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Gail '98 and Roccie Caputo '98
For 42 years, Gail Caputo '98 had a successful career as a full-time fundraiser for New England Baptist Hospital. Her husband, Roccie Caputo '98, inspected jet engines for 35 years at General Electric. Yet, there was something missing from their lives--a college degree.
"I had graduated from The Chandler School at a time when women became nurses, secretaries, and teachers," explained Gail. "Roccie was attending Wentworth Technical School when a position at General Electric opened up."
To fill in the academic void, the couple enrolled in Continuing Education courses at Salem State College. For nine years they planned their lives around the institution's academic calendar. The couple enrolled in the same courses. They studied together, learned from each other, and supported one another's abilities. In 1998, they earned bachelor's degrees in history and promptly began working on masters' degrees.
Today, they are enthusiastic supporters of the institution. "We feel a sense of appreciation for the education that we received," explained Gail. "I think we had an effect on some of the younger students because we had life experiences to share," said Roccie. Added Gail, "The more classes we took, the more we wanted to take. Salem State College enhanced our lives and our ability to be successful. It also gave us a new set of friends every semester. We would not trade the experiences we had for anything."
For over a decade, they have provided financial support to the College's history and theater departments as well as to the Annual Fund. Gail and Roccie are also members of the Sullivan Society, which recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more to the College annually. "Not everyone can afford to attend a fancy college or university for $36,000 a year. Thank goodness for the state schools that can give students a quality education. State schools are underrated and they need to be supported," said Roccie.
Now retired from their full-time positions, they keep an active schedule. Gail consults for Hallmark Health and raises funds through special events. Roccie is involved in financial work. They travel as much as possible, play golf, and frequently attend the North Shore Music Theatre. In September, the Lynnfield residents bought a winter home in Naples, Fla.
Both have completed most of the requirements for a master's degree in history, but they don't have an end date in mind. "Salem State has given us a sense of accomplishment in that we have improved our knowledge," they said. "Learning is something that we all need to do."
