Several years ago, Ann Sylvia, ’18, lost 100 unwanted pounds through simple diet modification and daily exercise. That experience inspired her to tackle the obesity crisis currently facing the United States. 

Her research on the subject has earned her an invitation to Posters on the Hill in Washington, D.C., the most competitive undergraduate-research showcase in the country. It is held in the Rayburn Building of the U.S. House of Representatives on Capitol Hill, and each year outstanding undergraduate research projects from across the U.S. are selected for presentation. 

Congressional representatives, senators, their staff members, and the employees of numerous governmental agencies – including the National Science Foundation –are invited to hear about research conducted by the best and brightest undergraduate students in the U.S. 

This marks the eighth year in a row that BSU has had at least one student accepted to Posters on the Hill. This is tops in the country.

Ann, who is double majoring in physical education and exercise science, said her research is something very personal

“Losing the weight and becoming significantly physically active changed my life in many ways,” she said. “Having lived with obesity myself, I knew I wanted to help others and change our health care system to empower others to beat obesity.”

The New Bedford native was awarded a 2017 Adrian Tinsley Program (ATP) summer grant to conduct research on “exercise as medicine,” mentored by Dr. Jennifer Mead, assistant professor of Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure Studies. 

Ann’s study, “Understanding Patient Experiences with Healthcare Providers and Exercise Promotion,” explored the type of information patients receive about regular exercise from primary healthcare providers, or PHPs. 

“I believe exercise needs to be prescribed as medicine, because exercise is both preventative and curative in nature, and patients who present with obesity should be referred to an exercise physiologist, just like we refer patients who present with signs of cancer to an oncologist,” Ann said.

Through the study, Ann found while patients are being encouraged by PHPs to engage in exercise for improved health, not enough information is being provided to help patients identify a qualified exercise professional to support and guide exercise efforts. 

“While my research is not science heavy, it is absolutely an urgent subject and I am honored to be recognized for the importance of my research,” Ann said. “I am excited to head to Washington to talk with lawmakers about the importance of improving the health of our nation through physical activity.”

Dr. Karim Ismaili, provost and vice president of academic affairs congratulated Ann on being selected. 

“Your success is something we all take great pride in,” Dr. Ismaili said. “The topic is important, one that deserves to be the focus of attention in our nation’s capital.”

Ann will present at Posters on the Hill in the Rayburn House Office Building on April 18. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

Nearly 80 undergraduates from Bridgewater and other universities will share the results of their research on topics ranging from NAFTA to immigration when the Canadian Studies Department hosts its annual spring symposium this Friday. 

Since its inception 12 years ago, the symposium has brought together scholars to present their research on subjects related to US-Canadian relations. But in a change, this year’s forum is dedicated to undergraduate research.

Set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dunn conference rooms, “Canada, the United States and Quebec in the Age of Trump,” will feature presentations by 78 students –  individually and in teams –  in 12 panels chaired by faculty members.

More than 50 of the students are from BSU, with the remainder from eight other US and Canadian colleges and universities, according to Dr. Andrew Holman, a professor of history and director of the university’s Canadian Studies Program.

“I’m very excited. I think this brings a new kind of energy to our offerings at BSU,” he said. “And there’s nothing more exciting than to see undergraduate researchers discovering what presenting their work really means in terms of the effort required and the responses they get and the contacts they make with their peers.”

Dr. Holman said the decision to try a new format this year was prompted in part by the success of BSU’s undergraduate research program under the leadership of its former director Dr. Jenny Shanahan, now an assistant provost. 

“She’s been an inspiration to me,” he said. “I thought why not do what we can to bring students together around something like Canadian-American relations.”

Erin Best, ’19, one of the symposium participants, will present her paper on “The Emergence of White Nationalism in United States Politics.” The work draws on an honors paper the Brockton resident wrote last semester about the Ku Klux Klan’s targeting of Franco-Americans in the 1920s, and her more recent research on how they fought that bigotry –   notably through the ballot box.

“My main theme is that often voting can be a tool to combat racial hatred,” she said.

Ms. Best said she looks forward to the symposium as a chance to “share my knowledge and my research with other people,” and to prepare herself for making future research presentations when she pursues a graduate degree. (Story by John Laidler for University News)

Following an extensive nationwide search, Dr. Joseph A. Oravecz has been appointed by Bridgewater State University as vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. 

Dr. Oravecz, who will begin his duties July 1, , brings more than 25 years of student affairs experience to the position. 

“Dr. Oravecz is a thoughtful, engaging, inclusive and collaborative leader who shares BSU’s deep commitment to student success,” said President Frederick W. Clark Jr.“I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

Dr. Oravecz is currently the vice chancellor for Student Affairs at Montana State University Billings. There, he led major initiatives in enrollment management, student orientation, student mental health and behavioral intervention. He created a student leader advisory board and has been deeply engaged in the greater Billings community, including being elected to the city’s Board of Education. Prior to Montana State, Dr. Oravecz served as the dean of the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Nebraska Kearney, and as associate vice president for Student Affairs at Bowling Green State University.

