The newly dedicated Laurence J. and Roberta M. Palmisano Hall recognizes the significant contributions Laurence “Larry” Palmisano ’57, H’19, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’87, ’90, GP’16 and his late wife, Roberta “Bobbi” Palmisano, made to Merrimack across decades of loyal support, including most recently his generous support of science and engineering during the Together for Good Campaign.
The Palmisano Hall dedication ceremony featured poignant remarks by Larry, who reflected on the vast changes he has seen across campus throughout the years, and an address by President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D.
“It is rare in the life of a college when a member of the community shares their expertise, their vision, their passion and their resources in the ways in which Larry Palmisano has done for Merrimack. Larry’s commitment is so much more than just a building. It’s a continued investment in the modern academic enterprise at Merrimack and allows us to do what we do best – provide an academic experience to our students grounded in innovative teaching, learning and scholarship” said President Hopey.
A graduate of the Civil Engineering program and patriarch of three generations of Merrimack alumni, Larry’s Merrimack roots run deep.
Impacted and supported by the College’s faculty, Larry acknowledges Professor Emeritus William Garrett, Jr. for inspiring his long-standing dedication to Merrimack. Among his many involvements, Larry is a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, an ardent supporter of scholarships and a past recipient of the St. Augustine Award for service to the College.
In addition, Larry credits Reverend Fritz Cerullo, O.S.A. with igniting his philanthropic support to Merrimack. Over the years, the two collaborated on several fundraising initiatives for the College, including the start of the President’s Cup Golf Tournament and the Gold K scholarship fundraising program.
Father Fritz later invited Larry to join the board charged with fundraising for a new Science and Engineering building. From 1989 to 1992, he served as Chair of the campaign for the fundraising, design and construction of the building that now bears his name.
Larry currently serves as Chairman of Construction Planning & Management, Inc. (CPM), a full-service property management and development company based in Southern New Hampshire. CPM is a family business that involves all of Larry’s children (who are also all Merrimack alumni) in some capacity. Larry also holds the role of President of Palmer Asset Management, LLC, a firm involved in financing and acquisition of commercial and multi-family real estate.
Larry’s continuous support of education through his loyal volunteerism and philanthropic contributions have made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless Merrimack students. He holds a strong commitment to advancing Merrimack’s School of Science and Engineering, providing a foundation for graduates to adapt to future changes in their careers and personal lives and to be engaged citizens of a global community.
The naming of Palmisano Hall is a most fitting tribute to Larry’s dedication to Merrimack, his beloved wife’s memory and their Merrimack legacy.
