MERRIMACK WINTER 2021

THRIVING IN A TIME OF DISRUPTION Merrimack’s commitment to being open, residential and safe during COVID-19  CONTENTS MERRIMACK A Magazine for Our Alumni, Parents and Friends Winter 2021

President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D.

Executive Editor Bethany LoMonaco

Managing Editor Danielle Hardee M’15

Writers Doug Baulf Ginny Caggiano Brie Guilfoyle Libby Johnson Kaitlyn Manighalam Margaret Popper 2 Design PBD Partners

Photographers Sergeant Samantha Ackerson 18 Bill Averette Webb Chappell William Cherry Leise Jones Scott Grau Tom Kates Kelli Readey ’16 Kevin Salemme ’95 Mary Schwalm James Stankiewicz Editorial Offices 6 Merrimack Magazine Box A-8, Merrimack 315 Turnpike Street In this edition: North Andover, MA 01845 www.merrimack.edu 2 Innovation in a Time 9 The Winston School of facebook.com/merrimackcollege of Disruption Education and Social Policy twitter.com/merrimack Merrimack’s response Merrimack received a @merrimackcollege to COVID-19 transformational gift to rename the school Every effort has been made to contact copyright 6 Warriors on the Front Lines holders of any material reprinted in this magazine. Alumni join the fight 18 More Music at Merrimack Any omissions will be righted in subsequent issues against COVID-19 Introducing Merrimack’s true if notice is given to the editor. Division I 8 A Resurgence of Dedication Merrimack is resolved to 22 Warrior Top 10 continue its work against The highlights of inequality and racial injustice Merrimack’s inaugural year as a Division I institution

On the cover: Students (left to right) Michael Belanger, Brianna Bailey, Maria Buttafuoco and Jillian Rowland in front of Merrimack’s newest signage on its North Andover campus. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends,

March 13, 2020, will You will read in the pages ahead how the Warriors of be remembered at met the challenges that were laid before Merrimack College as them by COVID-19 and how this uncertain time has laid the the day the world turned groundwork to create an even greater Merrimack — from the upside down. On that day beginning stages of planning and then implementing a robust we sent a campus email to COVID-19 testing strategy, to adhering to new policies on notify all employees and campus such as wearing face coverings, and socializing and students that our courses living in dedicated pods, to the new innovations in hybrid and and jobs were going remote learning. remote in response to the Back in the spring, I made a commitment to bring our emerging coronavirus, students, faculty and staff back to campus and to be residential COVID-19. this fall. Working together, and through thorough planning The emergence and the and preparation, we were able to bring our students back disruption of COVID-19 to campus for what was a very different, yet very successful quickly tested the semester. By all accounts, our planning; our comprehensive Merrimack College and disciplined approach to mitigation, testing and contact community and changed tracing; and our faith and trust in our students, faculty and our way of life on campus. Little did we know nine months staff have paid off. later we would be still be managing the impacts of COVID. None of what Merrimack has achieved these past months Over the past nine months, Merrimack College has risen to would have been possible if it were not for our extended the challenge and responded to a virus that fundamentally community — our alumni, parents and friends. Your support impacted our learning and residential environment. We has been instrumental as we navigated this time of upheaval, moved swiftly to support our students, faculty and staff, who and we truly never felt alone. Thank you for your continued continued their daily work through new remote technologies, support and for believing in Merrimack. created a student emergency fund during a time of economic Until we can be together again, I hope that this magazine distress and resolved to continue our work against inequality finds you and your loved ones safe and well. and racial injustice. There is no question that this year brought with it many hardships — but it also brought forward some of Sincerely, the greatest accomplishments in this College’s history.

Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. President

“There is no question that this year brought with it many hardships — but it also brought forward some of the greatest accomplishments in this College’s history.”

DR. CHRISTOPHER E. HOPEY, PRESIDENT

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 1 INNOVATION

Article by Ginny Caggiano Photos by Tom Kates

2 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 IN A TIME OF DISRUPTION How Merrimack College is overcoming COVID-19

During what will go down in history PIVOTING TO ONLINE LEARNING At the same time, campus leadership as one of the biggest crises the When academic institutions across the was hard at work engaging in strategic world has ever faced, the COVID-19 country began closing their campuses conversations, sourcing ideas from pandemic has created unique and transitioning to online instruction national and local health agencies, and obstacles for all higher education in March, Merrimack was more creating a community-wide continuity institutions, including Merrimack prepared than most to successfully and safety plan — amid a fluid situation College. No longer able to bring tackle the digital shift. As an Apple that, at times, changed every few hours. together large groups of people for Distinguished School, the College has “I think those two factors — having the teaching, researching, living and long been committed to technological right technology and the right people engaging, Merrimack had to quickly innovation — incorporating the latest in place — gave us the ability to tackle pivot to new modalities earlier this digital strategies and tools to enhance remote learning successfully despite the year — and create a forward-looking the teaching and learning processes. circumstances,” Ellard said. and thoughtful plan for safely bringing “At the beginning of the pandemic, the community back together. REOPENING CAMPUS many schools were scrambling to buy Through careful investments of time technology for their students and create When the spring semester ended in and resources — over $18 million to venues for their faculty to engage with May, President Hopey had already date — Merrimack College responded the curriculum virtually,” said Peter announced that the College would to the COVID-19 crisis by examining Ellard, Ph.D., vice president and dean be residential in the fall and was well every strength and weakness of the for student outcomes. “At Merrimack, into the planning stages. As science, College to produce the best teaching our students already had iPads in their technology and public policy continued and learning outcomes for our students. hands and knew how to use them. to evolve, Merrimack focused on being Throughout it all, one priority remained Many of our faculty had also already agile — leveraging faculty expertise clear: Merrimack would safely reopen been trained to use learning technology. and community support. Those factors allowed us to transition its campus and allow for in-person One of the first actions taken was to quickly and seamlessly.” learning and residential living for the reach out to the Broad Institute of MIT fall semester, no matter the effort or Meanwhile, campus support service and Harvard to enroll Merrimack in cost. “From the start, we recognized professionals stepped up to provide a Safe for School, a robust testing program our responsibility to deliver to students wide range of remote resources. The now in use at 42 area schools. the high-quality education that Academic Success Center pivoted to “From the start, we knew frequent Merrimack is known for, regardless virtual one-on-one meetings, resulting testing was something that would help of the circumstances,” said President in a higher number of engagements keep our students and faculty safe when Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. “Whether compared with pre-COVID rates. they returned to campus,” President online or on campus, we are committed The O’Brien Center for Career Hopey said. “Broad’s sophisticated to delivering on our promises. Development followed suit, helping testing protocol was designed to help Throughout this period of disruption, students navigate an uncertain job institutions quickly detect the virus Merrimack has remained Merrimack.” market via Zoom meetings and virtual and swiftly remove positives from the events with employers.

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 3 general population, thereby minimizing dedicated to active and experiential exposure to the greater community.” learning in primarily face-to- face learning environments,” said The testing protocol — which requires Kathryn Nielsen, Ph.D., associate initial testing upon return to campus vice president for teaching, learning and weekly testing throughout the and digital innovation. “To teach semester — became a central component online, or simultaneously teach of the finalized return-to-campus plan, both on campus and online, they a four-phased approach to reopening had to reimagine and redesign based on recommendations from local, the traditional in-class learning state and national authorities. As the activities, such as mini-lectures, testing protocol was so important for the discussions, group- and team- success of this effort, President Hopey based work, labs, performing arts, named Dr. Traci Alberti the director of presentations and assessments. Our COVID-19 campus surveillance. Alberti faculty really rose to the challenge.” has spent the entire semester ensuring all protocols were followed as directed SUPPORTING STUDENTS — by the state. ON AND OFF CAMPUS As a result, Merrimack conducted over Whether students are learning 66,602 tests during the fall semester on or off campus (or through a alone. This effort allowed the College to combination of the two) this fall, make swift decisions to remove positive Merrimack has gone the extra mile cases from the population before spread to ensure that adequate services and to isolate clusters. Every step of the and support are available to safely way, Merrimack has invested heavily meet their needs. Traci Alberti, Director of in the health and safety of the campus  Increased student financial COVID-19 Campus Surveillance community — building outdoor dining aid: Knowing the pandemic would locations, stocking classrooms with intensify financial challenges for hand sanitizer and plexiglass shields, students and their families, the and Success Coaching Program. de-densifying classrooms and common College moved to ease the burden on “That’s even more important during areas, and reconfiguring living areas to those who would feel it most. To that a pandemic, when people are more create small community pods. end, Merrimack invested more than likely to feel isolated. Through success With campus reopened, students $3 million in financial aid to help coaching, every student has a caring had the choice of three options for offset pandemic-related hardships. adult connected to the college who is reaching out and helping them the fall semester:  Success coaching: To ensure that navigate challenges.” • Return to campus and take part all students have someone looking  Academic Success Center in a combination of in-person and out for them throughout every step of (ASC): online courses their Merrimack journey, the College To help offer the additional • Take virtual courses from an introduced success coaching. In the services during COVID-19, such as off-campus location program, each student is assigned a student success coaching and increased • Take a COVID-19 leave of dedicated success coach who serves as one-on-one advising appointments, absence — for one semester or the a point person, mentor, advocate and the ASC took an innovative approach: full year — without penalty navigator. As evidence of its success, hiring more graduate students. first-year students have scheduled more While offering online, in-person and “Our graduate student employees than 1,300 meetings with their coaches dual options within a single calendar are great. They’re not teaching in the first semester alone. year was a huge logistical undertaking, classes — their primary role is to help it was Merrimack’s outstanding “We know that if students have genuine students through the ASC,” Ellard said. educators who really made the effort connections, they’re more likely to “Working alongside our full-time staff, not only possible, but successful. succeed, they’re less lonely and they feel they served a crucial role during a time that they belong,” said Moriah “Mo” that required an unprecedented number “Merrimack College is home to many John, assistant director of student of resources.” superstar scholar-teachers who are success in the Holistic Cross-Training

