Dr. George J. Hagerty

Dr. George J. Hagerty was Franklin Pierce’s third president; he served from 1995-2009 during a period of significant institutional transformation and growth, and shepherded the institution from a college to recognition as a university in 2007. A personable and charismatic leader, Dr. Hagerty took over the reins from Gov. Walter Peterson, saying, “I intend to continue Walter Person’s rich tradition of knowing every faculty and staff member, as well as every student.”

Under Dr. Hagerty's leadership, Franklin Pierce established graduate studies at several locations, new undergraduate majors, new Division II sports programs, and constructed the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Activity Center at Northfields (The Bubble) and the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication. Dr. Hagerty was inducted into the Northeast-10 Conference Hall of Fame in 2010 for his part in helping to move Division II sports forward at the school, conference, and national level.

Dr. Hagerty received a B.A. in Political Science at Stonehill College, and an M.Ed. in Education Policy and Finance and an Ed.D. in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. He worked as a post-doctoral fellow at the U.S. Department of Education and at the University of Maryland. Before serving at Franklin Pierce, Dr. Hagerty was a faculty member at both of his alma maters, and worked as the director of corporate, foundation, and government relations at Stonehill College.

Dr. Hagerty has received many different awards throughout his career, including the Fitzwater Medal for Leadership in Public Communications 2009 and the National Leadership Award from the National Council of Disabilities in Washington, D.C., in 1989, which he received for his work in the U.S. Department of Education. Over the years, Hagerty has also served on the board of directors for many organizations, including the New England Council, American Council on Education (ACE), and the National Collegiate Association of Athletes (NCAA).

The Franklin Pierce University community was delighted to welcome Dr. Hagerty back to campus during its 2012 Alumni & Reunion Weekend to begin the year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary!

Andy Cohen ’73

Andrew Cohen ’73 is general partner of the Springfield, Mass., real estate firm, Century Investment Company. Founded by his father and uncles, today Cohen and his daughter Elizabeth lead the business. Of his work life, Cohen says he has been lucky. He enjoys what he does and uses his success to help others. “My father always taught me you have to give back to the things you care about, the things you love,” says Cohen. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Franklin Pierce has been the fortunate recipient of Mr. Cohen’s generosity of time, talents, and resources. He has been a steady donor and active volunteer at Franklin Pierce for more than 35 years. “Franklin Pierce was good to me and I got a lot out of it. It’s easy to give back,” says Cohen.

His commitment to giving back extends to other areas he is passionate about as well. Cohen has been recognized for his outstanding volunteer work with the Jimmy Fund, the fundraising arm of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston where he has led numerous events and special projects to benefit cancer patients being treated at Dana-Farber. He has also served on the board of directors for State West, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Springfield Jewish Community Center. In 2010 he was awarded the Franklin Pierce University Leader of Conscience Award for his community service, generosity, and care for others.

Mr. Cohen is married to Jane (Rubin) Cohen. They have two children, Elizabeth and Alexander, and two granddaughters, Lena and Natalia.

Kerry Stein ’80

Board of Trustee Member, Kerry Stein, Class of 1980, remembers his time at Franklin Pierce as small and intimate, providing a good training ground for an entrepreneurial spirit because it gave you access to everyone – from the provost, to the president. Attending the College under the leadership of Walter Peterson, many little things fostered the impression that Kerry meant something. He recalls that, “Peterson knew my name, and whenever he saw me he would ask how I was doing and be genuinely interested.”

While at Franklin Pierce, Stein was chairman of the social committee for a year and a half, and participated in student government. Don Schriefer, former associate dean of students, had this to say: "In his position as chairperson of the social committee, Kerry not only organized major concerts and events for the college community, but also had the foresight to realize he had an opportunity to develop a number of transferable skills, such as communicating, organizing, and negotiating that would benefit him later in his professional career. I had the good fortune of working with Kerry and watching him develop into a person of integrity with much to offer in his chosen career and in society."

