About the institute
The Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics was established in 2019 and aims to engage and inspire the Salem State community to be active in our democracy and to pursue careers in politics and public service. The Berry Institute of Politics (Berry IOP) expands political engagement at SSU and in the North Shore by bringing policymakers, political leaders and public officials to campus. It also convenes public and private sector leaders to discuss and move forward issues of significance to Massachusetts. The Berry IOP leads Salem State’s voter engagement, hosts political discussions and debates; supports students with career interests in politics and public service; and awards competitive scholarship offerings in the areas of government, politics, civic engagement, non-profit and other means of public service.
The Berry IOP is a non-partisan institute that was established to celebrate the extraordinary career of the late Senator Fred Berry by prioritizing meaningful civic education. Inspired by Senator Berry’s legacy, we work to create entry points and break down barriers for all students who wish to pursue careers in politics and public service. Learn more about Senator Fred Berry’s career and the history of the Berry IOP.
Berry IOP Fellows Spring 2023

Berry IOP Fellows Spring 2023
Featuring Eugenia Gibbons and Jane Swift
As current practitioners, Berry IOP Fellows will visit campus to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with students who are exploring and pursuing careers in politics and public service. This semester we are honored to welcome Eugenia Gibbons, an expert in climate policy and programming, and Jane Swift, former Governor of Massachusetts.
Vikings Votes, Speakers and Forums, Internship Scholarships
In the News
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Salem Patch: Former MA Governor, Clean Energy Expert Salem State Spring Fellows
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Salem News: SSU's 'Voterpalooza' kicks off voting initiative
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Salem News: Janey, Levi to serve as inaugural fellows for Berry Institute
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Salem Patch: Salem State Students Make Voices Heard In Municipal Election
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Salem News: Driscoll, Dibble offer different visions for Salem in Mayoral debate
- Salem News: Salem State announces creation of The Berry Institute
- Item Live: Salem State Center will Embody Legacy of Frederick Berry
- Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Inaugural Event with Abby Phillip
Ways to Engage
Become a Sponsor
As a sponsor of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics and Civic Engagement, you will enjoy valuable interaction with key change-makers in the public and private sectors to move forward issues of significance in the greater Boston community, Massachusetts and the world, while receiving exclusive access to our speakers.
Make a Donation
Your generous donation will support dynamic programming, hands-on learning experiences and competitive scholarship offerings in the areas of government, politics, civic engagement, non-profit and other means of public service.
Inspired by Senator Berry’s legacy, we work to create entry points and break down barriers for all students who wish to pursue careers in politics and public service.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Title Sponsors


Retailers Association of Massachusetts


Womble Bond Dickinson Government and Public Affairs
Signature Sponsors


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Vic DiGravio, III
Colleen McGlynn Moody
Jeevan Ramapriya
Robert White Associates

Contact Us
Cynthia Lynch, Executive Director | clynch@salemstate.edu, 978.542.2873
Samantha Giffen, Assistant Director | sgiffen@salemstate.edu, 978.542.5023
Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970