Honoring the Past, Building the Future

“Horace Mann Laboratory School was the place where everything opened up for me,” recalled Maria Bakas ’01, thinking back to her elementary school years. “The teachers were incredibly kind. It felt like a very close-knit community.” She remembers chorus rehearsals, violin lessons and the backyard where she met friends she keeps today.  

Now, the building that shaped her childhood is preparing for a dramatic transformation through the SSU BOLD modernization initiative, a project that will redefine the educational experience for future generations. “It is nostalgic to walk by and think, ‘Was that my third-grade classroom?’,” Bakas noted. “But more than anything, it is exciting. This renovation will open doors for so many students.”  

A Viking Who Came Full Circle 

Bakas graduated from Salem State in 2001 with a degree in geography and returned to the university in 2011 to join the advancement team. Her role places her in direct conversations with students, alumni and supporters, giving her a front row seat to the ways campus investments shape opportunity. “Working in advancement for the past 14 years has been incredibly meaningful,” said Bakas. “I am grateful for the people I work alongside and for the opportunity to support a university that means so much personally.” 

Over time, she has watched Salem State grow more innovative, student centered and community focused. “Seeing how the university has evolved is inspiring,” she said. “The way we support students now is more comprehensive than ever before. SSU BOLD continues that momentum and ensures we keep moving forward.” 

Reimagining Learning Through SSU BOLD 

Today, Bakas sees the progress that is now taking shape across Salem State’s campus. Central to the project are the transformations of Horace Mann and the Meier Hall addition, two buildings that will play an important role in shaping future learning experiences. 

Horace Mann will become a modern academic hub bringing together programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, and healthcare studies. The Meier Hall addition will expand and modernize laboratory space for the sciences, supporting biology, chemistry and physics and geological sciences. 

“Housing these programs thoughtfully and intentionally strengthens the entire student experience,” said Bakas. “It eliminates travel time between campuses, creates easier access and encourages more collaboration between departments. Students benefit in every direction.” 

Well-Being and Connection 

Beyond physical spaces, Bakas also values the human side of learning and well-being. During the pandemic, she pursued training as a Reiki Master, discovering a practice that deepened her sense of empathy, grounding and clarity. What began as a personal journey evolved into a broader mission to support others. She went on to create her own business, Morning Glory Energy, named after her favorite flower, with Reiki at the center of its offerings.   

Through Morning Glory Energy, Bakas offers Reiki workshops and individual sessions at local studios and also brings this work to Salem State’s wellness programs for students and employees. Her Reiki practice reflects the same principles that guide SSU BOLD: creating environments where people feel supported and empowered to grow and thrive. Her emphasis on presence and well-being mirrors the project’s commitment to fostering spaces that encourage collaboration, learning and a strong sense of community. 

A Future Built on Generosity and Gratitude 

When asked what she hopes donors and supporters understand about SSU BOLD, Bakas speaks from a place of gratitude and optimism. “Giving starts with one person. Any contribution creates opportunities that ripple forward. I am grateful for everyone who chooses to be part of this transformation.” 

For Bakas, the renovation of Horace Mann is more than a construction project. It is a promise that future generations will walk into bright, modern spaces designed to help them succeed. The story that began in her third-grade classroom now extends forward to future Vikings who will find their own path within those renewed walls.