SSU Viking Voices Podcast: Alumni Stories – Keith Knight, Gentleman Cartoonist

Welcome to the latest edition of Salem State University Viking Voices where we highlight many of the great things going on at this exciting institution and among the alumni community.

Keith Knight,
Gentleman Cartoonist

This episode features our special guest Keith Knight who after graduation from Salem State College in 1990 has gone on to become an award-winning cartoonist whose topical and biographical work has brought national acclaim and numerous awards.

Today Keith has three nationally syndicated comics. He is the author of over a dozen books. His views on race, expressed in his work have led to recognition by the NAACP  as a 2015 History Maker.  CNN placed Keith along with other notable voices including Joseph Lowery, civil rights activist, and Henry Louis Gates, scholar, writer, cultural critic to give America an Equality Report Card.

Have a listen below as Keith describes his time at Salem State, gives us insight into his work and tells of his new project, an autobiographical television pilot in development for the streaming service, Hulu.

Play Now - listen or download 

You can also subscribe in iTunes or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Links: 

• The Official K Chronicles and (Th)ink Website
• Keith Knight is creating Weekly Comics! | Patreon
• (th)ink and the KChronicles on the Daily Kos
• Book Keith for your Events
• Keith Knight: Gentleman Cartoonist - Home | Facebook
• Lamorne Morris Will Play Cartoonist Keith Knight in 'Woke'
•  Medium: Keith Knight

• Salem State Foundation
• Salem State University's Mission and Vision Statements
• Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons at Salem State University
• University Archives & Special Collections (Research Tools & Collections
• Salem State University Archives and Special Collections on Facebook

• Salem State University Alumni and Friends | Flickr

End notes:

I am looking forward to our next conversation.You can join in the conversation by following this blog and checking out the many social media outlets available to our Salem State community. A short list of some of these venues are below.

Go Vikings!

Join in on the conversation:

• Salem State Alumni Network on LinkedIn;
• SalemState University Alumni Association - Facebook;
• Salem State Alumni (@SalemStateAlum) -  Twitter.

Here are some of the places you may find me on social media:

• @gclinch
• GuyClinch on LinkedIn

SSU Viking Voices Podcast: Campus Resources – Susan Edwards, Chief Archivist at Salem State University

Welcome to the latest edition of Salem State University Viking Voices where we highlight many of the great things going on at this exciting institution and among the alumni community.

Susan Edwards
Archivist at Salem State University

This episode features our special guest Susan Edwards who since 1996 has been creating positive change and has become a touchstone to generations of Salem State students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Today as Chief Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, Ms. Edwards is caretaker of a vast trove of the University’s most prized intellectual assets.

Our interview was recorded at the Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons. From the library's home page: "Built in 2014, the learning commons is a blend of a modern library and vibrant student center ... The library includes over 1,000 seats in a variety of styles; over 150 computer workstations; 12 reservable group study rooms; and access to over 300 databases that include thousands of scholarly articles and resources."

The archives are located on the lower-level ground floor. The website describes:

"Salem State University’s Archives & Special Collections preserves and provides access to materials that are rare, unique, or historical. The collections are housed in a 5,000 sq ft secure, climate-controlled facility on the ground floor of Berry Library. 

The collection includes the historical records of the university (1854-present) as well as thousands of books, documents, manuscripts, maps, photographs, videos, artifacts, and ephemera. These materials are housed in the climate-controlled, secure environment of the library because of their rarity, or because of their importance as part of a special collection, or both.

While these collections must be treated with special care, Materials may be viewed by Salem State faculty, staff, students as well as outside scholars, public historians, genealogists, and other researchers. Use of these collections is strongly encouraged and visitors to Archives & Special Collections are always welcome to make use of the collections."

