Welcome New Trustees
Saint Anselm College welcomed three new members of the Saint Anselm College Board of Trustees on October 13, 2023.
President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. welcomed the new trustees, saying they join the board at “a momentous time for Saint Anselm,” following the groundbreaking for a new state-of-the-art nursing and health sciences facility to be named Grappone Hall, which will be the home of the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences, among other campus initiatives.
“As we move forward with exciting plans that will advance the future of Saint Anselm, we are so fortunate to have these talented individuals to help guide our journey,” Dr. Favazza said.
The new Trustees include:
Br. Dunstan Noah Enzor, O.S.B.
Br. Dunstan is a doctoral candidate in historical theology at Boston College, where he studies early Christian exegesis of the Old Testament. His dissertation explores anti Marcionite themes in commentaries on Psalm 118 by Origen of Alexandria, Hilary of Poitiers, and Ambrose of Milan. Additionally, he is a member of a team of scholars that is producing an English translation of Hilary of Poitier’s Tractatus super Psalmos. Br. Dunstan professed solemn vows at Saint Anselm Abbey in January 2022. Prior to becoming a monk, he served as executive assistant to the dean of the University of Colorado Law School (2007-2011) and to the vice president of the University of Colorado Foundation (2012-2013). In the more distant past, he was a successful épée fencer, and served on the board of directors of a community theatre company specializing in classical, dramatic works.
Susan R. (Berthiaume) Horton, D.N.P. ’78
Susan is a parish nurse navigator for St. Agnes Parish in Dalton, Mass. Previously, she was a cardiology nurse practitioner at Berkshire Faculty Services in Pittsfield, Mass., vice president, Perioperative, Community, and Employee Health Services for Central Maine Healthcare and executive director of the Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute in Lewiston, Maine. Her previous workplaces include the New England Heart Institute (Manchester, N.H.) and Catholic Medical Center (Manchester, N.H.). Susan received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Anselm College in 1978, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island in 1980, post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of New Hampshire in 1998, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Northeastern University in 2009. Her husband, Joseph M. Horton, Ph.D., is a 1977 graduate of Saint Anselm College and served as vice president of Student Affairs and Dean of Students until 2018. Their son, Ben Horton, Ph.D. ’12, currently serves as assistant dean for First-Year Students & Academic Support Services. In addition to Ben, Susan and Joe have another son, Brian.
Chris M. Salamone, Esq. ’84
Chris is chairman and CEO of Chris M. Salamone & Associates. He is an attorney, entrepreneur, lecturer and author. He is former CEO of LeadAmerica and the National Student Leadership Conference, organizations that sponsor academic-based leadership programs for middle and high-school students. As a student at Saint Anselm, Chris was a standout on the men’s basketball team. The Salamone Family Athletics Hall of Fame space was named for Chris’ family. He also supports an annual $10,000 scholarship named in memory of his late mother, Rita Salamone. Chris received a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Saint Anselm College in 1984 and a Juris Doctor from the Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad College of Law in 1988. He currently serves on the advisory board of the Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University; the board of directors of the National Italian American Bar Association; and also the boards of several local and international non-profit organizations, including the Symphony of the Americas, Friendship Force International, il Circolo Italian Cultural Society of Florida and Above & Beyond Youth Ministries.
Seven Faculty Join the Hilltop
The college welcomed seven new full-time faculty members this fall. From left: Mark Cronin, Ph.D., dean of the college; Helen Markewich, Ph.D., assistant professor, biological sciences; Nicole Hruban, Ph.D., assistant professor, economics and business; Hilary Childs, M.S.N., clinical nursing; Courtney Urlage, M.S.N., clinical nursing; Jesse Saywell, M.F.A., assistant professor, English; Judith Follo, M.A., assistant professor, biological sciences; Joshua Potter, Ph.D., assistant professor, English; Diane Uzarski, D.N.P., M.P.H., R.N., dean of the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Melucci Scholarships Awarded to Two Members of the Class of 2024
Seniors Brianna Plant and Robbie Forti
have been selected to receive the 2023- 2024 Thomas A. Melucci Jr. Memorial Scholarship, an award that annually provides full tuition to two seniors who have demonstrated significant spiritual and personal growth throughout their time at Saint Anselm College.
Plant, a first-generation college student, is a psychology major and neuroscience minor. On campus she is involved with the Intercultural Center and serves as a mentor in the Transitions Program. She’s been involved with the Campus Activity Board (CAB), participated in student research through NH-INBRE, and worked with Professor Loretta Brady to develop the Bad Call card game. She also works off-campus, volunteers at a few local organizations, and keeps bees with her grandmother.
