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Salem State announced that $207,377 has been raised in recognition of Cynthia McGurren’s 32 years of exceptional service to the university. McGurren retires this month from her role as vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the ����ֱ�� Foundation, Inc. The funds raised will support the unrestricted endowment, which supports the overall needs of the university.

The university also announced it would name the conference room in the Sophia Gordon Center for the Creative and Performing Arts the Cynthia A. McGurren ’83 Conference Room in honor of her fundraising success and commitment to the university. 

“Cynthia has served ����ֱ�� so well for so long,” said ����ֱ�� President John Keenan, “this milestone is a fitting tribute to the relationships she’s nurtured during her dedicated tenure.”

Several individuals spoke at McGurren’s retirement event on March 1, including her first supervisor at Salem State, Peter Mazareas, President Emerita Patricia Maguire Meservey, current Salem State President John Keenan, Foundation Board President Gina Deschamps ‘92G and McGurren’s two daughters, Colby and Madison Sheffer. 

“Cynthia has helped us put grace and elegance around the work,” said Deschamps, president of Salem State Foundation, Inc. 

McGurren’s employment at Salem State began soon after her graduation from the school in 1983 and has included the roles of director of college relations, acting vice president of institutional advancement, and special assistant to the president. She also co-founded the Salem State Series. McGurren was appointed vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the SSU Foundation, Inc by President Emerita Dr. Nancy D. Harrington '60, '63G, '10H.

Leading institutional advancement for the past 14 years, McGurren has overseen several mini-campaigns, and many donor recognition ceremonies including: the Bertolon School of Business, the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center, James McKeown Plaza ‘77, Drinkwater Way, and most recently the Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts.?She was also a key visionary in ensuring the successful completion of Salem State’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, the 10,000 Reasons Campaign, which raised over $26.5 million.

Donations in honor of Cynthia can be made at .