Play Now - listen or download 

You can also subscribe in iTunes or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Links: 

• Salem State Foundation
• Salem State University's Mission and Vision Statements
• Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons at Salem State University
• University Archives & Special Collections (Research Tools & Collections
• Salem State University Archives and Special Collections on Facebook
• Salem State Archives on flickr

End notes:

I am looking forward to our next conversation.You can join in the conversation by following this blog and checking out the many social media outlets available to our Salem State community. A short list of some of these venues are below.

Go Vikings!

Join in on the conversation:

• Salem State Alumni Network on LinkedIn;
• SalemState University Alumni Association - Facebook;
• Salem State Alumni (@SalemStateAlum) -  Twitter.

Here are some of the places you may find me on social media:

• @gclinch
• GuyClinch on LinkedIn
• Guy Clinch on Google+

SSU Viking Voices Podcast: Interview with University President John D Keenan

Welcome to the latest edition of Salem State University Viking Voices where we highlight many of the great things going on at this exciting institution and among the alumni community.

John D Keenan, JD
14th president of Salem State University

This episode features our special guest the 14th president of Salem State University, John D. Keenan.

Previously, President Keenan served as general counsel and vice president for administration at Salem State University. He was responsible for the university’s day-to-day operations in support of its academic mission, overseeing human resources and equal opportunity, capital planning and facilities, information technology, risk and asset management, and the university police.

Prior to becoming president of the university, Keenan has had a distinguished career in public service that has included representing the Seventh Essex District in the Massachusetts State Legislature from 2005 to 2014. Even then a strong advocate for Salem State, President Keenan was a leading proponent of gaining university status. He also leveraged his expertise to help fund the recently complete the Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts.

A champion of many social causes, President Keenan voted to preserve marriage equality, address schoolyard bullying, and protect transgendered employees in the work place. He is a resident of Salem along with his wife, Kara McLaughlin, and their two children, Aidan and Erin.

During the recording of this special edition of Salem State Viking Voices, the students of Mary Melilli, MFA, Professor, Media and Communication MCO 235 Multimedia Storytelling class documented the recording session. The recording was made in front of a live audience at Viking Hall the newest of the residence halls at Salem State. This state-of-the-art building is LEED Gold certified, for its energy efficiency and other sustainability features.

Here is a multimedia version of the podcast featuring photos and videos recorded by the students:

Click here to view on YouTube

Click here to listen or download to an audio version of our conversation. 

Play Now (See image below on how you can also download from the player page)

You can also subscribe in iTunes or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Links: 

• Salem State Foundation
• Salem State University's Mission and Vision Statements

End notes:

I am looking forward to our next conversation.You can join in the conversation by following this blog and checking out the many social media outlets available to our Salem State community. A short list of some of these venues are below.

Go Vikings!

Join in on the conversation:

• Salem State Alumni Network on LinkedIn;
• SalemState University Alumni Association - Facebook;
• Salem State Alumni (@SalemStateAlum) -  Twitter.

Here are some of the places you may find me on social media:

• @gclinch
• GuyClinch on LinkedIn
• Guy Clinch on Google+

Salem State College Class of 1989

Can you believe is has been 30 years since the 1988/89 Salem State College academic year? Want to reminisce, reconnect with the times and former classmates or just take a trip down Memory Lane? If you graduated from Salem State College in 1989, you can apply for membership in this closed and moderated Facebook group. You will find a growing community and regular new posts of images, videos, recollections of events and more from the 1988/89 academic year.

Web: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SalemStateClassof89/ Salem State College Class of 1989 Facebook Group · 6 members Join Group

Viking Voices Podcast: Alumni Success Stories - Mark Amirault

In this edition of the Salem State University Viking Voices podcast we have a conversation with Mark Amirault a 1984 graduate of Salem State with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.  

Mark Amirault

Mark is a principal at Dart World Incorporated. Founded in 1977 (originally Darts & Parts), Dart World quickly became “the place for players to shop, with people traveling as far as 100 miles away.” Today, “Dart World sells its product domestically and internationally and participates in major sporting goods trade shows. 

