A Different Kind of Victory

With an impressive year in athletics and academics alike, Endicott’s reputation continues to rise beyond the shores of Beverly. But just as important as how the College is viewed from the outside is how it feels on the inside.

This year, Rev. Dr. Gail Cantor, Director of Belonging and Spiritual Life, partnered with the Senior Director of Title IX and 504 Appellate Officer, Christy Galatis, to launch the Other Championship, a new initiative encouraging all community members to lead with compassion, uplift others, and actively contribute to a culture of care and belonging.

The initiative grew out of a recent student survey exploring how connected students feel on campus. Overall, the results highlighted many of Endicott’s strengths and confirmed that most students feel a strong sense of belonging. Still, a number of students shared that they sometimes feel excluded or disconnected in ways that aren’t always visible. 

“After reviewing the survey results and the concerns about true belonging voiced by these students, Gail and I asked each other, ‘How can we make this data into something to make a change?’” said Galatis. 

Cantor, a constant presence and advocate for connection and belonging on campus, immediately saw an opportunity to reshape the conversation when Galatis shared the findings. 

“I wanted to raise awareness to the bystanders who wanted to take a stand,” Cantor explained. “I knew that Endicott is so accomplished in athletics, so I thought, why not reflect that championship attitude into facilitating the best community where everyone feels supported?” 

Through her work with student-athletes and the athletic staff throughout the year, Cantor, with the help of Galatis, began to identify behavioral patterns, challenge students not to look the other way, and extend that same sense of “team” beyond athletics to the broader campus community. 

“I was thrilled when Gail and Christy reached out to share the idea of the Other Championship as a campus initiative,” said Dr. Brian Wylie, Assistant Vice President & Director of Athletics.

“In my mind, one of Endicott’s core strengths athletically is built upon our winning and competitive culture. This new initiative challenges all of our students and student-athletes to build upon that success by fostering a welcoming, supportive environment, and one that reflects who we strive to be as people and a community.”

Following a successful fall Dine & Dialogue that brought together more than 150 faculty, staff, and students, the duo is now expanding conversations with Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students Dr. Matt Heiser and the Resident Life staff. Together, they are working to develop points of contact among students from the residence halls, club meetings, the dining hall, and other key campus spaces. 

When it comes to student conduct and supporting student life, Anthony “AJ” Andreucci has the knowledge to back it up. Arriving at the Nest in May as the new Associate Dean of Students, Andreucci has focused on student conduct and support systems, which aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Other Championship. His goal is to build a cohesive, campus-wide program that increases bystander awareness and engagement.

“The main hope is to answer the question, ‘What are the tools and ways for students to implement support on campus?’” Andreucci said. “To grow this feeling across campus, we want to show our students that stepping in and being aware isn’t a bad thing.” 

Students themselves remain central to the work. 

Ayushi Naik ’27, president of the Student of Color Association (SOCA) and a member of the Belonging Board, says initiatives like the Other Championship are imperative for fostering positive student experiences. 

“I’ve hosted a Diwali Dinner for the past three years in the Center with the help of Gail and even a couple of other students,” she explained. “Being part of a pretty significant minority and trying to find a space where you belong is pretty difficult, especially when you’re new to a space. I think that was incredible for me freshman year, to have immediately been able to make that connection on campus.”
 
At its core, the Other Championship is about identifying the quiet gaps that can easily go unnoticed, and committing, together, to closing them. For Cantor, that intentional work is what truly defines community.

“Compassion and being aware of how we are treating each other is very important to me,” Cantor said. “We know we aren’t perfect, but to reach fullness, you have to research the shadow.”