He received his PhD in higher education administration from Florida State University, an M.A. in higher education and student affairs from Ohio State University and his B.A. from Gettysburg College. 

In joining BSU, Dr. Oravecz returns to his New England roots, as he grew up in Connecticut and previously served as dean of students at the University of Bridgeport. 

For the past two years, Dr. Margaret Jablonski has held the position of interim vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Managemen.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? For the Bridgewater State University Chamber Singers, the famous punchline to that query, “practice,” rings true.

The dozen members of the Chamber Singers are hard at work preparing to perform with groups from around the world next month at the famed New York City concert venue. Grammy-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre will lead the concert, which features his music and is part of the Distinguished Concerts International New York concert series.

“It’s a lot of work but it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Taylor Eckstrom, a senior music education major from Scituate and member of the Chamber Singers.

Fellow member Angela Maloney, a senior from Whitman studying music performance, added: “It’s like every singer’s dream to get to Carnegie Hall.”

Other ensembles in the concert come from as far away as Dubai, United Arab Emirates, (Dubai Chamber Choir) and as close as Groton (The Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Chamber Chorus). 

BSU students began preparing for the performance in the fall and have honed their craft during formal rehearsals and their free time.

Taylor, who is a fan of Whitacre, learned about the performance opportunity online. The group submitted a video of a concert and was accepted.

Travel is nothing new for the Chamber Singers, which draws its members from the larger University Chorale. The group’s tours have taken it to venues around the United States and Europe. But, this is different since the singers will rehearse and perform with Whitacre. And, it marks the first time, to music professor Dr. Steven Young’s knowledge, that a BSU group has performed at Carnegie Hall.

“I’m excited for them,” said Dr. Young, who directs the Chamber Singers. “This is such a unique opportunity.”

The performance is also an honor for the university.

“There is a level of excellence here that is recognized, and I think that’s important,” he said.

Taylor and Angela are excited to rehearse with Whitacre and, of course, step onto the Carnegie Hall stage.

Singing on stage will be like “magic,” Angela said.

Students also look forward to making lasting memories together.

“It’s really exciting to do it as a group,” Taylor said. “These are all my friends.”

Other students performing at Carnegie Hall include Colleen McDonough, Dawna Vella, Cara Daybre, Kalee Lucier-Hill,Kyra Kephart, Kate Karl-Morin, Xavier Cosme, Patrick Dauwer, Robert Gariepy III and Tristen Fuller.

The concert is set for 1 p.m. on April 8. More information and tickets can be found at Distinguished Concerts International New York’s website. (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

In a recent visit to BSU, Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo highlighted the importance of forging partnerships and preparing students for their careers.

“Employers are not only filling jobs from within the workforce, they are now hiring people who are unemployed, underemployed or just entering the workforce,” Speaker DeLeo told a Metro South Chamber of Commerce legislative luncheon Tuesday.

Officials must continue to work to connect businesses and schools and teach students so they have a competitive edge, said Speaker DeLeo, D-Winthrop.

BSU and Massasoit Community College sponsored the luncheon, which was held in RCC ballroom. Attendees also heard from President Frederick W. Clark Jr., Massasoit Interim President William Mitchell and Brockton Mayor William Carpenter.

Presidents Clark and Mitchell, both BSU graduates, praised partnerships such as one that allows Massasoit students to move seamlessly to Bridgewater State. BSU, President Clark said, is almost halfway to its goal of having 1,000 paid internships. The presidents also praised state investment in programs at their institutions.

The internships and other programs come as baby boomers are retiring and fewer students are in the pipeline to take their places, President Clark said.

Mayor Carpenter outlined the need for more state education funding for Brockton and other gateway cities as well as his vision for allowing recreational marijuana businesses in his city in a way that brings in tax revenue and protects residents’ quality of life.

Speaker DeLeo said state officials understand the concerns about funding K-12 education. He highlighted efforts to invest in education, reform health care and connect Bay State businesses with one another.

The state’s talented workforce is a major draw for new businesses. And, thanks to the work of institutions like Bridgewater State and Massasoit, employers can find high-quality talent throughout the state, the speaker said.

“I look at ourselves as a commonwealth, a true commonwealth,” he said. “It’s not just about Boston and Cambridge or the Greater Boston area. It’s about what we’re trying to do throughout the commonwealth of Massachusetts.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

Twenty-eight “phenomenal” women were recognized for their contributions to the Bridgewater State University community during a reception held at the Dunn conference suite on Tuesday.

The BSU Chapter of Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education (MWPHE) hosted the inaugural affair.

