Founder’s Day Celebrated at Franklin Pierce University

50th Anniversary of Official Date of Incorporation

Rindge, New Hampshire - Franklin Pierce University celebrated Founder’s Day on November 14 with a special program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the day the institution was incorporated and chartered. The program took place on the Rindge campus, with faculty, staff, students, and members of the community in attendance.

New Hampshire State Senator Lou D’Alessandro presented a proclamation from Governor John Lynch to President James Birge, proclaiming November 14 to be “Franklin Pierce University Day” in New Hampshire. D’Alessandro also extended a resolution of congratulations from the State Senate in recognition of: “Celebrating 50 years of outstanding liberal arts teachings, dedicated to the mission of providing an education that matters.”

Lloyd Astmann, chairman of the board of trustees, offered remarks that included greetings and well wishes from the University’s founder, Dr. Frank DiPietro, who currently resides in Arizona. Rick Falconi, a Class of ’69 alum and 50th Anniversary Committee chairperson, drew attention to the entrepreneurial spirit of the University, calling Franklin Pierce “an American success story.” Jed Brummer and Roberta Oeser, selectpersons from the Town of Rindge, presented the University with a three-foot tall Anniversary greeting card signed by dozens of local townspeople. Bummer’s remarks included special thanks to President Birge for being the first University president to live in Rindge, and for his part in helping to create a good relationship between the town and University.



After the presentations, Peter Wallner, a professor in Franklin Pierce’s graduate leadership program, gave a fascinating talk about U.S. President Franklin Pierce, the only president from New Hampshire. Wallner is a leading expert on the life of Franklin Pierce and has written a two-volume biography of this less-known U.S. president: Volume I: Franklin Pierce: New Hampshire’s Favorite Son, and Volume II: Franklin Pierce: Martyr for the Union. After Wallner’s talk, the audience enjoyed Anniversary cake and refreshments.

Franklin Pierce University is a regionally accredited university grounded in the liberal arts, with a focus on personal attention and high-quality instruction. The University consists of the College at Rindge and the College of Graduate & Professional Studies with locations in Arizona and throughout New Hampshire. Degrees are offered through the doctoral level. The institutional mission embraces an education that matters: one that achieves academic success through the integration of liberal arts and professional programs. Our community of educators and learners creates an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and encourages experiential and applied learning. A Franklin Pierce experience enables each student to discover and fulfill his or her own unique potential. We prepare students to become confident, knowledgeable individuals and leaders of conscience.

Franklin Pierce University, 40 University Dr., Rindge, NH 03461, (603) 899-4000, www.franklinpierce.edu