BOSTON – Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law Wednesday a bill that transforms Salem State College into Salem State University.The bill was signed at a State House ceremony attended by hundreds of students, faculty and campus leaders from six of the nine state colleges that will undergo name changes. “Salem State ?University? has come of age and we are proud,” Salem State President Patricia Maguire Meservey said. “Salem State University is the largest and leading educational institution in this region and a major contributor to the region?s economy. We have fought for years for university status and this victory is exciting and well earned.” Proponents of the change have long argued that the added prestige of the university name will help students compete in the job market. Additionally, they predict that the renaming effort will attract non-state funding, such as foundation grants, and create new opportunities for alumni and corporate giving.?I have long supported Salem State College becoming a University,” Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry, D-Peabody, said. “This name change will expand opportunities to students, and bolster regional economies across the Commonwealth. I applaud all the state college presidents, their alumni and staff for their advocacy on behalf of this positive change. Salem State is well positioned for this move and I am proud to have been part of such a team effort.”The establishment of the Massachusetts state university system renames six of the original state colleges n Salem, Bridgewater, Fitchburg, Framingham, Salem, Westfield and Worcester – as state universities. Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Massachusetts Maritime Academy will retain their existing names, yet will refer to themselves as universities. With the governor?s signature, and following a mandatory 90-day waiting period, this new Massachusetts state university system officially becomes effective on Oct. 28.?Massachusetts is the birthplace of public education and our students lead the nation,” Patrick said. “So it is fitting that a state that has always been at the forefront of education now bestows upon these six institutions the well-earned right to be called universities.”Salem State, with schools of arts and sciences, business, and human services, now offers 29 baccalaureate and 50 graduate programs, enrolls more than 10,000 students and boasts more than 45,000 alumni.?Salem State College has long been the economic engine and backbone of the entire North Shore, and has supported local businesses, both profit and nonprofit alike, with a talented work force, said state Rep. John Keenan, D-Salem. “This name change is long overdue and Salem State University will now reflect this institution?s true value to our community.”Meservey thanked former Salem State President Nancy Harrington and bill co-sponsors Berry and Keenan for their tireless efforts, as well as the entire North Shore legislative delegation and Gov. Patrick.?We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the many people who have fought so long for this designation,” she said.Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll expressed great pride in her alma mater?s new designation.?In the eyes of alumni, businesses and citizens of Salem and the North Shore,” she said. “Salem State became a university long ago when it began working with businesses and communities to address our urgent work force needs. The vote to make it official simply validates what so many of us have known for decades: Salem State University has always been here for us.”Salem State Junior Angel Rodriguez said the name change feels incredible.?To be able to say that I?m a Salem State University student is something very special,” he said.Rodriguez, who also serves as the student trustee on the board of trustees, said he knows that the new designation bodes well for his future, too.?Salem State is blessed with awesome faculty and administrators, and an improved campus that?s attracting more