High school students from Brockton, New Bedford and Fall River recently visited Bridgewater State University to take part in the annual Light Foundation Leadership Conference: Ignite Your Light. 

Retired New England Patriot Matt Light founded the Light Foundation to help motivate youth and assist them in reaching their highest potential. 

The football star assured students it’s okay to fail; that failure is key to finding success. 

“I’m the biggest loser out there,” he joked. “I don’t know that I’ve ever gotten something right before doing it wrong many, many times. It’s good to keep that in mind.”

Mr. Light also discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people; those who hold you accountable and push you to be your best. For him, one of those people is former teammate and retired New England Patriot Troy Brown, who also spoke at the conference. 

“The way you carry yourself, the way you work, the way you treat other people – somebody is always watching you,” Mr. Brown advised. 

The three-time Super Bowl champion also shared how he overcame his humble beginnings; from growing up in rural South Carolina without indoor plumbing and being told he was too small to play football. Mr. Brown said hard work and believing in himself led him to find success.

“Get your mind right and believe you can,” he said.  

President Frederick W. Clark Jr., who grew up in Brockton, encouraged students to leave the conference with a stronger sense of self. 

“It begins with you believing in yourself,” he said. “If you never give up on your dreams, you will achieve them; it happens every year here at BSU and in your high schools.” (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

Local high school students recently came to Bridgewater State University for a Biotech Futures conference hosted by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Educational Foundation (MassBioEd). 

“We try to partner with schools that have a population of kids who do not have guardians in place to take them to visit college campuses,” said Michelle Mischke of MassBioEd. “Conferences like this open up access and allow kids to get a taste of what a college campus is all about.”

During the event, students from Attleboro, North Attleboro, Seekonk, Dennis-Yarmouth, Brockton and Southeastern Regional Technical High School learned how life sciences are supporting the growing biotechnology industry. 

There are more jobs than candidates within the biotechnology field, said Dr. Kristen Porter-Utley, dean of the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics. Which means, she added, that educating students about biotech career opportunities is important. 

“This is a great way to show students what it’s like working in biotech,” she said. 

Dr. Kenneth W. Adams opened the event with a discussion on ways biotechnology is being used to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. 

“We’re are doing the best we can right now, technologically speaking,” he said. “The disease is so awful. But we are going to keep trying and hopefully come up with better approaches.” 

During their visit, students participated in labs led by BSU faculty members. 

Dr. Meri Krevosky and Dr. Alexandra Adams presented The Anatomy and Physiology of YOU, where participating students took part in four interactive activities that included viewing structures of the heart, brain and skeletal muscle, meanwhile learning how these organs function through electrocardiogram recordings. 

With the help of Dr. Maria Armour, participants observed and investigated how thermal stress and chemicals can affect a heart rate’s intrinsic and extrinsic controls. Students also learned how to separate different types of molecules from Dr. Sarah Sotau, by using two different methods: reversed phase chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography. 

In her lab, Dr. Heather Marella had students create algae balls to explore how various environmental conditions impact photosynthetic output, while Dr. Jennifer Mendell looked at different variables, including epidemiological data, to determine the source of a foodborne illness outbreak. 

“For students considering going to college, I hope today helps them better understand who Bridgewater State is, what we have to offer, and who we are,” said Dr. Porter-Utley. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

More than anything, it was the drive to help people that led Dr. Joel Litvin to pursue a career in higher education. In his 40 years at Bridgewater, he did just that. 

On Saturday, May 19, BSU honored Dr. Litvin with a retirement party, thanking him for his decades of service. His wife Debbie and the couple’s two children, Sarah and Sam, were on hand for the celebration, along with an RCC ballroom packed with friends, former students and colleagues.

In an interview before the event, Dr. Litvin talked about his time at Bridgewater, as well as the things that moved him to become a top educator.

“Bridgewater State is truly an example of the best there is in higher public education and leadership,” Dr. Litvin said. “People should keep an eye on Bridgewater because it will continue to lead the state, if not the region, in higher public education.”

Working in public education, Dr. Litvin said, allowed him fulfill his career goals. 

“Public education creates opportunities for people who may not be born into wealth or power, to test their own abilities and to develop their potential,” he said. “I’ve always seen the value of public education and wanted to be involved in it to help other people succeed.”

