NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Merrimack College is excited to announce the naming of its School of Education and Social Policy to the Winston School of Education and Social Policy in honor of the generosity and support of Judith “Judy” Teehan and Robert “Bob” Winston.
For Judy Teehan and Bob Winston, supporting education and new teachers and their retention is a passion and investing in Merrimack and its programs helps them fulfill this passion. This recent gift designates Judy as the largest alumnus donor in Merrimack’s history and to honor the Winstons, the College is excited to announce the official naming of the Winston School of Education and Social Policy.
“We are grateful to Judy and Bob for their extraordinary philanthropy to Merrimack College and leadership to develop programs that nurture teachers, a profession critical to society,” said President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. “We are excited to be able to honor the Winston family by naming the School of Education and Social Policy.”
Merrimack alumna Judy and her husband Bob have been supporters of Merrimack College for more than 50 years. Their most recent gift establishes an endowment to support the education school’s focus on new teacher training and graduate education. Earlier gifts created an endowment to establish the Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support (MINTS). This initiative supports new teachers and increases their retention in this critical field. Earlier gifts established an endowment to encourage students to consider a career in education.
Judy graduated from Merrimack College in 1964 and is a former high school teacher in Massachusetts and California. Over the years she has remained close to college classmates, returning often to campus and actively participating in reunions. Her husband Bob is a retired senior vice president and director of American Funds Distributor and served as a captain in the United States Army.
“Bob and I are honored to have our name associated with Merrimack’s outstanding educational training during a time when institutes of higher education are being challenged,” Judy said. “Merrimack continues to grow and offer superior educational programs to community educators.”
In addition to funding programs at Merrimack College, Judy and Bob have established the Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics at Boston College, Bob’s alma mater. They have also established chairs and research fellowships in their home community of Los Angeles at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and UCLA’s Medical School.
“The support of the Winstons has proven invaluable in allowing the School to take our program to the next level and to focus so intensely on supporting early career teachers,” said Dr. Isabelle Cherney, dean of the School of Education and Social Policy. “Their support will allow us to provide resources to keep teachers in the classroom.”
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About Merrimack
Founded in 1947, Merrimack College is a selective, private college in a beautiful, residential setting—just minutes from Boston. One of the fastest-growing educational institutions in the country, Merrimack offers more than 100 career-focused academic programs, taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. Inspired by our Catholic Augustinian heritage, students are empowered to make a difference—in their own backyard and out in the world.
