Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement at Salem State University

Dear Colleagues,

Following the passing of state Senator Fred E. Berry nearly a year ago, local community members began advocating for commemorating his legacy in a way that would build the next generation of political leaders. I am pleased to announce that their efforts led to a state appropriation of $200,000 designated for the creation of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement at Salem State University.

The appropriation for the institute was sponsored by State Senator Joan Lovely and State Representative Paul Tucker, and I am excited for the Center for Civic Engagement to oversee its creation and carry out its mission: to engage and inspire a diverse community of learners to pursue careers in political and public service, while also convening public and private sector leaders to discuss and move forward issues of significance to Massachusetts.

Determining how best to carry out this mission requires significant input. An advisory board has been formed consisting of faculty, staff, a student, and community leaders, and we met for the first time on November 1. Please see a list of members below. 

To date, the advisory board has discussed the possibility of hosting political discussions, developing political podcasts, and creating week-long institutes for students to hone their political knowledge and skills.

This is a tremendous opportunity to build on the success we have had getting our students engaged in their communities and teaching them how to affect change. I look forward to sharing further news on this institute and its impact as it develops.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Lynch

Director, Center for Civic Engagement

clynch@salemstate.edu | ext. 2873

Current Advisory Board Members

Kim Barboza, Center for Civic Engagement

Arthur Bernard Esq.

D.A. John Blodgett

Helen Corbett

Fmr. Cllr. Lucy Corchado, LEAD office

Angel Donahue-Rodriguez, MBTA

Vic DiGravio

Fmr. Mayor Al DiVirgilio, Lynn

Rep. Lori Ehrlich, Eighth Essex

Fmr. Rep. Michael Harrington, Sixth District

Prof. Jennifer Jackman, Political Science

Sen. Joan Lovely, Second Essex

Cynthia Lynch, Center for Civic Engagement

Colleen McGlynn

Prof. Dan Mulcare, Political Science

Fmr. MA. Senate President Therese Murray

Katie Sadowski, Institutional Advancement

Prof. Kanishkan Sathasivam, Political Science

Theresa Soldan, Undergraduate Student

Senator Bruce Tarr

Rep. Paul Tucker, Seventh Essex