Merrimack College

Merrimack College
Seal of Merrimack College
Motto	Per Scientiam Ad Sapientiam (Latin)
Motto in English	Through Knowledge to Wisdom
Established	1947
Type	Private, Coeducational
Religious affiliation	Roman Catholic Order of Saint Augustine
President	Dr. Christopher Hopey[1]
Academic staff	220
Admin. staff	330
Undergraduates	2,064
Location	North Andover, MA, USA
Campus	Suburban, 220 acres (350,515 sq. meters)
Newspaper	The Beacon
Colors	Navy Blue, Gold and White
Athletics	NCAA Division I, Division II
Mascot	Warrior
Affiliations	ABET, NCEA, NAICU, NEASC
Website	http://www.merrimack.edu

Merrimack College is an independent college in the Roman Catholic, Augustinian tradition located in North Andover, Massachusetts, 25 miles (40 km) north of Boston, Massachusetts. It offers undergraduate degrees in business, education, science, engineering, and the liberal arts. Merrimack also serves non-traditional students through part time undergraduate degree programs; masters programs in education; and a range of certificate, licensure and degree completion offerings. Approximately 2,000 students from more than 25 states and 17 countries are enrolled at Merrimack, 75% of whom reside on campus.

Merrimack College has over 70 major and minor programs of study, including new programs in biotechnology, criminology, environmental studies and sustainability, information technology, sport management, and an honors program. Merrimack has one of the longest running cooperative education programs for students of all majors and minors.

There are over 50 student organizations and clubs available to students. Through a popular intramurals and recreation programs, students can choose from 15 different leagues and a growing number of club sports including rugby and lacrosse. The Merrimack Beacon, founded in 2002, functions as Merrimack's student-run news source. The school's yearbook is called the Merrimackan.

History and Tradition

History

Saint Augustine, Patron Saint of Merrimack College

The Irish Augustinians came to Philadelphia in the United States in 1796. From a humble beginning, a small number of Augustinian Friars eventually became The Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and in 1842, the Province established Villanova College, today a flourishing university about twelve miles west of the city of Philadelphia. The same Province of St. Thomas of Villanova established Merrimack College in 1947 in North Andover, Massachusetts at the invitation of Richard Cushing, then Archbishop of Boston, to serve the needs of G.I.'s returning home from World War II. A native Lawrencian, Reverend McQuade O.S.A., initially led the College. Since that time, the now 220-acre (0.89 km²) Merrimack College has graduated nearly 22,000 students; has grown to nearly 40 buildings including a 125,000-volume library; four classroom buildings; including the Gregor Johann Mendel, O.S.A., Science, Engineering and Technology Center; the 130,000-square-foot (12,000 m²) Sakowich Campus Center; the Rogers Center for the Arts; the S. Peter Volpe Athletic Center; Austin Hall, which houses administrative offices; the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher; student apartment buildings, townhouses and residence halls; and the Louis H. Hamel Health Center. Students at Merrimack College now come from all across the United States and around the globe.

Seal of the College

Merrimack College’s official seal was designed by heraldry expert William F. Ryan in New York. Circular with a blue peripheral band, edged in gold, it bears the title Merrimack College with “A.D. 1947” between two crosses fleurette also in gold. The center of the seal is a shield, whose upper portion bears the image of a book with the words “Tolle Lege Tolle Lege” across it. Incorporated in the shield are wavy lines and a cross, superimposed on a trimount figure at the bottom. Encircling the base of the shield on a silver background is a golden scroll displaying the college’s motto “Per Scientiam Ad Sapientiam” (“Through Knowledge to Wisdom”) in blue letters. Wavy lines represent water in heraldry, so wavy pallets were chosen to represent Merrimack, which meant “swift water” to some of the Indians who once lived in the Merrimack Valley.

College Ranking

In 2012 U.S. News & World Report recognized Merrimack College as the nation's 8th best northeast college. Merrimack College has been ranked in the Best Regional Colleges – North, which includes institutions that focus on undergraduate education and offer a wide range of degree programs in liberal arts and professional fields such as business, education and the sciences.

The Princeton Review recently acknowledged Merrimack as one of 218 Institutions in its "Best in the Northeast" section. The Review recommends Merrimack in its "Best in the Northeast" section of its website feature, "2011 Best Colleges: Region by Region." It also features the school in its book, "The Best Northeastern Colleges: 2011 Edition."

Academics

All students gain a common educational foundation by completing a General Education program in which they explore take courses in the Humanities, the Sciences, and the Social Sciences. The General Education program is designed to develop communication skills, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. Merrimack aims for small classes with close interaction with faculty.

Academic programs

Merrimack College academic programs are split into four schools, the School of Education, the School of Business, the School of Science and Engineering, and the School of Liberal Arts.

