Class of 2024 Celebrated for Resiliency and Achievement
Saint Anselm College’s 131st Commencement was held on Saturday, May 18, celebrating 507 students who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This year the college is marking 50 years of full co-education and the inaugural year for the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
College President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. pointed out that students are prepared not only for successful careers in their chosen fields but also for successful “life outcomes.” The “secret sauce” of Saint Anselm’s transformative experience includes many ingredients, including curiosity, community, humility, respect, and courage, he said.
The Commencement Exercises were held on the Alumni Quadrangle. Family and friends cheered for the graduands as their names were read by Professor Ward Holder, Ph.D.; Dean Mark Cronin, Ph.D.; Dean Diane Uzarski D.N.P., M.P.H., R.N.; and Professor Kaitlyn Clarke, Ph.D.
Five individuals who have distinguished themselves as nurses, educators, journalists, and humanitarians received honorary degrees during the ceremonies.
Lauren Chooljian Baier ’10, an award-winning reporter, delivered the commencement address and received an Honorary Doctorate in Journalism. A senior reporter with New Hampshire Public Radio, Chooljian was named a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Audio Reporting, and she earned the prestigious duPont-Columbia award this year.
She noted the class of 2024 ended their high school years and started their college years during the pandemic. “You deserve to celebrate loudly. Look around at all the people who believe in you. How lucky you are,” she said.
Other honorary degree recipients included Carole McGinness Cafferty ’88; Captain Mary Jo O’Dwyer Majors, R.N., M.S.N., Nurse Corps, U.S.N.R. (Ret.) ’69; Joseph M. Horton, Ed.D. ’77; and Robert F. Savard, Jr. ’71.
As a human rights advocate with more than 30 years of leadership experience in prisons and jails, including as superintendent of a correctional facility, Cafferty was recognized for dedicating her career to the empowerment of individuals, to redefining their identities, and to unlocking their full potential.
Captain Majors was honored for exemplifying the mission of Saint Anselm College and the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and for giving a lifetime of service to the country, to various volunteer organizations, and to her beloved alma mater.
Horton was cited for being a student-first leader who helped guide and shape Saint Anselm in many ways. His influence on generations of young people helped not only prepare them for successful careers in their chosen fields but also led them to discover their best selves.
Savard, who enjoyed a long and successful professional career in the insurance industry and as a longtime executive recruiter, was honored for being a humble servant who embodies what it means to be Anselmian, giving generously to numerous professional and personal endeavors.
Psychology Major Kiara Phair ’24, a Magna Cum Laude graduate who helped lead the annual Road for Hope walk in 2022, was the student speaker.
Rev. Augustine Kelly, O.S.B. ’83, the Chancellor of Saint Anselm College, then presented Ava Caputo ’24, a biology major, with the Chancellor’s Awards for the highest grade-point average of 4.0.
During the ceremonies, Professor Kevin Doran, Ph.D., presented the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Award to Professor Deborah McCarter, Ph.D., on behalf of the college’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). Doran cited McCarter’s “infectious energy and joy” that has been appreciated by students and fellow faculty.
Hooding ceremonies for the college’s Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Master of Education in Special Education programs took place on the morning of commencement, with 18 criminal justice and six education students conferred degrees.
On the day prior to commencement, a graduation celebration was held for 18 senior members of the Men’s Lacrosse Team, who left campus prior to Commencement to compete in the semi-finals of the NCAA Div. II national championship.
A military commissioning ceremony also was held for Criminal Justice Major Zachary Roughan and Politics and German Major Alexander Scopa, who were commissioned Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
For more commencement stories and photos, visit www.anselm.edu/commencement-2024.
Photos by Kim Casey and Christine Hochkeppel
College Recieves Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement
Saint Anselm is one of 40 colleges to receive the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement.
“We are very pleased to have achieved this Carnegie designation, which affirms our deep commitment to community engagement,” said College President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. “Service and volunteerism are at the core of our Benedictine heritage through the values of hospitality, community, love, and stewardship.”
The college has a long history of community engagement, starting with its founding purpose of providing education to the children of immigrants working in the mills, and community engagement can be found in many areas of the institution. Some examples include:
Access Academy: The Meelia Center for Community Engagement’s Access Academy provides a college access program to Manchester high school students from underrepresented backgrounds while providing Saint Anselm College students leadership and learning opportunities within the program.
Anselmian BREAK: Through this program, run by Campus Ministry, students engage with communities around the United States during college breaks through community partnerships. They learn about justice issues and community needs, providing physical service, monetary donations, and advocacy.
Manchester Asset Mapping: As a part of their Intro to Peace & Justice Studies course and in partnership with the Meelia Center, students worked with the Manchester Health Department to create asset maps for all the city wards.
