Salem State Landmark $6.37M Donation To Establish New Endowment

SALEM, MA — A landmark Salem State University $6.37 million donation will establish the Multilingual Student Services Endowment at the school.

Alumna Kim Gassett-Schiller and her husband, Apple Fellow Philip Schiller, made the donation that will permanently fund a full-time multilingual student service coach within the Student Navigation Center, expand support for students and families during admissions, and provide transfer pathways, financial aid and access to campus resources.

The endowment will also fund student employees and programmatic and infrastructure needs.

"This remarkable gift reflects Salem State's mission to serve our community with intention and impact," said Salem State University President John Keenan. "The Schillers' generosity strengthens our ability to meet students where they are, remove barriers to opportunity and create pathways to success that benefit families, the North Shore and the Commonwealth for generations to come..

"We are immensely grateful for their confidence in and commitment to Salem State."

The donation pushes Salem State past the 90 percent mark of its goal to raise $75 million for its Meet the Moment sustainability campaign.

"The Schillers' generosity exemplifies what Meet the Moment is all about," said Mandy Ray, executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. and vice president of advancement." This investment ensures we can meet students' evolving needs and continue to advance an inclusive, supportive environment at the university.”"

The donation continues the Schillers' longstanding support of Salem State and includes funding for annual unrestricted priorities, the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center, the Center for Academic Excellence, and the Art + Design department within the College of Arts and Sciences.

"Success looks different for every student," said Gassett-Schiller. "Our hope is that this investment helps ensure all students at Salem State have access to the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive and reach their full potential."

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