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When Brian Kibler ’14 received the Dr. Terrence P. O’Donnell Scholarship in 2013 while pursuing a history degree, the vital support pushed them to achieve their bachelor’s degree and inspired a lasting commitment to act compassionately.
After graduation, Brian went on to serve two terms in AmeriCorps, focusing on civic engagement, before joining an environmental organization. There, they worked to understand the history and current realities of a frontline community, envisioning a greener and more equitable future. It was through these experiences that Brian discovered a passion for social impact.
Today, Brian works in private philanthropy, researching and writing about the history of social challenges and policy approaches and their implications on grantmaking strategies.
With every step taken in their career, Brian is quick to credit Salem State and the philanthropic support they received. Since 2015, Brian has been a loyal donor to the Commonwealth Honors Program, a program they benefited from while at the university. Brian also joined the Salem State University Scholarship Committee this past academic year.
Brian notes feeling fortunate to have had professors, like Dr. Joanna Gonsalves, who invested time in mentorship and staff who cared deeply about students’ success, which taught them what generosity looks like in practice. “I believe deeply in the power of higher education to change lives, because it changed mine,” Brian says. Their time on the scholarship committee only solidified a desire to stay connected to Salem State and support students aiming to build brighter futures.
“I read countless inspiring letters that showed the wide range of student ambitions and experiences,” Brian shares. “I saw how Salem State students, when supported and resourced, can invest more deeply in their education and time on campus.”
“I was given opportunities made possible by others who chose to invest in students they might never meet. If I have the resources to do the same, I believe I should. Philanthropy made my path possible, and it is my responsibility to keep that path open for future students.”
A Salem State history professor since 1970, Dr. Terrence P. O’Donnell’s impact on campus was immeasurable. In addition to inspiring generations of history students, he was also instrumental in the establishment of the Center for the Study of the Future and the peace studies minor. Following his death in 2001, his family created the Dr. Terrence P. O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting students pursuing a career in the field of history who participate in campus or outside community programs for the benefit of others. His legacy lives on in the successes of students and alumni just like Brian who are striving to make a difference in the world.