Moore Center community classes provide community-based enrichment and learning opportunities for Moore Center participants with intellectual and cognitive disabilities while providing educational opportunities for Saint Anselm College students through their partnership with the Meelia Center.
The Housing We Need Initiative: The Center for Ethics in Society works with NH Housing to provide education, foster dialogue, and do research about the housing crisis in New Hampshire. This is all aimed at finding solutions for the barriers to adequate housing options for people in all walks of life in the state.
There are two main offices that focus on community engagement, Campus Ministry and the Meelia Center for Community Engagement, but these values are integral to the full college. Athletics and Student Government both have community engagement as part of their programs. Also, the college has five service societies that report to the Dean of Students Office, with service embedded in their mission statements. Together, these five service societies organize the annual Relay for Life.
“This Carnegie designation acknowledges and celebrates the colleges’ deep commitment to community engagement and our longstanding reciprocal partnerships with community organizations and neighbors. We are grateful for our community partners who work collab- oratively with our students, faculty, and staff, to bring about positive community change,” said Nicole Lora ’06, director of the Meelia Center. “Our students have the opportunity to develop strong civic and leadership skills through this work and ongoing engagement with the community.”
The college is one of 368 institutions that have been recognized by the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. It is awarded following a process of self-study by the institution, which is then assessed by a national review committee. The committee looked at alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.
“We recognize these institutions for their exceptional commitment to community engagement, and their work to transform knowledge into meaningful action,” said Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. “They exemplify the true spirit of the Carnegie endorsement and the power of serving the public good.”
Dance Major and Minor Introduced this Fall
Saint Anselm College is excited to announce that beginning in the fall of 2024, students may major or minor in dance. Through the newest major, dancers can pursue their favorite styles including ballet, tap, hip hop, and modern. Enrollment for dance is open now.
“Studying dance develops creativity, teamwork, confidence, critical thinking, self-discipline, physical health and the ability to work collaboratively— all beneficial to any 21st-century career path and to one’s quality of life,” said Professor Andrew Haringer, fine arts department chair. “The job outlook for dance majors is good: overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 27- 30 percent in the next 10 years.”
The dance curriculum will employ a liberal arts approach to dance with a rigorous technique-based training including performance and foundational courses to produce versatile dancers, artists, and dance educators. The unique program allows dancers to pursue their favorite styles of dance and will differ from other schools by offering core styles of ballet, hip hop, contemporary dance and tap—two of which will be required per semester. In addition, opportunities to study in New York City with college partner, Broadway Dance Center, will be available.
Dance majors will be prepared to enter the professional world as dancers, choreographers, teachers, and leaders in the arts; graduates will go on to be principal dancers and choreographers in professional companies, studio owners, artistic directors, and teachers at private studios, and others will pursue advanced degrees.
“I believe in providing challenging and comprehensive instruction, while having fun,” said Aaron Tolson, director of dance. “Dance teaches discipline and brings out your joy. There’s nothing better than working in a profession you love that allows you to share joy with others.”
Originally from Manchester, Tolson has danced his way across five continents, been a featured soloist with Riverdance, performed on Broadway and at Radio City Music Hall, was an instructor at The Boston Conservatory. He has returned to his New Hampshire roots at Saint Anselm in Manchester.
As part of the Fine Arts Department, the program will offer additional courses in music, English, theater, and studio art. Students may also take part in events and programs through the Aaron Tolson Institute of Dance, which offers intensives throughout the year.
Fernandez Named New Senior Inclusion Officer
Stephanie Fernandez has been named the senior inclusion officer for Saint Anselm College. She has most recently served as assistant dean of Sophomores and Academic Success. In her new role, she will hold a key leadership position responsible for fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the college community. She is assuming most of the role previously held by Dr. Ande Diaz, who retired in June.
As the SIO, Stephanie will lead efforts to create an environment that values and celebrates diversity, ensuring students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. She will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the college’s equity and inclusion ini- tiatives and make recommendations for their improvement to the president and Senior Administrative Leadership Team (SALT). Fernandez will lead the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and will work closely with senior leaders, faculty, administrators, and students, and particularly with Academic Affairs, Student Development and Mission, the Office of Institutional Research, Human Resources, and the Trio Office.
NHIOP Celebrates 50 Years of Women's Co-Education
In celebration of 50 years of women’s education, three notable women in politics, two of whom are alumnae, returned to campus to discuss the role of women in political and civic engagement, and how their liberal arts education has been crucial to their personal and professional pursuits, as part of an event sponsored by The New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP) “Women in the Public Square: Political and Civic Engagement.”
The event included panelists Senator Sharon Carson, member of the Republican Senate leadership team, Senator Donna Soucy ’89, a member of the New Hampshire State Senate since 2012, and Courtney Tanner ’11, lobbyist, and government relations director for Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The event was moderated by Professor Christine Gustafson of the politics department, and co-chair of the Women’s 50th Celebration Committee. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Sheila Liotta welcomed the crowd, discussing the significance of the 50th anniversary of women’s full admission to Saint Anselm.
