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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – Salem State University alumna Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and her husband, Apple Fellow Philip Schiller, have made a landmark commitment to the university to establish the Multilingual Student Services Endowment.
The permanently endowed fund will support a full-time multilingual student services coach within the Student Navigation Center, expanding support for students and families as they navigate admissions, transfer pathways, financial aid, and access to campus resources. The endowment will also fund student employees and programmatic and infrastructure needs that strengthen multilingual engagement and outreach, changes that will impact all students positively.
“This remarkable gift reflects Salem State’s mission to serve our community with intention and impact,” said Salem State University President John Keenan. “The Schillers’ generosity strengthens our ability to meet students where they are, remove barriers to opportunity and create pathways to success that benefit families, the North Shore and the Commonwealth for generations to come. We are immensely grateful for their confidence in and commitment to Salem State.”
The $6.37 million gift also represents a significant investment in Meet the Moment®, Salem State’s comprehensive campaign, which aims to raise $75 million in support of student success and long-term institutional strength. With this commitment, Salem State has surpassed 90 percent of its goal.
“The Schillers’ generosity exemplifies what Meet the Moment® is all about,” said Mandy Ray, executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. and vice president of advancement. “This investment ensures we can meet students’ evolving needs and continue to advance an inclusive, supportive environment at the university.”
In addition to establishing the Multilingual Student Services Endowment, the commitment builds on the Schillers’ longstanding support of Salem State and includes funding for annual unrestricted priorities, the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center, the Center for Academic Excellence, and the Art + Design department within the College of Arts and Sciences.
“Success looks different for every student,” said Gassett-Schiller. “Our hope is that this investment helps ensure all students at Salem State have access to the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive and reach their full potential.”
Salem State’s commitment to student success inspired the continued investment. In fall 2025, the university became the first four-year, public university in Massachusetts to achieve Hispanic-Serving Institution status, a milestone that is reflective of regional demographics.
Hispanic and Latino students make up the largest and fastest growing minority student population, both at Salem State and in the Commonwealth. The university has woven into its culture a commitment to better serve this growing population, through efforts like programmatic changes that improve the quality of education for all students. Producing equitable outcomes while increasing overall degree attainment is the top policy and performance priority for Salem State’s governing body, the Massachusetts Board and Department of Higher Education.
"Currently, equity gaps exist in Massachusetts and around the country for Latino students, in terms of college access and completion. Eliminating barriers like these is essential to building an inclusive student experience," said Elisa Castillo, assistant vice president for HSI-MSI Initiatives. "When we design with inclusion in mind, the entire campus community is stronger. We are very grateful for this gift and how it helps us meet the needs of our students and our region."
An accounting graduate and the first in her family to earn a college degree, Gassett-Schiller has supported Salem State consistently since making her first gift of one dollar in 1983. She serves as a co-chair for the Meet the Moment® campaign, acted as the former co-chair for the 10,000 Reasons campaign from 2011 to 2016, received an honorary degree in 2018, and alongside her husband, has helped shape initiatives that have supported thousands of students.
With the establishment of the Multilingual Student Services Endowment, the Schillers’ philanthropy continues to strengthen Salem State University’s ability to expand access, opportunity and upward mobility for all students and families.