Dr. Litvin started his teaching career at what was then Bridgewater State College in the fall of 1977. Over the years, he taught a wide variety of general communication courses, including the introduction to public relations classes in the 1980s. He shared some of the changes witnessed during his tenure.

“The obvious thing is the growth of the physical campus, growth in student enrollment, and growth in faculty and administration,” Dr. Litvin said. “Also, the evolution with the communication studies department, the curriculum development, and creating content that was relevant.”

Watching the institution evolve into a university was perhaps the most dramatic change, Dr. Litvin said.  

As he leaves the BSU community, he said it is the students and his colleagues he will miss the most.

“Working with the students has been such a joy in terms of their intelligence, motivation and energy. I think students at Bridgewater State are sincere, honest and more intelligent than they give themselves credit for,” Dr. Litvin said.  

His time helping BSU students prepare for their futures might be behind him, but Dr. Litvin is far from through with his quest to help others. He plans to work as a mentor with Boston Cares Service Works, a youth engagement program that helps young people become involved in community service. 

“I want to stay on the path I’ve been on, to try and continue to find ways and use the abilities I have to support other people and help them succeed,” he said. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

Apple representatives were on campus recently to present the College of Education and Allied Studies with its second Distinguished School Award. 

“We are totally amazed at all the things you are doing,” said Beth Marshdoyle, an Apple account executive. 

The award is given to schools using Apple technology in innovative ways. 

“We are looking for schools that develop real innovative muscles,” said Apple’s Ian Camera, who was also on hand. He added that Bridgewater State is one of only 20 higher education institutions to earn the award.

Also during the meeting, a $2,000 iPad Award Grant was up for grabs. A vote took place after six faculty members pitched their ideas. 

Dr. Emily Spitzman, assistant professor for special education, took home the top prize with her Green Screen Video Project. Her classes will use Green Screen technology for “I am” activities where BSU students have to write and create presentations about their field-teaching experiences. 

“By adding Green Screen into their projects, they will be able to deepen the experience concerning the ways in which they share information about themselves,” Dr. Spitzman said.  

The remaining presenters all received $100 to put toward their concepts. 

Other presenters and their project ideas were: Dr. Jeanne Carey Ingle, (iPad Use in the Early Childhood and Elementary Classroom); Dr.Kevin T. McGowan (The Family-School Partnership: Diverse Families in Early Education and Care); Dr. April Megginson (Choose Your Own Adventure Game); Dr. Heather Pacheco-Guffrey (I Teach with Technology); and Dr. Adam Ulenski (Reading Instruction in the 21^stCentury). (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

Meredith Deacon, Bridgewater State University’s coordinator of student success interventions, was recently presented with a Robert H. “Tex” McClain Jr. Distinguished Public Administrators of the Year Award.

At a recent ceremony, Ms. Deacon, and Dr. Brenda Bond of Suffolk University, were honored as this year’s recipients by the Massachusetts chapter of the American Society for the Public Administration (ASPA). 

The annual award is presented to public administrators who perform exemplary work. All candidates are nominated by their peers and then voted on by state ASPA council members. 

Ms. Deacon received her MPA degree from BSU in 2015. Upon graduation, she was offered her current position. 

As coordinator, she works to address critical challenges in retention and academic achievement among low-income populations. She is also employed at BSU as an adjunct faculty member.

“Without the loving BSU community, and my time in the Massachusetts Public Administrator program in particular, I never would have made it this far… I am deeply blessed to have been supported by such a caring group of faculty and staff along the way,” Ms. Deacon said.

Prior to her time at Bridgewater, Ms. Deacon received her bachelor’s degree in theology with a minor in human services and rehabilitation studies from Assumption College in 2012. As an undergraduate, she was actively involved in campus ministries, organizing weekly prayer services for students and facilitating social justice events. 

As a service director for the REACH Out Center at Assumption, she also promoted awareness about homelessness and has experience in volunteerism and grant writing. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

The BSU chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau is being recognized by the national sorority for its work in educating members about sexual violence.

Two leaders of Epsilon Sigma chapter will be speaking at the national convention in Pittsburgh in June about their group’s successful implementation of Alpha Sigma Tau’s online sexual assault and violence program, “Not Anymore.”

Chapter President Stephanie Garcia and Raya Hankin, the group’s vice president of organization development, both class of 2019, are among a small number of local Alpha Sigma Tau leaders from across the country invited by the national sorority to make “spotlight presentations” highlighting their chapters’ accomplishments.