4 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021  MACK Tech Bar: From addressing College remains committed to This semester, virtual career fairs have Wi-Fi problems to solving Zoom preparing students for successful helped students connect with potential glitches, the newly introduced MACK careers after graduation. employers in exciting new ways. Tech Bar has gone into overdrive, At the O’Brien Center for Career “One of the biggest challenges we’ve providing a new level of tech and online Development, staff have collaborated faced during the pandemic is helping support for students and faculty alike. with different technology partners to students pivot their plans toward the  Counseling services: To help help students on their career journey, jobs that are currently available,” said students navigate the emotional whether they’re learning online or Michaele Morrow, Ph.D., associate disruption created by COVID-19, in person. Through Burning Glass, vice president, career advising and Merrimack expanded critical counseling students can explore labor market professional development. “Thanks to services and launched the BeWell@MC data that show helpful information, our digital resources, students have tools program, which provides 24/7 access like who’s hiring and the specific right at their fingertips that help them to mental health clinicians as well as skills they’re seeking. With LinkedIn explore new career possibilities.” counseling, crisis intervention services, Learning, students can supplement and virtual consultations for parents, and complement classroom learning with PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE assessments and referrals. The College additional training and certification — Though a number of Merrimack’s also initiated on-campus and virtual in subjects ranging from Microsoft Excel recent changes have been triggered by outreach programs led by students, to diversity awareness — and earn skill COVID-19, some innovations are likely faculty and staff. No matter whether a proficiency badges that can be added to here to stay — from Zoom meetings student is living on campus or learning their LinkedIn profiles. to increased digital support resources. remotely, help is just a phone call away. Ultimately, the pandemic has served  Activate Program: Periods of “Merrimack College has as a catalyst for ongoing digital and disruption can be especially difficult for invested more than organizational transformation, spurring neuro-diverse students who thrive in existing efforts to embrace the latest $18 million in its COVID structured environments. The Activate digital strategies and technology, Program is helping Merrimack students response and conducted which will serve the institution for years to come. on the autism spectrum tackle college 66,602 tests this fall alone. life and the challenges created by the While 2020 has not been the year pandemic through mentorship and It was not a small effort.” anyone expected, steering the institution one-on-one meetings. DR. CHRISTOPHER E. HOPEY, PRESIDENT toward financial stability, maintaining  Student Emergency Fund: Some faculty and staff ranks, and providing needs created by COVID-19 are more students with the ability to continue To help students better prepare for the practical in nature — from Wi-Fi access their studies remain the core missions of current job market, the O’Brien Center to food or rent. In response, Merrimack the institution. Merrimack’s ability to do is also offering virtual-specific coaching created the Student Emergency Fund to this and more underscores an important on topics such as Zoom interview assist students facing additional financial principle: Warriors are able to surmount etiquette. Remote strategies have also  hurdles due to COVID-19. To date, the any obstacle, together. been embraced in networking efforts. College has provided nearly $1.2M in additional aid and over $120K in emergency aid.

NAVIGATING AN UNCERTAIN JOB MARKET While the pandemic created a variety of immediate challenges, Merrimack has continued to prepare for the future — on behalf of our students and the institution. Despite hurdles in the current job market, the

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 5 WARRIORS ON THE FRONT LINES From the moment the coronavirus pandemic began, Merrimack College alumni knew the importance of staying positive and supporting their communities. Read on to learn how Merrimack College Warriors are joining the fight against COVID-19.

“The impact of the pandemic was “During times like these, people lean immediate — we had to close our offices, on their communities and it really our stores and our factories,” Joe said. reinforces how important they are,” Joe “But in the midst of that disruption, said. “It starts with family, but it’s also I’m very proud of the way our team your neighborhood, your school, your pivoted with purpose to develop personal church, your friends. I’ve got a lot of protective equipment.” close friends from college that I’m still in touch with today, and I think that has a In addition to manufacturing masks, lot to do with Merrimack’s culture and the company’s philanthropic arm, the commitment to building community.” New Balance Foundation, pledged ✦ ✦ ✦ $2 million to help COVID-19 relief efforts, donating to several regional STACEY DION ’98: charities, including the Helping companies — and Warriors — Resiliency Fund, Groundwork Lawrence and the Good Shepherd Food Bank in respond to COVID-19 Maine, among others. New Balance Joe Preston ’84, P’17 also donated $1 million in footwear to frontline workers at area hospitals, such JOE PRESTON ’84, P’17: as Beth Deaconess, Lahey Health Running to the rescue with New Balance and Lawrence General Hospital, as well as another 400,000 masks to help people As chief executive officer of New vote safely in this year’s election. Balance, Merrimack alum Joe Preston This isn’t the first time Joe has helped ’84, P’17 is usually in the shoe business. the company navigate significant But when COVID-19 created new change. After joining New Balance in challenges for the organization — and 1995, he played a key role in the brand’s his community — Joe saw an opportunity transition from a $150 million business to do good by manufacturing a new to today’s multi-billion-dollar operation, product: masks. with 3,500 stores around the world. Like countless retailers, Boston-based Despite its global presence, the brand Stacey Dion ’98 athletic footwear and apparel giant remains firmly rooted in . New Balance’s business was completely “We make or assemble millions of upended by the pandemic. But amid pairs of shoes right here in the United As managing director and head of the chaos of store closures and work- States — in Lawrence, Boston and three global government affairs at global from-home mandates, Joe made sure factories in Maine,” Joe said. asset management firm The Carlyle Group, Stacey Dion ’98 is no stranger the company was primed to give back. Whether at work or at home, Joe believes to navigating the ups and downs of an With the help of chief operating officer the pandemic has highlighted the uncertain economic market. Since the and fellow Merrimack alum Dave importance of community — something onset of the pandemic, that expertise has Wheeler ’85, New Balance began he also learned during his time as proven valuable for both her company manufacturing general use face masks a Warrior. for frontline workers. and the Merrimack community.

6 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 The Carlyle Group is composed of more “Some of them were trying to enter the after graduating from Merrimack, when than 1,800 professionals across 30 offices financial services sector during a really he returned to his former high school to on six continents. In her role, Stacey uncertain time, while others had a job, coach and teach English as a leads the company’s global government but were unsure about their trajectory. I second language, that his plans began to relations and public policy functions, like to share my personal story, because take shape. As a four-year member of the helping shape Carlyle’s global legislative my background is very relatable to many Merrimack basketball team — and now and regulatory activities. During 2020, of them.” a coach himself — Trevv recognized the she has helped the organization and potential of sports and fitness for building For Stacey, giving back to Merrimack its clients weather a variety of political mental and physical strength. is a natural result of her Augustinian and legislative challenges — from education. “It started with the players on my navigating global government resources basketball team — not only focusing on to managing heightened risk created by “When I think back to my time at the physical aspect and the skills, but political uncertainty — offering a broad Merrimack, what really stands out is the mental toughness and well-being as well,” perspective based on local knowledge and theme of ‘servant leader,’” Stacey said. he explained. “Then last summer, we trusted relationships across the globe. “It was the Augustinian directive and started building different fitness offerings I really took that to heart. I couldn’t be “During the initial months of the for people in the community.” prouder to be part of this community.” pandemic, we advocated for legislative ✦ ✦ ✦ Today, The Warehouse offers fitness classes, changes to ensure our portfolio basketball coaching and personalized companies in the aerospace and defense TRAVONNE BERRY-ROGERS ’15: training — both outdoors and online — sector had access to government Powering positivity at The Warehouse for individuals of all ages and abilities. support as well as favorable tax changes that would be needed in order for When COVID-19 left many people Trevv credits Merrimack for his companies across the portfolio to have stuck at home, separated from their entrepreneurial achievements. “As a stronger financial positions,” Stacey family, friends and normal activities, business major, I took an entrepreneurship said. “Government support has ranged Merrimack College alum Travonne course that really stayed with me,” Trevv dramatically in different parts of the “Trevv” Berry-Rogers ’15 had an idea said. “My time at Merrimack also taught world, so we’ve geared resources to for boosting morale while encouraging me to be creative and work hard, which match the specific support companies physical health: free virtual workouts. have served me well.” could access.” Trevv is the founder of The While his current accomplishments are An accomplished public policy Warehouse — a fitness organization impressive, Trevv says he’s just getting professional, Stacey has extensive based in Lynn, that started. “Our next step is to get a physical experience working directly in emphasizes the importance of physical facility that’s accessible to a wide variety government affairs, including serving as and mental growth. When local of people. Then, I have plans to reach policy advisor and counsel in the Office gyms were forced to shut down, he multiple cities and states — and spread of the Republican Leader and tax and began offering free at-home workout positivity across the country.”  pension policy advisor in the Office of tutorials via The Warehouse’s Instagram Travonne Berry-Rogers ’15 the Majority Leader. Prior to joining page, no equipment needed. Instead, Carlyle, she served as Vice President he encouraged his followers to of Corporate Public Policy for The improvise — by replacing weights with Boeing Company. household items. “Remember when the A member of our College Leadership pandemic started and everyone rushed Council, Stacey has long been a valuable out and got a lot of toilet paper? We made resource to her fellow Warriors. When workouts using toilet paper, like grabbing COVID-19 upended the U.S. economy it on one side and stacking it on the in early 2020, it also disrupted the plans other side, so you can work your core.” of Merrimack seniors and recent grads For Trevv, it was all about providing looking to enter the job market. But for levity during a challenging time. “Those many Warriors, invaluable career advice virtual workouts really helped people was only a phone call away. stay sane when they were stuck inside “When COVID-19 hit, I dedicated every day.” time each week to take phone calls from From a young age, Trevv felt called to seniors and new grads,” Stacey said. spread positivity and help people. It was

