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Thanks to the generosity of our Viking community, the university’s fifth annual day of giving—Viking Warrior Day—reached a record-breaking $514,978 raised during the 1,854-minute campaign, a nod to Salem State’s founding year.

President John D. Keenan launched giving day activities at 5:06 pm on May 3, virtually rallying Vikings with a message of strength and pride, “On this day, the collective power of our Viking spirit can be seen and will prove that when we work together in support of our students, we rise together to help students achieve their dreams.”  

Over the course of the next 1,854 minutes, Viking Warrior Day efforts highlighted hardworking students and community ambassadors on social media, including new episodes of our It Takes a Viking podcast series; 16 matching gift challenges that enticed anyone from first-time donors, recent graduates, employees, classes from the 1970s and 1980s, and more; and even David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Red Sox legend who capped VWD22 festivities as part of the 40th anniversary of the Salem State Series.  

Ortiz spoke to a full house in O’Keefe’s Twohig Gymnasium, offering advice to student athletes looking to make a difference, “Do it right. It doesn’t matter where you go. Show everyone that whatever you do, you’re going to get it done the right way.” Proceeds from the Salem State Series benefitted Viking Warrior Day fundraising efforts, providing vital unrestricted support to the university.  

As Viking Warrior Day came to a close at 11:59 pm on May 4, 327 donors supported Salem State’s mission, there were a total of 462 gifts and 59 alumni classes were represented—a proud display of university pride. 

When we work together, we rise together, and this day would not have been a success without our Viking family.