The Merrimack College community officially launched the Together We Rise campaign, the most ambitious capital campaign in the College’s history to date, with a celebratory event on Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
Joined by members of the Merrimack College Marching Band, President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D., announced to the 300 attendees that more than $59 million has been raised toward the campaign’s $100 million goal.
“Together We Rise is about our future,” Hopey said in his remarks. “It is about making a greater impact, accelerating academic excellence and building a reputation of research and transformative opportunities.”
Over the next five years, Together We Rise will bring to life the goals laid out in the College’s strategic plan, the Agenda for the Future, and strongly position Merrimack among the nation’s leading Catholic research universities.
The four focus areas of the campaign are fostering College-wide innovation and research, elevating the Merrimack College student experience, furthering the College’s Catholic Augustinian missions and enhancing Merrimack’s Division I athletics facilities and performance.
“Our remarkable transformation is made possible by the unwavering support of our donors, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the College who have championed our vision with unmatched passion,” Hopey added.
Funds raised through the campaign will support many critical goals and initiatives across the College. Together We Rise will not only strengthen Merrimack’s ability to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing world, but also ensure students receive an educational and spiritual experience that will make them valued and respected contributors in their community.
“To secure Merrimack’s rise, we need your help, we need your philanthropy, we need your time,” said Kevin Lucey ’89, chairman of the Merrimack College Board of Trustees and national co-chair of the Together We Rise campaign with his wife Karen Lucey P’24. “Merrimack’s success will continue because of the work and effort of the people in this room.”
Merrimack College Student Government Association President Mariia Diahilieva ’26, shared her story of being unable to return to her native Ukraine after war broke there, and ultimately attended Merrimack thanks to a full scholarship endowed by Vin Foley, Jr. ’68.
“I know we use the word ‘community’ every time we talk about Merrimack and there is no doubt that the students, faculty, staff and alumni all appreciate the community here,” she said. “But to me, it’s even more than that. It is my home, my family, my whole life.”
In addition to launching the campaign, Hopey presented the Merrimack College Saint Augustine Medal to Fr. Gary McCloskey, O.S.A., former trustee, academic vice president and dean of the College. The Saint Augustine Medal recognizes and honors those who best embody the values, teachings and mission of St. Augustine.
“Father Gary has served Merrimack well,” Hopey said. “His commitment to education at large and service to others is a hallmark of his vocation.”
For more information about the campaign and ways to give, please visit the Together We Rise website.
