Navigation Center Secures Grant from Davis Educational Foundation

The funds will support Stonehill College’s plans to elevate student support services.

by the Office of Communications and Media Relations
January 18, 2023
Career Advisor Denise Geggatt meets with a student.

Stonehill College has obtained a prestigious financial award in support of the institution’s Navigation Center for Student Success, totaling $108,200. The grant was received from the Davis Educational Foundation, established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Mr. Davis’s retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.  

“This grant not only validates the importance of our work helping each student define and achieve their own success, but also enables our staff to grow as practitioners. We are grateful to everyone at the Davis Educational Foundation for aiding us in our mission to evolve the student experience,” said Christina Burney, Executive Director of Student Success. 

The funds received will help bolster the Navigation Center’s Mentors for Academic and Professional Success (MAPS) teams, consisting of representatives from Career Development, Academic Support and Stonehill faculty. Members of these groups will work together to create holistic growth opportunities for students throughout their academic and pre-professional journeys. 

Additionally, the grant will allow the Center to hire graduate assistants who will provide academic coaching to students, with a particular focus on executive functioning and study skills. 

Executive Director of Student Success Christina Burney leads the College's Navigation Center, founded in September 2022.

A Network of Support

Securing the Davis grant was possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of an interdepartmental team, including the following staff: 

  • Shannon Balliro, Director of Academic Advising 
  • Jonathan Corey, Director of Accessibility Resources 
  • Devon Deery, Director of Tutoring Services 
  • Marie Kelly, Director of Corporate, Foundation & Donor Relations 
  • Andrew Leahy, Director of Career Development 
  • Bonnie Troupe, Director of Research, Grants & Sponsored Projects 

“They were instrumental in the work done to apply for this grant,” Burney said. “I am grateful for all they do to make a difference in the lives of students. I am also thrilled by the support we have received from the broader Stonehill community, including faculty, staff and senior leadership, since the Navigation Center launched in September 2022.” 

Recruiting Coordinator Patrick McKeon offers advice to a group of Skyhawks.

Director of Tutoring Services Devon Deery helps a group of students review class materials.

About the Davis Educational Foundation 

Since 1985, the Davis Educational Foundation has supported undergraduate programs at public and private colleges and universities across six states in New England. The foundation has provided more than $115 million in grants to over 170 institutions. 

The foundation previously awarded the College a grant in 2015 to support the initial roll out of Think. Act. Lead. Meant to help students reach their full potential by connecting them with impactful mentorship opportunities, this initiative was born out of Stonehill’s strategic planning process. The establishment of the Navigation Center in September 2022 represents the latest phase in the College’s ongoing efforts to operationalize the Think. Act. Lead. philosophy. 

Leanne Greeley Bond, Director of Grants & Programs for the Davis Educational Foundation, noted that Stonehill’s previous work with the organization influenced the latter’s decision to help fund projects spearheaded by the Navigation Center. 

“Reflecting on a series of successful grants at Stonehill College, our Trustees recognized the advantages of the Center’s recent proposal and saw the initiative as positively building on Think. Act. Lead.,” she said  

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