Salem State celebrates university status

By Sean Teehan, Town Correspondent

In celebration of its first official day as a university, Salem State will hold "U-Day" today, a ceremony that includes students, school officials, and government dignitaries.

The event, which will be held at Marsh Hall on the school's central campus, marks the end of a 90 day waiting period after Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill declaring Salem State and eight other Mass. public colleges universities.

"Salem State has been operating as a university for years, so we're getting credit for the work we've been doing," said Corey Cronin, a Salem State spokesman.

U.S. Representative John Tierney, state Sen. Fred Berry, state Rep. John Keenan, and Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, who is a Salem State alumnus, are among government officials expected at U-Day.

The celebration will include speeches from student, alumni, school, and government officials "and of course, we're going to have a big cake," Cronin said.

According to Cronin, the move from college to university gives Salem State added credibility for graduating students on the job hunt. There are also financial incentives, Cronin said.

"It will also help Salem State qualify for some funding --  private and corporate funding," Cronin said. "There's a lot in that name."

U-Day, Cronin said, marks the second day of a week-long celebration of Salem State's new status.

Last night students held a countdown to midnight carnival in anticipation for the schools first official day as a university.

"They basically looked at it as a first night celebration, without the alcohol. of course." Cronin said.

Today's U-Day celebration is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.