After graduation, Stein knew he didn’t want to work in the city, so took different jobs at a paper company, an accounting firm, and a bank. Finding his stride in 1985, he went to work at Drexel Burnham and Lambert. Despite the tough competition there – with many who worked there right out of college from Stanford, Yale, and Harvard – after time, Stein found that he was stronger at the practicality involved that he got from Franklin Pierce, than those whose degrees secured their position. “It was interesting,” he said. “We were fortunate at Franklin Pierce to study under Harvard professors who were on sabbaticals, while those Harvard students were studying with the grad students who stepped in for the professors while they were away.” Stein said there was a necessity for resourcefulness at Franklin Pierce, and the one thing that still resonates from his days at Rindge is, “If there is something you want to do, there are people who will help you do it.”

For the last eight years, Stein has sat on the Board of Trustees and enjoys being able to give back. Returning to campus four to five times a year now, Stein is encouraged to see how the University has evolved, especially through the leadership. He is impressed with how the campus has the unique ability to grow and modernize – while still feeling like the home he once knew.

Currently, Stein is now the managing director and head of trading for Llyods Bank. Franklin Pierce University is proud to have Kerry Stein ’80 back home, especially as a member of the Board of Trustees, and to honor him with this Profile of Excellence.

John T. Burke, Jr. ’66

As one of the 98 members of the inaugural class, John T. Burke, Jr. ’66 is considered a Franklin Pierce pioneer. He and his classmates laid much of the groundwork for the spirit and character of the school. Relying mostly on their imagination, creativity, and drive, they started the first sports teams, student clubs, committees, and social activities. “Maybe we weren’t the most traditional students, but we were very entrepreneurial, and when we got an idea, we ran with it and took it as far is we could.” Fifty years later, many would say this spirit is still alive and well on campus, and it’s been key to keeping the school evolving, growing, and thriving.

John graduated with honors with a degree in history and soon became an FBI agent, first assigned to Texas, then later Newark, N.J., and finally Boston, Mass. Burke spent 32 years with the FBI. Today, he is the president and owner of American Legal Investigative Services in Boston, where his firm provides private investigations and comprehensive litigation support for the legal community.

Despite distance and the demands of his career, John maintained his connection and service to Pierce. Together with Lloyd Astmann and others, he established the Alumni Association and served three terms since the 1970s, once as president. John was the class agent for the very first graduating class and was the alumni chairman for the Flint Center Campaign in 1986-1988.

From 1996 to 2000, John served on the Franklin Pierce board of trustees and served on numerous committees. In 1987 he received the Alumni Participation Award. He is as dedicated today to his alma mater as he was in the early days, giving both his time and resources to support the school he loves. John is a President’s Council member and supports the Annual Fund, capital campaigns, and other University initiatives. “There’s a lot of competition in higher education these days and giving back helps strengthen the institution and ensures its future success,” says John.

Dean Clifford H. Coles

Dr. Clifford Coles first joined Franklin Pierce in 1964 as the dean of academic affairs and has since worn many hats: scientist, teacher, mentor, administrator, board of trustee member, and family man. Most importantly, he helped shaped the lives of hundreds of students, faculty, and staff while serving here at Franklin Pierce. While advising many, he had an innate knack for making each individual feel valued and that they were the only concern he had at the moment. He and his wife, Gert, opened their home, which they affectionately called Steeplechase, to the Franklin Pierce community. It was there that young adults were cared for, counseled, and fed – body and soul.

Coles wrote in his journal daily, always starting with a weather report, then on to chronicle his role in the formation of the school at the base of Mt. Monadnock. A write-up in The Pierce Arrow, Vol 6, #9 (April 23, 1969) asked him the following, “There have been many remarks and some accusations to the effect that FPC is an easy school with easy courses, teachers, etc.. Any comment?” He replied, “As a liberal arts college, we offer to each student who comes here what we consider to be the best preparation for whatever life the student is headed for.” Wise words from a man who was dubbed “Mr. Franklin Pierce.”

Dr. Frank DiPietro

Frank S. DiPietro, Ed.D., is the founder and first president of Franklin Pierce. Dr. DiPietro founded the college in 1962, served as president until 1975, was chancellor from 1975-1980, and is a trustee emeritus. His commitment to the University is profound and has served Franklin Pierce in countless ways.