“We are very excited,” Stephanie said. “We are a growing chapter and it’s great that we can be part of this event and share our ideas and experiences.”

Installed in 2014, the Alpha Sigma Tau chapter is BSU’s newest sorority, with about 60 members, according to Stephanie. The Dartmouth resident is, like Raya, of Hopkinton, majoring in elementary education and English. Raya is also carrying a special education minor.

Alpha Sigma Tau’s national leaders chose to honor the BSU chapter because of its active participation in “Not Anymore.” About 90 percent of Epsilon Sigma members have taken the online program, which educates participants about consent, sexual assault, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships.

“A lot of students in our group are very passionate about this issue,” Stephanie said. “Many of our members have had things like that happen to them so they feel even more connected to the program.”

In their presentation, the students also plan to discuss how their chapter’s efforts to inform members about other resources and activities at BSU aimed at keeping them safe and raising awareness about the issue, from the Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center to the annual Take Back the Night event.

The chapter’s work to combat sexual violence reflects how BSU’s sororities and fraternities are going beyond their traditional social function to help strengthen the sense of community on campus, Stephanie said.

“Instead of reinforcing stereotypes about Greek life by just focusing on social events, our programs foster a sense of empathy and sisterhood,” she said. (Story by John Laidler for University News)

Graduate business students from the former Mount Ida College have a special opportunity to complete their degrees at Bridgewater State University through a new agreement.

Under the deal, BSU has waived some of its normal transfer requirements to make it easier for Mount Ida students who’d been seeking a master’s degree in management to transfer to BSU, where they can pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

While BSU does not offer a master’s degree in management, Mount Ida students can apply some course credits earned under the college’s program toward an MBA degree from Bridgewater.

Mount Ida College announced that it was closing at the end of this school year due to financial difficulties, leaving many of its students scrambling for options to complete their degrees. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is purchasing Mount Ida’s 72-acre Newton campus.

Nick Pirelli, Mt. Ida’s assistant dean of graduate studies, contacted Bridgewater about a possible agreement to help facilitate the transfer of the college’s graduate management students, according to Paul Cincotta Jr., BSU’s director of graduate admissions. BSU was happy to help, he said.

“He reached out to us because of the situation these graduate students were placed in through no fault of their own,” Mr. Cincotta said. “We felt a social responsibility to help these students finish their degrees.”

Among the rules BSU waived for Mt. Ida students was one limiting the number of credits a student can transfer from another institution to six.

“We thought it was important to allow the students to transfer as many credits as possible to allow them to finish their degrees in a timely manner,” Mr. Cincotta said.

The students were also exempted from the normal admission fee and the requirement to include a recommendation and test scores with their applications. BSU has agreed to accept any students in good academic standing who are also free of disciplinary violations. 

As of last fall, 33 students were pursuing graduate management degrees at Mount Ida. It was the college’s only graduate program. While it is not known how many will seek to transfer to BSU, Mr. Cincotta said one student has already applied.

Mount Ida students can seek to transfer to BSU under the agreement through May 30, 2020. The deadline to apply for the fall 2018 semester is June 30. (Story by John Laidler for University News)

Thirty students were honored during the annual Bartlett Scholarship Funds Luncheon, held earlier this month in the Dunn Conference Center. 

The scholarships, established by Bruce, ’68, and Patricia (Quinn), ’67, Bartlett, recognize undergraduates’ academic success and support those with financial need.

President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, praised the students for their hard work.

“Many have overcome long odds and countless obstacles through shear grit and determination,” President Clark said. “They have turned obstacles into opportunities, learned from their experiences, and been motivated to help others as a result.”

SEE BELOW FOR A FULL LIST OF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS.

The Bartletts, Dr. Brenda Molife, vice president for University Advancement, and Eugene J. Durgin Jr., chairman of the Board of Trustees, also spoke at the May 24 ceremony. Scholarship recipients Jasmine Scott, ’18, Sophie Scrimgeour, ’21, Owen O’Donnell, ’18, and Elizabeth Rego, ’18, likewise shared their thoughts at the event.

Bruce and Patricia Bartlett met while students at Bridgewater State. In 2004, they launched the Bartlett Foundation, which has funded medical research, scholarships and other projects. Bridgewater State named the College of Science and Mathematics after the Bartletts in recognition of their generous support of the university. 

