Alumni Profile

Outdoor Leader

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:33:41 +0000

Outdoor Leader BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 06/11/2025 - 16:33

Alumna serves as CEO of Northern California Girl Scout council

June 12, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

As a first-year student living in Shea Hall, Mary-Jane Strom, ’96, often kept her residence hall room door open to foster connections with her peers. Three decades later, the practice still works for the Girl Scout CEO.

“Leaving my (office) door open is something I do today,” said Strom, who earned a degree in fine arts and now leads the Girl Scouts of Northern California. “I talk to everyone. 91�� taught me how to create a supportive community.”

For Strom, 91�� State stood out for its academics and athletics. She competed on the swim team and club rugby and water polo squads. She lived on campus throughout college, forming close friendships with her roommates that persist to this day. She also worked at the circulation desk at Maxwell Library.

“I think it was the perfect school for me,” Strom said. “It definitely taught me how to make friends, how to prioritize and get the work done. It set you up for success.”

Strom initially planned to major in education but switched to art after taking a few classes in that department. She particularly enjoyed the faculty and strong sense of camaraderie among students working on projects in the Art Center.

“Art is very meditative and helps me in my everyday life,” Strom said. “I still do a lot of drawing on weekends and after work.”

Art also led Strom to a post-graduation job as an art teacher and outdoor educator at a Nature’s Classroom camp in Rhode Island. She went on to serve Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts as a program specialist and director of camps. Since 2017, she has worked for the Girl Scouts of Northern California in roles such as chief mission delivery officer, chief program officer, and now CEO.

Strom grew up as a Girl Scout and earned the Gold Award, which is the organization’s highest level of recognition. She found her passion creating the same positive experiences for others that she enjoyed as a child.

Today, she manages the fifth largest council in the country, with approximately 50,000 members stretching from the San Francisco area to the Oregon border. Northern California boasts extensive outdoor resources, and Strom enjoys helping girls connect with nature and grow their leadership skills.

She sees her job as building community, just as she did at 91�� State.

“Like 91��, the Girl Scouts is a sisterhood where you can find your friends and people who will support you in your life and career,” she said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I think (91�� State) was the perfect school for me. It definitely taught me how to make friends, how to prioritize and get the work done. It set you up for success.

Mary-Jane Strom, ’96

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Alumni Profile

Change of Plan

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:45:34 +0000

Change of Plan HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 06/04/2025 - 10:45

Recent graduate finds her dream career after years of perseverance

June 10, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

School was always somewhat of a challenge for Emily Aronson, G’25. Because of this, she experienced a lack of confidence.

“I’m not a good test taker, I struggle with time management and have a hard time studying,” Aronson said.

Despite the obstacles, she was able to persevere and earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from another university in 2014. She thought that was the end of her academic journey. But then came the COVID-19 pandemic. The forced isolation gave her time to reflect.

“Like a lot of people, I found that time to be depressing, but it created a space for me to think more in depth about what I wanted to do,” Aronson said.

Her experience helping to support a loved one with addiction left her with a strong desire to help others. Because of this, a career in social work was appealing, but given her previous educational experience, she wasn’t confident enough to take the leap.

Still, a voice inside her head told her to seek out options, and she discovered the master’s in social work program at 91��. Nervous, she filled out the application and waited.

When the day came that she learned of her acceptance, it was life changing.

“I was like, this is it! I can create an entire life for myself. It really boosted my confidence. For the first time I thought, I can really do this,” Aronson said.

The journey to the commencement stage wasn’t always easy. The initial plan was to graduate within three years of enrolling, but it took a little longer than expected. As a working professional, trying to juggle it all was difficult at times, including an internship that didn’t pan out.

“But looking back, having to leave that internship was a blessing in disguise. Even though it didn’t work out, I still walked away with knowledge. Nothing you do is never really a waste of time,” Aronson said.

The support received from her BSU professors also helped guide her, especially on days when she questioned herself.

“I’m usually an introvert, a reserved person, but the small class sizes allowed me to engage. The professors really get to know you and I was able to get out of my comfort zone,” Aronson said.

Having the right support, paired with her determination paid off. This past May she earned her master’s degree in social work from BSU and currently works as a behavioral health counselor at the Boston Medical Center, Clinical Stabilization Services in Brockton.

