Rising momentum. Phenomenal progress. Unprecedented accomplishments. Since Merrimack College was founded in 1947 by the Order of Saint Augustine, it has grown exponentially in size and prestige. To mark our 75th anniversary — and honor our incredible community of students, parents, alumni and friends — we will be celebrating throughout 2022.
Led by anniversary co-chairs, Fr. David Cregan, Jack Boyce ’81 and Maryann Boyce ’81, the yearlong celebration will recognize the many milestones Merrimack College has achieved over the past 75 years.
“Very few organizations reach a 75th anniversary, and the ones that do must adapt and continue to bring new ideas and vitality to what they’re doing,” said Jack. “The school is very different today than it was when we graduated.”
“It’s a different place, but by the same token it’s the same place,” added Maryann. “Even though it’s growing and evolving, it still has the same Merrimack heart that makes it such a special place.
At Merrimack, we have stayed true to our Augustinian traditions, which will be reaffirmed by a visit from the prior general this spring. Inspired by Saint Augustine’s words, “Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe,” the theme for the yearlong 75th anniversary celebration is Because We Believe.
“Saint Augustine gave us a lot of inspiration about who we are and what we are to become,” said Fr. Cregan, associate dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for the College of Professional Studies at Villanova University and vice chair of Merrimack’s Board of Trustees.
“At Merrimack, because of our beliefs, we are compelled to not only advance ourselves in the world, but also to seek out those on the edges, who need lifting up, and to include those who others would exclude,” explained Fr. Cregan. “‘Because we believe,’ we become something the world needs.”
The message also resonates strongly with the Boyces. “It’s a reflection of a faculty, staff and Board of Trustees, all working within an Augustinian set of values,” said Jack. “Those values of service and scholarship have been a central component as the College has moved ahead. ‘Because we believe’ ties the history and legacy of the school to the promise of a really bright future.”
Throughout the year, Merrimack will be celebrating our 75th anniversary with special events, on-campus installations, student activities, digital experiences and commemorative publications.
“If during the 75th anniversary year people have the opportunity to come and visit the campus again, to feel the energy and vibrancy of the place, to experience the growth that has been a real grace in terms of God’s blessing on the work of Merrimack, I think it will renew their enthusiasm for their own college experience and also give them an excited energy to help them be more involved in the future prosperity of Merrimack,” said Fr. Cregan.
No celebration would be complete without our alumni community. “The 75th anniversary is a perfect opportunity for alumni to reminisce about their time at Merrimack — the lifelong friends they made, the spouses they met, and the faculty who nurtured their intellectual and professional growth,” said President Christopher E. Hopey. “Our alumni should be proud of their alma mater and their role in helping Merrimack become what it is today.”
“I hope all Merrimack graduates will celebrate Merrimack in their own way,” said Leila C. Rice, vice president, Development and Alumni Relations. “Whether it’s sending an update to the magazine, recommending a student for admission, attending a game, hiring a student or making a gift. Every act makes a difference.”
“We’ve proved time and again that taking actions that are grounded in our beliefs can change our school, our community, and the world for the better,” said President Hopey. “Because we believe, we’re prepared to make a positive impact well into the future.”
Join the celebration by sharing your photos, memories and stories on social media, using the hashtag #Merrimack75 Also, visit our 75th Anniversary website at https://75.merrimack.edu.