What accounts for the fact that out of the group of 13 colleges founded in the 50s and 60s in the state of New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce is one of the four institutions that has remained open, and is in fact, not only still here, but thriving? Frank DiPietro’s ingenuity, perseverance, and unflagging belief in the mission of Franklin Pierce stand in answer to that question.

Dr. DiPietro founded Franklin Pierce with four partners, each contributing $10,000 to start the four-year liberal arts college. Dr. DiPietro purchased the estate and surrounding land overlooking Pearly Pond in Rindge, N.H., to serve as the site of the undergraduate campus, which has grown in beauty and elegance over the years. But perhaps it was Dr. DiPietro’s vision for Franklin Pierce that has helped it to move into its next 50 years with such vitality. Dr. DiPietro wanted to give young people better access to colleges, and he believed that everybody deserved a chance to succeed.

Franklin Pierce’s students have succeeded; they have lived productive lives that have touched thousands upon thousands of other lives, and they have created better and stronger families and communities. And the institution? Franklin Pierce has become a University with five satellite campuses and an online program, and is poised to pierce the future with experience, expertise, and 20,000 plus alumni to help support the vision; all this because Frank DiPietro gave birth to an idea. It shows the impact that one life can have on so many, and for that, the whole Franklin Pierce family is very grateful.

Dr. Temple Grandin ’70

Dr. Temple Grandin ’70 is recognized nationally and internationally for her extraordinary insights and accomplishments, particularly in the fields of animal science and autism. Today she is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and a highly sought-after consultant and designer of humane livestock handling facilities. She is an author and world-renowned scholar, writing numerous important works on animal welfare and behavior, genetics, and autism.

As a person with autism and a visual thinker, Grandin is able to understand how animals see and feel, and she’s translated these insights into revolutionary changes in the handling of livestock and other animals. “Animals don’t think in language,” says Grandin. “They’re sensory-based thinkers. They store information in their brains in pictures, sounds, smell and touch sensations. You’ve got to get away from language if you want to understand animals.” Her book, Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior describes animals’ emotions, means of communication, and the importance of humans socializing with them.

Dr. Grandin has also written numerous articles and books and provided invaluable guidance to families coping with autism. She was a consultant for the film Rain Man and her own story has been documented in the HBO movie, Temple Grandin. Grandin has also been named as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

At Franklin Pierce, Grandin recalls the value of small classes and professors who gave her individual attention and stuck with her despite her challenges. “Dean Coles, he let me into Franklin Pierce; he took a chance on me. And Norm Dion, I would have never gotten through math without him.” Grandin received the Alumni Leader of Conscience Award in 2008 and was given an honorary degree by Franklin Pierce at Commencement 2012.

Dr. Kim Mooney ’83

Q: What are you doing now?
A: In addition to administering the work of academic affairs as provost and vice president of academic affairs, which is broad and complex in scope, I work with faculty and academic staff to develop and articulate the vision for our division, both in Rindge and in CGPS. I try to inspire colleagues to work toward that vision, whether it involves new programs or new ways to think about shared governance. Leadership often involves getting out of the way of others’ really good ideas, and I try to strike a productive balance between knowing when to take the lead and when to let the collaborative vision and opportunities inspire leadership in others.

Q: How did your Franklin Pierce education and experience impact your life and your career?
A: When I think about my undergraduate experience at Franklin Pierce, I recall two aspects most clearly: my wonderful, smart, and funny friends, and the passionate, challenging faculty who inspired me to work hard and think beyond the confines of the classroom. When I became a college professor in the late 1980’s, I emulated as much as possible the kind of teaching, caring, and mentoring I experienced from the faculty while at Franklin Pierce.

Q: What is your wish for Franklin Pierce in the coming 50 years?
A: Colleges and universities need to accommodate the accessibility and financial needs of all students, and they need to respond to the demands for flexibility and innovation in the delivery of courses. I very much want to see the University continue to strengthen its academic reputation and its educational appeal to traditional and adult learners so it, too, can respond to the changing landscape in higher education and thrive while doing so. So many people carry a generous and heartwarming loyalty to this institution, and I wish for that responsiveness to Franklin Pierce University to flourish as well.