“We wanted to recognize the unsung heroes on campus and shine a light on those doing a good job behind the scenes,” said Alexis Conley, prospect relations and university advancement event coordinator for Alumni Relations.

In early March, as part of National Women’s Month, the MWPHE Bridgewater chapter reached out to faculty and staff seeking phenomenal women nominations; looking to recognize those who go above and beyond what their job description entails.  

Dr. Deniz Zeynep Leuenberge, chief of staff and interim vice president for External Affairs congratulated the 28 nominees.

“It’s wonderful to be in a roomful of people who are inspirations to each other and our students,” Dr. Leuenberge said. “We build upon the success of each other.”

Those recognized at the reception included, Carolyn Anderson, staff assistant for the Center for Advancement of Research and Scholarship; Donna Balkcom, reproduction services supervisor for the copy center and print shop; Kelley Baran, director of Information Technology and administrative systems; Dr. Jessica Birthisel, assistant professor Communication Studies; Dr. Margaret Brooks, director of the Center for Economic Education and director of the Office of Financial Literacy initiatives; Kathy Brown, Alumni Relations; Valerie Cabral, coordinator, Office of Collections and Financial Counseling; Gael DeIuliis, assistant director New Student and Family Programs; Eva Gaffney, assistant vice president and chief marketing officer, Marketing and Communications; Debra Gould, area coordinator, Residence Life and Housing; Beth Gracia, administrative assistant, College of Education and Allied Studies; Jolanta Grodecki, Facilities Management and custodial services; Dr. Maria Hegbloom, assistant professor, Communication Studies; Dr. Cindy Kane, special assistant to the provost for academic innovation; Melinda Lamoureux, associate director, Facilities Management; Laura Machado, staff associate, President’s Office; Katie-Ann Mason, associate director, Graduate Admissions; Dr. Melanie McNaughton, professor communication studies; Dr. Jenna Mendell, associate professor biological sciences; Lee Ann Needham, administrative assistant facilities management and customer service; Ann Reichert, administrative assistant economics;  Dr. Irina Seceleanu, associate professor, Mathematics; Dr. Thomasena Shaw, associate professor Communication Studies; Maria Soares, management, Custodial Services; Sonya Soloway administrative assistant, Student Employment; Suzanne Tjoelker, assistant registrar, Dr. Hui Zhang, assistant professor, Communication Studies.

Ms. Conley, was also one of the nominees recognized for her work in University Advancement.

It was Ms. Conley, who serves on the MWPHE statewide organization, Tracy Charbonnier, treasurer for the MWHPE statewide organization, and others who campaigned to bring a MWPHE chapter to BSU.

“We really wanted to bring MWPHE here to create events where women on campus can get together to stay connected,” said Ms. Charbonnier, staff associate in the College of Education and Allied Studies.

The Phenomenal Women Reception will be an annual event, Ms. Conley said. 

“The goal is to continue to make connections, to recognize these women and their contribution. This is what makes the campus run,” she said. (Story and photo by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

Dr. Wing-kai To and Rebekah Caylor are set to embark for Africa on separate grant-funded projects, thanks in part to the university’s participation in the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (MWF).

Ms. Caylor, a Bridgewater resident and Lakeville police dispatcher, is traveling to Angola in June, while Dr. To, academic director of the Minnock Institute for Global Engagement, will travel to Uganda in May. 

Ms. Caylor and Dr. To have each received reciprocal exchange grants in partnership with African colleagues. The $5,000 grants fund the Americans’ travel to Africa, where they will seek to promote continued collaboration with the fellows who visited the United States through the MWF program.

“I’m terrified to travel (to Africa) by myself but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how they handle things there and show them how we handle things here and meet new and interesting people,” Ms. Caylor said of her journey to Huambo, Angola.

There, she will see a familiar face in Maria Rosa Celeste Segunda Dias, an employee in the Angolan prison service who visited campus last summer as part of the MWF program. Ms. Caylor took part in the fellowship as a “peer collaborator.”

Dr. To is partnering with Jacquiline Amongin, a member of parliament in Uganda, and a representative to the Pan-African Parliament.

While in Africa, Dr. To plans to lecture about international relations between Africa and the United States and China. He also hopes to learn more about Uganda and the challenges it faces around topics such as agriculture, poverty and development. He hopes to explore future collaborations between Bridgewater State and Uganda.

“I think it’s an important step for Bridgewater State to have more people go to Africa to exchange ideas,” said Dr. To, who is also a history professor.

Dr. Wendy Haynes, interim assistant provost for global engagement, is accompanying Dr. To on the trip.

Ms. Caylor, who is also a matron for local police, plans to talk with Africans about how women working in prisons and police stations can be liaisons between male officers and female detainees and reduce the potential for false allegations of sexual misconduct. She also hopes to provide sexual harassment and CPR training.

Ms. Caylor plans to visit an Angolan prison and anticipates learning from her African peers as well as teaching them. And, she is confident the fellowship program has sparked an international friendship.