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 7  SEEN AND HEARD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: JIM SCAMMON ’83 JOINS A Resurgence of Dedication THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Merrimack College is For more skills to understand and address them pleased to announce than a is at the heart of mobilizing broad the appointment of Jim decade, support for this work and necessary Scammon, president and Merrimack in order to fully institutionalize chief operating officer has been our efforts.” of Bose Corporation and focused on In October, Dr. Sharoni worked with a graduate of the class advancing the Office of the and the Office of 1983, to its Board diversity, of Multicultural Initiatives to launch a of Trustees. equity and signature program, Unity in Diversity, inclusion. By “I am pleased to welcome to coincide with Indigenous People’s the summer Jim to our Board of Day, National Coming Out Day and of 2020, much work had been done, Trustees,” said President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. Latinx Heritage Month. Designed yet the events of the year served as “Jim has been a member of our College Leadership to help students, faculty and staff a catalyst for Merrimack to recognize Council for nearly three years and is a leader at broaden and deepen their collective further investments and targeted our annual Student Professional Development understanding of systemic inequalities, initiatives were needed. Retreats, where he has devoted much of his time to the two-day virtual event included a the mentoring and support of our students. Jim’s “When everyone is positioned for variety of speakers, workshops and expertise, talent and leadership will contribute greatly success — then we all succeed,” said cultural events on such topics as racial to Merrimack and will continue to impact our students President Hopey as he challenged injustice, gender and sexual orientation, for years to come.” the Merrimack community and asked inequalities, disability and accessibility, what more could be done to have and systemic inequalities exposed by “As chairman I am very excited to welcome Jim the greatest impact in the effort COVID-19. The two-day event attracted to the Board and am looking forward to working to dismantle systems of racism, close to 2,000 students, faculty, staff with him closely,” said Alfred Arcidi ’84, P’06, M’17, oppression and inequality. and community members. ’18, GP’24, chairman, Merrimack College Board of Trustees. “Jim is an outstanding business leader, is After many conversations and In addition, Merrimack developed deeply thoughtful and committed to education, meetings with students, faculty, staff, a series of specialized workshops; and is a highly respected voice in the Commonwealth trustees, parents and alumni, including welcomed the first cohort of diversity, of Massachusetts.” leaders from Merrimack’s Black equity and inclusion ambassadors; Student Association. President Hopey launched affinity, mentoring and Scammon was appointed to his current position noted that while much work had been advocacy groups; and introduced a of President and chief operating officer of Bose done on campus, hearing from student new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Corporation in 2020, where he is responsible leaders gave him both the drive to do Distinguished Educator Certificate. for worldwide operations. Since joining Bose more and great hope for the future. in 1990, Scammon has held several leadership positions across the company, including marketing, Continuing the Commitment operations and finance. He has been very involved Commitment in Action In response to positive feedback, in helping drive the development and growth of new Charged by the president, the Merrimack will hold a similar program businesses and markets for Bose. In 2017, he was institution underwent a rigorous in February 2021 to mark Black History honored by the Boston Business Journal as CFO of interview process and appointed Month and continue the educational the Year. Dr. Simona Sharoni as special assistant work, training and conversations. to the president for diversity, equity An important focus of the work in “As a proud Merrimack College alumnus, I’m honored and inclusion. Dr. Sharoni — a first- 2021 will include implementing new to be joining the Board of Trustees. In addition to generation college student, twice an guidelines and processes for diversity, continuing to focus on enabling a new generation immigrant, a veteran and the daughter equity and inclusion in hiring. The of leaders, I’m looking forward to working with Dr. of a Holocaust survivor” — has been College will also incentivize faculty to Hopey and the Board on strategies that advance the working to foster social justice, integrate issues related to diversity, College’s mission and distinctive agenda for growth,” diversity and inclusion for almost equity and inclusion into curricula. said Scammon. four decades. “While we have taken steps toward a At Merrimack College, Scammon was a cooperative “To begin, one of my main goals was more inclusive community, this is just education student, completing a bachelor of science to develop education and training the beginning of what the College in business economics in 1983. He went on to earn for students, faculty and staff,” said will be doing on our continuous quest his master’s degree in business administration from Dr. Sharoni. “Becoming aware of for equity and social justice,” said the F.W. Olin School of Business at . systemic inequalities and acquiring President Hopey.

8 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 SEEN AND HEARD 

MERRIMACK COLLEGE NAMES THE Winston School of Education and Social Policy

“Demand for well-trained educators has never been greater — and Merrimack has never been more equipped to deliver on this urgent need.” DR. CHRISTOPHER E. HOPEY, PRESIDENT

Merrimack College is pleased to Judy, a graduate of Merrimack College in announce the naming of the Winston 1964, is a former high school teacher in School of Education and Social Policy. Massachusetts and California. Over the years she has remained close to college For Judith “Judy” Teehan ’64 and Robert classmates, returning often to campus “Bob” Winston, supporting education and actively participating in reunions. and new teachers and their retention is Her husband, Bob, is a retired senior vice a passion, and programs at Merrimack president and director of American Funds College help them fulfill this passion. Distributors, and served as a captain in Judy represents the largest alumni donor the Army. to Merrimack College, and to honor the Winstons, the College is excited “Bob and I are honored to have our Dr. Isabelle Cherney, dean of the school to announce the official naming of name associated with Merrimack’s of education and social policy, shared, the Winston School of Education and outstanding educational training during “The support of the Winstons has proven Social Policy. a time when institutes of higher education invaluable in allowing the school to take are being challenged — Merrimack Judy and Bob have been supporters of our program to the next level and to focus continues to grow and offer superior Merrimack College for more than 50 so intensely on supporting early-career educational programs to community years. Their most recent gift establishes teachers. Their support will allow us to educators,” Judy stated. an endowment to support the education provide resources to keep teachers in school’s focus on new teacher training In addition to funding programs at the classroom.” and graduate education. Earlier gifts Merrimack College, Judy and Bob “We are grateful to Judy and Bob for their created an endowment to establish have established the Winston Center extraordinary philanthropy to Merrimack Merrimack’s Institute for New Teacher for Leadership and Ethics at and leadership to develop programs Support (MINTS). This initiative supports College, Bob’s alma mater. They have that nurture teachers, a profession critical to new teachers and increases their also established in their home community society,” said President Christopher E. Hopey, retention in this critical field. Earlier of Los Angeles, Chairs and Research Ph.D. “We are excited to be able to honor gifts established an endowment to Fellowships at Children’s Hospital Los the Winston family by naming the Winston encourage students to consider a Angeles and UCLA’s medical school. School of Education and Social Policy.” career in education.

TEACHER RETENTION: By the Numbers Teacher Support Works 8% 2/3 30% 86% of educators leave for reasons of new educators of teachers with mentors leave teaching other than leave their job 2 3 remain in the field1 each year retirement within the first 3 years4

1 Teacher Turnover: Stayers, Movers, and Leavers; National Center for Education Statistics 2 National Center for Education Statistics 3 Teacher Turnover: Why It Matters and What We Can Do About It; Learning Policy Institute 4 National Center for Education Statistics

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 9 AUGUSTINIAN  SEEN AND HEARD UPDATE

Congratulations to FR. DANIEL L. MADDEN, O.S.A., FR. FRANCIS J. CERULLO, O.S.A. and DEACON ELIZANDRO M. CONTRERAS, O.S.A.! The Augustinian Friars of the Province of Saint Thomas of May 24, 1940–September 28, 2020 Villanova were ordained on Saturday, October 10, 2020, IN MEMORIAM by Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Pérez at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Please pray for Francis J. (Fritz) Cerullo, Augustinian Friar Fr. Dan and Dcn. Elizandro as they continue their journey. of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, died Monday, Sept. 28. He was 80 years old. He served as the director of development at Merrimack College from 1982 to 1994. Fr. Fritz was born on May 24, 1940, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, one of three sons and one daughter of Anthony J. Cerullo and Elizabeth Brennan. In 1962 he became a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and was received into the Order of St. Augustine as a novice on Sept. 9, 1963. As a graduate of , Fr. Fritz professed solemn vows on Sept. 10, 1968, and was ordained to the priesthood on Aug. 28, 1971, at Saint Denis Church, Havertown, PA, by Peter Van Diepen, O.S.A., Bishop of Manokwari, Indonesia. A funeral mass was held at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, Pennsylvania, Monday, Oct. Deacon Elizandro M. Contreras, O.S.A.; Philadelphia Archbishop 5, at 7:30 p.m., and a viewing was offered at 6:30 p.m. The burial Nelson Pérez; and Fr. Daniel L. Madden, O.S.A., at St. Thomas of was Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Villanova on the campus of Villanova University. Pennsylvania at 10 a.m.

MEET THE AUGUSTINIANS Merrimack College is excited to welcome three new friars to the Merrimack College community:

FR. JOHN DELLO in Lawrence, Massachusetts and last year ethics and political theory; the interaction RUSSO, O.S.A. temporarily assisted at Saint Augustine between law and religion; and more Bilingual ESL Parish in Andover, Massachusetts. broadly, religion and culture. Fr. Bryan Instructor, Education comes to Merrimack after two years FR. BRYAN KERNS, Department, teaching in an Augustinian preparatory O.S.A. Winston School Assistant Professor school in New Jersey, where he taught of Education and of Practice, Religious ethics and constitutional law, and served Social Policy and Theological as chaplain for the basketball program. Fr. John earned Studies, School of FR. DANIEL his bachelor’s degree in French and Liberal Arts MADDEN, O.S.A. Spanish from and later CARE Case Manager, Fr. Bryan earned earned his master’s degrees in French and Office of Wellness a master’s from Spanish from . Prior the Divinity Fr. Dan is a newly to entering the Augustinian formation School, where he focused on the ordained priest program in 1980, Fr. John served for six history of Christianity and religious with the Order years at as a foreign ethics, and a master of divinity from of St. Augustine. language teacher and was involved in Catholic Theological Union at Chicago. Originally from the music and drama programs. His key From Villanova University, he earned Cincinnati, he met the Augustinians as focus includes ministry in multicultural his bachelor’s in humanities, an an undergrad at Villanova University. communities, in particular with the interdisciplinary degree focusing on After college, he joined the Augustinian growing communities in the Catholic studies, and another, with honors, Volunteers, serving in Chicago, and United States. Prior to joining Merrimack that included a thesis on the aspirations then returned to Villanova for graduate College, Fr. John served in the parochial of Catholic higher education. His areas school. He entered the order in 2014 and ministry at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine of interest are early Church history and completed seminary last May. He was Parish in Bronx, New York; Our Lady of , especially the thought of Saint ordained to the priesthood at Villanova Good Counsel in Staten Island, New York; ; Christian virtue, on October 10, 2020. and Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish

10 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 PROVINCE OF ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA

Augustinian Ministries setting hearts on fire

Saint Augustine envisioned communities united in mind and heart, ablaze with God’s love. Today, the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (A.D.R.O.P.) put this vision into action by caring for the marginalized and underserved. As a sponsored ministry of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, we are united in our mission to empower individuals to make positive, impactful change.

