Nearly 42 years to the day after Michael Franco and Mary Gorham, both members of Merrimack College’s Class of 1981, were married in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher, the pair returned to the lower level of the church for a different celebration.
On Thursday, June 5, the Francos were joined by family, friends, Merrimack trustees and senior leaders to mark the dedication of the Franco Family Lounge.
“(Merrimack) is where we met, where we grew up in many ways and where we built the foundation for the life we share,” said Michael, a member of Merrimack’s Board of Trustees.
This honor is in recognition of a generous gift from the Francos to Together We Rise, Merrimack College’s capital campaign. The Francos serve as co-chairs of the “Together We Grow” subcommittee, focused on enhancing the Merrimack College student experience.
“For more than 40 years, Mike and Mary have been part of the Merrimack College family,” said President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. “As proud alumni, parents of an alumnus, trustees, capital campaign leaders and generous donors, they have given so much to Merrimack. I am so happy their family name is now prominently displayed above the entrance of one of our most popular campus spaces.”
The Francos reminisced about spending time in the space as students. It was a place where dances were held, classmates gathered to debate, solve the world’s problems and socialize.
“We hope that this newly named space will not only carry our name but also our spirit of friendship, camaraderie and fun,” said Mary, a former trustee. “This gift comes from a deep place of gratitude. We see this not just as a donation, but as a way to give something back to a place that has given us so much.”
Launched in fall 2024, Together We Rise has raised more than $65 million toward its $100 million goal to drive groundbreaking research, enhance accessibility to college and the student experience, deepen the College’s commitment to community engagement and elevate athletics.