“For so long, I really felt lost but knew I wanted to help others,” Aronson said. “For so long I pushed myself down, and didn’t think I could do this, I settled for less.”

And even though things felt out-of-reach at times, the newly minted BSU graduate said all the doubts and triumphs help her to better relate to those she now supports.

“Things may not always go as planned, sometimes life works in other ways,” she said. “But even though things are sometimes delayed, do not let that deny you of the things you want.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Things may not always go as planned, sometimes life works in other ways. But even though things are sometimes delayed, do not let that deny you of the things you want.

Emily Aronson, G’25

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Alumni Profile

College of Graduate Studies

Art for Life

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:26:32 +0000

Art for Life HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 05/19/2025 - 12:26

Artist-alumnus exhibits a gift for new ideas – on the canvas and beyond

June 3, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Trained as a classical pianist as a child, John Diehl said music has always played a role in his life. However, he uncovered a new talent while studying as an undergraduate at what was then 91�� State College.

“While taking a Drawing 1 class, I discovered that I could draw,” Diehl said. “Not only did I enjoy drawing, but my professor encouraged me to pursue art.”

Diehl heeded the advice, and for the last two decades has carved out a career in the field. Today he is known for his large-scale geometric paintings that are precision-driven, exploring the tension between human craftsmanship and structured form.

His career unofficially started at 91�� State, where, as a student, he began selling his classwork and homework assignments – his earliest works of art – on the side.

Upon graduating in 2005, he sold his oil paintings online during the Online Art Revolution, a period, Diehl said, when people were still hesitant to purchase art and home furnishings on the internet.

Undeterred, in 2010 he opened and operated an art gallery in 91�� center.

“This became a meaningful chapter early in my career,” he said. “It offered a physical space for connection and showcasing new work.”

One of the highlights for Diehl was exhibiting and selling the works of 91�� Professor Stephen Smalley.

A few years into owning the gallery, and painting thousands of paintings, Diehl found himself burned out. He shifted gears and launched The Beard Baron, a beard and mustache care company.

Sporting his own impressive moustache and beard, Diehl developed and designed a product line of scented products.

“I became one of the founding fathers of the modern beard movement and was awarded the Shopify Silver Milestone after fulling over 100,000 orders to 130 countries,” Diehl said.

Still, art was part of his consciousness, and during COVID he and his wife purchased a home that included a large studio space.

“This finally gave me the opportunity to pursue a longtime career goal: painting at scale,” Diehl said.

He recently pioneered the Arcwright Project, a long-term artistic and engineering endeavor focused on creating orbits of light. The orbs are created by machines Diehl built, and he suspends them over his geometric freehand paintings.

“It’s a fusion of painting, geometry, light engineering, and luminous architecture,” he said.

The inspiration for the project came when Diehl was studying abroad in Florence, Italy, through 91�� State.

“That experience profoundly shaped how I think about art, architecture, devotion, and scale. It continues to echo through my practice to this day,” he said.

As he continues to create and bring new pieces of art to life, he encourages student-artists to keep moving, even when feeling stuck.

“The secret is in the doing. A creative practice is built upon a discipline of relentlessly taking action with delayed gratification,” he said. “Being able to execute repeatedly and learning how to recover and rest from it, is key. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The secret is in the doing. A creative practice is built upon a discipline of relentlessly taking action with delayed gratification.

John Diehl, '05

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Alumni Profile

Making a Scene

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:20:54 +0000

Making a Scene HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 03/21/2025 - 14:20

Alumnus is creating and acting in Sci-fi, horror films

March 25, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Acting was not something Nicholas Garofolo, ’95, ever considered doing with his life but that all changed 30 years ago when a friend hounded him to be in a film they were producing on Cape Cod.

“I kept turning them down, but eventually I said yes,” Garofolo said. “Once I was doing it, I thought, this is actually pretty cool.”

The acting bug had taken a successful bite.

Born in New York City, the Bridgwater State University alumnus always wanted to go back to his roots. After graduating from what was then 91�� State College with a degree in management, he took the leap.

“At first I had no job, and was living in a small dingy room,” Garofolo said.

But it didn’t take long for him to find work as an actor; he auditioned and was cast in a part for Law and Order, a popular television crime show where many eager thespians get their start.

