Salem State University is planning a $15 million addition to its O'Keefe Center wellness facility to address the needs of its growing resident student population. The proposed two-story addition would include a large fitness center, recreational courts, lounge space, and dance studios. A student survey found 90% support the project to improve campus life. The addition is awaiting approval and funding to move forward.

1. The Salem Sailor
Page 4
In this issue:
Salem State helps ready students for the future
At Salem State, you’ll find many different types of resume before pursuing the job search.
Salem State & its as-
students. Some students have jobs, while others save sociates rise to the
Basically what I’ve come to understand in college is
all summer to take the semesters off from work. that it’s never too late to get involved. After starting occasion: January/February 2012 Volume 1, Edition 1
Many parents have the ability to pay for school, while
some have to take out loans, or the students find a
way to pay for school up front.
school two years late, and two changes of major, I’ve
found that it’s also never too late to find something
an insightful story about
the lasting impression
Salem State and its associates rise to the occasion
you love. It’s about being well-rounded and finding
I’ve consistently held two jobs throughout my career your way – that’s what all of those electives and world Salem State hopes to The North Shore’s rich arts culture seems to make the Prior to her promotion to associate director, Mc-
perfect home for the only state college in New Eng- Donald handled much of the publicity writing, blogs
at school, sometimes working more than full-time literature classes are for! leave on every student land with an accredited theatre department. With so and social media for the CCPA.
hours, and have paid for school with loans that I’ll Uncertainty is something that faces all students, no many different programs in the
arts at many different colleges “We have a person starting this month
have to pay back after graduation. Just a few months matter their financial situation or the amount of expe- who will only have the responsibility of
from that particular milestone, I’m grappling with the rience they have. It’s a matter of what students do in Courtney Denning is a Com- Touring Salem State: and universities in the area, it can running our Facebook page,” she said.
idea of an internship that could land me a job, while munications major at Salem be hard to choose which to enroll “It’s up and coming and hopefully having
the face of that adversity that makes them a success. to talk or just to walk: in. The Center for Creative and
also navigating the job search the only way I know State University, graduating Performing Arts (CCPA) at someone on the social media full-time
Am I going to be worried and scared about finding a a profile on Admissions will allow for more updates and more
how: lots of research and the internet. job in this economy? Of course, but so is the girl with in May 2012. Salem State University has many
different options to consider, involvement from alumni and donors.”
With all sorts of other responsibilities, I haven’t had the perfect resume. My tips for those coming in after Ambassador Katelyn The plan is to promote Salem State’s
such as dance, music, theatre, CCPA to perspective students as well as
much time to get involved in groups or clubs at me include, but are not limited to the following: Phaneuf and upcoming creative writing, and art and de-
school and it’s hitting home at this point in my college sign. the surrounding area, and in recent
career that those things may be useful on my resume.
1. Enjoy Yourself – and I don’t mean in the stereotyp- events years, the department has been using
ical way. I mean, take it all in, see the sights, be a Associate Director of Advance- downtown Salem’s fall activities and
In the communications department, it’s almost ex- ment Communications, Kathleen tourists to their advantage. McDonald
tourist for a day, and Salem State promotes
pected that the stu- McDonald, has special interest in said that there have been a few activities
dents get involved
and more hands on,
don’t forget that
these are, in fact, “There is diversity to alums: a this topic, but not only because Associate Director of Advancement
Communications is enthusiatic about Salem they’ve participated in, although time is
her previous title was Staff Asso- State’s Center for Creative and Performing Arts. not on their side considering the hectic
the best years of highlight of events pro- ciate for the CCPA. Her interest schedules that include rehearsals, studio
whether it be by writ-
ing for Salem State’s
your life.
2. Work Hard – try
really no limit moting the upcoming ef-
comes from her investment in the school itself. hours and other commitments.