“I think the most important thing is that education is the key,” said Tanner about the impact of her Saint Anselm education. “[It] can open any door, and then the right people come into your life at the right time... but this place is the foundation for those doors to open up, and we’re here tonight, right?”
Soucy discussed how women in government, especially in New Hampshire—the first state senate to have a majority female legislation—have been given many opportunities. “Women have been able to sort of break through really well in New Hampshire, and have been accepted as leaders, and I think it was a big difference... particularly for women to see other women holding those positions because it shows there is a willingness to embrace women participating in leadership positions,” she said. “It makes a difference in the decisions made around our committee tables every day as we work through legislature. [Female] perspectives are just different—and processing ideas with an equal number of men and women around the table is always, I think, very rewarding.”
Annmarie Camann, deputy director for NHIOP was delighted to see so many alumni respond to this invitation by attending in person or sending information for our slideshow. “Many traveled in spite of [an] unwelcoming weather forecast; one alum flew in from Chicago and attended with her aunt, Alice (Upham) Dunfey ’68, one of the very first female students at [the college].”
For a complete listing of Women’s 50th events, visit www.anselm.edu/womens-50
Photos by Kim Casey
College Receives Preservation Achievement Award
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance has selected the re-use of the former boiler plant and print shop for the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute for a 2024 Preservation Achievement Award.
The N.H. Preservation Alliance is the statewide non-profit organization that advocates for the protection and revival of historic buildings and places. The award was presented last spring at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester.
In a message to the community, Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D., president of the college, said “the Benedictines have a long history of preserving their structures and this is the latest example of a Saint Anselm building being given new life on our campus. The Grappone Institute is now a state-of-the-art multipurpose space that serves as a hub for the humanities in southern New Hampshire in a similar way to how the New Hampshire Institute of Politics is at the center of civic life.”
The Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance capped a wonderful and vibrant year at the Grappone Humanities Institute, according to Gary Bouchard, Ph.D., executive director of the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute. “It also confirmed once more how completely the success of the Institute’s mission relies on the great talents of other people, and especially the faculty and staff here at Saint Anselm.”
Photo by Kevin Harkins
New VP For Student Development Announced
Susan Sweetland Gabert, Ed.D. ’91 has been named vice president for Student Development and Mission/Dean of Students. She fills the role formerly held by Dr. Alicia Finn who retired in June.
The daughter of longtime theology professor, Dr. Dennis Sweetland, Gabert graduated from Saint Anselm in 1991, earning a sociology degree with a concentration in theology. She went on to earn her M.A. in theology with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling from Notre Dame College in 2002, and her Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University in 2017. After working as a faculty member and chair of the theology department at Bishop Brady High School in Concord, N.H., she returned to the Hilltop full-time in 1994 and has held the positions of campus minister, director of campus ministry, assistant dean of students and, most recently, associate dean of students.
In her various roles and responsibilities, she has made an important contribution to nearly every corner of the campus, from managing the Jean Student Center, to serving on three strategic planning leadership teams, to leading innumerable student-focused initiatives. She provides counsel to the Senior Leadership Administrative Team on issues ranging from diversity and inclusion to the college’s Benedictine and Catholic mission and identity.
“I feel so fortunate to have an individual of Sue’s caliber helping guide the college into the future,” said Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D., president of the college.
Photo by Kevin Harkins
Fr. Celestine Hettrick, O.S.B., Ordained to the Diaconate
Fr. Celestine Benjamen Hettrick, O.S.B., a member of the Saint Anselm monastic community, was ordained to the Diaconate on February 10, 2024, the Feast of Saint Scholastica, a day that holds special meaning for the monastic community as she is the twin sister of Saint Benedict. He was ordained by the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Bishop of Portland. Following his ordination and according to Saint Anselm custom, he will be known as Fr. Celestine.
As a deacon, Fr. Celestine is now a minister of service for Saint Anselm Abbey and the wider Church. Among his many duties, he will assist priests with the administration of the Sacraments. Fr. Celestine was presented for ordination by Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B. ’71, Abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey.
Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Bishop of Portland. | Photo by Fr. Francis McCarty, O.S.B. ’10
After the laying on of hands and prayer of ordination by Bishop Deeley, Fr. Celestine was vested with the stole and dalmatic, signs of his office within the Church.
During the Rite of Ordination, Bishop Deeley instructed Fr. Celestine regarding his new ministry: “As a deacon, you will serve Jesus Christ, who was known among his disciples as the one who served others. Do the will of God generously. Serve God and mankind in love and joy.”
Originally from Salem, N.H., Fr. Celestine professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 2020. He completed seminary studies at Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Mass. He also attended Holy Family Academy in Manchester, N.H., and the International Theological Institute in Trumau, Austria. He currently serves Saint Anselm College as assistant curator of the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center. He will be ordained to the priesthood later this year.