The Bartletts’ philanthropy also includes the donation of $8 million worth of property in Plymouth – the largest gift in BSU’s history. During the luncheon, President Clark presented the couple with a framed copy of the Boston Globe story announcing the donation.

“All of us here at BSU are truly fortunate that Bruce and Patricia Bartlett love, and are helping support, their alma mater in such a meaningful, impactful and lasting way,” President Clark said.

The Patricia (Quinn) Bartlett, ’67, Endowed Scholarship Fund supports students who have outstanding academic accomplishments as evidenced by a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The Bruce Bartlett, ’68, Endowed Scholarship Fund supports students with high financial need as well as strong academics as demonstrated by a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. 

Each year, at least three recipients must be members of the Kappa Delta Phi philanthropic fraternity. 

The annual luncheon also celebrates the philosophy that guides the Bartlett’s commitment to giving back to their alma mater: “The bottom line is simple. Public education needs private philanthropy and this is an important time for people to help in any way they can.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News) 

Are ghosts real? Can psychics really talk to the dead? Do crystals truly have healing powers? 

For the past three years, Joseph Keen has asked students enrolled in his Science and the Paranormal course to answer these questions with one big caveat: they must rely on scientific evidence. 

The popular online second-year seminar takes a close look at unusual claims and encourages students to challenge their validity. The class is offered this summer, and also taught during both fall and spring semesters.

“A lot of students are afraid to take a science-based course,” Mr. Keen said, but because of the subject matter, he added, his paranormal classes are often full. 

The course is not designed to use science to prove that paranormal phenomena exist, instead its intention is to debunk popular but bogus claims. 

“When you look at the paranormal through science, there is almost no evidence found,” Mr. Keen said. “People believe what they see without any evidence.”

A desire to get students to recognize that not everything they read or see is true, is what inspired Mr. Keen to create the course.

“Today, anybody can make a website; it’s hard to know who to believe,” he said. “There are ways to be relatively sure that what you’re looking at is real.”

Through online videos, and other resources, Mr. Keen demonstrates how easy it can be to fake paranormal phenomena. 

Students are introduced to Emily Rosa, a 9-year-old who proved in 1996 that Reiki has no merit thanks to a blind experiment she created for a school science fair. Her therapeutic touch study results were later published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

During the course, Mr. Keen explains that the placebo effect doesn’t heal, but helps people to “re-focus their awareness to get an expected result.” He also shares stories about how international space stations and satellites have been mistaken for UFOs, and that ecological studies prove there is no scientific evidence that Big Foot or the Loch Ness Monster are real.

“I’m not so close-minded to ever say something doesn’t exist, but I need natural evidence to explain it,” Mr. Keen said. 

By the end of the course the primary objective is to help students see that they are capable of filtering through what is real and what isn’t through scientific study. 

“If evidence exists, then you can believe it,” he said. (Story and photo by Heather Harris Michonski, University News)

The signing of a housing agreement between two public higher education institutions in the region will result in greater access to career preparation in the high-demand field of aviation maintenance technology.

The effects are expected to be felt across the state, New England and beyond. 

The Aviation Maintenance Technology program offered by Cape Cod Community College at Plymouth Municipal Airport will expand its accessibility beyond Southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape, thanks to an agreement with Bridgewater State University, which has guaranteed housing in its residence halls to students in the program.

The agreement, signed by Dr. John L. Cox, president of CCCC, and Frederick W. Clark Jr., president of BSU, goes into effect for the 2018-19 academic year. BSU’s 11 residence halls  can house more than 3,000 students.

The Aviation Maintenance Technology program, which opened in fall 2016, offers both a certificate over 14 months and a two-year associate degree to those who are also interested in aviation maintenance management. The first group of students in the associate degree program received their diplomas this spring.

With demand for employees trained in FAA-certified aviation maintenance technology at critical levels, and jobs that start at $50,000 a year awaiting graduates, the addition of housing will open CCCC’s program to residents in other areas of the state and country. Approximately 40 students are enrolled in the program, which has capacity to offer training to 72 students during the day in addition to another 24 in the evening. 

While the Aviation Maintenance Technology program has been “a destination program for the region,” President Cox called the partnership with BSU “a high-water mark in the relationship” between the two public higher education institutions.

