“As an educator, I am deeply moved that you would honor me by naming a library after me, a temple of learning. I can think of no higher honor, and not just any library, Massasoit's library,” said Massasoit President Emeritus Gerard Burke during an April 24 ceremony dedicating Massasoit’s Brockton Campus library as the Dr. Gerard F. Burke Library. “Serving as Massasoit Community College's president was the greatest professional honor of my life.”
“It is an immense honor for Massasoit to dedicate the Dr. Gerard F. Burke Library in recognition of Jerry’s legacy and leadership on our campus and in the Brockton community,” said Massasoit President Bill Mitchell. “For many years to come, students will pass through these doors into a space where they can gather, learn, and grow – all while enjoying enhanced services made possible by the Burke Family’s generosity.”
The dedication of the library was made possible by a transformational $100,000 gift from the Burke Family in honor of President Emeritus Burke. In March, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the naming of the Dr. Gerard F. Burke Library in recognition of the gift and his legacy.
The Burke Family’s donation will unlock new opportunities for students and community members using the Burke Library and its resources. According to Dr. Vincent Livoti, Massasoit’s Director of Libraries, updates will include increased access to sustainable, solar-powered technology, enhancements to the College’s archives, and improvements to the physical space that will create a more welcoming environment for all.
A longtime resident and community leader in Brockton, Dr. Burke served as President of Massasoit from 1983 to 1996. During his tenure, he oversaw the opening of the Canton Campus, the creation of the Academic Resource Center, the development of new academic programs, the expansion of student services and counseling, the addition of daytime continuing education courses, and investments in Warrior Athletics – helping lead to three NJCAA national championships during his presidency. In the face of economic challenges, under his leadership the College secured two federal Title III grants that infused the College with much needed funding that further shaped Massasoit’s future.
During the dedication, new signage was unveiled outside of the library and at its circulation desk, creating a permanent reminder of President Emeritus Burke’s impact on the College. In addition to President Emeritus Burke, members of the Burke family, library staff, and other guests heard from Massasoit Community College President Bill Mitchell, Daniel Burke, who spoke on behalf of his family, and Dr. Livoti.
“For us, Massasoit really was part of our lives growing up, and we were very fortunate for that,” said Daniel Burke. “We got to see and learn what it is to serve.”
“We also saw, and it was unspoken, what the role of a community college should have, and the first word is ‘community.’ The way Massasoit defined ‘community’ was remarkable and broad,” continued Burke.
“I hope in some small way, Dad, that you are able to understand the enormity of what you did and what this team does every day. You really matter. What you did with Massasoit was extraordinary," Burke closed.
Each year, more than 6,000 Massasoit students and community members rely on the library’s vast collection, which includes 20,000 physical volumes, more than 650,000 digital books, and more than 80 research databases. The library is also home to The Grove, a vibrant gathering space launched in 2022 that hosts student-led events and faculty workshops annually.
“Through the generosity and foresight of Dr. Burke and his family, our library and its unique role in student discovery and empowerment will be ready to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world,” said Dr. Livoti.
The investment in the Burke Library is just one of several recent and ongoing updates across Massasoit to renovate learning and community spaces.
Members of the Burke Family in the Dr. Gerard F. Burke Library at Massasoit's Brockton Campus.