News & Politics
Welcome to the latest edition of Salem State University Viking Voices where we highlight a sampling of the many great things going on at this exciting institution and among the alumni community. Our special guest of this episode is Helen Gifford, a 1970 graduate of Salem State with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Professionally, Helen Gifford (formerly Helen Auchterlonie) has taken her journalism skills honed over many years to create a long career at the Salem News. It was the penultimate year of a seminal decade in American history. In the previous period, three beacons of hope had been gunned down. A generation of young Americas had been shattered by the Viet Nam War. Unrest that still echoes across today’s culture and politics roiled the country and world. The Salem State community was not immune. Among notable incidents on campus that year, one would gain national attention and played a role in the resignation of leader who today is an iconic name on campus. Our guest, Helen Gifford was a participant and first-hand witness.