President Clark said the partnership “makes sense, given the synergy between Cape Cod’s maintenance program and BSU’s bachelor’s degree in aviation science. Most of all, it provides Cape Cod Community College with the opportunity to recruit across New England and the country.” BSU is 20 miles from the Plymouth Municipal Airport.

Dr. Karim Ismaili, provost and vice president for academic affairs at BSU, discussed the new partnership with Cape Cod, as well as those established a year ago with Bristol and Massasoit Colleges in the fledgling CC2BSU program, which guarantees acceptance into BSU for students who earn their associate degree at the two-year college.

“We continue to recognize that our strengths – as community colleges and as a university – can be aligned in creative ways,” he said. “This is another example of what we need to be doing in order to make students be successful in their lives.

“We need to provide access to quality programs and create pathways for our students who come to BSU through one of our region’s community colleges,” he said, noting that half of BSU’s 1,100-plus-student transfer population comes from the three community colleges in the region.

Since the program’s opening in Plymouth, Cape Cod Community College has expanded its presence at the airport from the lease of one hangar to several, expanding classroom and mechanical training space along the way and adding a number of other aspects of hands-on aviation maintenance to the program.

President Cox and Stan Mackiewicz, director of the program, are planning to add avionics to the offerings in Plymouth in the not-to-distant future. Cape Cod Community College built the program from scratch, following FAA regulations that are required to offer training in the field. More information is available at capecod.edu/aviation. (Story by Eva T. Gaffney, G’01, for University News)

How voters view the spouses of Presidential candidates and their evolving role on the American political stage is the focus of a new book by Bridgewater State University political science Professor Brian Frederick.

In American Presidential Candidate Spouses: The Public’s Perspective, Dr. Frederick and co-authors Laurel Elder and Barbara Burrell draw from three decades of polling data to explore evolving voter expectations about the spouses of major party presidential contenders.

“The spouses of presidential candidates are very unique political actors when you consider that there is no formal Constitutional office they are running for,” observed Dr. Frederick, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science.

But he said those spouses have “become increasingly an object of media and public attention, so there is now an expectation that they play a role in the campaign.”

Despite their growing importance in presidential contests, Dr. Frederick said there had not previously been a comprehensive analysis of public opinion data about candidates’ spouses, prompting him and his colleagues to take on the task.

From their research, which focuses on elections from 1988-2016, the authors conclude that today’s public expects the spouses to serve as active surrogates for the candidate. Voters want to hear them vouching for his or her ability to do the job, but not be heavily involved in policy. This mixed perspective Dr. Frederick and his coauthors term “the new traditionalism.”

“They see the individual as supporting the presidential candidate but within a set of limitations,” he said of voters. And since all but one of the spouses have been women – the exception was Bill Clinton in 2016 – he said those limitations reflect “traditional gendered expectations,” that spouses confine themselves to issues “appropriate for First Ladies to address.”

Dr. Frederick, who authored a previous book in 2009, Congressional Representation & Constituents: The Case for Increasing the U.S. House of Representatives, said he hopes the new book will lead more people to see presidential candidate spouses as deserving of attention by scholars, the media, and political observers.

“We also want to get out the message that the public has meaningful attitudes towards presidential candidate spouses,” he said, “and that they are set factors determining why certain spouses are more popular than others.” (Story by John Laidler for University News)

The athletic training program has been recognized by a national organization for its educational work concerning the prevention of sudden death.

The Korey Stringer Institute selected the Bridgewater State University program as the first recipient of an award it plans to present annually to an athletic training educational program that “excels in community outreach” to prevent sudden death in sport and other physical activity.

As part of the award, the Connecticut-based institute agreed to come to BSU on July 31 for a presentation on reducing the risk of heat illness in athletes. The symposium will also feature talks by BSU faculty on such topics as airway management, removing equipment from injured athletes, and the use of the overdose-reversal drug, Narcan.  

Dr. Kimberly Wise, clinical education coordinator, said she is thrilled the institute chose to honor the university’s athletic training program.

“I’m very proud of our accomplishments, how we exert ourselves in the community, and the preparation we give our students,” said Dr. Wise, an assistant professor of Movement Arts, Health, and Leisure Studies. She views the award as a reflection of those efforts.

“We are medically trained individuals who are preparing our students to go out and be lifesavers,” she said.

Named after Korey Stringer, an NFL player who died from heat stroke in 2001, the institute is a research, education, and advocacy organization that works to prevent sudden death in athletes, military service members and laborers. 

