Endicott’s Year of Anniversaries
The 2018-19 academic year has been filled with special anniversaries at Endicott College, and that will continue into the summer.
This past year we celebrated 80 years of academics, 25 years of combined athletics, and 25 years of La Chanterelle, and this summer will mark the 10th anniversary of the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance.
So let’s take the opportunity to reflect on how far Endicott has come and celebrate where it’s going.
Since its inception as a two-year women’s school in 1939, Endicott College has seen tremendous academic growth while never losing sight of its entrepreneurial spirit. Eighty years later, Endicott has grown into a four-year, co-educational institution with offerings ranging from associate to doctoral degrees all around the world.
Massachusetts first approved Endicott to offer Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees in 1944, and eight years later the College was accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Then in 1988, Endicott earned its four-year status with co-educational classes beginning in the fall of 1994.
Through the Van Loan School at Endicott College, the College grew to include certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for adult learners with courses on the main Beverly, Mass., campus, at Endicott College Boston, online, and internationally.
“I think Endicott, with (former Endicott President) Dr. (Richard E.) Wylie’s vision, was able to move forward very quickly,” says Laura Rossi-Le, vice president & dean of the undergraduate college. “The transformation has been incredible with the growth of a broad range of degree programs which combine the professional and liberal arts. What continues to distinguish the College is our signature internship and career preparation program, which has enabled us to partner with employers and keep abreast of employment trends for our graduates.”
25 Years of Athletics
A vital part of expanding to a four-year, co-educational institution, was the establishment of combined NCAA Division III membership for athletics 25 years ago.
Since then, athletics at Endicott have grown to include 700-plus student-athletes across 21 intercollegiate programs and seven club-level programs. In this short time, the Gulls have won 91 all-time conference championships heading into the 2018-19 academic year with 80 all-time NCAA appearances. Along with these numbers, Endicott has had teams ranked inside the top 10 nationally—including first and second. But perhaps the most impressive achievement is the average student-athlete grade point average of 3.31.
Meanwhile, During this 25-year span, facility enhancements have included the Post Sport Science & Fitness Center, Raymond J. Bourque Arena, Hempstead Stadium, the Athletic Performance Center, softball field, and a redesigned North Field, which is now an all-turf, multi-purpose space for several of our athletic programs. Athletic Conferences have also changed from the Great Northeast Athletic Conference to the more competitive Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) due to Endicott's level of excellence across all sports. The Gulls' year-to-year evolution of success has continued where Endicott has garnered more conference championships between male and female sports than any other institution in the CCC, while maintaining a winning percentage of 78 percent in conference.
“For 25 years, to see what Endicott and athletics has achieved and how quickly we’ve achieved it, is truly remarkable, and not just in the region, but at the national level,” says Dr. Brian Wylie, assistant vice president & director of athletics. “This is such a fitting testament to not just the overall growth and success of Endicott, but to the academic mission of experiential learning that has been such a core tenant of Endicott from the very beginning. This academic model coupled with a relentless desire for excellence, has been such a critical component that has driven the success of the women and men that have participated in Endicott athletics.”
25 Years of La Chanterelle
La Chanterelle, the non-traditional classroom, continues to be a perfect example of Dr. Wylie’s vision for the Endicott campus. The program, which has been a mainstay in the School of Hospitality Management for 25 years, was the brainchild of Dr. Wylie’s following a trip to Switzerland. He was impressed by the restaurant at Les Roches International Hotel Management School and wanted to adapt a similar model here, while making it open to the public to experience the non-traditional classroom.
La Chanterelle began in Tupper Hall and has since moved to Misselwood, where freshmen in the School of Hospitality Management spend one semester working on restaurant service and another in culinary. Together, the students treat customers to an authentic European-style meal and service—right down to the perfect wine pairing.
“It fits so well with the College,” says Brendan Cronin, operations manager & assistant professor. “I feel that over 25 years we’ve developed a very positive brand that inspires the students. They are so proud because it’s their restaurant. That warms my heart. We have definitely built on the academic and practical components of it in tandem. I think it’s been very rewarding.”
10 Years of Misselwood Concours d’Elegance
Over 1,200 total cars and motorcycles later, the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance is set to reach a major milestone this summer with its 10th anniversary event from Friday, July 19, 2019, through Sunday, July 21, 2019. As has been the case since the inaugural event, proceeds go toward Endicott College scholarship funds, with close to $160,000 having been raised since 2010.
The idea for a Concours event to raise scholarship funds was the result of hard work from key individuals, including former Endicott College President, Dr. Richard E. Wylie. Since then, it has grown in stature and has become a gem for car enthusiasts across 18 states and Canada.
“We’ve seen a lot more people willing to donate their time and funds to help raise money for scholarships,” says Darren Stewart, Misselwood Events senior operations manager. “It’s grown into a world-class event. The quality of the show has improved in all areas and we’ve made a lot of great friendships along the way.”