Dear Friends,
When I arrived on the Hilltop in the spring of 2019, there was an air of excitement for what was ahead. Today, in my final semester as president of Saint Anselm College, I am tempted to look back at the road traveled, but there remains much to do. So, my moment for reflection will wait.
At the same time, the issue of Portraits you hold in your hands offers a great look at our recent accomplishments, celebrations, and support that are driving a tremendous momentum for the college, including the opening of the gorgeous Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences and the groundbreaking for the Van Hoof Athletic Complex, which will be home to our track & field, cross country, and soccer teams, thanks to the generosity of lead donor Jim Van Hoof and his family. Jim is a trustee, an alum of our men’s soccer program, and a 1987 graduate.
While every journey at Saint Anselm is different, there are threads that connect them all: The cover features an illustration of many great books, the heart of our shared experience and the essence of the transformative liberal arts education we provide. We have cultivated generations of students through a transformative education that integrates intellectual rigor, moral inquiry, and spiritual reflection.
The cover illustration includes works of particular importance to Gregory J. Grappone, a 2004 Great Books graduate who was taken from this world too soon at age 35. His love of the college became a love shared by his parents, Robert and Beverly Grappone. In A Gift for the Ages, Dr. Gary Bouchard tells us how the relationship between the Grappones and the college grew over the years, leading to the largest philanthropic commitment in the history of Saint Anselm.
Without question, we have something special happening here at a time when many colleges and universities are facing existential questions. We remain true to our founding vision to be a mission-centric institution delivering a first-rate liberal arts education with innovative educational programs and an exceptional student experience.
We have achieved a momentum that has strengthened our community in countless ways. Yet we know to ensure our continued growth and success, we must move swiftly and confidently into the next phase as articulated by Ascent to the Hilltop: Vision 2030. In a few short months, I look forward to passing the baton as the college takes these important steps into the future.
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D.
President