“This is truly my second home,” said Plant. “Saint A’s means everything to me. I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve grown here as an individual. Those connections that I’ve made here are forever. I love it here.”
Forti is the captain of the men’s golf team, member of the student athletic advisory committee, and represents the team for the Head Game Project. He is a business administration major with a management track, and over the summer interned with a financial advisor.
“The story behind the Melucci Scholarship is very moving and I am honored to be this year’s recipient,” said Forti. “Receiving this scholarship has been the best feeling and I have put it upon myself to make sure I do everything I can to pay it forward and live out the legacy of the Melucci family and Scholarship.”
The Thomas A. Melucci Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established by Thomas and Gail Melucci as a memorial for their son, Thomas, who graduated from Saint Anselm in 1988. Mr. and Mrs. Melucci remain closely involved with the scholarship, serving on the committee that selects recipients each year. Mr. Melucci is a former trustee of the college.
Kocev named Fr. Bernard Holmes Scholar
Mary Kocev ’24, a nursing major from York, Maine, has been selected as the Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B., Scholar for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The award is presented annually to an incoming senior, and provides a full tuition scholarship for the student’s final year at Saint Anselm College. Holmes Scholars show concern for and work to provide assistance to others, demonstrate leadership potential, and actively participate in the life of the college.
“When I think about the person I want to be, I imagine someone who is kind, someone people can go to with questions or for advice, but also someone who realizes that they don’t know everything and never stops asking questions,” said Kocev. “These are some of the qualities the Fr. Bernard Holmes Award celebrates. Being recognized in this way is especially meaningful to me because it reminds me that my time here at Saint Anselm has set me on track to becoming the person I want to be.”
Kocev is an active member of campus ministry, participating in the Justice in Action Anselmian B.R.E.A.K. experience, playing the violin for Praise and Worship, and serving as the student wedding assistant. She’s also a peer tutor and involved with Respect the Nest.
“Mary has become a leader at Saint Anselm College and beyond, not because of the title or as a resume building opportunity—but because it is inherently a part of Mary to serve and to give,” wrote former campus minister Jocelyn Raho in her nomination letter. “As she assesses the needs of our greater community, she is working to invite even more Anselmians to serve with her. This is what we can only hope for all of our Anselmians—to take their knowledge, skill, faith and heart and use them to give back to the world around us.”
Over the summer Kocev completed her preceptorship at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, N.H., on the float pool. She also worked at an assisted living facility to support people with dementia. After graduation next spring, Kocev plans to become a hospice nurse.
Dr. Favazza and Chancellor Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B. ‘71, presented Kocev with a certificate in recognition of her award during the college’s opening Mass on August 28, 2023 in the Abbey Church. The scholarship was established through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Davison, in memory of Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B., former president of the college.
Jacob Akey ’24 Named First Grappone Fellow
Jacob Akey ’24 has been named the first Grappone Fellow at the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute. As a part of the fellowship, he will serve the Institute in an ambassadorial and programming support role, and will receive full tuition and fees.
“The selection of the first Grappone Fellow with the inauguration of our new building really punctuates both the generosity and vision of Bob and Bev Grappone,” said Professor Gary Bouchard, Ph.D., founding director of the Humanities Institute. “Jacob Akey has been an active participant in Grappone Humanity Institute conversations and activities, making it substantial part of his Saint Anselm education. For him to be selected among strong competition as the first Grappone Fellow is fitting.”
Akey is an international relations and economics double major, with a minor in the humanities. He serves as the opinion editor of the Crier, a NHIOP Ambassador, and a writing assistant for the Academic Resource Center. He is involved with the Center for Ethics, working on the New Hampshire Zoning Atlas Project, and participating on the business ethics case competition team.
“There are lots of students on this campus who are not humanities majors, myself included, who are deeply interested in what the humanities has to offer, but for whatever reasons feel like they didn’t get to choose a humanities major,” said Akey. “We need to reach out and show them that there’s room for them in the humanities.”
Students interested in the fellowship submitted essays on their understanding of the “pursuit of happiness” using lessons learned in and outside of the classroom. A committee of faculty and administrators evaluated the essays, looked at the applicants’ academic and service achievements, selected finalists, and conducted interviews of the finalists.
In his essay, Akey discussed how the Benedictine vow of Conversatio gave him a framework to look at the pursuit of happiness as a journey.
“To pursue happiness is to go to work, knowing that others will benefit from your labor, in a profession where faith is not merely accepted but strengthened,” wrote Akey.“Eudaimonia might remain out of reach, but it is only a complete person of this model who will be close. The monks have it right. Ora et labora.”
