Mike arrived on campus in 1964. He recalls, “Russell House, where Admissions and Advancement are now, was a men’s dormitory. ” I had a lot of fun, made friends, and have many memories. It was one of the best times of my life.” Mike has supported a landscaping fund, the creation of the Spinelli Center for Plymouth State Archives, and most recently, made a major gift to sponsor a lab in the new Boyd Hall. “The Plymouth campus is nicely landscaped and the buildings are in good condition. I’m happy to do what I can to support the beautification efforts. The look and feel of the grounds makes a difference for everyone.” Owner of Spinelli Cinemas, Mike is renovating the former Plymouth Theater on Main Street, which he took over in the spring of 2003

Doug O’Brien chose to sponsor a classroom in the new Boyd Hall. Doug is president and CEO of the Grappone Companies, in Bow, N.H. He is very active in numerous civic and community groups. Doug has a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School Banking, and also studied at New York University’s Graduate School of Business. Doug and his wife, Ellen, live in Bow; they have five children.

Ruth Audrey Birch Marzec was born in August of 1926, an only child, and grew up in Lyman, NH. She attended Lyman Central School and graduated from Lisbon High School in the class of 1944. Ruth graduated from Plymouth Teachers College in 1948 and took post-graduate courses from University of Massachusetts, Boston University, Worcester and Fitchburg Teachers Colleges and PTC. In 2006 Ruth revised her will to include a bequest to Plymouth State University to endow a scholarship for students who have completed at least three semesters. The Ruth Birch Marzec ‘48 Scholarship Endowment will support students who have financial need, with a preference for those who live in Grafton County and/or who are majoring in elementary education, English or plant and/or animal science.

One of the few professors to have been at Plymouth under its three different names, Dr. Norton Bagley’s philosophy was always “The most important part of teaching is what happens between the teacher and the pupil. That is what makes the child want to learn.” Several years ago Dr. Bagley donated property to Plymouth State; the proceeds from its sale established a scholarship endowment. A Plymouth alumnus, Dr. Bagley received his M.Ed. from Boston University and his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. In 1972, Dr. Bagley received the Granite State Award for outstanding service to education in the state. “I’ll never forget him,” noted one alumnus, among the many who remember him fondly. “He is the reason I went to college at all.” He retired in 1982.

Since its founding in 1871, alumni of Plymouth State have carried forth the tradition of service exemplified by Silas H. Pearl-first president, senior faculty, principal recruiter and public ambassador. Pearl set an example that stands today as a model and measure of success. A true son of New England, Silas Pearl lived out his personal motto, “Better to wear out than rust out.” Could Pearl have imagined all that would spring from his early work in Holmes Academy’s single building? Try to imagine what Plymouth will be like 131 years from now. Though it is a challenge to bring that future sharply into focus, its lines and shape will be defined by the architects who are building now for what Plymouth will become.

Barbara Boyce Oakes began her career in a two-room schoolhouse in Sugar Hill, N.H., teaching first through fourth grade. Later, she taught fourth grade in neighboring Lincoln. She left her teaching career in 1938 to marry Howard E. Oakes and begin her new career as homemaker. The Plymouth experience was never very far from Barbara’s heart. An active student leader while at Plymouth, Barbara was also a representative, solicitor and vice president of her class. In 1979, Barbara came back to Plymouth to establish the Barbara Boyce Oakes Scholarship Fund for a female student from New Hampshire majoring in Education. This merit award also gives consideration to financial need.

In 2002, Bill Belvin established the William S. Belvin Scholarship Fund, which recognizes academic excellence. Bill first became acquainted with Plymouth State while serving three terms in the New Hampshire legislature. “I had the opportunity to get to know President Don Wharton from my days as chair of the House Education Committee. His presentations on the College impressed me to the point that I not only established a fund at Plymouth, but as a member of the President’s Council I’m trying to get others to give too.”

After 47 years in New Hampshire, Dr. Barrett retained the graceful accent of her Alabama home. She created the Foreign Language Department in 1956, and for 25 years guided the department while teaching French, Spanish, linguistics and foreign language pedagogy. In 1981, she became dean of the College, later serving as interim president. “My years at Plymouth were very special to me. … I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m putting together my estate plan, and I’m making Plymouth a part of that. I’ve already started by making a gift to set up a pooled income fund. The proceeds of that fund will eventually be joined with a scholarship endowment to benefit foreign language students,” said Madie. “It gives me great pleasure to have the capacity to do this for Plymouth State, and it will connect me forever with the institution. Now, that’s a legacy.” Madie passed away on January 28, 2005. Her plans will now be fulfilled for the institution that meant so much to her during her life.

The late R.E. Collins sponsored the first floor lobby of the new Boyd Hall and the construction of a student art gallery in addition to his countless gifts and support to the arts at Plymouth State. He had a long and distinguished career in business and education in New Hampshire and Maine. He taught for more than 15 years at the high school level in both Maine and New Hampshire. A native of Kenilworth, N.J., R.E. received a bachelor’s degree from Keene State College. He moved to Alton, N.H., when he retired in 1980.

R.E. included Plymouth State University in his estate planning by naming the University as the beneficiary of a trust.

“When I was a student I remember seeing the alumni who would come back to campus for events and programs. I thought that they were part of the past of Plymouth State University. Now, as an alumna coming back to campus I realize that I am a part of Plymouth’s future.”

In addition to being active with the Plymouth State University President’s Council and supporting the Expanding Our Reach campaign, Joan has named PSU as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy that will ultimately support endowment.