Class of 2025

‘Champions for Good’

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 16 May 2025 20:08:40 +0000

‘Champions for Good’ BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 05/16/2025 - 16:08

Undergraduate Class of 2025 receives surprise financial gift at commencement

May 16, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Emily Nasuti was already thrilled to see her years of studying and writing essays pay off by earning a bachelor’s degree. Then security guards brought large black duffle bags onto the Gillette Stadium stage.

The bags contained more than $1 million dollars from philanthropist and honorary degree recipient Robert Hale Jr. – enough so every graduate in attendance received $1,000.

“I started crying,” said Emily, a social work major from Sandwich. “It was immediate tears. I was very surprised and excited. I felt really recognized.”

Hale, the founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, told graduates to keep $500 for themselves and donate $500 to a cause or person who needs it more than they do. The money came in individual envelopes decorated by Brockton schoolchildren.

“We’re proud of you. These are turbulent times, chaotic times. You guys have weathered the storm,” Hale said, adding: “Our community needs your help, your leadership, your empathy now more than ever.”

Emily plans to give the $500 to her younger sister when she graduates high school while English major Lizzy Hart of Peabody plans to support her sister, who has been out of work recovering from surgery.

Lizzy said the big surprise shows how BSU “cares about the future of their students and they want to reward them for their hard work.”

Hale, who has contributed more than $400 million in support of cancer research, educational institutions and numerous other charitable causes, reflected on his achievements and failures in business. He encouraged graduates to take chances as those ultimately lead to successes.

New this year, the more than 1,400 graduates included members of the EXCEL Program, who exuberantly crossed the stage to receive their certificates. EXCEL is a fully inclusive post-secondary program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These students share experiences with their college peers and grow academically, socially and professionally while learning independent living skills.

“It means a lot to me,” said Bethany Garcia, an EXCEL student from Franklin. “It means that I have accomplished a lot and that I can handle anything life throws at me.”

With a goal of working in childcare, Bethany is moving to Florida to live independently - something she never thought would have been possible without BSU.

“The impact that 91�� has had on me is that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and I can get through with the right mindset and determination,” Bethany said.

This year’s commencement also held special meaning for President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, whose daughter was among the graduates. Vocalizing a sentiment undoubtedly shared by many supporters in the audience, Clark reflected on how quickly Reilly grew from a young child into a college graduate.

With a degree in special education and math, Reilly is ready to become an educator who will positively shape the lives of future generations of students. Reilly and her classmates have demonstrated resilience while supporting and caring for each other, Clark said.

“You have secured your place in BSU’s hall of fame,” he said. “Now we will watch as you move the world one person at a time, one good deed at a time. …Let the world know your name by being champions for others, by being champions for good.”

Student speaker Haley March, a childhood studies major from Pembroke, encouraged her fellow graduates to carry with them “the courage to make a difference” as they enter the next phase of their lives.

“Being a college student has taught me that learning doesn’t just come from the textbooks. It comes from each other,” Haley said, adding: “College is about discovering who we are and who we want to become. It is about realizing that we don’t have all the answers, but we definitely do have the tools to find them.”

As they prepared to process onto the field, Katie Johanson and her fellow graduates reflected on the professors who believed in them and the unparalleled opportunities at 91��. Katie, who is from Old Town, Maine and aspires to work in publishing, was able to edit The Bridge, BSU’s student-produced art and literary journal.

“91�� is unique from a lot of other universities in that there are many opportunities for you to get published as an undergrad,” said Katie, who minored in communication studies. “The professors help you achieve your dreams.… It’s been so much more than I ever thought would be possible.”

History major Brennen Savery of Brewster praised all of his history professors for teaching a diverse range of perspectives on the past.

“It is surreal,” they said. “All the hard work you put into it is paying off.”

Alexis Gatzimas, of Raynham, entered 91�� as a nontraditional student. She initially went to art school but left and became a hairdresser. Deep down, Alexis knew she had knack for teaching and came to BSU to earn a degree in studio art and secondary education.

“For so many years in my life, I didn’t think I would be here,” Alexis said. “It’s extremely rewarding and gratifying.”

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

You have secured your place in BSU’s hall of fame. Now we will watch as you move the world one person at a time, one good deed at a time. …Let the world know your name by being champions for others, by being champions for good.

President Frederick W. Clark Jr.

