SALEM – In an effort to help offset recent budget cuts, Salem State College president Nancy D. Harrington has announced the college will close for a two-week period in December.

Last year Salem State realized an estimated $50,000 in energy savings when it closed for one week at Christmas.

Effective Saturday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 4, the closing will affect all areas of the college except the sports complex. Events at the O'Keefe Sports Center, including public skating, will continue. Salem State hockey will host the “Ice Hockey Classic” on Dec. 27 and 28 and the men's and women's basketball teams will host the annual “Christmas Tournament” Dec. 28-30.

For more information on public skating and other rink activities, call (978) 542-6556. For more information on events at the O'Keefe Center, call (978) 542-7260