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Alumni Engagement
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The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. (AAF) has appointed student Viking and Salem resident Lillian “Lilly” Pinard ’25, ’26G as its inaugural student director.
Joining the 30-member board of directors comprised of alumni, university friends, donors, and community partners, Pinard is the first-ever student to sit on the AAF board, bringing a critical student perspective to the organization’s work.
“As a student director, I want to create a way for students to be able to advocate for themselves easier, a means where their voices have a space to be heard while actively being asked for their input,” Pinard said. “I see the AAF as having student success as their top priority, genuinely caring about our community and helping to find ways to advance Salem State.”
Originally from the Czech Republic, Pinard now resides in Salem and is a senior enrolled in the 4+1 program in elementary education. She is also taking graduate courses that will lead to the completion of her master’s in education in 2026. For her honors thesis project, she is creating a series of lesson plans that will better prepare elementary students in Massachusetts for learning about the Holocaust.
The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes pride in the university and inspires philanthropy to invest in student success. Acting as an ambassador for student Vikings, Pinard said she is excited to be a part of the decision-making that encompasses student need.
“We are thrilled to have a student voice on the board of directors, one that will help promote the importance of philanthropy,” said Mandy Ray, executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. “Lilly is an invaluable asset who helps bridge our work with the student body while also providing insight on their priorities and needs. The board of directors is happy to have her join in our mission.”