Learn how Fr. Jack, Fr. Art and Kelsey are setting hearts on fire and how you can get involved at ugustinian.org/justice-peace (l-r) Fr. Jack Deegan, O.S.A., former president of www.a Merrimack College and Founder of A.D.R.O.P.; Fr. Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A.; and A.D.R.O.P. EDUCATION  JUSTICE & PEACE  MISSIONS volunteer Kelsey Rode  SHRINE  VOLUNTEERS  SEEN AND HEARD

RESILIENT

PIONEERSEarly College students come back to campus

“I am so proud of our first Pioneer Scholars Marques Torbert, a member of Merrimack’s class. They have already accomplished so Board of Trustees, said recently, “My much, even with the added challenge of wife Alli and I have chosen to invest our COVID. I am continuously impressed with time, money and resources in the cause their persistent resiliency and drive to of the Pioneer Scholars program because succeed,” stated Sarah Cowdell, assistant any school in the world would be thrilled director of student success for First Year to have these gifted students as a part of Experience and Pioneer Scholars. the community. This program expands on Merrimack’s core values and mission and will The second cohort of nine Pioneer Scholars drastically change the trajectory of life for became Warriors in fall 2020. These so many deserving students,” he concluded. accomplished students, whose average high school GPA was 3.6, chose Merrimack Merrimack has established a fundraising First-year Pioneer Scholars enjoying a scavenger over impressive offers of admission priority to create a permanent $20 million hunt on campus during the fall 2020 semester. from the University of Pennsylvania and endowment to fully support 40 Pioneer Syracuse University, as well as Bates, Scholars on campus into the future. Connecticut and Colby . “These students not only bring their “I was so excited when I found out we’d be passion, talents and perspective to our back on campus this semester. Although This program expands on community, they also bring pride to their my college experience has had its stressful hometown and serve as role models for moments, the wonderful learning I’ve done Merrimack’s core values the youth in Lawrence. Nothing could at Merrimack has made it all worth it. I and mission and will be more important and more in keeping couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else,” with Merrimack’s Augustinian values,” stated Pioneer Scholar Omara Acosta ’23. drastically change the concluded President Hopey. In 2017, Merrimack and our partner school in trajectory of life for so Lawrence, Massachusetts, Abbott Lawrence Academy (ALA), initiated a remarkable Early many deserving students. College Program (ECP). Quickly, this led to the establishment of the Pioneer Scholars The support programs put in place to in 2019. Pioneer Scholars (10 selected in the guide these students on their Merrimack first year) represent the most accomplished journey have been effective and, this ECP students who, upon high school semester, particularly creative. In one graduation from ALA, enroll at Merrimack example, Cowdell put together a scavenger with financial assistance covering tuition, hunt to help first-year Pioneer Scholars room, board and books, as well as dedicated become familiar with various campus academic guidance and support from resources. At the same time, the returning faculty and staff. sophomore class of Pioneer Scholars served as mentors for the novices, a Unlike many other early college and “full- first step in building camaraderie and ride” programs throughout the community between the groups. country, Merrimack has succeeded with a 100 percent retention rate for the first In addition, the success of the cohort of Pioneer Scholars who completed inaugural — and now second — class of their freshman year learning remotely Pioneer Scholars would not have been during spring semester 2020. possible without the investment of donors who have generously embraced and Pioneer Scholar Omara Acosta ’23 supported this endeavor.

12 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 SEEN AND HEARD 

MERRIMACK COLLEGE SERVICE DOG, MERRI, TURNS ONE

The Merrimack College community celebrated Merri’s first birthday with a safe and socially distanced celebration on Tuesday, October 27. Merri, a black Labrador retriever, works alongside the Merrimack College Police Department as its full-time comfort dog and aids in stress reduction, promotes community engagement and offers comfort in difficult times. Merrimack partnered with Hero Pups, a New Hampshire nonprofit that trains shelter pups to become service and support dogs for veterans and first responders.

To stay up-to-date on Merri, follow her Merri, the College’s service dog, during her safe, Instagram account, @merri_mcpd socially distanced first birthday celebration on campus.

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

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NEW FACULTY

DIANA ARTERIAN, PH.D., M.F.A. TAHIR HAMEED, PH.D., P.E. Lecturer, Creative Writing Assistant Professor, Arterian Brault Carroccino Organizational Studies ELIZABETH BRAULT, M.A., A.B.D. and Analytics Lecturer, Criminology and Criminal Justice JEFFREY HOVIS, M.S. Lecturer and Director of SUSAN CARROCCINO, the Graduate Product D.N.P. (C), M.S.N., R.N. Management Program Assistant Clinical Professor, Nursing FR. BRYAN KERNS, O.S.A. Cote Cullinan Daly Assistant Professor of Practice, ANDREW COTE, D.M.A. Religious and Theological Lecturer, Music, and Assistant Studies Director of Bands AARON MANSFIELD, PH.D. MEGAN E. CULLINAN, PH.D. Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Communication Sport Management and Media BAHIA MUNEM, PH.D. Guindon-Nasir Hameed Hovis MAUREEN DALY, M.S. Lecturer, Women’s and Lecturer, Mathematics Gender Studies

JILL GUINDON-NASIR, JAMES M. PETTY, JR., PH.D. ED.D., M.B.A., M.S.ED. Lecturer, Theatre Lecturer, Hospitality

Mansfield Munem Petty Photo of Fr. Bryan Kerns, O.S.A., appears on page 10.

TEN MEMBERS OF FACULTY RECEIVE TENURE

In the fall, President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D., approved the recommendations of the Appointment, Rank and Tenure (ART) Committee to grant tenure to 10 faculty members. The ART Committee concluded that the faculty members met the standards set for tenure and appointment as associate professors, including teaching effectiveness, scholarly and related professional achievements, and community service. We are excited to announce that the following faculty members received tenure for the 2019–2020 academic year and beyond.

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Tenure (continued)

THOMAS ANDERSON, promoted from JOHN GALLAGHER, promoted from SEUNGJIN LIM, associate professor in assistant professor to associate professor assistant professor to associate professor computer science. in history. in mechanical engineering. • Joined Merrimack College in 2015. • Joined Merrimack College in 2014. • Joined Merrimack College in 2014. • Earned his Ph.D. in computer science • Earned his Ph.D. in history from • Earned his Ph.D. in mechanical from Brigham Young University. Binghamton University. engineering from the University of • Awards and honors include: Recipient California, Los Angeles. MICHAEL MOBLEY, director of clinical of faculty development grants from • Awards and honors include: 2019 mental health counseling and associate 2016 to 2018. Anthony J. Sakowich Center for professor in psychology. Undergraduate Research and Creative • Joined Merrimack College in 2020. RODRIGO BANDEIRA DE MELLO, promoted Activities (SCURCA) grant recipient • Earned his Ph.D. in counseling from tenure-track associate professor with co-investigator Jimmy Franco psychology from The Pennsylvania to associate professor in strategy and for their project “Photomechanical State University. operations. Characterization of Custom 3-D Printed • Awards and honors include: Fellow of • Joined Merrimack College in 2016. Polymer”; named the 2015 Excellence the American Psychological Association; • Earned his Ph.D. in business from the in Civil Engineering Education Teaching president of the Council of Master’s in Federal University of Santa Catarina Fellow by the American Society of Counseling Training Programs; former in Brazil. Civil Engineers. president of the Society of Counseling • Awards and honors include: 2017 Psychology. Best Paper Finalist with the Brazilian ALICIA GIRGENTI-MALONE, promoted from assistant professor and graduate Academy of Management. AUTUMN ALCOTT RIDENOUR, promoted program director to associate professor from assistant professor to associate and graduate program director in JULIANA COHEN, promoted from assistant professor in religious and theological professor to associate professor in health criminology and criminal justice. studies. sciences. • Joined Merrimack College in 2014. • Joined Merrimack College in 2014. • Joined Merrimack College in 2015. • Earned her Ph.D. in criminology and • Earned her Ph.D. in theological ethics • Earned her Sc.D. in nutrition from the justice policy from Northeastern from Boston College. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public University. • Awards and honors include: Invited Health. • Awards and honors include: 2018 speaker for the 2020 McDonald Centre • Awards and honors include: Member of Last Lecture keynote speaker. for Theology, Ethics & Public Life Sigma Xi; 2019 inductee of the Scientific Conference at the University of Oxford; Research Honor Society; 2018 National DANIEL HERDA, promoted from assistant author of Sabbath Rest as Vocation: Honorary Member of Phi Upsilon professor to associate professor in Aging Toward Death. Omicron; 2018 Anthony J. Sakowich sociology. Center for Undergraduate Research • Joined Merrimack College in 2014. ZOE SHERMAN, promoted from assistant and Creative Activities (SCURCA) grant • Earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the professor to associate professor in recipient for “Impact of Marketing in Fast University of California, Davis. economics. Food Restaurants”; recipient of the K01 • Awards and honors include: Named the • Joined Merrimack College in 2014. Mentored Research Scientist 2016-21 2016 Burns “Bud” Roper Fellow Award • Earned her Ph.D. in economics from the Development Award from the National by American Association of Public University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Institutes of Health; named the 2016 Opinion Research; recipient of the 2017 • Awards and honors include: Recipient Obesity Society Fellow; named the 2012 Group Study Visit Grant from the German of the 2016 William Waters Research Donald and Sue Pritzker Nutrition and American Exchange Service; recipient of Grant from the Association for Social Fitness Fellow and 2012-15 Nutritional the 2015 SAGE Teaching Innovations and Economics; 2016 Merrimack faculty grant Epidemiology of Cancer Education and Professional Development Award from recipient for Supplemental Instruction Career Development Program Fellow at the American Sociological Association. Supervisors workshop at the University the Harvard School of Public Health. of Missouri, Kansas City.