“From there, I started doing things in the film industry. I got into independent films, cable shows, and cable movies. I started networking and met a lot of people,” Garofolo said.

His connections led him to auditioning for Adam Sandler’s 2019 film, Uncut Gems. He ended up not getting the part, but it still opened doors for him.

Making connections plays a large role for a working actor, and something he would encourage current Bears looking to pursue a career in acting to consider.

“It’s also about being patient. Sure, it will happen overnight for some, but for most people it’s a journey,” Garofolo said.

Over the years, the BSU alumnus has branched out, as both a writer and director.

“Someone I met (in the industry) offered a bit of advice. If you can’t find work, create your own,” Garofolo said.

So, that’s what he did and found a new successful avenue.

His most recent work, Artificial Evil Awakens recently won the 2024 Cine Vision Award at the Indie Cine Tube Awards Film Festival.

Garofolo both wrote and stars in the film. Production took place back where his acting career started – on Cape Cod.

The plot of the film, which can be found on Fawesome TV and Stash TV, is about a man obsessed with aliens and with making films. His life is hacked by Artificial Intelligence after using a mysterious Ouija Board. It’s not a horror movie necessarily, but more of a sci-fi fantasy, Garofolo said.

As he continues his career in the film industry, he plans to keep auditioning for roles and creating his own projects.

“That’s the life of an actor, you’re always pursuing your next goal, chasing the next gig,” Garofolo said.

The life of an actor can be arduous, he added, but it can also be a lot of fun.

“If you’re a 91�� graduate, and looking to pursue this, try not to go in blind like I did. Begin with training, and try to get involved in films, even if it’s student films, so you can build your resume,” he said. “Make sure you also take your time and enjoy your youth while you’ve got it, because it goes by fast.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

If you’re a 91�� graduate, and looking to pursue this, try not to go in blind like I did. Begin with training, and try to get involved in films, even if it’s student films, so you can build your resume. Make sure you also take your time and enjoy your youth while you’ve got it, because it goes by fast.

Nicholas Garofolo, ’95

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Alumni Profile

Mutual Trust

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:54:23 +0000

Mutual Trust BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 03/06/2025 - 08:54

Dedicated alumna returns to serve on Board of Trustees

March 6, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Ann Ulett, ’92, arrived on the 91�� State campus as a single mother of two juggling schoolwork and childcare.

With an associate degree from Massasoit Community College in hand, Ulett was eager to further her education to land a job that would balance professional and family obligations.

“91�� was just so accommodating for a non-traditional student,” said Ulett, who pursued her bachelor’s degree in management science (with an accounting concentration) in her late 20s and early 30s. “What stuck out the most for me were all the resources available.”

Fast forward several decades and Ulett is now helping ensure today’s students feel similarly supported in her new role as a member of BSU’s Board of Trustees. Appointed by Gov. Maura Healey, Ulett brings 26 years of experience working for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, a prominent international accounting firm.

Ulett has spent most of those years in recruitment with a focus on diversity. For more than a decade, she has managed two of PwC’s internship and student-development programs. She often speaks with students at BSU and elsewhere about succeeding in business.

“It gave me the opportunity to come back and share what I learned – the dos and don’ts and unspoken rules,” said Ulett, who serves as PwC’s northeast entry level trust business recruiting manager.

As a first-generation 91�� student, Ulett appreciated the mentorship from professors and staff members, including Paul Gaines, who served as 91��’s first director of minority affairs. Gaines recognized Ulett’s knack for working with students even before Ulett realized that was to be her calling.

She has remained connected to her alma mater by joining the BSU Foundation’s board, the Ricciardi College of Business Advisory Board, and the Afro-American Alumni Association. Her grandson graduated from 91��, and her son is currently a nontraditional BSU student studying aviation.

As a trustee, she looks forward to supporting 91��’s commitment to success for all students and focus on racial justice. BSU’s values, she said, align perfectly with her own.

“I’m pretty excited about the opportunity and excited to work together with an amazing group of trustees,” she said. “I feel back at home.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

91�� was just so accommodating for a non-traditional student. What stuck out the most for me were all the resources available.