McDonald received her bachelor’s degree in English at “We have done the Mass Poetry Festival, a yearly
news publication, also
known as “The Log”
or joining a network-
to pay for school
while you’re here if to the things a fort to diversify the
student and professional
Salem State after growing up in Lynn and choosing to
stay close to home for college. She then went on to
earn a master’s degree in gender and cultural studies
Dance Workshop at the Boys & Girls Club in Salem,
as well as the floating sculpture exhibit behind the
House of Seven Gables that (a professor) had his
you can, because it from Simmons College. McDonald did make her way students work on three summers ago,” she ex-
ing association. The
program grooms stu-
dents to enter the
will only free you
from stressing post-
student can population at the school back to Salem State as she now works in the Alumni plained. “We’re trying to get our name out there
House on South campus, writing proposals to produce while having a positive impact on the community.”
graduation. And more fundraising for the university.
professional world
using internships and
make sure to stay on
top of school work
accomplish in Salem State seeks
$15 million addition to Salem State seeks $15 million addition to O’Keefe Center
(story continued on page 2 - Alumni)
events as well as a
seminar class to pre-
pare a portfolio of Central Campus’ new building, Marsh Hall, is always booming with student life.
– your GPA will
work in your favor the four years O’Keefe Center: a
news story about the
A $15 million addition that will to be two stories and
include a large fitness center, recreational basketball
The wellness center at Salem State in its current con-
dition has been described by some as “small and
later.
successful work.
When I first got into seminar, I didn’t realize how
3. Get Involved – dip your hand in a little of every-
thing. Try something new and meet some new people.
they spend in new addition that city
committees are trying to
courts, a lounge and dance studios, has been proposed tired,” suggesting that the update will shed some new
to a neighborhood advisory committee and will be pre- light on the aging sports center. The growing number
sented to the university’s board of resident students, some of
much other students had done to become involved. The only person you’re hurting by sitting and letting
Then the first resume critique came around, and I no- the time pass you by is yourself.
ticed that some students had significantly more associ- 4. Be open-minded – there are so many possibilities
college, implement over the next
several years, for stu-
of trustees to discuss funding and
issues.
After a survey of students indi-
whom might not use the current
facility, shows need for a bigger
area with a more varied schedule
to gratify the diversity of some
ation with particular groups, as well as quite a few
awards from communications events. I could finally
in Salem and the areas around it. There are so many
different people to meet and things to experience. especially at a dent and community use
cated that an astonishing 90 per-
cent indicated that a new fitness
center would draw them in, the
2,000 in on-campus housing. This
growth to about 20 percent of
grasp the idea that, being put up against some of these You’re ALWAYS networking – keep in mind that the student body has occurred in
students for a job, I might not be the one to get it.
This terrifies me, knowing that the amount of loans
every person you meet could potentially aid in finding
your future.
school where Salem State helps
ready students for the
university decided to take action
in order to make the on-campus
experience for students a little
more recent years, and seems to
be continuing in that pattern.
more accommodating.
I’ve taken out for school might double what I’d make
working a retail job after school. But finding out so
early has allowed me to come up with a plan.
There is really no limit to the things a student can ac-
complish in the four years they spend in college, espe-
there are so future: a discussion of
value, cost and network-
“It’s nice that the school is finally
taking notice of some of the
The new facility will be able to
provide assembly space for up to
1,000 people while providing a
cially at a school where there are so many great center for social interaction and
I’ve since decided to take action and get involved with options. The only thing limiting students with an
the honor society that I was inducted into last year. open-mind is their own will to get involved in their
many great ing and how Salem
things that the students want,”
said Rehema Stroble, a sopho-
more and an avid basketball
much more room for on-campus
activities that are currently held
State encourages stu- player. “First the library and now The new O’Keefe Center plans are not final, but will be in the campus center which can’t
Rather than just saying I was in it, I made an effort to lives and their surroundings. In hindsight, I wish I had
volunteer to help out at this year’s induction cere- gotten involved sooner because there are so many options.” dents toward their fu- the fitness center – they’re trying
to make some real improvements
sometime early next year. hold even half that number.
