MERRIMACK - THRIVING IN A TIME OF DISRUPTION Merrimack's commitment to being open, Merrimack College
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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
2
Libby Johnson
Kaitlyn Manighalam
Margaret Popper
Design
18
PBD Partners
Photographers
Sergeant Samantha Ackerson
Bill Averette
Webb Chappell
William Cherry
Leise Jones
Scott Grau
Tom Kates
Kelli Readey ’16
Kevin Salemme ’95
6
Mary Schwalm
James Stankiewicz
Editorial Offices
Merrimack Magazine
Box A-8, Merrimack College
315 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845
In this edition:
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 marching band
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 Merrimack College 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
the community back together. “At the beginning of the pandemic,
many schools were scrambling to buy REOPENING CAMPUS
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.
its campus and allow for in-person Those factors allowed us to transition
One of the first actions taken was to
learning and residential living for the quickly and seamlessly.”
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
Merrimack is known for, regardless “From the start, we knew frequent
virtual one-on-one meetings, resulting
of the circumstances,” said President testing was something that would help
in a higher number of engagements
Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. “Whether keep our students and faculty safe when
compared with pre-COVID rates.
online or on campus, we are committed they returned to campus,” President
The O’Brien Center for Career
to delivering on our promises. Hopey said. “Broad’s sophisticated
Development followed suit, helping
Throughout this period of disruption, testing protocol was designed to help
students navigate an uncertain job
Merrimack has remained Merrimack.” institutions quickly detect the virus
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, and Success Coaching Program.
students and their families, the
de-densifying classrooms and common “That’s even more important during
College moved to ease the burden on
areas, and reconfiguring living areas to a pandemic, when people are more
those who would feel it most. To that
create small community pods. likely to feel isolated. Through success
end, Merrimack invested more than
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
the fall semester: is reaching out and helping them
Success coaching: To ensure that navigate challenges.”
• Return to campus and take part all students have someone looking
in a combination of in-person and out for them throughout every step of Academic Success Center
online courses their Merrimack journey, the College (ASC): 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 “Our graduate student employees
While offering online, in-person and
than 1,300 meetings with their coaches are great. They’re not teaching
dual options within a single calendar
in the first semester alone. classes — their primary role is to help
year was a huge logistical undertaking,
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 of resources.”
John, assistant director of student
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 organizational transformation, spurring
invested more than existing efforts to embrace the latest
neuro-diverse students who thrive in
structured environments. The Activate $18 million in its COVID digital strategies and technology,
Program is helping Merrimack students which will serve the institution for
response and conducted years to come.
on the autism spectrum tackle college
life and the challenges created by the 66,602 tests this fall alone. 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. toward financial stability, maintaining
DR. CHRISTOPHER E. HOPEY, PRESIDENT
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 their studies remain the core missions of
practical in nature — from Wi-Fi access
current job market, the O’Brien Center the institution. Merrimack’s ability to do
to food or rent. In response, Merrimack
is also offering virtual-specific coaching this and more underscores an important
created the Student Emergency Fund to
on topics such as Zoom interview principle: Warriors are able to surmount
assist students facing additional financial
etiquette. Remote strategies have also any obstacle, together.
hurdles due to COVID-19. To date, the
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
charities, including the Boston
STACEY DION ’98:
Resiliency Fund, Groundwork Lawrence Helping companies — and Warriors —
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
as Beth Israel Deaconess, Lahey Health
JOE PRESTON ’84, P’17: and Lawrence General Hospital, as well
Running to the rescue with New Balance 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
athletic footwear and apparel giant remains firmly rooted in New England. Stacey Dion ’98
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
the company was primed to give back. Group, Stacey Dion ’98 is no stranger
Whether at work or at home, Joe believes
With the help of chief operating officer to navigating the ups and downs of an
the pandemic has highlighted the
and fellow Merrimack alum Dave uncertain economic market. Since the
importance of community — something
Wheeler ’85, New Balance began onset of the pandemic, that expertise has
he also learned during his time as
manufacturing general use face masks proven valuable for both her company
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 basketball 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
sector had access to government
TRAVONNE BERRY-ROGERS ’15: training — both outdoors and online —
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, Massachusetts 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
the Majority Leader. Prior to joining page, no equipment needed. Instead, Travonne Berry-Rogers ’15
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 Provost 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. At Merrimack College, Scammon was a cooperative
“While we have taken steps toward a
“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 Babson College.
systemic inequalities and acquiring President Hopey.
8 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021SEEN 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 United States 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 our program to the next level and to focus
Judy and Bob have been supporters of
continues to grow and offer superior so intensely on supporting early-career
Merrimack College for more than 50
educational programs to community teachers. Their support will allow us to
years. Their most recent gift establishes
educators,” Judy stated. provide resources to keep teachers in
an endowment to support the education
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 Boston College 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
8% 2/3 30%
Teacher Support Works
86% of educators
leave teaching
leave for reasons
other than
of new educators
leave their job
of teachers with mentors
remain in the field1 each year2 retirement3 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 9AUGUSTINIAN
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
Villanova University, 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 Bishop 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 Parish 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
Department, FR. BRYAN KERNS,
O.S.A. teaching in an Augustinian preparatory
Winston School school in New Jersey, where he taught
Assistant Professor
of Education and ethics and constitutional law, and served
of Practice, Religious
Social Policy as chaplain for the basketball program.
and Theological
Fr. John earned Studies, School of FR. DANIEL
his bachelor’s degree in French and Liberal Arts MADDEN, O.S.A.
Spanish from Tufts University 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 Middlebury College. Prior
the University of Chicago 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 Matignon High School 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 Hispanic 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
theology, especially the thought of Saint ordained to the priesthood at Villanova
Good Counsel in Staten Island, New York;
Augustine of Hippo; Christian virtue, on October 10, 2020.
and Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish
10 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021PROVINCE 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
(l-r) Fr. Jack Deegan, O.S.A., former president of www.augustinian.org/justice-peace
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 PARISHES SHRINE VOLUNTEERS SEEN AND HEARD
RESILIENT
PIONEERS Early 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 colleges.
“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” scholarship 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 2021SEEN 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
WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 13 SEEN AND HEARD
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.
14 MERRIMACK • WINTER 2021SEEN AND HEARD
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
Academy of Management. from assistant professor and graduate AUTUMN ALCOTT RIDENOUR , promoted
program director to associate professor from assistant professor to associate
JULIANA COHEN , promoted from assistant
and graduate program director in 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.
WWW.MERRIMACK.EDU 15 SEEN AND HEARD
FASTLauren
FIVE Maher ’16
with
Lauren Maher ’16 shares her path to becoming a nurse, how
Merrimack influenced her career choice and how she’d like to
4 5
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
1 2 3
in college were strength in its own way. The
and conditioning and people were amazing
nutrition, diet and and it was nice walking
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 2021SEEN 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
coronavirus pandemic.
Keep a Routine.
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 17You can also read
