80th Anniversary: A Community Message

January 29, 2026

Dear New England College community,

This year, New England College proudly celebrates its 80th anniversary, a milestone that invites us to reflect on our history and recommit to our purpose. Founded in 1946 to serve veterans returning from World War II and attending college through the GI Bill, New England College was built on the belief that access to education can change lives. That founding mission continues to guide us today. For eight decades, NEC has remained committed to transformative education, critical thinking, civic engagement, and career development, helping students build strong foundations for meaningful and purposeful lives.

This anniversary is, at its heart, about our people. It is about the students who have discovered their potential here, the faculty and staff who have challenged and supported them, the alumni who carry NEC’s values into their communities and professions, and the many individuals in our community who have worked together here to sustain this institution across generations.

We began this anniversary year with our Founders Day celebration in January, where we were honored to hear from Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander and Major General David J. Mikolaities, Adjutant General of the New Hampshire National Guard. Their reflections on leadership, service, and education underscored the enduring role New England College plays in shaping engaged citizens and strong communities.

Throughout 2026, we will mark this milestone through a series of events for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, culminating with Fall Festival Weekend in September. As we celebrate 80 years of New England College, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us and confidence in the future we are building together.

A full schedule of anniversary events, along with a shared digital toolkit to support campus and community participation, is available at nec.edu/80th-anniversary, and I invite you to join us in commemorating this important chapter in NEC’s story.

Sincerely,