Ann Ulett, ’92

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Board of Trustees

Alumni Profile

Photo by Charlie Peters, G'20

Talking Careers

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:30:15 +0000

Talking Careers HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 03/04/2025 - 13:30

Alumna’s media gigs include Bruins emcee, radio personality, and voice of the university

March 11, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

While most people are still snuggled in bed sleeping, Michaela “Mick” Johnson, ’10, is up at 4 a.m. and out the door, all to help others start their day as one of the hosts of the Fun 107 Morning Show.

Even though the job demands she be behind the wheel driving to the Fairhaven station before the sun comes up, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love telling local stories and highlighting what’s going on in our local communities,” Johnson said. “My kids also get to hear mom every morning (on the radio). I get to give my kids something to be proud of.”

Her roots in radio started when she was studying communications at what was then 91�� State College and hosted a radio show.

That, and other experiences at 91��, like serving as an orientation leader and walking onto the women’s basketball team, where she served as captain in her final two years, helped Johnson find her niche.

“I got very involved and feel I grew a lot and was able to have some great experiences that launched my career in the right direction, even guiding me into a field that I didn’t’ realize was the perfect fit,” she said.

Initially, Johnson’s plan was to become an athletic trainer.

“I knew I wanted to be involved in sports, but when it came time to declare my major, sports broadcasting started to emerge,” she said. “I took jobs at BSU, announced football games, baseball games…any games that fell outside of basketball season, I did it.”

After college, Johnson moved to California where she worked as a production runner for the X Games, breaking down sets, running tapes, even delivering water bottles to famed skateboarder Tony Hawk.

An opportunity to audition for The Rhode Show on WPRI-TV in Providence, Rhode Island, brought her back east. The contest was an American Idol-style event, where contestants competed to serve as one of the show’s hosts for a year. Johnson won, and was so popular with viewers, one year turned into 12.

“Toward the end of my years, they wanted to take the show in a new direction and offered me the opportunity to be the main host,” she said.

While starting her family and working on The Rhode Show, Johnson was also hired to work as the arena host for Boston Bruins home games at the TD Garden, a job she still holds.

“I’m in my ninth season now, it’s been a lot of fun,” she said.

Johnson also lends her talents to promoting her alma mater. She was recently hired by BSU to provide voiceovers on several television commercials.

Wearing so many different hats is a lot to juggle, but Johnson thrives in all her roles.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.

Being so active is what sparks and guides her, that’s been the case going back to her days at BSU.

“I would tell current students, get involved! Take advantage of all the opportunities 91�� has to offer,” Johnson said. “And stay true to yourself. Be confident that things will work out. The right things will find you, or you will find them.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I would tell current students, get involved! Take advantage of all the opportunities 91�� has to offer and stay true to yourself. Be confident that things will work out. The right things will find you, or you will find them.

Michaela Johnson, '10

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Alumni Profile

Communications

Welcome Back

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:59:09 +0000

Welcome Back BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:59

Alumnus is named a new trustee

February 27, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

For Peter Koutoujian, ’83, there’s something magical about being back on the 91�� State campus. Even his wife notices how happy he is when he attends Homecoming festivities.

Now, he will have many more opportunities to return to his alma mater as a new member of BSU’s Board of Trustees.

“This position is a labor of love,” said Koutoujian, who was appointed to the volunteer role by Gov. Maura Healey. “I’ve always been a booster and cheerleader for this school. ...This allows me a more formal way to bring that to the university.”

Koutoujian was drawn to serve as a trustee for the same reason he came to 91�� State as a student more than four decades ago: He immediately felt a connection to the university and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere from his first visit to campus. He still recalls the personal attention he received and how everyone held the door open for each other – two characteristics of the BSU community that persist to this day, he noted.

At 91��, Koutoujian studied psychology, played on the tennis team and served as president of his graduating class. His 91�� experience became a springboard to advanced degrees from New England School of Law and Harvard University, as well as a rewarding career in public service.

“91�� provided an environment where I could grow and I could learn and I could mature,” he said. “That gave me opportunities.”

After working as a prosecutor and a public defender, Koutoujian served for eight terms as a state representative. Among many legislative accomplishments, he played a key role in having 91�� State designated as a university. The name change, Koutoujian said, more accurately reflects the breadth and depth of a 91�� education.

Since 2011, he has served as the sheriff of Middlesex County, where he brings a data-driven approach to reimagining corrections. Koutoujian led the development of innovative programs for young adults, veterans, and other groups to significantly reduce recidivism.