“I’ve got a sister across the ocean now, absolutely,” she said of Ms. Dias. “She’s just got a heart for service and that’s what I have a passion for as well.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

Three short films with ties to Bridgewater State University are among the top 25 Campus Movie Fest films of all time and being featured on Amazon’s Prime Video.

Campus Movie Fest, a student film festival founded in 2001, and Prime Video recently announced a partnership where the top 25 films, out of more than 20,000 submissions, are available for viewing on Amazon’s subscription streaming service. Top films from 2017-2018 will eventually be available on Prime Video.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video to bring our students’ stories to a world-wide service,” Michael Seminer, vice president of partnerships for Ideas United and Campus Movie Fest, said in a statement. “This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the work of these young filmmakers, and continue to inspire the next generation of storytellers.”

The top 25 films include ones directed by Alex Perry, (Grow Grass Grow), James Sass (That Good Night) and Kevin Eam (Unattainable: A Ninja Story) while they were BSU students.

“It’s an awesome honor, very humbling,” said Mr. Perry, a former student who now works as a filmmaker in Los Angeles. “Campus Movie Fest is a huge opportunity for student filmmakers that I hope every student filmmaker comes to learn about.”

The top 25 films include a mixture of national award winners and Campus Movie Fest staff favorites.

Grow Grass Grow, which won Best Comedy in 2010, shows how an animal lover and lawn aficionado responds when groundhogs begin tearing up his lawn. Unattainable: A Ninja Story, which won Best Cinematography in 2011, focuses on a man who must confront his past. That Good Night is about dreaming and is a staff pick. 

Campus Movie Fest challenges students to produce five-minute films in a week and provides them the technology to do so. Perry said the tight timeframe is difficult but prepares students for having to meet other deadlines.

Bridgewater State has taken part in Campus Movie Fest for about a decade. Films made by BSU students have won a variety of awards.

“I think it says Bridgewater State is a hidden gem,” Mr. Perry said of having three BSU films in the top 25. “Going to Bridgewater was one of the best experiences of my life, hands down.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

This past January, Christopher Ernest, G’07, was named partner of BlumShapiro, a business advisory firm, which has offices throughout New England.

Mr. Ernest, who lives in Hanson with his wife, Kristin Ernest, ’01; and their sons Cameron, 6; and Cooper, 3; received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Stonehill College.

When it came time to continue his education, he found Bridgewater State University offered the most flexible schedule for him to pursue a master’s degree in management with a concentration in accounting and finance.

Within two years, Mr. Ernest earned his master’s by taking evening classes, all the while working full-time.

“Going into Bridgewater I didn’t know what to expect, but I was very impressed,” Mr. Ernest, 35, said. “The faculty and their commitment to students is ‘all in’ even for an evening student. It was just really professional grade all the way.”

He credits the BSU professors and class content for helping him prepare for the certified public accountant exam. “They had a good knowledge of what the educational requirements are to become a CPA,” he said.

Upon receiving his master’s, Mr. Ernest was able to complete and pass all four sections of the CPA exam in one year. It was the combination of studying at Bridgewater State and real-world experience working full-time that helped him pass each section on the first try, he said.

“Bridgewater students have some of the highest pass rates on the CPA exam,” Mr. Ernest said. “It’s much higher than other schools. Don’t get me wrong, I studied hard, but the Bridgewater education piece was huge for me.”

Now a partner at his firm, Mr. Ernest works well over 40 hours each week, helping clients in areas that include budget management, long-term planning, taxes and acquisitions. He loves his work and said for those considering a career in accounting and finance, there is more to the job than sitting behind a desk crunching numbers.

“I get to help people see what makes a business successful and what makes a business fail. I will come into the office and touch base with 10 different business owners and deal with 10 different issues,” he said. “So much of my day is spent on the phone helping clients.  It’s exciting and never gets boring.” (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

Ten years after BSU geography Professors James Hayes-Bohanan and Vernon Domingo began bringing EarthView to Massachusetts classrooms, the university is about to mark a milestone in its use of the giant inflatable globe as a teaching tool.

Sometime this year, the program will log its 100,000th participant, an achievement BSU is celebrating with a June ceremony.

Earthview is 20 feet tall when inflated and features a hand-painted exterior map of the earth’s surface, showing rivers, continents, and other geographic features. Inside is a portable geography classroom revealing those same details but from the inside looking out, providing viewers with new perspectives on them. It was created 20 years ago by engineer David Knudson, and acquired by a small education company, which began taking it to area schools.

When Drs. Hayes-Bohanan and Domingo heard about it in 2008, they knew it could be an important tool for the work they do.

“We immediately thought this was an intriguing way to think and teach about geography,” recalled Dr. Domingo, now a professor emeritus of geography.

