SSU BOLD Breaks Ground, Powered by $1M DeSimone Gift

Key Highlights:

  • $1M gift from Mary and Tom DeSimone boosts SSU BOLD project.

  • SSU BOLD unifies Salem State’s campuses by fall 2027.

  • Renovations to Horace Mann and Meier Hall expansion underway.

  • Geothermal decarbonization project supports campus sustainability.

  • Payette Associates and Gilbane Building Company lead project design and construction.

Source: Direct

Notable Quotes:

"Today is not just a groundbreaking – it is a turning point for our campus. It is the moment when our inspiring vision for the future truly begins to take shape."

John Keenan, President at Salem State University

"New labs, classrooms and community spaces will enable our students to carry out innovative research and participate in real-life simulations that aid in their career preparation."

Mary DeSimone, Campaign Steering Committee Co-chair and Alumna at Salem State University

"These new lab spaces and classrooms at Salem State will help more students get the skills that are in demand in today's economy, and it'll help foster more of the innovation we’re known for here in Massachusetts."

Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

Why This Matters:

The SSU BOLD initiative represents a transformative moment for Salem State University, aligning its infrastructure with future academic and sustainability goals. By revitalizing the Horace Mann building and expanding Meier Hall, Salem State is not only modernizing its facilities but also creating an integrated North Campus that enhances the student experience. The $1 million DeSimone gift underscores the power of alumni engagement in fueling educational innovation. Simultaneously, the North Campus decarbonization project positions the university at the forefront of sustainable campus design, setting a model for higher education institutions nationwide.