The Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund

When Nate Bryant ’87, ’93G, EdD reflects on his nearly four decades at Salem State University, his voice fills with gratitude: “Salem State has given me more than I could ever give in return,” he said.

That’s why, upon his retirement last summer, he and his wife, Joy Livramento-Bryant ’85, decided to create a lasting resource to benefit generations of students: the Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund.

In his 36-year career at Salem State, Bryant embodied the Viking spirit both on and off the court: first as a student-athlete, then in roles spanning admissions, student life, financial aid, multicultural affairs, chief of staff, and vice president for student success. Across these many positions, he saw firsthand how unforeseen emergencies—an urgent car repair, fire-damaged books or a temporary housing emergency—could force students to consider putting college on hold or even drop out.

“College is about opportunity,” he explained, “but too often, that opportunity gets suspended over something, that with a little financial support, can be resolved.”

In his official capacities, Bryant did whatever he could to help students overcome such obstacles, but as the landscape of higher education has become more complex over the years, so, too, have student needs. Recognizing these mounting pressures, the family launched the Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund. It will help students to navigate the sudden and unexpected crises that can derail an education: “It’s heartbreaking to witness students consider dropping out because of a $500 or $1,000 emergency,” Bryant said, “and we’re grateful for this opportunity to help them overcome these obstacles.”

“We want to make sure students’ educations aren’t derailed by something out of their control,” he explained. “Salem State students are already ‘battle-tested’—working multiple jobs, supporting families, juggling more than most people realize—and poised for success upon graduation. If we can help them past one crisis, they’ll keep going and ultimately become the next leaders in our communities, like so many alumni have done before them.”

For Bryant, the decision to support students in this way reflects a deeply personal commitment to Salem State. “I met my wife here, I built my career here and I’ve seen firsthand how our graduates thrive once they cross the commencement stage,” he said. “At Salem State, we meet students where they are, and we do all we can to help them succeed. This fund is another way to make sure we keep our promise.”

Upon hearing about the Nate Bryant and Family Student Emergency Fund, alumnus Keith Knight ’90, ’22H noted that the fund’s student-centered approach resonated with his own experiences. “Nate was like my Salem State big brother,” explained Knight, who received an honorary doctorate from Salem State in 2022. “As my resident advisor, he looked out for me until I matured into what I would eventually become: Dr. Keith Knight.”

As he eases into retirement, Bryant remains adamant that the word “family” in the fund’s name is no coincidence. “My wife, Joy, and our daughters, Jasmine and Alix, have been my rock,” he said. “Everything I’ve done at Salem State has been a family effort. Now, our family is proud to help future Vikings clear life’s hurdles, one emergency at a time.”

Written by Professor Rebecca Hains, PhD, media and communication