Spurred by the enthusiasm of the two professors, who believed the inflatable globe could help their efforts to promote expanded teaching of geography in Massachusetts, BSU acquired EarthView that year.

Since then, Drs. Hayes-Bohanan and Domingo – co-coordinators of the program – have brought EarthView to schools each Friday during the school year – mostly to middle schools, where geography is primarily taught. Including displays at other venues such as the State House, EarthView has seen close to 500 visits.

Piquing students’ curiosity about geography is a primary goal of the two professors, who are assisted in their school visits by BSU students and a retired geography teacher, Rosalie Sokol.

When students enter the gyms where EarthView is displayed, “we see their jaws visibly drop” at the sight of the globe, Dr. Domingo said. “That means you have immediately created an environment where learning can really take place.”

Lilly Ogden, a Littleton Middle School teacher who has hosted EarthView, said, “When the students step inside the globe and see the world from a different perspective, it’s a unique addition to our study of world geography.”

North Andover Middle School teacher Robert Poirier said EarthView is the top attraction at the annual Family Geography Night that he organizes at the school.

“No matter how many times I have ‘gone inside the Earth,’ it never ceases to amaze me,” he said. “The size, the plate lines, the colors, and of course the amazing instruction provided by James and Vernon make it an experience that not only I but my students will remember for a long time.”

Dr. Hayes-Bohanan said he enjoys showing students that “geography can be a lifelong pursuit and not just a box to check off…. We are letting people see it is still a vibrant and essential discipline.” (Story by John Laidler, University News Ashley Harris, '13)

As he battles cystic fibrosis, Josh Napolitano knows he likely will not live as long as his peers. But, that isn’t stopping the 26-year-old from leaving a lasting imprint through art.

“I want to do something that’s immediately gratifying and something I can shape and leave a mark with,” said Mr. Napolitano, ’14, a sculptor who earned a physics degree from Bridgewater State University and has since taken art classes at BSU.

Mr. Napolitano has a dozen sculptures on exhibit through Friday, March 30, in Hunt Hall. The display, which features works of varying shapes and sizes, marks his first solo exhibit.

Mr. Napolitano, who lives in Kingston, has always been an artist. He began focusing on sculpting after his brother, Jesse, died several years ago from cystic fibrosis, a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs.

“I picked up art again and started building things in the garage,” he recalled.

Mr. Napolitano, who wears a respirator while sculpting, decided to enroll in art classes at BSU and praised supportive professors such as John Hooker.

“It was great. It was everything I needed at the time,” he said. “From there, it really turned into what I needed in the long-term. I really enjoy what I’m doing.”

The university helped Mr. Napolitano grow and “turned me into who I am, for sure,” he said.

While his works do not have a specific message, they represent the intersection of art and his interest in architecture, math and physics. The exhibit, called “Carrying a Torch: Two Years in Steel,” includes masks, a lamp made from part of an industrial loom with the shape of a human hand cut from it, and a concrete and steel sculpture depicting a curve he learned about while studying physics.

He hopes the BSU exhibit will be a launching pad toward finding studio space and showing his work elsewhere.

“Whenever I finish something, it’s never done,” he said. “In my head, there’s always more to do.” (Brian Benson, University News; photos by Lindsay O’Leary)

The Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center auditorium on a recent evening was packed full of young women seeking advice from alumni who were once in their shoes as undergraduates, and who have since carved out successful careers for themselves.

Alumni Relations and Career Services hosted the Women’s Panel and Networking Event as part of National Women’s History Month.

Panelists included K.K. Rumrill, ’92, senior vice president of trial management services at DrugDev; Alison Cook Fitzpatrick, ’93, head of talent and learning at Fidelity Investments; Cathleen Warren McElligott, ’90, vice president of merchandise finance at BJ’s Wholesale Club; and Lisa Tamulynas, ’10, a project specialist at DrugDev.

Assistant Director of University Advancement and Development Tiffany Macauley emceed the event.

Panelists encouraged members of the mostly female audience to better advocate for themselves in the workplace, and also discussed the life-work balance, the importance of networking, and the benefits of mentors.

All of the panelists agreed that an area where women struggle is when asking for what they want and knowing their worth.

In her 20-plus years as a manager Ms. Rumrill said that during negotiations 90 percent of men counteroffered while only two women have ever sought more money upon being hired.

There is nothing wrong with asking for more, said Ms. Tamulynas.

 “Women are taught, you get what you get and that’s good enough. But the worse that can happen is they say no,” she said.

No matter what career path one chooses, Ms. Fitzpatrick said once you get your foot in the door what really matters is the effort you put in and the connections you make.

“Networking and the relationships I’ve made are important,” she said. “Take advantage of the relationships you have; and, in a positive, genuine way, maintain those relationships.”

Ms. McElligott added that all students entering the work force should create a LinkedIn account.

“Before you graduate make sure you get one,” she said.