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Class of 2025

Photo by Charlie Peters, G'20

'Years of Dedication, Growth and Perseverance'

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 15 May 2025 23:10:11 +0000

'Years of Dedication, Growth and Perseverance' HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 05/15/2025 - 19:10

More than 400 graduate students receive degrees at Gillette Stadium

May 15, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Katelyn D, G’25, took a moment to reflect on the journey that brought her to the commencement stage at Gillete Stadium where she was about to collect her master’s in social work.

“This is an accomplishment that is entirely mine and I deserve to relish in it,” Katelyn said.

There were times when she wasn’t sure she could do it.

Two weeks prior to starting graduate school at 91��, Katelyn relapsed after seven years of sobriety.

“I couldn’t get sober again for two years, despite my best efforts,” she said.

Determined to get sober, she coordinated treatments around her learning.

“I didn’t give up and school kept me going. I had to be at school. I had to get my assignments in. I had to give it my best,” Katelyn said.

She recently celebrated her one-year sobriety anniversary and proudly graduated with the rest of the BSU graduating class on Thursday, May 15.

“My degree is my badge of honor,” Katelyn said. “I have earned it with formal education and with the wisdom that’s come from my life experiences. It means that my pain is not for nothing.”

Originally from Kenya, Ismael Michael Kibiro Kahiu, was presented with the Distinguished Graduate Research-Project award during the ceremony. He experienced his own set obstacles before receiving a master’s in public administration with a concentration in non-profit and civic leadership.

Being an international student and adapting to cultural changes was difficult at times, and that included the dramatic shift in weather that New England offers.

“Vitamin D deficiency is real,” Ismael said. “But in general, I sometimes found my stress levels to be highly elevated being in a new country.”

He credits alumni and BSU volunteers Gloria Moran, G’69, Evelyn Delitus ’63, as well as Dr. Wing-Kai To, assistant provost, Global Engagement for helping him find his way.

“I have (also) received immense support from the President’s office. 91�� is student centric, and I felt it. My experience at BSU has been exceptional, I do not want to leave,” Ismael said.

During the ceremony, President Frederick W. Clark Jr delivered his remarks to the 482 graduate students.

“We are exceptionally proud of you, you have all earned this moment,” Clark said. “Your journey at BSU has not been easy, but with family and friends in the thousands here cheering you on we honor that journey. You moved personal mountains to get here.”

Student-speaker Jane Meyrick also offered words of inspiration. Diagnosed with autism at 26, Jane shared her journey of retrospection and declared that obstacles are sometimes gifts.

“I’ve come to realize that these qualities are my superpowers,” Jane said. “But I also know that I’m not alone in this. Every one of us here has faced their own transformative moments, those tests of will that stretched our limits and shaped the people we are today.”

Honorary Degree recipient and keynote speaker Joel Weissman, ’72, a successful family law and matrimonial attorney, shared words of wisdom, that he too knows what it’s like to overcome obstacles.

“I appreciate those silent battles, those unspoken dreams and sacrifices,” Weissman said. “Appreciate this part of your life and know that people here are deeply concerned about your success then, now and in the future.”

Susan Joss received a Distinguished Service Award for her work as the former chief executive officer of the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center.

During the ceremony Chief of Staff and Vice President for Planning and Strategy Dr. Deniz Zeynep Leuenberger also presented The Distinguished Graduate Thesis Award to Emma Sandra Shaley who received a master’s in English.

As the graduates celebrated their moment, Double Bear Christopher Wood, ’22, G’25, a fourth-grade teacher who grew up three miles down the road from Gillette Stadium, was not only excited but also a little bit relieved to be earning a master’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in STEM.

“Crossing the stage is incredibly meaningful to me. It represents years of dedication, growth and perseverance,” he said.

Commencement removed any doubts that manifested along the way.

“There were times the journey felt overwhelming, but standing with the symbolic degree in hand, it’s a reminder that all challenges are worth it,” Christopher said.

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

There were times the journey felt overwhelming, but standing with the symbolic degree in hand, it’s a reminder that all challenges are worth it.

Christopher Wood, '22, G'25

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Class of 2025

Teachable Moment

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 07 May 2025 20:17:19 +0000

Teachable Moment BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 05/07/2025 - 16:17

Commencement speaker to focus on her education journey

May 8, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Haley March, ’25, might be the coolest staff member at Pembroke’s Hobomock Elementary School – at least in the eyes of her young students.

That’s because BSU named the childhood studies major as the student commencement speaker at next week’s undergraduate ceremony at Gillette Stadium.

