These alumnae share what it means to give back to Saint Anselm College.
#43
PAT (MURRAY) DAVENPORT ’70
Pat (Murray) Davenport ’70 and Jim Davenport ’69 met in college and made their first donations to their alma mater soon after graduating. They continued to give regularly, often to support the basketball program or the nursing program. As they pursued careers and raised two daughters, they remained loyal donors. Recently, their philanthropy gained a new focus: assisting students who love running.
Tragically, Jim died in 2022 of ALS. His passion for running motivated his wife to establish two scholarships: the Davenport Family Annual Track & Field Scholarship and the Davenport Family Endowed Track & Field Scholarship Fund.
“I know Jim would love to help a student who enjoys running as he did,” Davenport says. A longtime educator and coach in Manchester, Jim was in the Army Reserves for 33 years. “He ran to keep in shape for the Army tests, and our daughters ran with him. Running goes right through the family. There was nothing he liked more than a three-generation road race with our daughters and their children.”
Both daughters are dedicated runners and follow related careers, one as a doctor in sports medicine and one in sports broadcasting.
Davenport spent much of her career at Catholic Medical Center and Optima Health Community Services in Manchester. Living nearby in Auburn, she visits campus often to attend a basketball game or alumni event.
This year, the college has plans to open a stateof- the-art track and field facility, allowing athletes to train and compete in outdoor as well as indoor track like most teams in the NE-10. Davenport looks forward to being in the stands when Saint Anselm College hosts a meet. She’ll keep an eye out for Samuel Jones ’27, the data science major who is the first recipient of the Davenport Family Annual Track & Field Scholarship.
#44
CAROLINE MEGAN ’83
Caroline Megan ’83 decided she wanted to become a nurse when she was five years old. She earned a degree, worked with a celebrated nursing leader, enjoyed a career as a school nurse, and taught college students who shared her calling.
Her path had one unexpected obstacle, however. After applying to a renowned nursing school and finding it unaffordable, her mother encouraged her to apply to Saint Anselm College. After visiting the campus and falling in love with it, the high school senior applied and, six weeks later, sent her deposit.
Looking back, Megan says, “Often when one door closes, another one opens. Saint Anselm had a profound effect on my life.” Her Hilltop years led her to make close friends and meet her husband, Peter Megan ’83. Two of the couple’s children (Brendan ’17 and Catherine (Megan) Whittle ’08) hold degrees. Megan’s extended family contains many Anselmians, including the namesake of the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center.
“Giving is a true reflection of what the college gave to me,” Megan says. “My husband and I donated the first year after graduating. I want to help students experience a Saint Anselm education because I appreciate what someone did for me more than 40 years ago.”
In addition to an Anselmian education, Megan appreciates her relationship with Saint Anselm College trustee Joyce C. Clifford ’59. The late Dr. Clifford is known for developing a nursing model that placed staff nurses at the center of quality patient care and created an administrative culture that supported them. Megan worked under her supervision at Beth Israel Hospital.
“I deeply respected Joyce Clifford,” Megan says. “She was a terrific friend and mentor to me, as well as a significant philanthropist to Saint Anselm College. I hope our donation to the college helps students to experience all that the college has to offer and go out into the world to make a positive difference by helping others.”
#45
ANDREA LELAND ’87
Having majored in history, it’s not surprising that Andrea Leland ’87 is interested in things that last. Giving to Saint Anselm College is a way to make sure that the college she loves is there for future generations.
“I knew Saint A’s was where I belonged,” she says of her first visit to campus. She found her “tribe” the first weekend of school. These friends have shared sorrows and successes over four decades. “I want others to be able to experience all Saint A’s has to offer—not just academically, but socially and spiritually.”
The humanities program, the presence of monks on campus, and the many opportunities to volunteer in the community allowed Leland to explore and deepen her faith. Throughout her four years, the Abbey Church was a peaceful retreat. “My years on the Hilltop allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined,” she says. She earned a law degree and practices in Northborough, Mass., specializing in trusts and estates.
While she doesn’t remember what prompted her first donation to the college, Leland believes it wasn’t nearly enough considering what she had received. Once her donations became regular, she met with a gifts officer to develop a fiveyear plan to maximize her gifts. “Now, every year when I donate, it makes me smile and reflect on how much I have been given and how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to attend this institution.”
One of the things that impresses Leland is how the college continues to grow while keeping a small-school feel. She sees the results of her philanthropy “not only in new buildings on campus, but in the growth in majors and in the college’s name recognition. It’s heartwarming to see the Saint Anselm name more in the forefront. I’m so grateful to the board of trustees and to everyone who contributes to a vision to keep the college growing. I hope my gift enables the college to continue to provide an exceptional liberal arts education for decades to come.”
#46
AMY (AKERBLOM) SULLIVAN ’97
“There’s just something different about a Saint Anselm College nurse,” says Amy (Akerblom) Sullivan ’97. She speaks from experience. In a career of nearly 30 years, she has encountered many Saint Anselm graduates. “I see the need for qualified and confident nurses every day,” she says. “I’ve never forgotten the things my nursing professors told me about treating patients with respect and compassion. These details may seem insignificant, but they’re what makes a Saint Anselm nurse stand out from the rest.”
Working in patient services management at Yale New Haven Health Old Saybrook Medical Center in Connecticut, Sullivan gives to her alma mater because of her education as well as the lifelong friendships she enjoys. The college will always be a touchstone in her life: She and her husband, George Sullivan ’96, met on the Hilltop, and two of their three sons attend the college.