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FAST FIVE with Lauren MaherLauren ’16 shares her path toMaher becoming a nurse, how ’16 4 5 Merrimack influenced her career choice and how she’d like to What was your favorite What sets Merrimack come back and share her knowledge with current nursing students. class at Merrimack apart from other College? colleges? My two favorite classes Merrimack is unique in college were strength in its own way. The and conditioning and people were amazing nutrition, diet and and it was nice walking 1 2 3 health. Fitness and to class and seeing nutrition are a major familiar faces every day. Why did you become What experiences at What’s your favorite part of my life and I am I am so thankful for the a nurse? Merrimack led you to part of your job? thankful I was able to memories Merrimack has pursue the field you further educate myself left with me and I miss I always knew I wanted I love how every day are in? about these things and it so much. I would love to pursue a career in is different, we are use that knowledge in to come back and teach health care. When I The fall of my senior constantly faced with my everyday life outside in the nursing skills lab was a child, I spent year I had the new challenges and I of work. and share my knowledge some time as a patient opportunity to complete never know what I’m with the current nursing at Boston Children’s my internship in the walking into. I work students. Hospital. The nurses, emergency department three, 12-hour shifts a doctors and physical at Lawrence General week on an intermediate therapists had an impact Hospital. This experience medical floor taking on me — from then on I was challenging, care of patients ages knew I wanted to step exciting, adrenaline- 19 and older. Every foot into a career where provoking and actually patient is unique and I could make a difference gave me an overview of our population is very in my patients’ lives what it’s like to work in diverse — I get to interact each and every day. At the hospital. During this with new people every Merrimack, I majored experience, I shadowed day. The most rewarding in sports medicine different RNs, which feeling is admitting a thinking I would go to was great because patient who is having graduate school for everybody has different the worst day of their physical therapy. After workflows, attitudes life, seeing them improve my senior internship, I and approaches to and walk out of the started the accelerated patient care. Without hospital. My amazing nursing program at the Merrimack providing work family makes going MGH Institute of Health this experience for me, I to work enjoyable every Professions. don’t think I would have day. I have built some known how passionate lifelong friendships since I was about pursuing a I started my journey two career in nursing. years ago.

Lauren Maher ’16 (right) on the front lines at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

16 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 SEEN AND HEARD  Tips for Parents

Professors from Merrimack’s Winston School of Education and Social Policy share their recommendations on how parents can ease their kids’ stress as they navigate remote learning during the Keep a Routine. coronavirus pandemic. For children with learning challenges and their The coronavirus pandemic means that schools are rolling out new parents, this crisis has been especially tough. Kathryn forms of teaching and learning for K–12 students at a moment Welby, Ed.D. ’01, professor of practice, encourages when families face multiple forms of stress, including worries helping kids keep a routine that includes learning and about employment and health. Merrimack’s faculty members have review. Websites such as Boardmaker can provide some tips for parents to help support their children as they face free activities for kids and parents to do together. the challenges of learning through online or remote methods. Smore provides resources for parents of students with developmental disabilities to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Education Modified provides resources on assistive technology you may need at home.

Read Books Together. Assistant professor Lisa O’Brien, Ed.D., suggests looking online to Get Moving. replace all the books that are out of reach due to the shutdown of schools Assistant professor of education Stephanie Garrone-Shufran, and libraries. The Open Library and Ph.D., reminds parents and caregivers that kids, like all of us, International Children’s Digital need movement breaks, especially when spending so much Library are free and feature time on their screens for school. Physical movement helps many classic and multicultural kids and adults remain focused. While walks outside are ideal, children’s books. For young children, Unite for Literacy other options include movement and mindfulness videos has a nice collection of early reader books. Audible created by GoNoodle or Cosmic Kids. has also made resources for children’s audiobooks free during this crisis. Give Everyone a Break. Associate Dean Russ Olwell, Ph.D., suggests that children need help Take Virtual Field Trips Together. understanding that they are facing new Assistant professor of education Rory Tannebaum, Ph.D., recommends using challenges. They need time to adjust and websites such as WeAreTeachers, Scholastic and Discovery Education, which require some space to make mistakes have hundreds of free and engaging activities to help kids explore fascinating and, sometimes, even fail at a task. Given and informative places right from the comfort of their own home. These that students lack many of the support virtual field trips can take students to zoos, aquariums, historical sites and a services available at their school, such wide range of other places in their neighborhood and across the world. The as one-on-one help and tutoring, they New York Times even offers creative suggestions for how to “travel” without should not expect to produce the same traveling during the pandemic. quality of work as they do at school during normal conditions.

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 17  SEEN AND HEARD “I believe the Merrimack College Marching Band will enhance the energy of the campus community and provide unity and hope through music during these challenging times.” BAND PRESIDENT ROB SICA ’22

BRING ON THE BAND

WANTED: Talented students who can New Commitments to Music Music performance at Merrimack has been march in intricate moving formations (think President Hopey envisioned the creation integral to campus life through numerous of the rolling Script Ohio performed by the of a true NCAA Division I environment groups including Concert Band, Concert Ohio State University Marching Band) and at Merrimack. In 2018, Warrior athletics Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Schola Choir and simultaneously play instrumental music moved to Division I, and in 2019, the new Liturgical Ensemble, three a cappella of all genres (mostly upbeat stuff and, of music major was introduced. The creation groups and, of course, the pep band. Last course, the school ). of the Merrimack College Marching Band year alone, the pep band played at 55 was the next logical step. It was embraced campus events — from football games and by Director of Bands Paul Geresy, students hockey matches to on-campus Admission and community members at large who recruitment days. The creation of a had long supported the idea, believing marching band broadens opportunities for it would increase enthusiasm, provide instrumentalists and provides scholarship entertainment and deliver additional opportunities as well. opportunities for music engagement on In 2007, triggered by a conversation at campus. Geresy states, “The marching the Austin Scholars welcome dinner, Jon band enriches an existing community of Ravenelle ’11, a freshman tuba player and musicians and is becoming a powerful member of the Warrior tennis team, became draw for the recruitment of multi-talented instrumental (pardon the pun) in founding students to Merrimack.” the original pep band. “Frequently back “Institutionally, there has been no stronger then, we only had 10–12 students playing advocate and cheerleader for this initiative at a hockey game and sometimes had to than President Hopey,” says Dean of the fill in with North Andover High School kids. School of Liberal Arts Karen Ryan. In I get goose bumps hearing about the new less than a year’s time, from concept to marching band, realizing that my alma mater These are the primary — but not the funding, formation of the Merrimack College has committed to the visual and performing only — qualifications for marching band Marching Band got the green light. “This arts — especially music — in such a big way,” members. Centuries ago, marching bands expansion within the Visual and Performing he concludes. were the exclusive domain of the military. Arts Department, including the new music Today, high school and college students in major, will not only help us attract new Merrimack, Music and COVID marching bands display their musical talents students and provide greater visibility for As plans were taking shape for the pep band by enthusiastically leading community Merrimack, it will also be a powerful tool for to morph into the marching band, COVID parades, participating in rigorous retention — providing a ‘stickiness’ that comes struck. While it has not dampened the spirits competitions and proudly — often very when students share special talents and of students and faculty in this inaugural year, loudly — supporting their athletics teams. experiences with peers,” Ryan concludes. it has altered activities this semester.

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Lecturer and Assistant Director of Bands Andrew Cote joined the music department this fall. Under Cote’s guidance and while staying socially distanced, band members have learned to use new technology to record, edit and produce music for both live and studio performances. Also, they have catalogued new instruments that have arrived and look forward to new uniforms, both made possible through the gracious generosity of members of the Class of 1966 Nancy and Bill Marsden, owners of the oldest and largest manufacturer of music performance group apparel in the world, DeMoulin Brothers and Company.

Nancy ’66 and Bill Marsden ’66, supporters of the Merrimack College Marching Band Band President Rob Sica ’22 says, “There were a lot of moving parts in this performance, from following COVID-19 More Than Fun and Games guidelines to staying safe and playing and The band’s first public performance producing music using new technology. took place virtually — in every sense. I believe the Merrimack College Marching Cote’s expertise in music technology Band will enhance the energy of the and production was employed to create campus community and provide unity an online “mini-concert” for alumni on and hope through music during these Veterans Day. The concert featured the challenging times,” he concludes. debut of the new Merrimack College fight sets useful now and adaptable to any song, “Down in the Valley of Victory,” Marching band students will learn new future profession,” Pruett states. written by alumna Paige music — together. They will rehearse As the world returns to normal, the band Sorenson ’19. Each and perform — together. And will grow from its current 40 members individual instrumentalist according to Associate Professor to somewhere around 100 strong. “The was recorded in studio of Music Laura Moore Pruett, they Merrimack Marching Band embodies over an existing music will “learn how they learn” — not everything about the spirit of Merrimack. track. When the different just as musicians but as students We are dedicated to community, hard work, instruments were all in any subject area. The band tenacity and selflessness. We are a tight recorded, they were will not just be a fun sideline; ensemble and there’s nothing we can’t do then joined together it will also generate pride, when we do it together,” Geresy concludes. and the underlying build community, serve to track was removed. grow individual talents and Voilà, the Merrimack develop opportunities for College Marching Band leadership. “Cooperation, succeeded in its first, collaboration, acquisition of very memorable, virtual new knowledge of music and If you would like to learn more about performance. technology, and participation ways to support the Merrimack in the development of a College Marching Band, contact new organization from the Leila Rice, vice president for development ground up will provide skill and alumni relations, at (978) 837-5997.