Within these schools students have access to the following areas of study:

Accounting Athletic Training Biochemistry Biology Chemistry Civil Engineering Communication Arts & Sciences Criminology Computer Science

Economics Education Electrical Engineering English Environmental Studies and Sustainability Finance Fine Arts Health Sciences History

Human Development Information Technology International Business Management Marketing Mathematics Philosophy Physics Political Science Pre-Dental

Pre-Law Pre-Med Psychology Religious & Theological Studies Sociology Sport Management Sports Medicine Women and Gender Studies World Languages and Cultures

Merrimack also has additional academic support centers

• Radio Frequency Identification state-of-the-art lab
• Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations
• Center for Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences
• Augustinian Center for Study and Legacy
• Merrimack College Campus Sustainability Initiative

Arts and Entertainment

Rogers Center for the Arts

The Rogers Center for the Arts, named in recognition of the early leadership pledge made by the Rogers Family Foundation, is a regional performing and visual arts center that serves the Merrimack College community, the Merrimack Valley region as well as the entire community north of Boston. It includes a theater style auditorium with a seating capacity of 600, an orchestra pit, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The theater is noted for its outstanding acoustics. The center also includes a separate art gallery for student and professional exhibitions. From music and magic to dancing and drama, the Rogers Center provides artistic excellence through prominent lectures, concerts, theatrical offerings and art exhibitions. The lobby is dedicated to the memory of Irving E. Rogers Jr., the late publisher of The Eagle-Tribune, an “award winning publisher, community benefactor and Merrimack friend.”

The Tambakos Film Series

The Tambakos Film Collection presents a series of classic Hollywood films as part of the Rogers Center for the Arts programming. Approximately 12 films are screened each year, and are preceded by commentary provided by film expert Arny Klayman. These films are open to the public and are free of charge.

To complement the Classic Film Series, the Tambakos Film Collection also co-sponsors with the Girard School of Business and International Commerce a series of International Films. This series is designed to introduce to the students of Merrimack College and the surrounding community to the wonderful world of films from a variety of cultures.

International programs

Merrimack College’s International Programs serve students at Merrimack who wish to study abroad and international students who wish to study at Merrimack.In addition to programs for students, the Office of International Programs develops opportunities for faculty cooperation and exchanges between Merrimack college and partner institutions.

• The Study Abroad Program: Each year, Merrimack students participate in academic year and summer programs abroad. Students may study nearly any academic discipline in a variety of countries. Students who wish to go abroad during their junior year should begin the application process during their sophomore year. Students may participate in a summer program as early as their freshman year. The Office of International Programs (OIP) helps students select a study abroad program that will meet their academic and personal needs.

• Convivencia: The Convivencia Study-travel course to Spain and Morocco, celebrates a period in history when Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together in communities and learned from one another. Participants’ awareness of self and others will be enhanced by visiting Spain and Morocco, and by exploring the sites, art, and music of these three religious groups. As participants trace their footsteps, they will imagine what it was like to live in Medieval Spain as a member of this religious triad, tolerating one another despite various cultural differences. By visiting places such as the Jewish Quarters and synagogues, Muslim mosques and tea houses, and walled Christian cities and fortresses, students will observe for themselves how these diverse flavors still intermingle in modern Spain and Northern Africa.

Student Involvement

Merrimack Student Life includes over 50 clubs and activities.

Merrimack student life is organized by the Student Government Association. The SGA is an organization on campus for students by students. Everything the SGA does is in the interest of the students at Merrimack College. Students are able to add suggestions to a suggestion box located in the Sakowich Campus Center. Additionally, the SGA listens to presentations of potential clubs and organizations. If the SGA approves the club or organization they are officially recognized by Merrimack College and they receive club funding.

Merrimack also has a fitness center which is free for students. It is located in the Sakowich Campus Center. This Center houses a fitness area with cardio equipment, free weights, circuit training, aerobics/dance studio, indoor jogging/walking track, and basketball and volleyball courts. Additionally, many work out classes are held in the fitness center.

Merrimack's renovated dining hall includes an allergy-free preparation area, fair-trade coffee, and local food items.

Campus Ministry

Fr. Jim Wenzel O.S.A. creator of Merrimack College’s spiritual labyrinth

Campus Ministry is committed to meeting students at all points in their relationship with God and faith. Campus Ministries faith/spiritual life enrichment includes retreat experiences, daily liturgy, sacramental preparation, interfaith prayer, and forums for discussing Catholic theology and how it impacts issues of today. All of these programs encourage students to explore, question and grow in spirituality so as to integrate faith with daily life.

Campus Ministries service programs encourage students to experience the reality of poverty first-hand, and have a positive impact in the lives of people. These include weekly opportunities in the local community and a week long Alternative Spring Break that sends students to service sites across the U.S. and Mexico. In keeping with Campus Ministries Catholic Augustinian tradition, Campus Ministry pursues issues of social justice and peace, exploring the causes of poverty and oppression.

Campus Ministries many activities for both students and faculty include but not limited to are MerrimAction, Hike for Hope, Thanksgiving Basket Drive, Christmas Drives, Alternative Spring Break (ASB), Merrimack in the City Day, Sweeps Week.

