Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of one alumnus from the Class
of 1972, New England College has a new center for the benefit of the
College’s more than 14,000 alumni. David P. Currier, a member of the
Class of 1972 and a former Trustee of the College, has provided a major
gift to create the Currier Alumni Center in the building originally
constructed as the Henniker railroad station on Depot Hill Road.
David Currier is the founder of Bound Tree Medical in Henniker,
New Hampshire. He is a former member of the New Hampshire House and
State Senate and a former Henniker Selectman. He is a charter member of
the Henniker Lions Club and served with Henniker Rescue.
“As an
active alumnus, former Trustee, and a member of the Henniker community, I
am honored to have been given the opportunity to support this project.
Alumni are the backbone of any institution of higher learning and I am
proud to have my name affiliated with this new center,” stated David
Currier. “My experience at New England College helped me to harness the
entrepreneurial spirit and drive that allowed me to become a successful
businessman,” he continued. “Not only is the acquisition of this
historic building a significant addition to the College’s physical
plant, it honors the accomplishments of all of our alumni.”
New
England College purchased the former station in early July, and Currier
quickly realized the potential for a dedicated space where alumni could
gather when visiting the Henniker campus. The building, constructed in
1900, will also provide office space for the College’s staff members who
support alumni activities, communication, and giving.
Over the
summer, the College plans to make some upgrades to the property and to
adapt the space for offices, conferences and alumni functions. A formal
dedication ceremony is scheduled for Alumni-Family Weekend, September 30
to October 2, 2011.
“The College is deeply grateful for Dave
Currier’s generous gift and for his recognition of our need to have a
place on campus that alumni can call home,” said Dr. James C. Garvey,
Vice President for Strategic Priorities and Advancement. “Dave’s
leadership and affection for his alma mater are obvious.”
The
Currier Alumni Center represents the first property the College has
acquired in Henniker in many years. According to Dr. Garvey, the Center
will serve as an entry way and meeting place for visiting alumni.
Additionally, the Center will house a great deal of College archival
material and memorabilia that will be on display for the entire College
community to enjoy. The creation of the Currier Alumni Center will serve
as a focal point in the southern part of the College’s campus and will
play an important role in the College’s outreach efforts as outlined in
its recently completely Strategic Plan.