Leslye A. Arsht

Leslye A. Arsht currently serves on Franklin Pierce University’s board of trustees. This is a position she is quite familiar with, as Leslye served on the board from 2001-2010 and is also a current member of the advisory board for the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication, an institute for mass communication on the Franklin Pierce campus.

Franklin Pierce is fortunate to have a person of such caliber on its team! Leslye has an extensive and impressive background in government and military affairs, including work in the White House during the Reagan administration as deputy assistant to the President and as deputy press secretary. She co-founded the nonprofit education consulting firm StandardsWork, Inc. and works as a consultant for military families and education.

Leslye has received many honors for the various ways in which she has provided service to our country. In 2004, Leslye received the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award by Ambassador L. Paul Bremer for her service in Iraq, where she served as the senior advisor to the Ministry of Education. In 2008, she received the U.S. Department of Defense medal for distinguished public service.

Franklin Pierce University conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on Leslye at its 2007 commencement exercises, where Leslye told those gathered that they did not need a clear picture of their destination to be effective citizens, just a desire to make a difference and the knowledge that they can make a difference. “I wanted to solve problems and help people,” she said. And she’s done just that!

Marlin Fitzwater

Marlin Fitzwater has been a member of the Franklin Pierce University Board of Trustees since 1999, and also serves as a member of the advisory board of the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication. Franklin Pierce University is honored to be the recipient of Marlin’s talents and expertise.

As press secretary to Presidents Reagan and Bush from l983 to l992, Marlin spent a decade in the front row of history. Today he is an author and lecturer whose presidential anecdotes, political analysis, and television commentary have received worldwide attention. As the only press secretary in history to be appointed by two Presidents, Marlin became known to millions of Americans as the voice of the 26-nation coalition in the Persian Gulf War. Often wearing a wide brim hat and an open smile, he stood next to two Presidents during cold war summits, economic downturns, and eight military conflicts. He gave over 850 press briefings in six years, winning praise from the news media and the public for his honesty and good humor.

Marlin was named an Outstanding Civil Servant in government in l980 and received the nation's second highest civilian award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, from President Bush in l992. He served on the Board of the Woodrow Wilson School for International Scholars, and has received numerous other awards and honorary doctorate degrees.

Students at the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year, have benefited greatly from the support and guidance that Marlin has given so generously since its inception. President George H.W. Bush spoke at the dedication ceremony in 2002, stating, “To all future students here at this Fitzwater Center, I would simply say that you can hardly do better than study the quiet, selfless example set by your namesake, this son of Abilene, Kansas. And then seek to emulate his genuine decency in your own lives." Well said.

Robert M. Patterson ’69

Robert M. Patterson ’69 is a satellite industry pioneer and innovator whose career is marked by numerous “firsts”. He’s also one of Franklin Pierce’s “firsts,” as one of the school’s first graduates. With a passion for sports and space exploration, in the early 70s Bob found himself on the cutting-edge of a new technology in his first job beaming signals via satellite around the world for radio and TV broadcast services for professional sports teams. He later started his own satellite company the SPACECONNECTION, which he sold in 2005 to Telesat, one of the world leaders in satellite operations and systems management.

During his 37 years in the industry, Bob has achieved many “firsts” including arranging China’s first entry into the world of satellite communications during President Nixon’s 1972 historic visit to China; arranging the first-ever live televised events of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League in 1975. He’s also arranged the satellite transmission for such memorable occasions as the Apollo Moon missions, NASA’s Space Shuttle missions; the three Summit meetings between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev; reunification of Germany with the fall of the Berlin Wall; John Glenn’s return to space in HDTV and many others.

Bob has shared his time and resources with Franklin Pierce for many years. He’s been a member of the Board of Trustees since 1999 serving on numerous committees and providing strategic counsel, energetic leadership and a steady commitment to seeing his alma mater mature and develop. He and his wife, Nancy are loyal supporters of Franklin Pierce and established the Patterson Endowed Scholarship in 1997. In 2002, the Fitzwater Center named its television studios, the “Patterson Broadcasting Suite.”