Fr. George Rumley, O.S.B., Ordained to the Priesthood
The Reverend Father George Benjamin Rumley, O.S.B., a member of the Saint Anselm monastic community, was ordained to the priesthood by The Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, Bishop of Portland, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the Saint Anselm Abbey Church. The culmination of years of monastic formation and seminary studies, Fr. George now takes his place in the Holy Priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Fr. George was presented for ordination by Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B. ’71, Abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey. During the Rite of Ordination, the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Bishop of Portland, offered words of instruction and encouragement: “My son, you are now to be advanced to the order of the presbyterate. You must apply your energies to the duty of teaching in the name of Christ, the chief Teacher. Share with all mankind the word of God you have received with joy. Meditate on the law of God, believe what you read, teach what you believe, and put into practice what you teach.”
Following the Litany of the Saints, the Laying on of Hands, and the Prayer of Ordination, Abbot Mark invested Fr. George with the priestly stole and chasuble.
Fr. George completed his seminary studies at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
Reflecting on his Ordination and First Mass, Fr. George noted, “I sensed an overwhelming peace. I wish I had the vocabulary to describe it, but I suppose the wonder of the moment is just as inexpressible as the experience of a honeymoon. It was as if God were saying, with a grin, ‘Yes, you were born for this...so go do it and love it.”
On Sunday, April 14, 2023, Fr. George celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving in the Saint Anselm Abbey Church. Fr. Mathias Durette, O.S.B., served as homilist.
Fr. George is a native of Ramseur, N.C., and professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 2014 at Mary Help of Christians Abbey in Belmont, N.C. His transfer of stability to Saint Anselm Abbey was accepted in August 2023. He is preparing to begin graduate studies at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, D.C., this fall.
Br. Stanislaw Sullivan, O.S.B., Begins Probationary Period
On January 15, the Feast Saints Maurus and Placid, Br. Stanislaw Sullivan, O.S.B., was received into the monastic community to begin a probationary period before transferring his vow of stability to Saint Anselm Abbey. Br. Stanislaw is a monk of Saint Leo Abbey in Saint Leo, Fla. The matter of a monk transferring stability is provided for in Chapter 61 of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Br. Stanislaw is a native of Chicopee, Mass. He professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 1998. Please join us in welcoming Brother Stanislaw to our community and pray for him as he begins this period of prayer and discernment.
Chris Santo '15 Named Men's Basketball Head Coach
Former Hawks standout Chris Santo ’15 has been named the 11th head coach in program history. Santo succeeds Keith Dickson, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Santo returns to the Hilltop after three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Vermont (UVM) and becomes the third alumnus to lead his alma mater. He returns to the Queen City after helping the Catamounts to three consecutive NCAA Division I postseason appearances.
“First and foremost, I’d like to congratulate Coach Dickson on an incredible career,” said Santo. “His impact on the college, the league, and the program is nothing short of remarkable. I'm grateful to have experienced his leadership as both a player and assistant coach, and understand the culture that he's leaving behind. I couldn't imagine a better mentor.”
The Catamounts’ 79-24 record in his three seasons with the program earned the team three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances for the first time since 2005. Prior to returning to UVM, Santo spent one season as an assistant video coordinator for the National Basketball Association’s New York Knicks where he worked closely with the team’s coaching staff to develop game plans and strategies for opponent scouts.
Prior to joining the Knicks franchise, Santo was an assistant coach for four seasons at Saint Anselm. Santo worked directly under Dickson, overseeing every facet of the program while the Hawks produced four straight NCAA Division II tournament teams, making the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2019. Santo mentored seven All-Conference performers and was honored as a part of the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ 30 Under 30 list in 2018.
Santo’s collegiate playing career began in Burlington where he played one season for Vermont before transferring to Saint Anselm for his final three seasons, helping the Hawks to two Northeast-10 regular season championships and an overall record of 64-24 (.727).
In his career on the Hilltop, Santo and the Hawks earned three NCAA Tournament bids while appearing in the 2014 NCAA Division II East Region championship game. He capped his career with 1,487 points (17th all-time), 16.9 points per game (t-10th all-time), and a .588 field goal percentage (3rd all-time).
During his senior season in 2014-15, Santo averaged 21.4 points per game on 62.2 percent shooting (third all-time, single season) and was named the Northeast-10 Player of the Year and an All-NE10 First Team selection. He was also named to the NABC All-America Team, NABC East All-District First Team and Daktronics All-America Honorable Mention squad. Santo also appeared in the NABC Reese’s Division II College All Star Game.
A Cherry Hill, N.J-native, Santo played one season of professional basketball for Falken Cynergi Virtus in Malta, where he won a First Division men’s championship.