“They were so happy and so excited,” Haley said of sharing the news with the youngsters she serves as a paraprofessional. “They couldn’t stop asking if I was going to be on the Jumbotron.”

Haley’s face will indeed grace the largest outdoor stadium video board in the country when she steps up to the podium to address the Class of 2025. Haley said she is honored to share her story as a transfer student who found a welcoming community at 91�� State after opting to attend school closer to her Pembroke home.

“I really appreciated all the work 91�� does to have students be involved,” said Haley, who joined the sorority Gamma Phi Beta and enjoyed going to homecoming festivities. “I really appreciate 91�� having a great community.”

Haley, who completed a minor in literacy studies, wants to pursue a career in education because she enjoys seeing children grow and helping them reach their full potential. She also coaches basketball and aspires to teach kindergarteners.

At BSU, she learned how to support students inside and outside of the classroom by following the model her professors provided through their own teaching.

“I’m so thankful for all of the professors that have helped me,” said Haley, who worked full time throughout her undergraduate education. “They helped me balance work and school life. I’m so grateful for everyone who took the time to connect with me personally. That’s what I hope to carry with me as a teacher.”

Her advisor, Dr. Marlene Correia, praised Haley as a driven, motivated and well-rounded student who was eager to ask questions and map out a successful academic plan at 91�� State.

“Haley is representative of the strong and determined students at BSU who persevere to reach their goals,” said Correia, an associate professor of literacy education. “She is dynamic and hard-working. She has a positive influence on people and will undoubtedly impact the lives of many children in her future career, too.”

But first Haley will ask her fellow graduates to reflect on their time at BSU, including their successes and personal growth. Those accomplishments, she said, are fuel for pushing through life’s inevitable uncertainties.

“91�� had a huge impact on me as a teacher and as a person, too,” she said. “I can see how important it is to really adapt to every student’s needs. 91�� has given me the tools to teach to the best of my potential for every child.”

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

91�� had a huge impact on me as a teacher and as a person, too. I can see how important it is to really adapt to every student’s needs. 91�� has given me the tools to teach to the best of my potential for every child.

Haley March, ’25

Tags

Class of 2025

Photo by Kendell French, '25

Changing Mindsets

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 06 May 2025 18:12:43 +0000

Changing Mindsets HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 05/06/2025 - 14:12

Graduate to discuss her life with autism during commencement speech

May 13, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Jane Meyrick, ’21, G’25, knew early on her brain processed information differently, often creating challenges, particularly in school.

“I didn’t speak until I was one, I didn’t speak full sentences until I was four. I had an IEP (Individualized Education Program) all throughout my schooling, starting in preschool,” Jane said.

As she struggled, Jane sometimes found herself the target of bullying from classmates. Her frustration grew.

“I knew something was different, but no one would explain it to me,” Jane said. “It’s almost as if I had a mark, or ink on my face...everyone was staring at me, but no one would tell me I had ink on my face.”

Finally, at the age of 26, she got an answer: Jane was autistic.

Now armed with the “why,” she wants to share her story to help other neurodivergent people. She will have her chance during 91��’s graduate commencement ceremony on May 15, as Jane was selected to be student speaker.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to share my message. I feel like this is my first step in being a leader,” she said.

Because of her speech patterns, throughout her life, people often interrupt Jane when she speaks.

“To be able to have this opportunity to share my message, to have everyone’s focused attention...I’m really excited to be an intelligent autistic woman on display, to show I’m educated and shut down every illogical argument (about autistic people),” she said.

Jane earned undergraduate degrees in earth science and secondary education in 2021. She will now have a master’s degree in higher education administration.

The double Bear plans on taking what she’s learned and using it to change legislation and policies, and to create a more holistic approach when it comes to education.

“Give me a glass hammer so I can smash the glass ceiling,” Jane said. “Being neurodivergent, I want to change people’s perspectives, mindsets and language surrounding our community.”

To further the cause, she also hopes to launch a podcast titled, “Universal Humanity,” to discuss current events, and advocate for those who struggle with finding their place in the world, emphasizing the importance of education.

“At the end of the day, no matter what language you speak, no matter the color of your skin, your religion, your background, who you love...everyone should be educated, that’s how we evolve as a species,” Jane said.

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

At the end of the day, no matter what language you speak, no matter the color of your skin, your religion, your background, who you love...everyone should be educated, that’s how we evolve as a species.

Jane Meyrick, ’21, G’25

Tags

Class of 2025

Commencement

Photo by Kendell French, '25