Today, three generations of the Koutoujian family have a 91�� connection. His son, also named Peter, is an undergraduate political science major, while his mother, Connie, is a member of BSU’s Senior College.

Koutoujian said he is impressed with the personal attention of Senior College and the experiences his son has had as a BSU student. The younger Peter has interned for Sen. Ed Markey and served as a community organizing fellow for the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.

“It’s really important to see an institution through the eyes of others,” Koutoujian said. “It’s just given me a greater appreciation for the 91�� of today.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This position is a labor of love. I’ve always been a booster and cheerleader for this school. ...This allows me a more formal way to bring that to the university.

Peter Koutoujian, ’83

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Board of Trustees

Alumni Profile

This Job’s ‘Fore!’ Him

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:26:07 +0000

This Job’s ‘Fore!’ Him HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/19/2025 - 13:26

Alumnus earns position covering golf for national sports magazine

February 25, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Athletics were always a big part of Matt Vincenzi’s life growing up and continue to be so today – only on a professional level.

Instead of suiting up and playing sports, today Vincenzi writes about athletes as a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, where he has covered professional golf for the past five years.

“I was always passionate about sports writing, but in terms of playing I was more into basketball,” Vincenzi said. “However, something about the sport of professional golf I found fascinating…how important different grass types are, course experience, and so many other fine details, and how they impact the result of tournaments drew me in.”

Post high school, the initial plan was to play basketball in college, which Vincenzi did for a year before transferring to 91��, where he opted to hang up his sneakers and study English with a writing and writing-studies concentration.

“I chose this path because I loved both sports and English in high school. I read and wrote recreationally, and it seemed like a natural fit for me,” the 2013 BSU alumnus said.

The courses he took, and professors he had, both helped prepare him for a career in writing.

“I learned so much about writing and journalism through the program,” Vincenzi said. “I learned a lot that helped shape me where I am today while attending BSU.”

After earning his degree, he was hired and wrote for the Action Network for three years before moving onto GolfWRX. He spent another three years there before SI came calling.

He officially started his gig with the well-known publication this past October and has loved every minute covering “breaking and trending” stories. He’s had the opportunity to interview world renown golfers, like Ian Poulter, Joaquín Niemann, An Byeong-hun, and Benjamin Griffin.

Over the last couple of years, he’s broken a handful of big stories including Niemann’s invitation to the PGA Championship, as well as some LIV Golf (men’s professional golf tour) trades.

“I’d like to continue covering golf professionally and hopefully cover more events in person and further develop my relationships with professional players,” he said of his future goals.

He hasn’t completely thrown in the towel when it comes to basketball either. Vincenzi is the head coach for the boys varsity basketball team in Pembroke, where he earned coach of the year honors from the Massachusetts Basketball Association in 2021 and 2022.

Being able to coach and write for a living is something Vincenzi is grateful for and encourages current BSU students to carve out their own paths doing something they like.

“If you do what you are passionate about, living your life is a lot easier,” he said, adding, “Don’t’ just look forward to the weekends, make sure you enjoy every day.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I learned a lot that helped shape me where I am today while attending BSU.

Matt Vincenzi, '13

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Alumni Profile

Natural Educator

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:37:08 +0000

Natural Educator BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/19/2025 - 12:37

Alumna cofounds alternative, nature-based school

February 20, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Cristy O’Brien, ’05, still remembers when math really began to make sense to her. She was taking a 91�� State class that, ironically, was focused on how to teach the subject to others.

Today, O’Brien helps children have similar “aha” moments as the co-founder of an alternative, nature-based educational nonprofit in Dartmouth. 91�� State, she said, prepared her to become an effective educator.

“91�� is where I found my confidence as a learner and a teacher,” she said. “At 91��, I found the tools I needed to become a better writer and a better student than I had ever been.”

In high school, O’Brien prioritized socialization over academics, but she found a supportive community as a Bear that changed her views about school. She quickly became interested in general education classes as well as courses within her elementary education and English majors.

“My feelings about myself as a learner completely changed when I was at 91��,” O’Brien said. “It was a warm environment but also challenging.”

O’Brien was a student-employee under the mentorship of Dr. John Marvelle and gained hands-on experience at a reading and writing program in Taunton.

She first worked as a fifth-grade teacher before moving to an alternative classroom serving students with social-emotional needs.

