million fundraising goal, having raised $40million todate.
“Members of our community on-and off-campus know that the future of this region, from the opportunities we offer to the vitality of the workforce and its civic leaders, rely on a strong Salem State. Our studentsgo on tobecome the professionals thatour region needs: teachers, scientists, nurses, business leaders, social workers,public servants, and more,” saidKeenan. “We putstudents first in every decision and dollar we invest in Salem State, and our campaign priorities demonstrate that commitment.”
Meet the Moment™isthe second and largest comprehensive campaign in Salem State’salmost 170-yearhistory. The efforthas beenquietlygaining momentum since 2020whenthe Salem State University Foundation,Inc.andthe Salem StateUniversityBoard ofTrustees votedunanimouslyto supportit.
“Buildingpartnershipsin support ofthis campaign has shown us just how much enthusiasm there isin our communityfor Salem State’s mission,” said Cheryl WebsterCrounse, executive director of the Salem State University Foundation, Inc., and vice president of advancement. “Salem State is fueling the workforce of the North Shore, and we take great pride in our commitment to engage and supportany studentwhohas aspirationsof receiving a highereducation degree. We know they will go on to do great things for our community and strengthen the region as a result.”
“Salem State faculty and staff go to great lengths to support students, and we’ve seen extraordinary collaboration across campus in establishing the campaign’s priorities and funding opportunities,” said Ryan Fisher, professor of biology and member of the Campaign Steering Committee. “The philanthropic support we receive throughMeet the Moment™ builds on our academic strength and provides opportunities for research and critical resources and equipment that help to aid our scholarly work.”
Early momentum following record-breakinggifts
The $40 million raised to-date includestworecentgiftswhichbroke recordsas thelargest cashgiftsto a Massachusetts state university:a $10 million gift to the McKeown School of Education from Cummings Foundation in August 2022 to strengthen and diversify the educator pipeline;anda $6 million gift from KimGassett-Schiller’83, ’18Hand Philip Schiller in 2021 to create Viking Completion Grants, which have helped156seniors overcome their final financial hurdleto earning their degree.
“Receiving a Viking CompletionGrant lifted the stress and burden of trying to find the funds to complete my studies on my limited income,” said Diana Baez ’22. “I plan to advance in my career and continue to be an example for my children. I want them to be proud of my academic accomplishments and know the importance of being wellpreparedand educated to launch a career, face life’s challenges andbeanengaged community member.”
About the campaign priorities
Student Financial Assistance
As the funding model for state universities has evolved, with a decline in state support causing tuition and fees to climb, increased investments in student supportstrategieslikescholarships, Viking Completion Grants and the Student Emergency Fundcreate accessand opportunityfor current and future students.The campaign closes the financialgap,which is on average $3,500 for a student, ensuringthey cantake full advantage of their education without the burden of heavy employment schedules or excessive debt, setting them up to be strong contributors to the vitality of the NorthShore and beyond.Within the graduating class of 2023 alone, 218 students have received direct financial support from members of Salem State’s philanthropic community.
“When I was a student in 1983, students paid 30 percent of the cost to attend the university, with the Commonwealth covering the balance,” explains KimGassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H. “Today’s students pay 70 percent. TheMeet the Moment™campaign will dramatically ease financial hurdles and give hard-working students a bridge to help themearntheir degree.”
Student Success
The campaignwill expand peer-to-peer mentoringand grow thenumberof success coaches serving students with distinct needs, including first-generation studentsandstudentveterans.The university’s commitment to meeting students where they areprovidesthemwiththespaces and programs,academic and college navigation skills, social support, networking,andmentoringthatenhances the college experience.
SSU BOLD
By modernizing facilities and unifyingthecampus’s physical footprint, SSU BOLD embodiesa visionfor Salem State that is more collaborative, morestudent-centeredand better positioned to prepare students for success. State-of-the-art laboratories, including nursing and occupational therapy simulation labs, will energize science and healthcare programs.As a result, the next generation of highly qualified nursing students will have the advantage of spending up to 30 percent of their required clinical hours in hands-on experiences in simulation labs, preparing them to thrive in a 21stcentury economy.
Unrestricted Support
Increased support for flexibleunrestrictedresources and emerging needsarecritical tomeetingunexpectedstrategic or entrepreneurialopportunities. These funds support a wide range of activities and programs: fromStudent Emergency Fund grantsandneeds that addressfood and housinginsecuritytoaccess to tools and technology that replicate real-world working environments. Unrestricted funding is crucial to directly supportingstudents,supplementing financial aid,andfueling efforts around civic engagement, inclusiveexcellenceand the university’s preparation to thrive as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI).
Community leadership
The campaign is funded by the Salem State University Foundation,Inc., with strategic support from the volunteer Campaign Steering Committee led by co-chairsMidge DeSimone’76, of Swampscott,former trustee and former member oftheSalem State University Foundation, Inc. board of directors; KimGassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H, of Half Moon Bay, California,member of the Salem State University Foundation, Inc. board of directors; Nicole Goggin ’14,’17G,of Peabody, former member ofBertolonSchool of Business(BSB)Alumni Network board of directors;Donna Katzman’78,’98G,of Marblehead, former member of Salem State University Foundation, Inc. board of directors;and Elliot Katzman’78,of Marblehead, former trusteeand member of the BSB Advisory Board.All committee members serve as advocates for the university and campaign and are committed to providing opportunities for current and future students.
“With more than 80 percent of our alumni staying in the region after graduation, Salem State is a critical contributor to the intellectual and economic vitality of the North Shore,” says Nicole Goggin ’14, ’17G. “As a public university, our student body reflects the rich diversity of our communities, and this campaign is our moment to evolve our programs and services to help students with different goals and backgrounds navigate their academic journey.”
“The Salem State University Foundation Inc. is proud to support the work of the campaign and thrilled to witness the immediate impact that philanthropy has made on the campus and the students,” said Annalisa Di Palma, chair of the foundation board of directors. “We call on our entire university community to support theMeet the Moment™campaign as we build on our strength and continue to invest in student success. As a proud daughter and sister of Salem State graduates, and a passionate North Shore community member, my husband Dino and I recognize Salem State’s position as a powerful force for upward mobility and equity in the regionespeciallyforthose students who havehistorically beenunderrepresented in higher education.”
To learn more abouttheMeet the Moment™campaign, visitsalemstate.edu/moment.