Skip to main content

Gustafson Center Grand Opening Honors Past SNHU President

Shane Carley
Dr. Richard A. Gustafson and his wife cutting the ribbon for the Gustafson Center grand opening

On Tuesday, February 28, Southern New Hampshire University celebrated the official grand opening of the Gustafson Center, the university's brand new welcome center and home of several of the most important offices in the student life cycle.

Present at the celebration was Dr. Richard A. Gustafson, the building's namesake and the fourth president of Southern New Hampshire University. University President Paul LeBlanc was on hand to introduce Gustafson, alongside Dr. Patty Lynott, SNHU's provost.

"Your influence has just been invaluable on who we are as a community," Lynott said, addressing Gustafson. "We're so grateful you could be here today at this event."

The former SNHU president gave a brief speech, thanking those in attendance and celebrating both the past and present successes that SNHU has enjoyed.

"We're certainly honored as the Gustafson family, but even more importantly, it's an honor for all the people who I worked with over the 16 years that I was president here," he said. "All the people here today are really here to celebrate that period in the university's life-and, of course, it's a part of our life even today."

He also praised LeBlanc for the job he has done continuing to bring the university to new heights.

"We're so proud of what's happened since we left, and President LeBlanc has done a terrific job elevating this university beyond all imagination," Gustafson said.

Additional speeches were given, including one by Student Government President Jess Gallant. "She's the most popular president in the room," joked LeBlanc.

After LeBlanc handed Gustafson a pair of comically oversized scissors, the ceremonial ribbon was cut and the sizeable crowd on hand to watch the unveiling cheered, before heading into the building's conference room to enjoy celebratory refreshments.

Shane Carley is a writer and content developer in the Southern New Hampshire University marketing office. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Gustafson Center Grand Opening

Explore more content like this article

A student sitting at a desk in a library taking notes from a laptop

How to Get Better Grades in College

Education
If your grades aren't where you want them to be, it's time to take action. An instructor and a peer tutor from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) shared 5 tips and strategies on how you can be a pro-active student and get better grades in college.
Marilyn Barth, a 2023 graduate who earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in General Studies from SNHU.

SNHU Spotlight: Marilyn Barth, BA in General Studies Grad

Education
Marilyn Barth ‘23 likes to keep moving towards a goal. At 75, she's already accomplished a lot — a professional dancer, an instructor, a mother and grandmother, and a survivor of a coma. And now, she’s also graduating from SNHU with a BA in General Studies.
An academic advising sitting at their desktop in a video call with a student.

What is Academic Advising?

Education
Earning a college degree can be a rewarding experience, but it can be overwhelming. An academic advisor can help you navigate the many phases of your college career. Learn more about academic advising and how an advisor can support you during a degree program.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.