The company’s 144 page catalog features a complete line of darts and accessories, poker and game room supplies, and offers the consumer quality product and exceptional service.”

As principal at the firm, Mark oversees the operations of Dart World.  He has 17 employees, of which six are Salem State University graduates and two are current students.

Mark also volunteers with the Service Dog Project as a photographer. A non-profit charity located in Ipswich, Massachusetts the Service Dog Project trains great danes as service animals for people with balance issues and veterans with PTSD.

Listen or download our conversation. 

Play Now (See image below on how you can also download from the player page)

You can also subscribe in iTunes or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Here's a preview of what you will hear:

Links:

• Click here to see some of Mark's photos for the Service Dog Project
• Click here to learn more about the Service Dog Project
• Click here to learn more about Alumni and Friends of Salem State University
• Click here to learn more about the Salem State Foundation

End notes:

I am looking forward to our next conversation.You can join in the conversation by following this blog and checking out the many social media outlets available to our Salem State community. A short list of some of these venues are below.

Go Vikings!

Join in on the conversation:

• Salem State Alumni Network on LinkedIn;
• SalemState University Alumni Association - Facebook;
• Salem State Alumni (@SalemStateAlum) -  Twitter.

Here are some of the places you may find me on social media:

• @gclinch
• GuyClinch on LinkedIn
• Guy Clinch on Google+

Salem State University, Viking Voices Podcast: 2018 First Year Day of Service: Moving Forward, Giving Back

The latest edition of the Salem State University, Viking Voices Podcast presents audio recorded during the University’s third annual, 2018 First Year Day of Service: Moving Forward, Giving Back.

Sponsored by St. Jean's Credit Union and Salem Massachusetts Rotary Club, Moving Forward, Giving Back presented students who have a desire in engaging with their community … who wish to be change-makers, those who actively make a difference in the world, and who are excited to start their college experience, the opportunity to join 200 of their new classmates, the Salem State University Center for Civic Engagement, the First Year Experience Program, current students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community organizations for a day of service in the greater Salem Massachusetts area. 

Those interested to learn more about 2018 First Year Day of Service: Moving Forward, Giving Back are encouraged to visit: https://www.salemstate.edu/calendar/2018-first-year-day-service-aug-30-2018

Listen or download our conversation. 

Play Now (See image below on how to download from the player page)

You can subscribe in iTunes or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Select Outtakes:

.@SalemState University President John Keenan: “Civic engagement! A big piece of my wanting to become president was because … pic.twitter.com/hIr7tY363x

— Guy W Clinch (@gclinch) September 2, 2018

.@CityofSalemMA Mayor Kim Driscoll: “When I was a student here I was actively engaged in our local government and it led to an internship. Hey, look at me now! There’re certainly opportunities … pic.twitter.com/bi6dzTcyOO

— Guy W Clinch (@gclinch) September 2, 2018

Mathew Chetnik, director, @FYSuccess @SalemState University making an analogy to the stapler his grandmother gave him when he left for college: “I want you to think about the quality of work that you are going to do today. We could do a shoddy job today, or … pic.twitter.com/tobTi2gpj1

— Guy W Clinch (@gclinch) September 7, 2018

Resources:

• Hashtag #SSUService

I am looking forward to our next conversation.You can join in the conversation by following this blog and checking out the many social media outlets available to our Salem State community. A short list of some of these venues are below.

Go Vikings!

Join in on the conversation:

• Salem State Alumni Network on LinkedIn;
• SalemState University Alumni Association - Facebook;
• Salem State Alumni (@SalemStateAlum) -  Twitter.

Here are some of the places you may find me on social media:

• @gclinch
• GuyClinch on LinkedIn
• Guy Clinch on Google+

Viking Voices Podcast: Salem State Global Day of Service

In this edition of the Salem State University Viking Voices podcast we have a conversation about Salem State University Global Day of Service that celebrates and mobilizes the thousands of Salem State alumni, students, parents, employees and friends of Salem State who improve their community through service. 