The BSU athletic training program earned its award through such initiatives as an opioid abuse and Narcan training symposium it held last year that also included a session in airway management and use of automatic emergency defibrillators. 

Additionally, an undergraduate student and staff athletic trainers secured a grant to install 12 defibrillators around campus, and the ATP adopted a requirement that its students become certified as emergency management technicians - a move spurred by the experience of Dr. Wise and five BSU student volunteers working triage near the finish line of the Boston Marathon during the 2013 bombings.

Apart from earning the university a free presentation from the institute, Dr. Wise said she is hopeful the award “raises awareness of our program within BSU and beyond about what we do and how we support our faculty, our students, and the community.”

“And it sheds light on our role as athletic trainers,” she said, “who we are within the medical profession.” (Story by John Laidler for University News)

On a recent Wednesday morning, the students in Professor Dan Chase’s class were climbing the wall.

Literally.

The class being held that morning, Theory and Practice of Adventure Education, includes something known as traverse wall climbing. This explains the 8-x-20-foot panel with a series of hand- and footholds scattered across its surface attached to the rear wall of the Tinsley Gymnasium.

Students practice climbing laterally across the wall, using the holds as dictated by Dr. Chase or a classmate using a pointer (another student stands behind the climber as a “spotter,” for safety).

“It builds strength, balance and agility, as well as mental aspects,” Dr. Chase said.

It also emphasizes technique over brute strength. In fact, traverse wall climbing incorporates all standards recommended by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

Dr. Chase knows all this because he literally wrote the book on using traverse walls for educational purposes. (Actually, he co-wrote it with Jim Stiehl.) And on this day his students were learning how they could use this activity in their future careers as physical education teachers and recreational professionals.

Traverse walls began appearing in schools shortly after federal grant money was made available in 2001 through the Physical Education for Progress program. The funding was meant to promote innovative physical fitness activities and programs. Many schools used a portion of that money to buy and install traverse climbing walls. The downside was that few knew how to make proper use of them, Dr. Chase said.

Hence his book, which was published in 2008, establishing him as an expert in using traverse walls as educational tools.

After climbing a few times on this morning, education major Abbey Barber’s arms had just about had it.

“The challenge is you have to figure out how you can move your body,” she said.

The traverse wall in Tinsley gets plenty of use: Dr. Chase said his Theory and Practice of Adventure Education is a course offered every semester. Both undergraduate and graduate students take it. (Story by John Winters, G’11, University News)

A Bridgewater State University dance professor is taking to the great outdoors to present her latest piece.

Dr. Jody Weber, who is also the artistic director for contemporary concert dance company Weber Dance, is premiering Her Sylvan Ascent at Somerville’s Union Square Plaza on June 14.

“Her Sylvan Ascent is an evening-length piece that challenges us to look deeply at the imbalances within ourselves, and our world, that are manifesting in our climate crisis,” an announcement about the performance says. “The work draws on imagery from the Women’s March and deep feminine archetypes that ask us to reimagine our power beyond our current materialistic state and look inward.”  

Dr. Weber drew inspiration from the book The Hidden Life of Trees. She hopes to encourage people to consider how to create power and longevity through support, mutual care and commitment.

Dr. Weber has both optimism and concern for the future.

“As I worked on this piece, I watched our world travel deeper into crisis with the election of leadership that denies climate science and emboldens corporate behaviors that energize a deadly trajectory for humanity,” she said. “But I also see hope. Hope in the rise of women and the reclaiming of our power. Hope in the voices of the young who are taking a stand against violence.”

Her Sylvan Ascent features Whitney Cover, Lizbie Harbison, Shannon Humphreys, Caitlin Klinger, Jennifer Roberts and BSU part-time faculty member Kristy Kuhn. It will be presented in collaboration with the Somerville Arts Council outdoors at 8:30 p.m. June 14. 

“I am excited about the prospect of putting art out in this setting and generating a dialogue amongst a diverse audience,” Dr. Weber said.

The rain date is 8:30 p.m. June 15. Standing room is free and open to the public. Tickets for limited seating can be purchased in advance online at Weber Dance’s website. (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

Gov. Charlie Baker has appointed Bridgewater State University President Frederick W. Clark Jr. to serve as a Massachusetts delegate on the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE).

Each state is represented on the NEBHE board by eight delegates representing leaders of education, business and government. The delegates are appointed by their states’ governors and legislative leadership.

