Rivier University names 2022 honorary degree recipient and Commencement speaker

Highlighting the themes of leadership and transformation, Rivier University will honor People’s United Bank for New Hampshire President Dianne M. Mercier as its 2022 honorary degree recipient and Commencement speaker. A recognized leader in the state’s business and nonprofit communities and a member of the Rivier University Corporation, Mercier advocates for individuals’ and organizations’ economic and professional growth.

“Dianne Mercier is one of New Hampshire’s most inspirational leaders,” says Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, Rivier’s President. “Her dedicated service throughout the state is driven by a passion for people. Dianne has served as a role model and mentor for aspiring young professionals, and through her professionalism has inspired many to excel, regardless of their profession or industry. She is indeed the perfect role model for our students, and we are fortunate to have her expertise and enthusiastic commitment to Rivier’s mission of transformation.”

A New Hampshire native, Mercier began her banking career as a teller and advanced to hold senior leadership positions at Citizens Bank and Ocean National Bank, before assuming the chief leadership role at People’s United Bank for New Hampshire. With her guidance, People’s United Bank partners with businesses and not-for-profits throughout the state to build strong communities. Her community service focuses on governance, and she has led and served on the boards of more than a dozen nonprofit organizations. Mercier is chair of the SolutionHeath Board of Trustees.

In addition to her current service to Rivier, which has included four years as the Chair of the Board of Trustees, she also serves as vice-chair and trustee for the RiverWoods Group, and on the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Board of Directors. In recognition of her commitment and contributions, she has received numerous awards including Outstanding Woman in Business and Business Leader of the Year from New Hampshire Business Review, and Citizen of the Year from the Daniel Webster Council of the Boys Scouts of America and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

Mercier is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and Leadership New Hampshire programs. These selective programs aim to increase civic engagement and strengthen communities by connecting and educating influential leaders.

Rivier’s 87^th Commencement ceremony will take place at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts on Sunday, May 15, at 10 a.m. The University will graduate students at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels, and academic programs serving on-campus and online populations, Rivier University is a Catholic university with a mission of transforming hearts and minds to serve the world.