As her own daughter neared kindergarten age, O’Brien yearned for a school rooted in nature and community interaction.

“Watching her absorb the world and observe and interact with people of all ages, I didn’t want that to end,” she recalled.

O’Brien connected with others in Southeastern Massachusetts with similar desires and, in 2018, co-founded Elements Learning Collaborative. Housed at Round the Bend Farm, the organization has grown from a summer camp to a year-round operation, welcoming students from age 4 through middle school.

Programs during the school day serve students who are homeschooled or in preschool while the summer camp includes those attending traditional schools.

Weather permitting, students spend the entire day outdoors. On a typical day, children might learn about the anatomy of leaves by painting with watercolors, gather data in the field for a math lesson or study a baby goat’s biology in science class.

Nature-based education also offers an opportunity to explore broader lessons, O’Brien said.

“Nature is important because nature teaches us balance and biodiversity,” she said. “When things are diverse, they are healthy.”

Reflecting on her career, O’Brien is thankful it all began at such a transformative university.

“91�� gave me the tools to enter the professional world,” she said.

91�� is where I found my confidence as a learner and a teacher. At 91��, I found the tools I needed to become a better writer and a better student than I had ever been.

Cristy O’Brien, ’05

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Alumni Profile

Super Job

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:58:43 +0000

Super Job HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:58

Alumnus producer takes his talents to the Super Bowl

February 18, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

When Thomas Pike, ’17, first picked up a camera to film the 91�� football team play against Endicott College, little did he know it marked the beginning of a successful career covering some of the most elite events in professional sports.

“My first experience with collegiate sports at BSU is what provided me with the gateway to what I wanted to do,” Pike said. “The connections I made at 91�� have made it easier to broaden my horizons and figure out the trajectory of my career.”

That trajectory recently landed Pike inside New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome for Super Bowl LIX, producing three different segments for Draft Kings, where he works as an associate technical director.

While in New Orleans, he worked behind the scenes helping to produce the Draft King Network’s “GoJo and Golic,” “Pregame Powerup,” and “The Ross Tucker Football Podcast.”

“It was a blast,” Pike said.

This isn’t the first time the BSU alumnus has worked the big game. He also traveled to Los Angeles in 2022 for Super Bowl LVI.

Pike doesn’t take any of it for granted and admits he loves his job.

“I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by amazingly talented people,” he said. “Working with others who have different backgrounds, all with the same purpose and goals...I get to be around people I can learn from every single day.”

That willingness to learn from others goes back to his days at BSU, where he got involved with sports production under Associate Director of Athletics & Recreation Operations Glenn Gonsalves and received overall guidance from James Moore, an instructor with the Department of Communication. Both, Pike said, were integral in his growth.

“I had been undecided when I first got to 91�� in terms of what I wanted to do, but soon realized I really liked making videos and fell in love with it,” Pike said.

He also gained valuable work experience as an intern for the Brockton Rox and worked for BTV Access Corporation, better known as 91�� Community Television.

“That experience really helped me learn how to run and direct a show,” Pike said.

After graduating from BSU with a degree in communications, things happened fast. He was first hired by Dirty Water Media in Boston to create features and film content. Through that job he met someone within the Boston Red Sox organization. Soon he interviewed for and was offered a job as production assistant for the organization.

“Yep, I got the job and was able to witness the Red Sox go to the World Series. It’s interesting, since I left that job, they’ve declined,” Pike joked. “But really, it was a great experience being part of that team and organization.”

He then moved on to work as chief editor for Medfield TV, a local access television station before venturing out on his own as a freelancer.

“Starting your freelance journey during COVID – not the easiest,” Pike said.

Around this time, he reached out to his former employer at 91�� Community Television. That’s when he became aware of the opportunity at Draft Kings.

“In every position I’ve had, I’ve been able to use all the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my journey,” Pike said.

As for the next chapter in his career? He’s unsure but can’t wait to see what happens next.

“I’ve been fortunate to be in this amazing position to cover both the World Series and Super Bowl. The next step would have to be covering the Stanley Cup or NBA Championship,” Pike said. “We’ll just have to see what the road opens up for me and go from there.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The connections I made at 91�� have made it easier to broaden my horizons and figure out the trajectory of my career.

Thomas Pike, '17

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Alumni Profile

Communications