Nancy D. Harrington
Nancy D. Harrington was just 16 years old when she and Salem State College developed a mutual admiration. The two have had an enduring relationship ever since. On October 16, 2004, the institution will take an evening to let her know how much her dedication and passion for "her" college have meant to so many. It is time to let her know, publicly, how her leadership has taken the College and the North Shore to heights that perhaps many of us could not have imagined.

A lifelong Salem resident, Nancy Dodd Harrington earned a bachelor's degree in 1960 and a master’s degree in 1963, both from Salem State College. While working on her doctorate at Boston University, she continued to teach at Salem State.Throughout the next two decades, her life was tied to the College as she rose through the ranks as a supervisor, principal, dean and vice president of academic affairs. When, in 1990, she was named the twelfth president of Salem State College, the cheers were audible across the North Shore. She was not just the first female president of the College, she was the first Salem native and the first graduate of the College to take the helm.

Throughout the ensuing years, Dr. Harrington has turned her vision of what the institution could become into reality. She presided over the development of the College's Central Campus area, which saw the opening of new facilities for the School of Business, the Office of Information Technology and the Music Department. In September 2004, a recently-completed residential hall welcomed 450 new students, and in the not-too-distant future, a Center for the Creative and Performing Arts will grace the 37-acre site.

Dr. Harrington has also initiated and directed the development of the master of science in nursing and master of science in business administration programs, each the first of its kind in the Commonwealth's state colleges. She has played a key role in the development of the College's master's program in social work, one of only a few such programs in the Massachusetts public higher education system.

In May 2003, Boston University recognized Dr. Harrington’s service to her alma mater and to the Salem community by presenting her with its distinguished Ida M. Johnson Award. Nancy Harrington’s vision for the College and her steadfast leadership have brought it to new heights. The entire community will shine brighter long into the next 150 years as a direct result of her efforts.

Patricia H. Zaido
Creativity, contagious energy, commitment and a passion for the arts have driven the life and career of Patricia Hourihan Zaido. Her understanding of the interaction between and interdependence of Salem State College and the community have defined her actions. She has brought the arts and the College to a strong and respected position in the region.

Patricia earned a bachelor's degree from Marymount College in 1961 and a master's degree from Boston University in 1962. She began her career at Salem State College in 1965 as an instructor in the Theater and Speech Communication Department, where she later became a full professor and served as department chair for nine years. From 1993 through 2002, Patricia served as the first director of the Center for the Creative and Performing Arts. Beyond serving as a catalyst for the arts on the North Shore, her community service encompasses social justice, tourism, economic development, community leadership and charity. Together with Deirdre Sartorelli, she is co-chair of our capital campaign. She continues her commitment to the greater Salem community as executive director of the Salem Partnership.

Patricia's vision for the College's new Center for the Creative and Performing Arts has driven the project. Her talent and steadfast devotion are helping to make it a reality. Her leadership has been recognized by many state and regional organizations, and now it is our turn to tell her how we feel. Patricia, we honor your strength and passion, your creativity and commitment and your many achievements. We are infinitely grateful to be among the beneficiaries of your successful career.

FleetBoston Financial
Long the presenting sponsor of the Salem State College series, FleetBoston Financial has always understood the value of arts and culture to a society. The bank's strategic philanthropy and strong civic leadership have had a lasting impact on the region’s quality of life. Supporting the arts, however, in such a studied and targeted manner even does more. As a result of Fleet's efforts, the arts have been made more accessible to the entire region. While promoting artistic expression and creativity, Fleet’s support also stimulates critical thought, fosters dialogue and ultimately adds to the vitality and progress of life on Boston's North Shore. FleetBoston Financial has earned our recognition as a corporate leader in civic philanthropy.