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+

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+