American Psychological Association President Dr. Thema Bryant Visits Campus
The Center for Ethics in Society, in partnership with the Psychology Department, hosted Dr. Thema Bryant, the current president of the American Psychological Association (APA) for a discussion about mental health in our communities. Beyond her work as APA president, Dr. Thema, her chosen moniker, is a professor, podcast host, author, artist, poet, and minister.
With an unconventional flair, Dr. Thema opened her keynote address with a song and infused her work as a minister into the academic discussion. She invited the audience to participate with “call and response” exercises, which involved humor and set the tone for an engaging hour of conversation. With a background in trauma research, Dr. Thema focused her remarks on the power of hope in the wake of trauma and despair.
“Dr. Thema was unafraid to speak about how true seeds of hope for our communities must begin with recognition of those around us who have been marginalized, excluded, or even forgotten,” said Professor Max Latona, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Ethics in Society. “And seeds of hope must also include recognition of the important role of faith and spirituality in healing, something that has frequently been dismissed in therapy.”
Additionally, Dr. Thema explored the intersection of religion and science and concluded the two need not to be mutually exclusive. Much of her research revolves around the power of faith in the realm of mental health.
With an audience comprised of students, faculty, community members, and mental health professionals from around the New England area, it was a full house in Melucci Theater for the lecture. Several psychology students utilized this powerful learning opportunity, as entire classes attended together.
“Dr. Thema Bryant’s lecture was an excellent campus event,” said Lauren Menenello ’26. “As a psychology major hearing the president of the APA speak was a truly incredible and rare experience.”
After the keynote presentation ended, a lunch discussion was facilitated by Professor Loretta Brady, Ph.D. ’99 of the Psychology Department and director of the Community Resilience & Social Equity (CRSE) Lab. Brady created a comfortable atmosphere to engage in small-group conversations, by sharing poetry and personal reflections in her opening remarks and offering discussion prompts at each table.
“In the CRSE Lab we developed a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) implementation tool that we call ‘pick a prompt.’ Having the chance to teach this to my Liberation Psychology students and to use it to develop their DEI facilitation skills during the luncheon was an honor,” said Brady. “Dr. Thema has been actively infusing the American Psychological Association with cultural and trauma informed liberation principles since her election. This was a rare opportunity for students to meet an APA president in person and to realize they are learning the cutting-edge approaches of the field.”
Olivia McGuire ’25, a criminal justice major, remarked that, “Dr. Thema Bryant was equally as attentive, genuine, and understanding in a one- on-one conversation, as she was when she spoke in front of the whole school. It was a privilege to be able to talk to her at the luncheon, especially as an aspiring psychologist and as a person of faith.”
Latona, concluded, “The Center was happy to see so many students, faculty, staff, administrators, mental health industry leaders, and community members attend this event on mental health in our communities. We plan to continue to address this critically important topic in the coming months, and hope that we can bring other dynamic speakers to the Center and college.”
Governors Discuss Climate Change with Students
The New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP) hosted a climate change campus debate this fall, in tandem with the National Governors Association, Braver Angels, and the Saint Anselm Debate Team.
Since its inception in 2001, the NHIOP has offered Saint Anselm students a unique window into American politics. As such, the semester kicked off with an historic campus event when a bi-partisan group of four sitting U.S. governors came to campus to participate in a student debate about climate change. In attendance were Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee (D), Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R), New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R).
“This was an extraordinary opportunity for Saint Anselm students to voice their opinions with four sitting governors in the audience,” said Neil Levesque, executive director of the Institute
Hosted in part by Braver Angels and the National Governors Association, the debate was inspired by Governor Cox’s initiative to Disagree Better. According to Cox, “there is nothing more un-American than hating our fellow Americans.” Working with his wife, First Lady Abby Cox, they are developing programs to model civil discourse and healthy conflict around the country.
Preparations for the event were made by the Saint Anselm Debate Team, who drafted the resolution topic “Climate Change: Individual Responsibility or Government Action?” Select members of the team, created opening statements to start the debate, which included students: Nathanial Crane ’24, Sean Kelleher ’24, Alexander Burgess ’24, Bella Uva ’26, Kellan Barbee ’26, and Michael Hanna ’26.
Kevin B. Harrington Student Ambassadors greeted the governors as they arrived on campus. The students then escorted the gubernatorial delegation to the Jean Student Center’s McCready Event Space, where the debates took place.
