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Salem State University Hosts 2023 Northeast Regional Educators Hall of Fame Ceremony, Honors Four Top Educators

Dec 11, 2023

Four Salem State University community members were honored at the 2023 Northeast Regional Educators Hall of Fame ceremony for their outstanding contributions in the field of education. The evening’s inductees included Jabari Tovar ’16, David Dugan ’95, ’03G, Susan Maciewicz ’87G MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE, and Lee Brossoit EdD.

Jabari Tovar ’16, of Salem, received the Rising Star Award for his work as a percussion specialist in the Salem Public Schools. He has an extensive background in the marching arts, most notably working with the Open Class World Championship drum corps, The Spartans, based in Nashua, N.H. In February 2023, Jabari was named by the Yamaha Music Corporation as a “40 Under 40” music educator and has been nationally recognized for his efforts in creating a culturally responsive curriculum and challenging the “traditional” aspects of band and percussion repertoire.

David Dugan ’95, ’03G, of Peabody, received the Salem State Alumni Award for his exemplary work as a coach and mentor throughout his 31-year career as an educator. David is currently the dean of student life, chair of the social studies department, associate head football coach, and longest tenured coach at Bishop Fenwick High School.  He is also a volunteer coach for Peabody youth football, baseball and basketball.

Susan Maciewicz ’87G MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE, of Marblehead, received the Dorothy Foley ’48 Northeast Region Educator Award for her demonstrated leadership and significant contributions in the field. Susan is the director of nursing at North Shore Community College and provides strategic direction to the associate degree registered nurse program and the licensed practical nursing program. As a nurse, leader and educator, she strives to build and nurture relationships with faculty, practice partners and students.

Lee Brossoit EdD, of Salem and formerly of Canton, N.Y., received the Dr. Edna Mauriello ’44 Lifetime Achievement Award for his 30-plus year career in education at Salem State University. Lee is currently the assistant vice president for the Center of Academic Excellence and has had a positive impact on students and staff while serving in various roles during his tenure. Lee is the founder of the Master of Education in higher education in student affairs (HESA) program at Salem State, which was one of the first of its kind offered by a public institution in the Boston-metro area. Today, the HESA program has nearly 500 alumni who currently serve in key leadership positions in colleges and universities throughout the United States and internationally.

“The individuals we honor have demonstrated in their careers a strong commitment to education on various levels and in many forms. They have been chosen for induction into the hall of fame for not only their dedication and professionalism, but for how those qualities further advance the mission and vision of Salem State University,” said Maureen McCarthy ’75, ’79G, president of the Friends of the McKeown School of Education.

Since its founding, Salem State University has granted over 16,000 degrees in education, with 80 percent of alumni living in Massachusetts. The university has a rich history of training and preparing educators who have enormous impact on the school systems and communities of the North Shore and beyond. Today, the McKeown School of Education enrolls nearly 1,000 students and remains dedicated to providing the highest-quality, progressive education for the widest cross section of society, and to graduate top-flight educators who work for the good of their communities. Learn more.  

Established in 2013, the mission of the Salem State University Northeast Regional Educators Hall of Fame is to honor and recognize exemplary leaders, past and present, in the field of education for their dedication, contributions and service to their profession. This program serves as a record and inspiration for the next generation of educators. 

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