“We started giving to the school after we married, and we’re fortunate that we’ve been able to increase the level over the years,” Sullivan says. “Most recently, we supported the campaign for the Grappone Humanities building, and we plan to support the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences. With this facility, the college will be well-positioned to continue educating nurses and healthcare leaders.” The 45,000-square-foot building is expected to open in August.
The couple also participates in the annual Days of Giving, a program that raised millions of dollars over the past 10 years. Sullivan believes that the ability for alumni to designate donations to specific programs they care deeply about has increased participation.
“As parents of two students (physics majors Cameron ’25 and Ethan ’27), it brings us great joy to see them experience this wonderful school,” she says. “Each visit allows us to witness firsthand the progress on campus—which is a direct result of giving.”
#47
MEAGHAN EMMONS ’02
From studying the Great Books to serving on student government to building gingerbread houses in Davison Hall, Meaghan Emmons ’02 immersed herself in student life at Saint Anselm College. Many family members have done the same: Her parents (Margaret A. Emmons ’75 and Todd Emmons ’75) and two brothers (Joseph T. Emmons ’04 and Matthew T. Emmons ’07) all earned degrees from the college.
Emmons’ four years at Saint Anselm launched her on a career in business administration, preparing her for her current position as CEO of Spaulding Academy & Family Services. The New Hampshire nonprofit organization provides services for young people with a range of neurological and behavioral challenges. Through her job as well as volunteer activities, she has a positive impact on the lives of others. She volunteers at UpReach Therapeutic Riding Center in Goffstown—where she was raised and continues to live.
Emmons believes that her major in liberal studies instilled a love of learning, as well as the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. “I truly believe that this liberal arts education has played a big role in any success I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve,” she says. “I give to Saint Anselm College for all that it gave to me—my education, of course, and a community I’ll belong to my whole life. I made deep and lasting friendships on the Hilltop, ones I value to this day, and I’ve always felt a sense of peace and belonging on campus.”
Emmons gives annually to the college, in part because she received financial aid. “I’ve always felt that if I could repay any of the benefit I was lucky enough to receive, I would do as much as I was able. I’ve always wanted to help make these experiences accessible for future generations of Anselmians.”
#48
KELLY (DUNN) ZAMACHAJ ’14
Ten-year college reunions are milestones: occasions to reflect on careers and personal lives, and on a life-changing decision made at a very young age. Even though Kelly (Dunn) Zamachaj ’14 visits the Hilltop regularly to attend Mass or a sporting event, her reunion last summer was memorable.
“I loved being able to catch up with classmates who aren’t able to attend local alumni events,” she says. “The fact that it was over multiple days helped me connect with more people than shorter events allow.”
Some of these classmates were fellow Abbey Players (as is her husband, Peter Zamachaj ’11). Zamachaj was part of the crew and ran sound for the productions. On the Abbey Players board, she was the director of Dana Center Relations—a role that helped her develop as a leader. “It helped me become more comfortable speaking in front of groups, learn how to give direction, and be seen and be comfortable as a leader while working with a team,” she says.
As a critical care nurse educator at St. Joseph Hospital, she uses these skills daily. This is in part why she gives to Saint Anselm College, a habit she began right after graduating.
“I attended Saint A’s on a scholarship.” Zamachaj says. “It opened the doors to an Anselmian education, which, in turn, gave me many opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. I also learned the value of giving back through volunteering at Langdon Mills through the Meelia Center and with Re-Member in South Dakota through SBA.”
Zamachaj attends local alumni events often. Talking with Diane Uzarski, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, at Homecoming in 2023, she discovered that Saint Anselm did not have any clinical groups at St. Joe’s. That is no longer the case: Two clinical groups of Anselmian students gained hands-on experience at Zamachaj’s hospital last fall.
#49
OLIVIA KORB ’25
Olivia Korb ’25 recently made a big decision: Instead of seeking a job in marketing, she applied to graduate school to pursue a degree in occupational therapy.
“I felt a strong calling to help people in a more meaningful and hands-on way. Occupational therapy stood out to me as the perfect field where I could combine my passion for serving others with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in their lives,” she says.
Korb sees this as an example of how Saint Anselm College has shaped her in ways she never could have imagined. As an admission counselor, she loves sharing her story with prospective students.
“This community has supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow into the person I am today,” she says. “I’ve gained knowledge and skills that prepare me for the future, but it’s the experiences outside the classroom that have really touched my heart. Through Campus Ministry, I’ve found a deeper connection to my faith and built relationships that feel like family. Being a Road for Hope leader and going on a B.R.E.A.K. (Benedictine, Reflection, Education, Advocacy, and Kinship) trip to West Virginia opened my eyes to the power of service and the impact we can have on others when we live out Anselmian values.”
Korb made her first gift as part of the Senior Class Gift, and she serves as Senior Class Gift co-chair. She gives to her alma mater because she wants future Anselmians to have the kind of life-changing opportunities she had. “It feels like a natural way to give back. My hope is that every student feels the love, support, and sense of purpose that I’ve been fortunate to experience here,” she says. “Even small contributions can make a big impact on the future of Saint Anselm. It’s not just about raising funds—it’s about fostering a culture of giving and showing how much we value the opportunities the college has provided.” Photo by Matthew Raymond '20