[VIDEO] Rivier University Going Global

Mark Meehan is new to – three months in as Associate Vice President of Global Engagement. As he took the podium to describe his role in the newly created position, it was clear that the change, from Rivier College to Rivier University, goes much deeper than the lettering on a logo.

"The DNA of Rivier is global," said Meehan. "There are 26 languages spoke here – that's amazing – and we have a generation of students who've grown up without borders, who are Facebook friends or have emailed with someone from another country. The world is not a big place; it's a small one."

Meehan outlined some of the international programs in the works, including study-abroad immersion programs; the launch of a global teleconferencing center that will simultaneously engage students here and abroad in literature and business programs; and a nursing program that will allow students to participate in medical missions already established by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in Dakar, Senegal, in Africa.

Since the goal of attaining university status was fast-tracked by Rivier President, Sister Paula Buley, and accomplished within her first year at the helm, it's now full-speed ahead in retooling and refining the university's programming to match it's global mission statement: "Transforming hearts and minds to serve the world."

On Sept. 13, staff, students, board members, local lawmakers Senators Jim Luther and Gary Lambert, and past college dignitaries gathered in the Dion Center for a brief celebration of Rivier's University status.

Dr. Jamison Hoff, Chairman of Rivier's Board of Trustees, reitereated the core mission of the university, as she addressed the crowd.

"It's a good thing to have a new university in Nashua and New Hampshire, and New England. Even better, that it's dedicated to serving this needy world," Hoff said.

Buley spoke elequently of the evolution of Rivier, from its humble beginnings in 1933 as Nashua's first institution of higher education founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, to its offerings in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Hoff also made sure to give credit where credit was due – to Buley, whose vision has sustained the process and continues to fuel progress.

"None of us would be sitting here today were it not for the drive and ambition and energy and execution skills of our new president," Hoff said.

A highlight of the ceremony included an unscripted dedication by Rivier graduate Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, who spoke from the heart about her personal regard for Rivier. She followed that with a formal proclamation – her first in five years as mayor – making Sept. 13, 2012 Rivier University Day. Lozeau added in a key to the city, only the third such key she's awarded in her tenure as mayor, and the first, to an institution.

Although on the lengthy side for a video, we have uploaded Lozeau's six-minute tribute here, including proclamation, along with a two-minute speech by Buley. We recommend you take a coffee break and enjoy these videos – the next best thing to being there.