Opening Doors to Experiential Learning

Jack Maloney ’26 is just one Salem State student who experienced an internship this past year and shared his story during the inaugural Internship Celebration last spring.  A celebration of student interns, the faculty and staff who support them and the business leaders who recruit them, the event raised a total of $220,000 in support of student internships. Special thanks to sponsors Triumvirate Environmental and St. Jean’s Credit Union. 

Dino Di Palma, Salem State University trustee and campaign steering committee member, served as the keynote speaker and spoke to the importance of internships, emphasizing how well-trained student Vikings will have an immediate impact on the region’s business economy.  

Social work major Angela Gomez ’24 and business major Kayla Pennimpede ’24 also shared their experiences. Angela interned at the Lynn Family Resource Center thanks to funding from the Ouellette-Di Palma Family Internship Fund, created by Dino and his wife, Annalisa, who emceed the event and is the chair of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation board and a fellow campaign steering committee member. 

“In my social work program, an internship is required, so I was concerned about taking on an unpaid internship in addition to all of my other responsibilities,” Angela shared. “The scholarship that I received from the Di Palas helped lessen the financial burden and motivated me to finish my degree.”  

The event ended with remarks from Virginia Lyons ’16, a member of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation board, who has experienced the impact internships can have and the invaluable relationships they bring.  

“What I discovered during my four years at the university is that—thanks to the support of our community members and donors—incredible learning opportunities can be affordable and accessible for everyone.”