Sketch of the new Merrimack Marching Band uniforms created by DeMoulin Brothers and Company

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AWARDS RECOGNITION

Merrimack College Awarded the from& our Augustinian identity and values of the top 10 “Most Innovative” schools. where we continually endeavor to foster The College’s steady ascent in these Carnegie Classification for Community a just, peaceful and sustainable world. rankings is a great external endorsement Engagement What’s more is that these partnerships are of its strategic vision. absolutely critical to the education of our “Our investment in new faculty and The Carnegie Foundation students as future engaged citizens.” expanded course offerings and enhancing for the Advancement This designation speaks to Merrimack’s opportunities for our students is the of Teaching has strong history of community engagement cornerstone of what we do,” said Merrimack recognized Carnegie Foundation and efforts to create collective impacts. College President Christopher E. Hopey, Merrimack College Elective The College supports a wide spectrum Ph.D. “This recognition by U.S. News & Community Engagement with its prestigious of programs and activities across the World Report is a wonderful endorsement Classi cation Community , especially within the of what our talented community of faculty, Engagement city of Lawrence, in the areas of teaching, staff and students are doing every day.” Classification, an research and student engagement. These elective designation that Merrimack’s rankings reflect the success activities seek to deepen and sustain indicates the institution’s of a decade of investing in its students, external partnerships and advance commitment to community engagement. faculty, academic programs and the community capacity building and change. Merrimack College is one of 119 U.S. infrastructure of the campus. Rankings are institutions selected for this important an indicator of excellence and Merrimack’s classification. “Our institutional commitment excellence is evident in tremendous leaps in the “Best Undergraduate Teaching The Carnegie Community Engagement to service and community Program” and “Best Value Schools” Classification has been the leading engagement is born from our categories. Merrimack is also among the framework for institutional assessment and Augustinian identity and values...” top 10 in the “Northeast Regional” and recognition of community engagement DR. CHRISTOPHER E. HOPEY, PRESIDENT “Most Innovative” categories. in U.S. higher education for the past 14 years. The Carnegie Foundation for the Merrimack moved from 46th a year ago to Each institution awarded the Classification Advancement of Teaching aims to build 45th on the 2021 “Best Regional Northeast undergoes a process of self-study, which a field around the use of improvement Colleges” list, along with being named the is then assessed by a national review science and networked improvement 9th most innovative school. committee. Carnegie deems classified communities to solve long-standing institutions as exemplars in publicly Merrimack made an impressive leap from inequities in educational outcomes. engaged teaching and research. the 35th spot a year ago to 16th for best “Merrimack College is delighted to be undergraduate teaching programs for recognized by the Carnegie Foundation regional universities in the North. for its deep commitment to working Merrimack College It also finished 37th on the list of “Best with community partners in order to  Named Again to U.S. Value Schools” in the region, up from address societal problems and increase U.S. News & 42nd last year. our collective impact to improve the World Report News & World Report’s lives of many, especially in the cities of Best College Rankings Merrimack tied for 123rd nationally out Lawrence, North Andover and Andover,” of 220 schools for its undergraduate said President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. Merrimack College has engineering program and 148th for “Our institutional commitment to service been named, for the third year in a row, a “Top Performers in Social Mobility.” and community engagement is born “Top 50 Comprehensive College” by U.S. News & World Report, while remaining one

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The magazine surveyed more than 1,800 Science Foundation and are excited for Special Olympics colleges and universities, ranking 1,400 those students who will be supported  institutions using 17 metrics to assess by this program.” Unified Recognizes Merrimack academic quality. “We don’t only want to give deserving Champion College as a Unified School students the opportunity to come to Champion School Merrimack College college; we want to provide the holistic  support they need to thrive once they’re It has been a banner year NSF Grant for Awarded NSF Grant here,” Dr. Caldwell said. “Through our for the Young Athletes and Developmental MACHS Scholars for MACHS Scholars program, students will gain the tools they Sports program at the College as Special Program need to be successful after graduation, Olympics has honored the program Program in whatever area they choose.” by designating Merrimack as a Unified Champion School. The National Science Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature Foundation (NSF) has of the program, a number of cross- The designation recognizes Merrimack awarded the College a $999,523, five-year departmental collaborators join for promoting meaningful social inclusion grant to support the Merrimack Achieves Dr. Caldwell as co-principal investigators, by bringing together students with and Collegiate Holistic Support Scholars including Dr. Gwyne White (Psychology), without intellectual disabilities to create an (MACHS Scholars) program. Dr. Brandi Baldock (Chemistry and accepting school environment. Led by principal investigator Dr. Rickey Biochemistry), Dr. William McDowell Established at Merrimack in the fall of 2015 Caldwell, assistant professor of mechanical (Biology), Dr. Russell Olwell (Education by Morgan Sleeman ’18, the Young Athletes Engineering, the program is designed and Social Policy), and Dr. Julia St. Goar and Developmental Sports program lets to help high-achieving, low-income (Mathematics). In addition to serving as its students work in partnership with students with unmet financial needs mentors, the team will study how MACHS Special Olympics to offer children with obtain the education and skills necessary Scholars program interventions affect developmental and other disabilities a to launch a fulfilling career in STEM student outcomes. Research findings will chance to build physical and social skills. (science, technology, engineering and provide valuable insights for building a mathematics). In addition to providing robust STEM talent pipeline — both at The program, developed by Special financial , the grant will Merrimack and at other universities Olympics, promotes health and social empower students by funding a variety of across the nation. development for children with a range of wraparound support services, including challenges, from autism spectrum disorder faculty mentorships, focused workshops, “This award underscores to Down syndrome, and includes their siblings in the activities. research opportunities and mental Merrimack College’s dedication health resources. The program includes more than 50 to its founding values of teaching, “This award underscores Merrimack Merrimack student volunteers and 30 College’s dedication to its founding values learning and serving.” families, and has been one of the fastest- of teaching, learning and serving — which DR. CHRISTOPHER E. HOPEY, PRESIDENT growing student groups on campus. It includes equality, education and discovery is run by an executive board, including for all,” said President Christopher E. The NSF grant will fund 20 MACHS President Margaret Ford ’21, Vice President Hopey, Ph.D. “This program will create an Scholars participants — who will be divided Alison Radzik ’21, Treasurer Kelly Fenerty opportunity for deserving and talented into three cohorts — over the course of ’21, Secretary Brooke Leestma ’22, low-income students to advance their five years. Merrimack plans to welcome Fundraising Chair Kelly Crotty ’21 and STEM education and become the next the first cohort of seven high-achieving Social Media Chair Hayley Yule ’22. generation of problem solvers. We are students to campus in fall 2021. grateful for the support of the National

th th th 45 16 37 TOP 10 TOP 50 BEST REGIONAL BEST UNDERGRADUATE BEST VALUE SCHOOLS MOST INNOVATIVE COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITIES TEACHING PROGRAMS FOR IN THE REGION SCHOOLS COLLEGES NORTHEAST REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES IN THE NORTH

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Men’s basketball delivers headlines in first portion of Division I debut Merrimack College made WARRIOR TOP 10 national news in its first The 2019–20 Merrimack College Athletics campaign was Division I season, winning historic in every sense of the term. The Warriors embarked the 2019–20 Northeast on their inaugural Division I season as members of the Conference Regular Season and achieved unprecedented Championship. It was the success. From conference championships to monumental first program ever to win a victories and much more, Merrimack’s student-athletes conference title in its first year proved that they were ready to compete at the highest of DI membership. The Warriors level of collegiate athletics. made national headlines throughout the year including a road win at Northwestern to become the second NEC institution ever to beat a Big Ten opponent. The success translated to buzz on campus that resulted in multiple sellout crowds as well as national TV broadcasts from Hammel Court on ESPN3 and CBS Sports Network.

Men’s soccer wins NEC regular season championship The men’s soccer team had a perfect in- conference season, clinching the regular season championship in dramatic fashion with a game-winning penalty kick in Homecoming Weekend draws largest overtime to defeat Fairleigh Dickinson. turnout to date On Oct. 5, 2019, more than 10,000 superfans came out to Duane Stadium to cheer on the Merrimack football team as the Warriors faced off against Bryant University.

Big Ten beatdown In the spring, the Merrimack and men’s programs accomplished monumental feats by toppling Big Ten opponents. The baseball squad won three of its four games against the Michigan State Spartans, with all three of its victories Basketball student-athletes win national awards occurring in come-from-behind Denia Davis-Stewart ’20 of the women’s basketball team fashion. That same weekend, Saturday, and Juvaris Hayes ’20 of the men’s basketball team received Feb. 22, the men’s lacrosse team national recognition following the 2019–20 season. Denia visited the University of Michigan was named the NEC Player and Defensive Player of the Year, at The Big House and defeated the becoming the first NEC student-athlete in a decade to win Wolverines, 14–12. The Warriors broke both honors. Juvaris earned the NEC Defensive Player of an 11–11 tie after three quarters to win the Year accolade as well as the Lefty Driesell Award, given by 2 points in the fourth. annually to the nation’s top defensive player.

22 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 SEEN AND HEARD 

Women’s basketball captures 20 wins The women’s basketball team proved to be one of the NEC’s best, winning 20 games for the fifth time in school history. The Warriors started the year with an upset of UMass on NESN, which was the first of a dominant stretch of play against New England institutions. Merrimack defeated New Hampshire, Brown, UMass Lowell, and Bryant by double-digit margins, proving to be one of the top programs Halloween with Team IMPACT in the region. In October 2019, to celebrate Halloween, members of multiple athletic programs spent a fun afternoon trick-or-treating with kids from Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with local college athletes.

Women’s visits Belfast for Friendship Series The Merrimack College women’s ice hockey program participated in the Friendship Series in January, playing two games in Belfast, Northern , against Quinnipiac University. The Warriors spent a full week Dance team welcomes young dancers across the pond, experiencing Irish Future Warriors? As part of the Dancer for a Day culture and showcasing Merrimack event, local youth dancers joined the Merrimack in the program’s first-ever games on Dance Team for an energetic halftime football international soil. performance — allowing them to discover what it’s like to dance at the collegiate level.

Your support of Fantastic first wins THE WARRIOR FUND Other Merrimack programs enjoyed a myriad of allows our nearly 700 success and plenty of first wins in the Warriors’ student-athletes to compete first Division I seasons! Women’s soccer beat against the best in the nation. Manhattan, field hockey took down the University Visit MERRIMACK.EDU/GIFT of Maine, softball defeated St. Bonaventure and to make a gift today! Women’s lacrosse bested Canisius.

Warrior welcome KELLY MORRONE becomes the seventh head women’s basketball coach in school history — arriving at Merrimack after an impressive seven-year stint at . She guided the Blue Streaks to 117 wins over the last seven years, claiming a pair of Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) regular season titles, the 2018–19 OAC Tournament Championship and three NCAA Division III Tournament berths, the first three appearances in school history. Prior to John Carroll, Morrone served as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the College of William & Mary (2012–13); assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Rhode Island (2010–12); assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at (2008–10); and assistant coach at the University of Buffalo (2005–08). Morrone was a student-athlete at the University of South Carolina, where she contributed to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances for the Gamecocks.

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 23  ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS

1960s

 TERENCE “TERRY” MCGINNIS ’67 has taken a new position at Nutter in Boston as senior counsel.

