How did Merrimack impact your life’s trajectory?
Kevin: Where I am—and the successes I’ve had—are in part a result of the foundation I built at Merrimack. I had a great experience there, and I give the College a lot of credit for helping me get to where I am today professionally.
Karen: We also live right around the corner from Villanova University, and Kevin and I continue to be exposed to Augustinian beliefs and teachings.
How have you maintained your connection to the College?
Kevin: Since graduating from Merrimack, I’ve been an active supporter of the College. I’ve been living in Pennsylvania for more than ten years, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for Merrimack to recruit students from this region of the country. So, I worked with the Merrimack admissions department to facilitate meetings with local guidance counselors.
Three years ago, I took on a more substantial role when I joined the College’s Board of Trustees. I also sit on the Institutional Planning and Strategy Committee, the Student Experience and Athletics Committee, Real Estate and Development Partnerships Committee, and serve as co-chair of the Finance and Investment Committee.
Over the last several years, how have you seen Merrimack change?
Kevin: President Hopey and his team have developed an aggressive plan to move the College forward. It’s been a breath of fresh air to see it executed so well. Thanks to their hard work and to the significant investment from alumni and the broader community, Merrimack is on the right trajectory and going in the right direction.
Karen: It’s been rewarding to see the changes. Merrimack has become a leader and a model for other higher education institutions.
What inspired you to make a significant gift to name the Lucey Center for Business Advising in Crowe Hall?
Kevin: I have affection for the business school because that’s my background. I felt like that was a great way for us to contribute to the Together for Good Campaign.
Karen: As supporters, we’re dedicated to helping the College continue to move forward and President Hopey felt that the Center for Business Advising would be the best application for our gift.
What new challenges lie ahead?
Kevin: Merrimack’s dramatic increase in student enrollment comes with a new set of responsibilities. We’ve gotten to the next level so how do we stay there? How do we make sure we’re providing the right training and the right opportunities to new students? As a member of the Board of Trustees, that’s what I’m focused on.
The Together for Good Campaign is a great first step, and we have a lot of work to do. Merrimack is working to enroll great students in a highly competitive market. However, with continued support from the community, we know that we can accomplish our goals.