For more information on the
mony and hope to also help at other events in the fu- things I would have liked to do to make my own last- and you can already see it making a difference in the
ture. I’ve also put forth effort to become more -Courtney Denning tures property, or how to donate, visit
ing impression on Salem State. But I did what I could campus. It’s going to be an amazing place once every- salemstate.edu/wellnesscenter or call 978.542.6537.
involved in the Student Government Association in an and what I came to do, and now it’s your turn to de- thing is finished.”
attempt to have one more leadership quality on my cide how you want to be remembered!

2. Page 2 Salem State promotes diversity to alums
Touring Salem State: With more than 400 international students living on For example, while she was attending school here,
to talk or just to walk campus and people from 70 countries pursuing both
graduate and undergraduate degrees at Salem State
there wasn’t one person of color in the Student Gov-
ernment Association or on the Program Council.
As a student at Salem State University, there are University, it’s no wonder that many would consider
the university one of the most diverse schools in the Although that has changed significantly over time, it
many different things you can become involved in: might not have if it wasn’t for students like her getting
First-Year on-campus activities like sports or student-run
groups, off-campus things like shopping in downtown
state.
Both the Student Support Center and the Learning
involved and being the change. “First the
Center at the university offer services to first genera- Frederick created an event in 2007 that, in its name as
Philosophy Salem or dinner in Boston, as well as many opportu-
nities for jobs, internships or work-study, both on tion students, whose parents didn’t graduate from col-
lege, or those from low-income families, allowing tural Alumni Soiree. library and
well as its guest list, includes everyone: the Multicul-
Salem State University is and off campus.
alumni to come together to tell old stories, create net- now the fitness
them to receive helpful training and student-specific An annual event, the soiree is an opportunity for all
committed to ensuring a For Katelyn Phaneuf, it was the teacher-to-student tutoring to increase their chance of being successful.
first-year student experi- ratio and the on-campus preschool that brought her Regardless of situation, support is always offered to working opportunities, and promote the diversity that
ence that facilitates the
transition from high
to Salem State to pursue her double major in Educa-
tion and Spanish, but it’s her job that allows her to
Governor Deval Patrick speaks to graduates during the Class of 2011
commencement ceremony.
every student.
Throughout the history of Salem State, with the ups
the school has become known for.
“The majority of the attendees from the first year said
center -- they
show other incoming students the different things and downs of the rest of society, diversity wasn’t always that it was the first event they had attended since they
school to college and that
actively encourages stu-
that this school has to offer.
“Being an Admissions Ambassador here is fun, be-
(continued from page 1 - Alumni )
The department is also working on a fundraising proj-
supported. Many alumni of different backgrounds
faced controversy and adversity during their time in
graduated from here,” said Frederick. “That’s huge.” are trying to
ect to raise $3.5 million to renovate the Mainstage college, and it has caused some question of whether or This year’s event isn’t scheduled yet, but Frederick
vitations will be out before the New Year. Every alum- make some real
dents’ involvement in the cause I just get to be really honest with students Auditorium into a fully functional theatre with loge not things remain the same or if they are changing. said they’re aiming for an early March date and that in-
about whatever they want to ask,” said Phaneuf about boxes, a balcony, handicap accessibility, new sound
entire range of opportuni- guiding the tours on campus for prospective students and lighting equipment as well as a catwalk to make “Many of the alumni of color spent a lot of their time nus will receive an invitation in hopes that the
ties available in the col- and their parents. “I let the kids know everything
things easier for the crew. These new additions will
completely change the way that an audience can view
here feeling like they weren’t included,” said Jannell numbers will continue to grow for this event, as well improvements
Frederick, Staff Assistant of Institutional Advancement, as the other events held throughout the year.
lege community. The first about on-campus and off-campus life right off the the shows that the department puts on throughout and an alumna of color herself. “The school is making
year experience will lay
the foundation for student
bat, and answer any questions that the parents might
have, so it’s a win-win and they get all the informa-
tion they need to decide on a school. I don’t lie to
the school year.
Along with fundraising for the huge Mainstage proj-
strides in diversity and we’re trying to keep them up-
dated on the changes in the population here. We’re try-
“It’s important that our alums recognize the changes
happening here and support them,” said Frederick.