1970s

 DAVE MCGILLIVRAY ’76, H’12 ( race director) LAURENCE J. AND ROBERTA M. PALMISANO HALL and Nancy Feehrer wrote their second children’s picture book, Running Across America: A True LAURENCE “LARRY” PALMISANO ’57, H’19, Story of Dreams, Determination, P’82, ’85, ’87, ’87, ’90, GP’16 and Heading for Home. It is the story of Dave’s 3,452-mile In November 2019, members of the Merrimack run from Medford, Oregon, community gathered to celebrate the newly to Medford, Massachusetts, dedicated Laurence J. and Roberta M. Palmisano to raise money for the Jimmy Hall, recognizing the significant contributions Fund. During his epic 80-day Laurence “Larry” Palmisano ’57, H’19, P’82, ’85, ’87, run, he encounters not only ’87, ’90, GP’16 and his late wife, Roberta “Bobbi” sore muscles but also the Sierra Palmisano, have made to Merrimack College. and Rocky Mountains, millions Palmisano’s loyal support spans decades, including of grasshoppers in Nebraska, most recently his generous contribution to science and engineering during the Together for days of pouring rain in Ohio and Good Campaign. homesickness. With grit, hard A graduate of the civil engineering program and patriarch of three generations of Merrimack work and help from family and alumni, Palmisano’s Merrimack roots run deep. friends, Dave accomplishes his goal — and inspires others to Influenced by many in the College’s faculty, Palmisano acknowledged professor emeritus achieve their goals, too! Dave William Garrett, Jr., for inspiring his long-standing dedication to Merrimack. Among his many and Nancy’s first book,Dream involvements, Palmisano is a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, an ardent Big, was published by Nomad supporter of scholarships and a past recipient of the St. Augustine Award for service to Press in 2018. Both books the College. conclude by encouraging kids In addition, he credited the Rev. Fritz Cerullo, O.S.A., with igniting his philanthropic support to run 26 miles, read 26 books to Merrimack. Over the years, the two collaborated on several fundraising initiatives for and perform 26 acts of kindness the College, including the start of the President’s Cup Golf Tournament and the K in 26 weeks. If they do, Dave scholarship fundraising program. Fr. Fritz eventually invited Palmisano to join the Board will send them a race medal charged with fundraising for a new science and engineering building. From 1989 to 1992, he designed by the same company served as chair of the campaign for the fundraising, design and construction of the building that designs the actual Boston that now bears his name. Marathon race medal! [1]

Palmisano currently serves as chairman of Construction Planning & Management, Inc. (CPM), a full-service property management and development company based in southern New 1980s Hampshire. CPM is a family business that involves all of Palmisano’s children (all of whom are  CATHARINE DE LACY ’80 was Merrimack alumni) in some capacity. He is also president of Palmer Asset Management, a recently appointed to the board firm involved in the financing and acquisition of commercial and multifamily real estate. of directors of TORC Oil & Gas Palmisano’s continuous support of education through his loyal volunteerism and headquartered in Calgary, philanthropic contributions has made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless Alberta. Merrimack students. He is strongly committed to advancing the College’s School of Science MARY GORHAM FRANCO ’81, and Engineering, providing a foundation for graduates to adapt to future changes in their  P’12 was named to the board of careers and personal lives and to be engaged citizens of a global community. directors of Waveny LifeCare The naming of Palmisano Hall is a most fitting tribute to its namesake’s dedication to Network located in New Merrimack, his beloved wife’s memory and their Merrimack legacy. Canaan, Connecticut.

24 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 ALUMNI NEWS 

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 Venbrook Group, LLC,  DAREN RATHBONE ’97 welcomed JOSEPH ORLANDO recently joined SkyTerra 4 ’92 as new chief financial officer. Technologies as a senior systems 1 2 As chief financial officer, Joe engineer. Running provides operational leadership has taken ACROSS for all of the company’s financial  JOHN NAJIM ’98 a new job as vice president, America functions including accounting, chemistry, manufacturing and A True Story corporate finance, audit and of Dreams, controls at Dyne Therapeutics in Determination, treasury. and Heading Waltham, Massachusetts. for Home  ANTHONY GOMES ’93, a has 20-year Norwich police veteran,  ANGELO AMICO ’98 been named chief accounting was promoted from sergeant to officer & controller at Moderna lieutenant. Therapeutics.  ZeroNorth of Boston appointed Dave McGillivray  DOUGLAS KENNEYBoston Marathon’81 was Race Director career in the financial services  JAMES “JAMIE” BERARD ’99 with Nancy Feehrer CHRISTOPHER RILEY ’93 as Illustrated by Shululu made his American television promoted to the position of industry, including more than senior vice president of sales. director of national sales fleet 20 years in commercial lending. debut in February 2020 serving at East Manufacturing.  Bestselling author LAURIE as an expert judge on “Lego  TIMOTHY COYNE ’89 joined FARIA STOLARZ ’94 returns with Masters.”  DR. JOHN WELLS ’82, P’14 T. Rowe Price as head of Jane Anonymous, a gripping tale was elected to a term on the exchange-traded funds. of a 17-year-old girl’s kidnapping  ELLEN CROWLEY-KOLTUN ’99 was recently elected to a term on Woburn school committee. and her struggle to fit back into John has been a member for the Woburn school committee. 1990s her life after she escapes. 18 years. Ellen has been a member of  Students at Sacred Hearts  PAUL BURGESS ’95 was the school committee for the  JAMES SCAMMON ’83 was School in Haverhill, Massachusetts, recently promoted to chief previous 6 years. promoted to president & chief welcomed their new principal, operating officer & chief legal is operating officer at Bose SUSAN (STEWART) DOWNER officer at Translate Bio, Inc. He  LOUIS “LOU” HERY, JR. ’99 the founder and wealth advisor at Corporation. ’91, who served as assistant previously served as chief legal 76 Wealth Advisory in New Jersey. principal last year. [2] officer since 2018.  DR. GAIL MCINTYRE ’84 was recently promoted to chief DR. ERIC DICKSON ’91, CHRISTOPHER GAUDETTE ’95,   2000s executive officer of Aravive, president & CEO of UMASS chief financial officer of Cedar’s headquartered in Houston, Texas. Memorial Health Care was named Foods, has been named 2020  SHAUN KENNEY ’00 was to “2020 Power 50” by the CFO of the Year (in the Large promoted to lieutenant of the  CHUCK MOLLOR ’84 published Worcester Business Journal. [3] Burlington Fire Department. a new book on leadership, The Companies category) by the Rise of the Agile Leader: Can Boston Business Journal.  Former chief ranger LESLIE  SUSAN (BLACK) MCGRATH You Make The Shift? was named chief REYNOLDS ’91 has been named  TARA (PRICE) KRAUSS ’02 deputy superintendent of Cape ’96 was promoted to head of financial officer at Applied  MATTHEW “MATT” SWEENEY Cod National Seashore. She will accident & health at QBE North Plastics, located in Norton, ’85 was named chief investment oversee all divisions with the Massachusetts. officer at GroupM, based in America. Seashore and help coordinate New York. COURTNEY (MACKINNON) response to the growing shark  BRIAN BASILIERE ’97 was  named account manager STEVENSON ’03 and her FRANK DIMARCO ’85 has population and the coronavirus  husband Kevin welcomed been named chief operating pandemic. [4] at Hexagon Manufacturing fraternal twins Cora and Kaden officer and head of InBlock Intelligence. Brian’s career STEPHEN CURRAN, JR. ’92 on January 29, 2020. They join product line at LiquidX in New  includes over 15 years of sales was named top men’s basketball their proud big sister Cailey. York. experience in various industries, assistant coach in the Atlantic and for the past five years Courtney is a second-grade  ROBERT DOLAN ’86 joined 10. Stephen started his coaching he’s specialized in workflow teacher in Hingham and the The Village Bank as assistant career at Merrimack in 1994 and automation software. couple resides in Plymouth, vice president/commercial was assistant coach at UNH, Massachusetts. loan officer. Dolan has a long Robert Morris, Siena and Central  RICHARD “RICH” FLEMING, Connecticut State before joining JR. ’97 was hired as chief St. Bonaventure. commercial officer at Trico Group.

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 25  ALUMNI NEWS

 MARILENIN VASQUEZ ’03  More than 5,000 masks have  Congratulations to ARA  LAURA TERRASI ’14 joined is a newly admitted attorney been made and delivered for SARAJIAN ’10 for being Melick & Porter LLP as an in the Commonwealth of free to local health care workers nominated to the Washington attorney. Massachusetts. thanks to MICHAEL MCMAHON Business Journal’s “40 under 40.” JOHN DONAHUE ’15 was ’06 and Furniture Concepts.   JOSHUA CARROLL ’05 was  MELISSA ’12 and DENNIS sworn in as a patrol officer for recently promoted to lieutenant  JOANNA ZAJAC-MEDOR MURTAGH ’11, M’16 welcomed the police department in the colonel in the Air Force Reserve. ’06 and JOSHUA MEDOR ’06 their first child, William Patrick Town of Braintree. welcomed a son, Henry Charles, Murtagh, on January 7, 2020. , CEO and  ADAM MARTEL ’05 on January 10, 2019. [6]  MOLLY FINLAYSON ’16, M’17 cofounder of Gravyty, received  JENNIFER PINO ’13 was and THOMAS KENNISON ’16 a $21 million investment from K1  St. Joseph Hospital, a named to the 21st century were married on August 1, Investment Management. member of Covenant Health, Lawrence Eagle-Tribune girls 2020, in the company of friends announced DEEPAK VATTI, lacrosse team. [8] and family. Wedding guests The American Cancer Society  M.D. ’06 has been named the from the Class of 2016 included Greater Philadelphia Market hospital’s chief of emergency  ALEXANDRA (PICARDI) ’13 Emily Pickett, Mike Logan, Northeast Region Volunteer and Kevin Racicot welcomed medicine. In this leadership Taylor Tognacci, Jules Amann, Achievement Award was their first child, Adelaide Amy, position, he will oversee Anthony Silvio, Brigette presented to on December 20, 2019. KYLE MEAKIM ’05 operations of the hospital’s Houghton, Matt Benway, in sincere appreciation of his emergency department (ED) Jeff Ziske, Mike Haines, Fred dedication and outstanding  AARON STROTHERS ’13 and Milford Medical Center’s Inman, Erique L’Heureux, Evan service in the fight against is bringing the community urgent care in Milford, New Rodrigues, Pat Gillespie and cancer. Kyle started a local together through Village Hampshire, while continuing Mark McNall. [11] coaches versus cancer Hoops, a community-based his clinical work in the ED. basketball program. challenge where local Catholic  Purify, owned by SAMANTHA school basketball teams, both SHANNON (DONAHUE) ALBANO ’17, won Best of 2020   JULIE GORMLEY ’14 and boys and girls, compete while RAZSADIN ’08 was appointed THOMAS BROWN, JR. ’14 Spa Services from Sarasota raising money to crush cancer. to the Department of Defense celebrated their wedding with Magazine. His event has raised over military family readiness family and friends. Their photo $20,000 to date. council.  GEORGE BARATTA III M’17 features the mother of the was named a recipient of the bride, Mary (Barrett) Gormley  ANTONIO SORDILLO ’05 was  SCOTT SZUKSTA ’08 was 2019 Elijah Watt Sells Award. recently named one of the named principal at Parkside ’76, groom Thomas, bride Julie, To qualify for the award, CPA “Best-In-State Next Gen Wealth Middle School in Manchester, father of the bride, Terry, and candidates must obtain a sister . [9] Advisors” by Forbes. [5] New Hampshire. Joanna Gormley ’18 cumulative average score above 95.50 across all four sections of LEANNE MCAULIFFE ’14 and  ADAM ’05 and MEGHAN VAN  MICHAEL BRYANT ’14 were the Uniform CPA Examination, BUREN ’06 welcomed their twin 2010s recently married on March 28, pass all four sections on daughters, Natalie and Sloane, PETER DOHERTY ’10 has  2020. [10] their first attempt and have on May 11, 2019. joined the Bullfinch Group.[7] completed testing in 2019.