Above all else, the panelists said it’s important to believe in yourself, realize you don’t have to stick to a set plan, and to remember that self-care is part of creating a life-work balance.

“Appreciate the moment you’re in and do not get distracted about where you’ll be in the future,” Ms. Fitzpatrick said. (Story and photos by Heather Harris Michonski, University News) 

Senior Jason Ross recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a Generation Next forum to share in conversations with President Donald J. Trump and panelists Ivanka Trump, adviser to the president; Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president; and Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. 

Jason, the current chairman of the Massachusetts Alliance of College Republicans, was one of 100 young leaders from across the country invited to the capitol on March 22 to discuss topics impacting the millennial generation, including the ongoing opioid crisis, small business opportunities and freedom of speech on college campuses.

“It was a huge honor. I am very impressed that the Trump Administration did this,” Jason said. “It shows they care specifically about millennial issues we face. It’s important that we were heard.”

He said he is pleased to hear the administration has plans in place to tackle the opioid crisis, and said the videos attendees viewed, as part of the crisisnextdoor.gov media campaign, were impactful. The website shares testimonials of those battling drug addiction. 

“I encourage everyone to watch them. They are very raw and real,” he said.  

During the forum, Jason posed a question regarding fentanyl and asked if the federal government is willing to do anything about changing the classification of the drug from a Class B to a Class A.

“In Massachusetts, it’s not classified as a Class A drug. A Class B drug that means dealers can’t be charged as traffickers – which means a minimum sentence and gives dealers less to worry about,” Jason said.

Panelists responded to the question and agreed it is a problem and suggested Congress take action.

The West Bridgewater native will graduate this spring with a degree in political science, and has hopes to pursue a career in public service. While he aligns with the Republican party, Jason said he wants to serve in a non-partisan role that will allow him to advocate on behalf of others.

“I don’t want to work on the ‘selfish’ side of politics. I want to serve on the ‘selfless’ side of politics. I have no desire to be governor or president,” he said. “I’d love to work as a town administrator in a town no one has ever heard of and help people.” (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

When Zachariah Longinidis, ’21, learned during orientation about Bridgewater State University’s regular ukulele jam, he decided to give it a try.

“I never thought learning an instrument would be easy,” said Zachariah, a physics major from Hyannis.

But, the stringed instrument is a blast to play and simple to learn, said Hayley Wright, ’20, a political science major with a minor in music, who decided to continue her ukulele playing at BSU.

And, the jams turned out to be “a lot of fun,” Zachariah said.

Hayley and Zachariah were among about a dozen people who gathered in a Hunt Hall classroom on a recent Wednesday afternoon for the weekly jam led by Dr. Paula Bishop, an assistant professor of music. Dr. Bishop started the program in the fall of 2016.

She recently led a professional development day for K-12 teachers, music therapists and undergraduate students centered around the ukulele. Attendees learned how to play and how to incorporate the instrument into their classrooms.

At the jam, Dr. Bishop teaches participants chords and has beginners playing in just a few minutes to YouTube videos of songs such as “Surfin’ USA” and “Stand by Me.” And, if someone can’t play a chord, she tells them to just smile: Someone else in the group will play it for them.

“It’s a very accessible instrument,” Dr. Bishop said. “It’s small. It doesn’t seem threatening.”

Playing the ukulele is a great way to relieve stress. The jam attracts people from outside the music major and outside the university, she said.

“For me, it’s about letting people experience the fact they can make music even if they’re not a musician,” Dr. Bishop said.

The jam is held this semester from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in Hunt 109. Participants do not need an instrument or experience playing the ukulele. For more information, contact Dr. Bishop at p1bishop@bridgew.edu. (Story and photos by Brian Benson, University News)

Students, educators and representatives from organizations that help the homeless came together Thursday to exchange experiences, gain inspiration, and learn about the causes of and potential solutions to homelessness.

It is possible to emerge from homelessness, and the key to doing so lies in a combination of housing and other assistance, as well as an income source, said Dr. David Wagner, professor emeritus of social work at the University of Southern Maine.

“We can’t be so materialistic that it’s only housing” and, likewise, cannot think providing social support services alone is enough, said Dr. Wagner, who delivered the keynote address at the Bridgewater State University’s Center for Urban Poverty’s 10^th annual spring forum.

The event, titled “The Transformative Power of Education: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty,” featured testimonials from students in the Bridgewater Scholars program, which aids people who have experienced homelessness by providing free access to a BSU education. Attendees also met in small groups to discuss successes and challenges related to helping the homeless and ways to ensure equal access to education.

“This conference originally started as a way of bringing community members together who are commonly focused on trying to end homelessness,” said Dr. Michele Wakin, the center’s director and a sociology professor. 

Higher education may seem unattainable but programs such as the Bridgewater Scholars show students succeed when they have the correct support, Dr. Wakin said.

