COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER, HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS NAMED

MERRIMACK COLLEGE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Honorary Degree Recipients to be recognized as examples of Merrimack values and for significant contributions to developing and educating the next generation of leaders

Merrimack College has announced that David McGillivray, ‘76, B.A.A. Boston Marathon Race Director, will deliver the commencement address to Merrimack College graduates, their families and friends at the 62nd commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 20, 2012. An alumnus of Merrimack College, Mr. McGillivray is a dedicated philanthropist, inspirational speaker and has played a key role in the successful operation of the Boston Marathon for the past 23 years, earning the reputation as of one of the world’s finest race directors.

This year, the College will bestow the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Service upon David McGillivray. Additionally, the College will also bestow the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Service upon Brian C. Mitchell, Ph.D., ‘74, Chairman of the Merrimack College Board of Trustees and former Bucknell University President; the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education upon Patricia Meservey, Ph.D., President, Salem State University; the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Health Sciences upon Alfred L. Arcidi, Sr., Ph.D., ’53; and the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Augustinian Education upon Reverend George F. Riley, O.S.A., Ph.D. (Please see full biographies attached). Each recipient embodies the College’s core mission and values of generous service and courageous leadership and were selected based on their extensive knowledge in their field and tireless efforts and contributions towards society as a whole.

“Mr. McGillivray’s dedication to service, community, and the greater good underscores Merrimack’s core mission,” said Dr. Christopher E. Hopey, president, Merrimack College. “David’s belief in personal achievement and his diligence in making a difference in this world is a perfect example for our students as they begin to embark on their personal and professional journeys. Merrimack College is honored to have such a distinguished speaker address Merrimack College and its community.”

“The College is thrilled to recognize the distinguished group of leaders receiving honorary degrees during this year’s commencement exercises,” said Hopey. “Their hard work and dedication to their fields represent the meaning, to the highest standard, of each degree that will be conferred.”

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are honored to be able to bestow degrees onto each recipient because they illustrate the best of what Merrimack is,” said Brian C. Mitchell, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Merrimack College. “As a recipient and a Merrimack alumnus, I am especially proud to be among such distinguished professionals whose life’s work can be used to inspire the next generation of leaders to achieve great things.”

McGillivray first gained national prominence in 1978 when he ran across the United States to raise money for the Jimmy Fund. Since then, McGillivray has accomplished numerous other exciting and inspirational feats. In 2000, McGillivray received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Competitor Magazine for his more than 20 years of service to the sport of road racing and triathlons. Later in 2000, he won a prestigious national award from Road Race Management for his direction of the Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K. He is also Race Director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and president of Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises (DMSE, Inc.), a nationally recognized event management company.

Mr. McGillivray was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions in January 2005 and celebrates his participation in the running industry for his exceptional contributions to the development of the sport. McGillivray recently was selected to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s 2011 “The One Hundred” list honoring outstanding contributions to the fight against cancer.

David McGillivray holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Merrimack College.

During Commencement 2012, the College will award a total of 578 degrees, including 44 master’s degrees and 531 bachelor’s degrees.