Mikki Wilson

Mikki Wilson and Sean Morrow join us to discuss the annual event, its history, and the plans for this year.  We talk about specific events planned for the 2016 Global Day of Service which takes place on June 4. A number of opportunities for alumni to join together and give back to our communities are planned. 

Those interested to learn more are encouraged to visit: http://www.salemstatereasons.com/global-day-of-service/

Listen to the conversation online or download an MP3 copy at the links below. 

Sean Morrow

Play Now

or,
 Download

or click below to subscribe in iTunes.

Resources:

• Hashtag #SSUReasons

I am looking forward to our next conversation.You can join in the conversation by following this blog and checking out the many social media outlets available to our Salem State community. A short list of some of these venues are below.

Go Vikings!

Join in on the conversation:

• Salem State Alumni Network on LinkedIn;
• SalemState University Alumni Association - Facebook;
• Salem State Alumni (@SalemStateAlum) -  Twitter.

Here are some of the places you may find me on social media:

• @gclinch
• GuyClinch on LinkedIn
• Guy Clinch on Google+

Viking Voices: Salem State Students Help Veterans Podcast

In our continuing conversations about the great things that are going on at Salem State University we've been meeting a number of individuals who are making a real difference for the campus community and beyond. A few weeks back I reminded us that President Meservey set out as one of the priorities for the University at her inauguration that, "It is our duty to ensure that students understand the importance of community involvement, and that they are well versed in the privileges and responsibilities that come with citizenship in a democratic republic." 

In the audio podcast that you may listen to using the links below, we hear from a group of students and their faculty advocate who are an exemplar of the ideals that President Meservey is championing. What started as a class project has morphed into a campaign with multiple effective strategies that are helping to change people's perceptions of veterans. 

Robert E. Brown, Ph.D.

Robert E. Brown, Ph.D. who is a professor in the Communications Department at Salem State University, and the project's mentor put the challenge succinctly when he said, "The conversation about veterans has been almost entirely negative, it has been about Veterans Affairs, suicide, PTSD, addiction, all these things that veterans have been challenged with." Although intended to bring light to injustice, Dr. Brown continues, "It has had the unintended consequence of distancing veterans and making them seem less employable, less valuable to the community, in fact worrisome, dangerous even ... This is the last thing that we want."

The student group accepted Professor Brown's encouragement and have entered the Bateman Case Study Competition which is sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America. With the intent of achieving a positive social goal, the Bateman Challenge is the, "premier national case study competition for public relations students," that gives students, "an opportunity to apply classroom education and internship experiences ... to research, plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive public relations campaign."  

For these Salem State University students the results are a set of activities that are changing perspectives, educating the students and their peers, helping veterans, and has caught the attention of media professionals. Professor Brown said that these students are changing the conversation. "As far as I know," Brown remarks, "these students are involved in the only campaign to  raise awareness of veterans accomplishment." 

The students have gained local notoriety from their efforts. They will attend a gala during the Public Relations Society of America Northeast District Conclave in June. Please set aside a few minutes of your time to listen to their story.

The group includes students:   

Mark Casella

Gerald Fallon Jr.

Shannon Gallagher

Kristen Pustizzi

Play Now

or,
 Download

or click below to subscribe in iTunes.

Resources:

•  Communications Department Website

Thanks for checking out this week's Viking Voices. I hope you'll listen to the full audio podcast. 

I am looking forward to our next conversation.You can join in the conversation by following this blog and checking out the many social media outlets available to our Salem State community. A short list of some of these venues are below.

Go Vikings!

Join in on the conversation:

• Salem State Alumni Network on LinkedIn;
• SalemState University Alumni Association - Facebook;
• Salem State Alumni (@SalemStateAlum) -  Twitter.

Here are some of the places you may find me on social media:

• @gclinch
• GuyClinch on LinkedIn
• Guy Clinch on Google+