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Gloucester High School Girls Former Merrimack College Anthony F. Ross ’62   IN MEMORY Track and Field/Cross Country defenseman RYAN COOK ’19 Alan D. Sanville ’62 Joseph V. DeLena ’51 named BIANCA GIACALONE ’17 has signed his first professional Stella S. Voltero ’63 to the All Decade Team. contract, agreeing to terms Charles H. Winn ’51 Kathleen F. (Scanlon) Henry ’64 with the Kansas City Mavericks Robert W. Quine ’51, P’78, ’87, Roseanne Levesque ’65  BRITTANY RAY M’17 in the ECHL for the 2020–21 GP’11, ’15 celebrated the birth of her Thomas Nolan ’65 season. [15] Gerald W. McCall ’52 daughter, Elyza Willow Ray, Captain Austin C. O’Brien, Jr. ’52 V. Eileen Lamanna ’66 on August 25, 2019. LUIS SANTIAGO M’19 has been  Laurence “Larry” Marocco, Sr. ’53 Hugh McCabe ’67 appointed Haverhill’s veterans’ Richard S. Murawski ’67  SHALIMAR QUILES M’17 services officer. Santiago Lt. Col. Richard Francis Noone ’53 Barry C. Hutchinson ’69 was appointed to the served as an infantryman in the Prof. Albert Brenner ’54 Captain James T. Corbett ’76 Northern Essex Community Army from 2001 to 2005 and Gordon W. Schwaner ’54 College board of trustees was a soldier in the brigade that James J. Cunningham, Jr. ’55 Christina A. (Dobrzynski) by Massachusetts Governor Hitchcock ’76 captured Iraqi dictator Saddam William J. McCormick, Jr. ’55 . Albert J. Muldoon ’76 Hussein in 2003. [16] Jean M. Hart ’56, P’86 OSCAR ZEPEDA ’17 was John M. Pallone ’77, P’09  ROBERT “BOBBY” TOLAN ’19 Shirley Preston ’57  Lori Fasulo ’78 named to the 2019 “ 30 is a production assistant Roger Twomey ’59 under 30” list compiled by El David Putnam ’81 at HC Media in Haverhill, Katherine M. (Maguire) Greene Mundo Boston. [12] Massachusetts. ’60, GP’16 Michael R. Douglas ’86 Edward C. Roche ’87  RYAN GARROW M’18 achieved Leo Lacasse ’61 Peter M. Brown ’90 his dream of being named 2020s John D. Murray ’61 strength and conditioning Daniel A. Pierro ’61 Mildred Doherty ’93 Recent graduate JUVARIS coach at St. Michael’s College  Lisa C. Blinn ’94 HAYES ’20 signed his first Stanley Saba ’61 in Vermont. [13] professional contract this week, Philip G. Salem, Jr. ’61  THOMAS O’BRIEN ’18 was joining Tigers Tuebingen of recognized by the Builders and the Basketball Bundesliga in Remodelers Association of Germany. [17] with the Rising MARYKATE KELLY ’20 started Star in the Industry award. [14]  her career remotely as a brokerage operation associate with Fidelity Investments.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI! Visit merrimack.edu/update to share your life changes, job updates and accomplishments.

WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 27  NOTABLE AND QUOTABLE

NOTABLE AND QUOTABLE The accomplishments and shared expertise of Merrimack’s exceptional faculty

Assistant professor of mechanical Graduate Education Department associate ISABELLE CHERNEY, PH.D., dean of the engineering ROSELITA FRAGOUDAKIS, professor SUSAN MARINE, PH.D., presented School of Education and Social Policy, was PH.D., had a paper published in the new research on naming and preventing featured in on May International Journal of Structural Integrity LGBTQ interpersonal violence at the 1, 2020. Cherney talked about young kids’ and has a chapter set to be published in Global Summit on the Embodiment of fascination with adults and how this helps the upcoming book Engineering Failure Racism, Violence, and Trauma at Boston explain the continued popularity of toys Analysis. College. She was then selected to lead a that mimic adult jobs like the microscope presidential session on critical perspectives and rocket kits. Health Sciences Department assistant on sexual violence in higher education at professor APRIL BOWLING , SC.D., was the Association for the Study of Higher Assistant professor of communication featured in a Planbook.com article called Education conference in Portland, Oregon. and media MELISSA “MISH” ZIMDARS, “Why Are We Learning This? Teaching PH.D., author of Watching Our Weights: Physical Education Boosts Brain Power.” JOSEPH STASIO, A.P.C., an associate The Contradictions of Televising Fatness in professor in the Girard School of Business’ the “Obesity Epidemic,” was quoted in a BOWLING was also featured in a Boston Marketing Department, was recently Los Angeles Times article March 24, 2020, Globe story April 13, 2020, on how people featured on WalletHub.com offering expert discussing the portrayal of fat women should continue to exercise during self- knowledge on the use of credit cards, on television. isolation. Adhering to a fitness regimen that specifically the Chase Freedom® credit card. incorporates cardiovascular and resistance School of Education and Social Policy training is important for overall health, she Political Science and Public Policy Associate Dean RUSS OLWELL, PH.D., wrote told the Globe. Department associate professor ANNE an op-ed column for the Eagle-Tribune FLAHERTY, PH.D., and assistant professor newspaper April 15 urging school districts Psychology Department assistant professor KEVIN MCGRAVEY, PH.D., presented a to hire graduates when schools reopen. LAURA KURDZIEL, PH.D., was featured by paper that was co-authored with associate Merrimack students studying education KABC-TV News in Los Angeles for a story professor HARRY WESSEL, PH.D., assistant have been relentlessly proactive in their on the benefits of napping for children. professor JOHN LOVETT, PH.D., and commitment to helping K–12 teachers while When children don’t get a nap they need, Executive Director of Civic and Community schools are closed. They are showing that it stresses their bodies and makes it harder Engagement MARY MCHUGH at the 115th the next generation of teachers will be to go to sleep at night, Kurdziel told the American Political Science Association’s excellent and worthy of the profession. news outlet. Annual Meeting and Exposition. The paper Assistant professor of graphic design, Associate professors of communication examines the attitudes of students toward civic engagement after performing service DAN VLAHOS, M.F.A., was elected for and media LISA PERKS, PH.D., and JACOB membership to the prestigious Society TURNER, PH.D., had a manuscript about learning requirements in introductory college classes. of Printers in Boston, Massachusetts. their experiences with undergraduate Established in 1905, the society is students working on scholarly research Health Sciences Department assistant dedicated to the study and advancement projects accepted by the peer-reviewed professor JULIANA COHEN, SC.D., was of the art of printing. journal Scholarship and Practice of recently featured as an expert source for Undergraduate Research. a KTVA television report regarding a pilot Assistant professor of art/, program in Anchorage, Alaska, to lengthen JONATHAN LATIANO, M.F.A., gave a talk, PERKS was also cited as a source for an “Time as a Muse,” at the Broto 2020 article in The Wall Street Journal about lunchtime and recess for schoolchildren as a means of improving academic focus. Conference, held virtually this year. Broto: what people are watching on TV while Art-Climate-Science is a unique conference in self-isolation during the coronavirus CRISTI CATT, voice instructor at Merrimack of international experts focused on pandemic. Perks, who researches binge- College, recently wrapped up a session substantive, mutual, credible and real-time watching and media engagement, said at Berklee College’s renowned recording art-science collaboration that inspires media marathoning can be a therapeutic studio, Shames Family Scoring Stage. She innovation to address the climate crisis. coping mechanism. was awarded a grant to record “All Over the Map” with her ensemble, Blue Thread. EMMA DUFFY-COMPARONE, M.F.A., director of The Writers House, will publish her first book, Love Like That, a collection of short stories, with Henry Holt & Co., in March 2021.

28 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021 You can change lives with a gift to THE The MERRIMACK FUND. Whether supporting scholarships, internships, academic programs, Merrimack student groups or athletics, the impact you can Fund have is immeasurable. PLEASE GIVE TO THE MERRIMACK FUND TODAY ONLINE AT MERRIMACK.EDU/GIFT OR CALL (978) 837-5720. THANK YOU!

“Thank you for caring about Merrimack students, like me.” Will March ’22 Nutritional Sciences “Thank you for “Thank you for preparing me for my providing me with next chapter.” great promise and Andrea Frassine ’20, M’21 opportunity.” Corporate Finance, MSM Candidate Leslie Lima ’21 Civil Engineering Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID www.merrimack.edu Merrimack College