“Civil discourse doesn’t just happen. It is cultivated,” stated President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. during his opening remarks. He also noted that the Hilltop was the perfect place to host this type of event because of Saint Anselm’s commitment to the Benedictine values of respect, hospitality, and community.
For David Trumble, Saint Anselm College debate coach, it was inspiring to hear many students voice their opinions. “Climate change is clearly a topic of great concern to this generation,” he said. “They spoke about their willingness to change their own lifestyles and to bring positive change to the political system, through voting, working on campaigns and even running for office—it was an honor to have the governors in attendance and to have such a large group of people in the room.”
Caroline Mara ’24, echoed this sentiment, “One of my favorite parts about this is that we have all these governors in the room. One of the rarest parts of this debate was that we got to have the ears of some of the people who make our policy changes.”
Braver Angels is a nonprofit organization based in New York City, that is focused on political depolarization. Throughout the year, the group facilitates a variety of debates and workshops to encourage participants to listen and better understand one another’s positions. Their mission is to build a bridge, through civil dialogue, that allows audience members to discover shared values. The Braver Angels name was inspired by President Lincoln’s plea for national unity during his first inaugural address.
The unique Braver Angels debate format encourages listening and sharing different perspectives. According to Doug Sprei, Braver Angels vice president of campus partnerships and multimedia, “the goal is to flatten the hierarchy, such that everyone in the room is welcome to speak and ask questions, whether they are the college president, faculty, students or staff—all are viewed as equals during the 90 minutes of the debate.”
Father George Rumley, O.S.B. Ordained to the Diaconate
George Benjamin Rumley, O.S.B., a member of the Saint Anselm monastic community, was ordained to the Diaconate by the Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist, in the Saint Anselm Abbey Church. Following his ordination and according to monastery custom, he will be known as Father George.
As a deacon, Father George 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.
Father George was presented for ordination by Father Augustine Kelly, O.S.B. ’83, Prior of Saint Anselm Abbey.
After the laying on of hands and prayer of ordination by Bishop Libasci, Father George was vested with the stole and dalmatic, signs of his office within the Church.
During the Rite of Ordination, Bishop Libasci instructed Father George 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.”
In reflecting on his ordination, Father George noted, “I am grateful to Abbot Mark and my confreres for helping to confirm my discernment of the vocation to holy orders. I am thrilled if also somewhat overawed that this moment has finally come. May God be glorified in our mutual service for His kingdom.”
Originally from Ramseur, N.C., Father George professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 2014 at Mary Help of Christians Abbey in Belmont, N.C. Father George completed seminary studies at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. He currently serves the college in the Office of Campus Ministry and by teaching in the College’s Conversatio Program.
Father George Rumley, O.S.B.’s Transfer of Stability Accepted
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Father George Benjamin Rumley, O.S.B.’s petition to transfer his vow of stability to Saint Anselm Abbey was accepted by the monastic chapter. He began a period of probation before transferring his stability in 2021. The transfer of the vow of stability is provided for in Chapter 61 of the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Brother Celestine Professes Solemn Vows
On September 2, 2023, Brother Celestine Benjamen Hettrick, O.S.B., professed solemn vows as a monk of Saint Anselm Abbey. Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B. ’71, clothed Brother Celestine with the monastic cuculla, a pleated monastic choir robe, and a symbol of solemn profession.
Standing before the altar and before his brothers in the monastery, Brother Celestine pronounced vows of stability, obedience and conversatio morum, making a permanent commitment of himself to the Lord and to his monastic community. As a solemnly professed monk, Brother Celestine becomes a member of the monastery’s Chapter, as well as a member of the Saint Anselm College, and Woodside Priory School corporations.
Brother Celestine is a native of Salem, N.H. He attended Holy Family Academy in Manchester, N.H., and The International Theological Institute in Trumau, Austria.
Reflecting upon his profession, Brother Celestine commented, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God who called me to Saint Anselm Abbey, and to the monastic community in accepting and confirming that call.
Brother Celestine currently serves as assistant curator of the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center. He will be ordained to the diaconate in the near future.
NCAA'S Charlie Baker Visits the Hilltop
President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D., (left) and Vice President for Athletics Daron Montgomery (right) welcomed new NCAA President Charlie Baker to campus on Sunday, November 19. The visit coincided with the 2023 NCAA Division II Field Hockey Championship, hosted by Saint Anselm. Baker took a tour of the Hawks athletic facilities and interacted with student-athletes from Saint Anselm before taking in the championship game, won by Kutztown University (Kutztown, Pa.) over East Stroudsburgh University (East Stroudsburgh, Pa.) 2-1.
