Administrative/Biographical History
Rev. Leon Gosselin was the first graduate of Saint Michael’s College to serve as President of the College. He was born in Rutland; and grew up in Springfield, Vermont. Much of his presidency was marked by planning for the future of the College. He set up both the Friends of SMC, an organization of lay people who raised the first substantial endowment for the College, and the Associate Trustees of the College as a way of promoting the college in local community and among alumni. He worked with the Vermont State Legislature to establish a scholarship program funded by the state ($1800 for 15 scholarships). The first alumni magazine was published during his term as well. In 1939, the College was officially accredited by NEASC following many years of formal association with the American Association of Colleges. Gosselin was also instrumental in establishing Fire District Number 1 in the town of Colchester, the water district that supplies water to Winooski Park, including SMC, Fanny Allen Hospital and Fort Ethan Allen.
