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When Hope Watt-Bucci PhD ’96G arrived at Salem State University to pursue her master’s degree in social work, she was already grounded in a commitment to helping others. After serving in the U.S. Army as a behavioral health specialist and medic, she sought a university community that reflected her values of service, compassion and connection.
“Salem State was welcoming from the beginning,” Watt-Bucci says. “It felt like a place where people genuinely cared about the work students wanted to do in the world.”
While completing her graduate studies, she worked full time in inpatient psychiatric care, balancing long overnight shifts with coursework. During her time at Salem State, she found a lasting passion in the School of Social Work’s research program, crediting faculty mentors with making a profound impact on her educational experience.
“Research became incredibly important to me,” she says. “The professors in the graduate research program challenged us to think differently and understand the importance of evidence-based work in social services.”
A Career Built Around Community
Throughout her career, Watt-Bucci worked across nearly every corner of social work and behavioral health, always centering community care. Her professional path included child protection services, elder care and healthcare administration, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations.
One of the most meaningful chapters of her career came in Boston, where she served as director of care management for the Committee to End Elder Homelessness. There, she worked closely with unhoused older adults and participated in the city’s annual homeless census efforts. Later, at the VA Boston Healthcare System, she helped launch the organization’s telehealth program while continuing to advocate for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Watt-Bucci’s advocacy work also extends within the LGBTQ+ community. She founded North Shore Pride, a nonprofit organization celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. She also helped launch the Rainbow Coalition, a collaborative network connecting Pride organizations across the region to share resources, support and best practices.
Continuing the Salem State Legacy
After graduating, Watt-Bucci returned to Salem State as an instructor, teaching research and clinical social work courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels for more than a decade. Moving from student to educator deepened her connection to the university and reinforced her belief in the power of education to create change.
Today, Watt-Bucci continues to stay closely connected to Salem State through her service on the board of directors for the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. Previously, she served on the former alumni association from 2015-2021 as a member and former chair of the board’s civic engagement committee. The Salem State Alliance honored her in 2018 by naming an alumni award after her in recognition of her contributions and service.
She values the opportunity to support future generations of Vikings while helping ensure diverse voices and experiences are represented within the university community. “Salem State students understand hard work and service,” Watt-Bucci says. “So many are balancing school, jobs and responsibilities outside the classroom, and that creates a strong sense of community.”
That same sense of purpose continues to guide Watt-Bucci in her work and life. “Always remember and never forget why you chose your direction in life,” she says. “That has always been my compass. For me, it’s service.”