“It’s a different place now and it’s only growing and
and you can
ect, there is also the fund for the department’s grants ing to get them to come back for more events to tell
the students and faculty are proof that the mission is already see it
success in academic, in- them.” their stories of how they supported the ongoing mis- getting better. The alumni support and the diversity of
and scholarships program that opens up money for
tellectual, social, and civic sion.”
In her opinion, the tour around campus really does students to pursue a private project over the summer on its way to success.”
For more information on this and other events held at making a
endeavors in not only the need a guide with a face, someone to walk around to further their experience. This way, they can come Frederick said that there is an automatic inhibition
and answer questions, regardless of the distance away back to the school and teach other students some of when being invited to an event here, possibly because
student’s first year but in from the other campuses. “We don’t have time to the things that they have learned. of that feeling that they didn’t belong while they were Salem State, visit salemstate.edu/alumni/events or
each year until gradua-
tion.
take them to the O’Keefe Center or to South Cam-
pus, although we encourage them to visit both. But
“The way we see it, it’s nice to spread the wealth a lit-
tle bit,” said McDonald. “We give one student the op-
here, due in part to what was going on in society de-
pending on their time of attendance.
email Jannell Frederick directly at jfrederick@salem-
state.edu. difference in
the questions that they get to ask us on the walk from
The Salem
Central to North Campus are sometimes crucial to
their decision and aren’t something you could get out
portunity to have the experience and then others can
benefit from it as well. Harvard has a similar program the campus.
that we modeled ours after.” The grant is specifically
Sailor
of a pamphlet,” Phaneuf said. “It’s really best that they
come during the school year for a tour so that they
for upperclassmen who have, as McDonald put it, “re-
ally learned about their craft, built some skill and
It’s going to be
can see life on campus and look into the classrooms
Published quarterly by
Salem State University
to see the real teacher-to-student ratio and the diver-
sity of students that we have here.”
have had some experience working at it.” It recently
allowed one particular student and his film crew to
attend a major movie festival in LA this past summer,
an amazing
352 Lafayette Street
There are many on-campus events to attend like the
“Weekend Warriors” event, where freshmen compete
offering great networking opportunities and a well-
deserved reward for winning the campus’ Movie Fest. Salem State’s campus, faculty, staff and students are part of the ongoing mission to place once
Salem, MA 01970 in an inflatable obstacle course against each other as create a diverse learning environment where all students can flourish.
commute into Boston’s North Station is also just a 25- everything is
well as against the other dorms to win prizes like gift The CCPA at Salem State has a lot of different things
cards, money for to offer within each department, including dance, (from page 2 - student life) The school also hosts the
978.542.6000 music, theatre, art and creative writing. With many
their Clipper “Snow Down,” winter’s version of a Wild West party, minute train.
With the ongoing campus renovations, new residence finished.”
Card and more. confident and experienced professors, it’s easy to see equipped with a mechanical bull; an auction night
Editor In Chief: that the accreditation of the department is well de-
(continued on page where you can raffle off your friends for a date, as well
Courtney Denning served. halls, and university status, Salem State is making an
3 - student life) as sporting events just about every night when the sea- -Rehema Stroble
c_denning@salemstate.edu excellent name for itself. The fair price of tuition has
“We are not only the flagship of the arts North of sons are in full swing. If you’d rather go off campus, kept students like Phaneuf here for all four years.
Sophomore at SSU
Boston, but we represent every state school in New there is plenty to do in downtown Salem any time of
England as the best,” said McDonald, with confi- “Even for me to pay out-of-state tuition, it costs less
year, but the fall is especially active with spooky but in- than the schools I was looking at in New Hampshire,”
Salem State Admissions
dence. “This is where it’s happening.” formative events, plenty of different museums, as well she said. “It’s a great price to pay for everything I’m
Ambassador Katelyn To get involved or give to the cause, contact Donna as the plethora of restaurants and coffee shops that
Phaneuf helps prepare getting out of it. The value for me has been huge.”
Wholley, gift processor for Insitutional Advancement make downtown Salem appealing all year round. The
prospective students for
at 978.542.7551 or dwholley@salemstate.edu.
what they may face
during life on campus. Page 3