Greek life

Order of Omega (Greek Honor Society), Interfraternity Council (IFC-Fraternal Governing Board), Panhellenic Council (Sorority Governing Board)

Merrimack College is host to three Sororities as well as two Fraternities.

Fraternities

• Phi Kappa Theta
• Tau Kappa Epsilon

Sororities

• Alpha Sigma Tau
• Theta Phi Alpha
• Zeta Tau Alpha

Athletics

Logo of Merrimack Warriors

Main article: Merrimack Warriors men's ice hockey

Merrimack offers 16 varsity sports for men and women, including NCAA Division I men's ice hockey competing in the highly competitive Hockey East conference. Merrimack's NCAA Division II sports compete in the Northeast Ten Conference and include men's and women's soccer, lacrosse, track and field, and basketball. There is also men's American football and baseball, women's field hockey, and rugby, men's and women's tennis, field hockey and volleyball, and cross country.

Highlights of Merrimack athletic history includes two national championships: the 1978 men's hockey team Division II Men's Ice Hockey Championship; and the 1994 women's softball team won Division II Women's College World Series. In 2006, Merrimack football became Northeast 10 Co-Champions and received their first NCAA Division II playoff bid to go on to win their first NCAA playoff game. Merrimack College intramurals and recreation started a rugby program in the 2007 season, and is was a full-time squad in the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) and in USA Rugby. Merrimack College Rugby (M) is now a part of the first ever Division II rugby conference in the United States, by joining Rugby Northeast.

The College's combination of academic and athletic success has garnered Merrimack the #4 ranking in the country among NCAA Division II schools in the Top 100 Collegiate Power Rankings that are published by the National College Scouting Association. In addition, Merrimack finished 96th in the overall NCSA Power Rankings across all three NCAA divisions.

NCAA DII National Championships Men's Ice Hockey: 1978 Softball: 1994 NCAA DII Regional Championships Women's Basketball: 2004, 2005 Women's Soccer: 1996 NCAA Appearances Men's Basketball: 1977, 1978, 1991, 1992, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010 Women's Basketball: 2003, 2004, 2005 Football: 2006 Hockey: 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984 (Div. II), 1988 (Div. I), 2011 Men's Lacrosse: 2009 Women's Soccer: 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 Softball: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2011 Men's Tennis: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Women's Tennis: 2009 Volleyball: 2007, 2008

Merrimack vs Boston College (Andrew Braithwaite pictured) Northeast-10 Conference Conference - Tournament Champions Baseball: 1990, 1995, 1996 Men's Basketball: 2000 Women's Basketball: 2004 Men's Lacrosse: 2000 Men's Soccer: 1995, 1996, 1997 Women's Soccer: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1999 Softball: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2002 ECAC Championships Hockey: 1967, 1968, 1977, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989 Men's Soccer: 1997 Women's Soccer: 1988, 2000

Notable alumni

• Anthony Aquino, Italy men's national ice hockey team
• Greg Classen, NHL hockey player for the Nashville Predators (2000–2003)
• Sandy Cohen, ECHL hockey player
• Charlie Day, character Charlie Kelly from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
• Stéphane Da Costa, NHL player (Ottawa Senators)
• Christopher G. Fallon, (B.S. 1975), member of the Mass. House of Representatives (served 1996 - present)
• Matt Foy, NHL Hockey player for the Minnesota Wild (Present)
• Sally Ann Freedman, former beauty queen, professional model, and band vocalist. As Miss Massachusetts USA, she competed in the Miss Universe contest held in Long Beach, California in 1958.
• Nolan Godfrey, Major League Lacrosse player for the Philadelphia Barrage and Boston Cannons (2007–2008)
• Jim Hrivnak, NHL player for the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets and St Louis Blues (1989–1994).
• John Jakopin, NHL hockey player for the Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks (1997–2003)
• Matt Jones, AHL hockey player
• Rob Lalonde, AHL hockey player
• Steve McKenna, NHL hockey player for the LA Kings, Minnesota Wild, NY Rangers & Pittsburgh Penguins (1996–2004)
• Rob Ricci, ECHL hockey player
• Marco Rosa, AHL hockey player
• Rev Theory, alternative metal band
• Richard Santagati, former president of Merrimack College
• Bryan Schmidt, AHL and DEL ice hockey player
• Jim Vesey Former NHL hockey player with the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins
• Carl Yastrzemski, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball player who played for the Red Sox. Received honorary degree, received a BS/ BA '66
• William Leahy, AT&T New England President

• Michael K. Crowe, the CEO of Crowe Paradis Holding Company

* Brian C. Mitchell, former president of Bucknell University

References

1. ^ http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_069004739.html

External links

• Main Website
• Merrimack Bookstore
• Student Site
• Official Merrimack College Facebook Page
• Official Merrimack College Twitter
• Merrimack College on Flickr
• Merrimack College Youtube Channel