“We think here at Bridgewater we can make a big difference with really just a small amount of the right assistance,” President Frederick W. Clark Jr. told attendees.“Public higher education is America’s social mobility engine, period,” he said.

Dr. Wagner drew from the stories of people he met while working on his new book, No Longer Homeless: How the Ex-Homeless Get and Stay Off the Streets, to describe how people enter and exit homelessness. Injuries, illness, elder abuse and deaths of family members are among the factors that can lead to homelessness. Housing subsidies, jobs and mental health and other support groups help people to put their lives back together, he said.

Dr. Wakin, in closing remarks, stressed the importance of collaborating as organizations assist people in need.

“This is the time to roll up our sleeves and get the work done,” she said. (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

When Samantha Hayes, ’19, arrived as a freshman at Bridgewater State University something didn’t feel quite right. Samantha, who played ice hockey while growing up, had no outlet to continue pursuing one of her passions.

“I’ve just always loved hockey,” said Samantha, who is from Norwood.  “It was definitely weird coming to college and not playing hockey.”

So, Samantha and Kathryn Jacobson, ’19, who play together on the field hockey team, sought to start a women’s ice hockey club team. They worked last school year to complete necessary paperwork and set the foundation. The team’s dozen players competed in their first games this school year, even picking up three victories. The team played one home game at Bridgewater Ice Arena but hopes to schedule more games in town and become a full member of the Independent Women’s Club Hockey League next season.

The squad, led by Coach Daniel Norton, ’09, is open to female undergraduate students with any level of experience and their own equipment. Samantha would like to see the team grow, although it is already making a difference in players’ lives.

“It’s definitely brought girls together,” said Samantha, the club’s president. “We’ve made new friendships and are having a different experience in college I didn’t think we would get the opportunity to have.”

Samantha praised assistance from the men’s club ice hockey team, the university and others. Players have raised money to support the team and are looking for more fundraising opportunities. 

“We have a lot of fun,” she said.  “We’ve learned so much from Coach Dan and we really grew from each other.”

For more information, contact Hayes atS4HAYES@student.bridgew.edu. (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

When Andrew Corley, ’13, interviewed for a position at the Sioux YMCA in South Dakota, he expected to see a large building with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and other amenities. 

What he found was a small log cabin with kids running around.

“At first, I thought this would be the first and last time I’d ever visited South Dakota,” Mr. Corley, 27, recalled of his initial impressions.

That was in 2014. But, Mr. Corley also saw the opportunity to make a major difference in kids’ lives and accepted the job. Two years later, he became the Sioux YMCA’s CEO and was the youngest individual to hold that title in the national organization. 

The Sioux YMCA serves the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation, which is approximately the size of Connecticut, as well as parts of nearby reservations.

Mr. Corley, who grew up in Milton and attended and worked at YMCA Camp Burgess in Sandwich, credits his experience at Bridgewater State University with preparing him to lead Sioux YMCA at such a young age. He ascended to the leadership role when some of his peers had been CEOs for decades.

“They’ve been CEOs longer than I’ve been alive,” he said. “That was pretty intimidating, but I feel BSU really helped me thrive and be prepared for that.”

He served as an indoor and outdoor track and field captain at Bridgewater State and was on theMassachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The latter post allowed him to work with athletic directors and other leaders from around the conference.

Academically, Mr. Corley switched his major from history to exercise science after he fell in love with those courses. He studied topics such as physical fitness and healthy eating and put skills gained at Bridgewater State to work for the YMCA. For example, he gave traditional camp games new meaning by stressing the importance of fitness.

At Sioux YMCA, Mr. Corley has increased staffing as the organization has more fiercely pursued its mission of helping youth. It runs after-school programs, as well as day and resident camps. It even organizes mobile Ys, where staff bring program supplies and coolers with meals and snacks out into the community.

Sioux YMCA also has another connection to Bridgewater State. It is an alternative spring break destination where students learn about Native American culture and interact with kids the YMCA serves.

Mr. Corley, meanwhile, said he is thrilled to be leading such an important organization that makes children safer and happier.

“Where most people work for a paycheck, that’s not something I ever have to do,” he said. “I know that every day I show up to work, that’s making a difference.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

Richard Smith, ’19, recently returned to campus as an Honorable Mention All-American, a title he earned while competing at the 2018 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. 

The Milford native broke his own school record last month, when he placed 16^thin the preliminaries of the 200 breaststroke at the national meet held at the Natatorium on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus. 

He swam 2:03:41 in the 200 breaststroke, surpassing his previous mark of 2:05:04 set last year at the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association Championships. 

Richard also finished 32^ndin the 200 individual medley and 18^thin the 400 individual medley with a school-record time of 3:59:45. 

“It was really exciting,” Richard said of the meet. “It was a little overwhelming on the first day but on the second day I calmed down.”