Dorothy Peterson

Dorothy Peterson was a beloved “First Lady” for 20 years, during which time her husband, the late Governor Walter Peterson, served as president of Franklin Pierce University. The Franklin Pierce community is delighted that Dorothy often participates in Franklin Pierce events, because her presence is always very much appreciated.

Ever humble, Dorothy downplays the significant role she played as Governor Peterson’s wife of 61 years. “I’m glad I was able to be supportive to a man who was accomplishing a great deal in his life,” Dorothy said. “That was my job. I was home staff.” In addition, many organizations have been served extremely well by Dorothy’s talents and time. She has volunteered for numerous organizations, such as the Serendipity Shop at All Saints Church (you will still find her there!), the board of the Philbrook Children’s Foundation, and the Peterborough Historical Society, where Dorothy served as president of the board of directors for several terms. In 1978, Dorothy broke ground by becoming the first female president of the Monadnock Community Hospital Board of Trustees.

Dorothy and Governor Peterson have received many awards for their philanthropic work, including the Hubbard Family Award for Service to Philanthropy in 2010, the highest honor bestowed by the UNH Foundation in recognition of philanthropic leadership that has significantly strengthened the state of New Hampshire, its communities, and UNH. After Governor Peterson passed away in 2010, Dorothy helped to establish the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award, which is given out at Franklin Pierce University to honor her husband’s lifelong commitment to public service, selfless contributions to higher education, and high moral character.

Who better than Dorothy to understand the value of serving others, selfless contribution, and high moral character?  The Franklin Pierce community is proud to acknowledge Dorothy for the outstanding “First Lady” she will always be and the place she will always hold in our hearts.

Town of Rindge

Rindge, N.H., a picturesque town with a population just over 6,000, has been home to Franklin Pierce University for 50 years. In the early days, Rindge residents literally opened their doors by housing students in their homes, and the town allowed the fledgling institution to rent its town hall and town library for classroom space. They even rented out the elementary school’s gym as an area for intramural sports for the Franklin Pierce students.

Over the years, as Franklin Pierce grew, the relationship between the school and the Town experienced some growing pains. Local residents had to adjust to an influx of young people from all over New England and beyond. The new, young population brought with them additional demands on Town resources, such as fire and police services. The student population also brought new energy to the Town and a new source of revenue for retail establishments. Over time, the Town has flexed and grown, along with Franklin Pierce, and today, a healthy Town Gown team meets each month to continue to improve and build upon this 50-year relationship.

The Rindge Historical Society has set up a room in this 50th Anniversary year, dedicated to Franklin Pierce memorabilia. It is a delightful trip through time, celebrating the many ways that the Town and its residents have worked, lived, and played together over the decades. Franklin Pierce University is grateful for the partnership that has been forged with the Town and its residents. We couldn’t have done it without them!

James Santerre ’66

L. James (Jim) Santerre is a seasoned executive experienced in all phases of corporate management in a wide range of industries from jewelry manufacturing to the restaurant business to organic farming and cattle ranching, and many more things in between. He has an impressive record of stepping in to help turn failing companies into profitable success stories.

During his career, Mr. Santerre has been Chairman of the Phaeton Corporation, Interim Vice Chairman of LG Balfour, President, CEO and director of AmBrit, Inc., President and CEO of Islay Company Inc./Wilbur Chocolate Company and Product/Brand Manager for the Nashua Corporation. He has also operated a cattle ranch and an organic vegetable farm in Florida.

Mr. Santerre graduated from Franklin Pierce in 1966 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in history. While a student at Franklin Pierce, Jim was an active skier and started the ski team and the Southern New England Ski Conference. He was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1996 serving on numerous committees including the development committee and audit committee as well as chairing the finance and investment committee for a number of years. During his ten-year tenure as a Trustee, Mr. Santerre provided tremendous leadership and support for the institution demonstrating his sincere commitment to Franklin Pierce and his belief in the value of a Franklin Pierce education. He has been a generous donor to the University for more than a generation supporting both the Annual Fund and various other campaigns and fundraising priorities.