Paul McAvoy ’02

Three alumni participated in a roundtable discussion on the future of Saint Anselm College and the importance of staying connected. Judging by the casual way they talk to one another and share stories of life on the hilltop you might think that they are longtime college friends—and you wouldn’t be too far wrong.

Though they never met as students, Bill Suglia ’79, Ann Catino ’82 and Michelle (Guanci) Gedick ’92 have all remained close to Saint Anselm College by staying involved throughout the years. Whether it is keeping up friendships with classmates, returning for a campus visit, or contributing to The Saint Anselm Fund, which they have each done for over 12 consecutive years, these three alumni are invested in the future of Saint Anselm College.

We sat down to find out their thoughts on staying connected, giving back, and engaging alumni in the future of Saint Anselm College.

What are some of the ways you stay connected to the college?
Michelle: I like going back to the school to stay connected, but also by visiting the Web site and following the mailings. Portraits is one of the few magazines I actually keep and read! It’s great to see what’s happening on campus, and the stories make me remember what it was like to be there and [to] see how it has changed and how it’s stayed the same.

Ann: I agree, one of the most important ways I stay connected is through the literature and the mailings... The other way is by attending some of the alumni gatherings. I went to one in New York City a few years ago where Romulo O’Farrill gave a great speech. I think those are terrific functions for alumni.

Bill: I’m pretty lucky because I work close to campus. I get to interact with some of the people who work at the school and have face to face conversations about what’s new on campus. The other ways I try to stay in touch are by going to sporting events, playing in the annual golf tournament, and keeping up [with the school] on a personal basis.

Why do you choose to stay connected by giving to the college annually?
Bill: I look at it as an investment. Being out of school for so long you get to see some of the graduates and how well they do in their respective careers. They give a lot back to their communities and to Saint Anselm College. We need to continue to invest in the school to maintain what the college represents and to ensure that we attract students who will become the next generation of individuals who make a difference in their communities. If you’re going to invest in something like a business, invest in something that has great returns.

Michelle: I make it a point to give even if it’s a small amount. When I get the letter or the phone call, my first response is ‘of course I’ll give back,’ considering what I’ve gotten out of it. It’s an investment in a community that I love and I want other kids to be able to go there. I know the money goes to a good place, and when you look at all the alumni who give back to Saint Anselm, though each gift may not be huge, there’s real strength in numbers.

Ann: I look at it in similar ways; it is an investment in the students and in the future. It’s an investment that allows other people to have the same experience I had when I was there. The school needs to improve and continue to attract top-notch students, and it takes infrastructure and academic improvements over the years to do that.”

What do you think are some of the priorities the college should address in the next 10 years?
Bill: This question comes up a lot when people look at how the college has changed and is changing. I think the focus needs to remain on keeping tuition in line for kids with financial needs—students who come from families that maybe aren’t as fortunate as others. That’s where our giving and scholarship support come in. Maintaining the size of the school is very important too—keeping professors accessible and [maintaining] that unique Saint Anselm campus community.

Ann: I agree completely. When I was there, as it does now, the college took real pride in providing scholarships for solid, middle class students who need the help. I think programs like the New Hampshire Institute of Politics give the school a very strong national reputation. That’s important. I also see a challenge with staying ahead of the curve as far as technology is concerned.

Bill: You bring up a good point, Ann. Another challenge that goes along with technology is attracting and retaining top faculty. Professors come to Saint Anselm College primarily to teach, though they need to have the resources available to conduct their own research and writing.

Michelle: I think both scholarships and keeping the comfortable community—the small class sizes, for example—of Saint Anselm help to attract students and excellent faculty members.

Ann: No question about it. We talked about how giving to Saint Anselm is an investment—it’s an investment that all alumni need to take part in. Having these programs, scholarships and interactions is so important to keeping the identity of the college. Looking back at what the school has done, and what it is doing, I’m confident that Saint Anselm will continue to do these things well. The great advantage of Saint Anselm is the liberal arts education, the humanities program and the philosophy courses.