With the NCAA meet behind him, the 2013 St. John’s High School (Shrewsbury) graduate shares some of the obstacles he’s faced along the way both in and out of the pool. At age 16 Richard was diagnosed with complex partial seizures. 

“My condition is kind of hard to explain,” he said. “Basically I get a feeling in my head, a pulsing sensation. If it’s strong enough I get an overwhelming feeling of laughter. If it happens too many times in a row, my brain gets overcharged and shuts down and I blackout. I’m awake but not really there.”

In high school Richard experienced a seizure mid-race. 

“Halfway through the race I spaced out. I had no idea where I was,” he said. 

Despite the incident, Richard’s instincts and muscle memory took over and he was able to finish. 

After trial and error he was able to find the right medication to successfully manage the seizures and live a normal life.

Before coming to BSU, Richard swam at Division 1 Old Dominion in Norfolk, VA. After two years he knew he wanted to transfer and liked what he found in terms of support at Bridgewater. 

“There are just as many opportunities in Division 3 sports as Division 1. At Bridgewater I felt I could be a bigger contributor to the team,” Richard said. 

Through his accomplishments and recognition, Richard has been able to shed light on some of the opportunities a state school can offer. 

“The teachers helped me out a bunch,” he said. “And coach (Mike Caruso) cares, often checking in on us and making sure we’re doing well in school.”

His time as a competitor in the pool may be over, but Richards, who is studying environmental geosciences, plans to volunteer coach alongside Mr. Caruso next year. 

“I hope to be able to help out and teach different techniques as well as recruit. I’m looking forward to it,” he said. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi and two students recently spent a week visiting Qatar, dispelling stereotypes about the Middle East country and immersing themselves in a different culture.

The travelers interacted with students at Community College of Qatar, gazed at towering skyscrapers and new construction, explored museums and visited The Peninsula and Al Sharq newspapers, among other activities, during the spring break travel course.

“I knew it was going to be eye-opening and amazing,” said Sean Collette, ’19, of Waltham, who is majoring in criminal justice and minoring in Middle East studies.  “You can’t get that from reading a book or watching a documentary.”

Rutheliz Vazquez, ’19, had some fears before departing for Qatar. But, she said she felt safe in the country. Her friends were amazed at some of the pictures she sent them from her trip.

“A lot of students were skeptical and nervous to even take this trip because it was in the Middle East,” said Rutheliz, who is from Boston and majoring in communication with a concentration in culture and minoring in public relations, U.S. ethnic and indigenous studies, and Middle East studies. “We were fine. We were with Dr. Al-Obaidi. He knew to keep us safe. I’m happy I went instead of going to somewhere else.”

Rutheliz and Sean had trust and curiosity, two essential traits for a successful cultural experience, said Dr. Al-Obaidi, a media studies and communication technologies professor and the director of BSU’s Center for Middle East Studies.

“They really enjoyed it,” he said. “Through their enjoyment was my enjoyment. It was great.”

The trip, which Dr. Al-Obaidi believes was BSU's first to Qatar, shattered several stereotypes, including that the entire Middle East is dangerous. While women in Qatar still face some barriers, the BSU visitors met women who were outspoken and friendly. In fact, the community college held its first celebration for International Women’s Day while the BSU contingent was visiting.

Dr. Al-Obaidi and his students also forged new international relationships he hopes will lead to opportunities for Qatari and American students to visit each other’s countries and BSU students to write for Qatari media.

The trio plans to present information on their trip at the Student Arts & Research Symposium, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. April 23 in Moakley, Hart and Burnell hall.

And Dr. Al-Obaidi hopes to lead another trip to Qatar in March 2019.

“We would like to expose more of our students to their global culture,” he said. “That is really important.” (Brian Benson, University News)

A physical fitness major was recently recognized as the 2018 Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Outstanding Student of the Year. 

Christina Ouellette, ’18, received the award last month during the MRPA annual State Conference and Trade Show.

Award recipients must demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a career in one of the many fields connected to therapeutic recreation. According to Nick Pirelli, an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure, Christina fits the bill. 

The Danvers native’s major includes an emphasis on recreation and is on track to graduate with academic honors come December. 

Earlier this year, Christina participated in a service trip to Belize where she investigated the recreational interests of young people there. In addition, she completed a qualitative research study on the impact alcohol and opioids are having on the local campus community. She then traveled to Las Vegas to share her findings at the Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference. 

Currently, Christina is completing her recreation internship with Movement Arts Health and Promotion Leisure Studies Assistant Professor Dan Chase. Together they have co-created an afterschool leadership program for underserved fourth grade boys at the Carlos Pacheco School in New Bedford.

“She is a natural leader and has what it takes to be an exceptional leader in the field of recreation,” Mr. Pirelli said. “Christina is looking forward to working in the field of recreation with bright enthusiasm.” (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)