“I am honored to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the New England Board of Higher Education and I’m grateful to Gov. Baker for expressing his confidence through my appointment to the board,” said President Clark. “Working together, NEBHE promotes educational opportunities and services for New England residents and our states in implementing higher education policies based on best practices.”

Founded in 1955 by the six New England governors, the Boston-based NEBHE provides leadership to strengthen the relationship between higher education and the economic well-being of New England.

“Fred’s advocacy of Massachusetts state universities, his history of work with the U.S. Congress, and now his leadership of BSU are widely valued by NEBHE and his fellow board members,” said NEBHE President & CEO Michael K. Thomas. “Fred is admired and respected by his peers in both public and independent higher education throughout the commonwealth. His commitment to serving low-income and first-generation students, including their ability to pursue valuable internships and work-integrated learning opportunities, set him apart. We are honored to have him as a member of the board.”

President Clark joins Michael Alexander, president of Lasell College; Rep. Patricia Haddad of the Fifth Bristol District; M. Howard Jacobson; former State Sen. Joan Menard; State Sen. Marc R. Pacheco of the First Plymouth and Bristol District; Carlos Santiago, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; and David J. Wahr on the commonwealth’s delegation.

Programs offered by NEBHE include the Regional Student Tuition Break, which offers New England residents a tuition discount when they enroll at out-of-state public colleges and universities in the region; policy and research programs; and professional and curriculum development. NEBHE also publishes The New England Journal of Higher Education, the region’s platform for timely discussion of issues affecting colleges and universities. (Story by Eva T. Gaffney, G’01, for University News)

As more than 1,400 new Bears will arrive on campus this month for first-year orientation, dozens of smiling students are excited to show them the ins-and-outs of college life and become their friends at their new home.

Bridgewater State University’s 2018 orientation relies on the help of 56 students, who serve as orientation leaders, student orientation coordinators and members of the logistics team

Their job is to guide incoming freshmen through the two-day program where students spend a night in a BSU dorm, play icebreaker games with their orientation leaders and learn about academics, campus safety, residence life, being a commuter student, and all that BSU has to offer. Additionally, they partake in wellness programs such as hiking, yoga and coloring. 

BSU also holds orientation programs for families and transfer students.

Six orientation leaders recently discussed how BSU has changed them, shared what they hope students learn from orientation, and offered advice for freshmen.

Amanda Rossignoll, ’19, majoring in elementary education/special education dual licensure and English, from Peabody

HER STORY: In high school, Amanda was shy, a trait that carried over when she first came to campus. But, joining organizations such as Gamma Phi Beta and becoming a leader has helped her change.

“It’s definitely made me break out of my comfort zone. … Walking around campus, I see so many people I know. It’s made me who I am.”

ORIENTATION TAKE-AWAY: “I hope they enjoy every second of orientation and every second of college. … I want them to soak everything in.”

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: “Take a deep breath, sit back and enjoy the process because the four years fly by.”

Sophie Scrimgeour, ’21, majoring in special education (teacher of students with severe disabilities concentration) and psychology, from Milford:

HER STORY: Sophie was devoted in high school to working with students with disabilities through the Best Buddies and Special Olympics programs. Now, Sophie, who has Asperger Syndrome, continues to follow her passion. One day, she hopes to run a group home that helps people transition from high school to adulthood.

Sophie praised the Disability Resources Office for easing her concerns about college and her freshman year roommates for being people she could lean on in times of need. 

ORIENTATION TAKE-AWAY: “You get to learn new resources and come out of it knowing someone the first day (of freshman year) so you’re not alone. We’re putting you on a path to succeed.”

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: “The first three weeks are going to be the hardest, but the journey is worth it.”

Mouctar Diakite, ’20, majoring in psychology with a business management minor, from Boston:

HIS STORY: Mouctar transferred from UMass Dartmouth to Bridgewater last fall. He commuted last school year, but becoming involved introduced him to his fellow students. Next school year, he is living on campus as he will be a resident assistant working with freshmen in Shea Hall and Durgin Hall.

ORIENTATION TAKE-AWAY: “Just be themselves the way they were in this orientation. They were really excited. They’re eager to learn things about campus.”

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: “Not to procrastinate … If you wait one week, the next thing you know you’re overwhelmed.” 

Jake Dee-Hastings, ’21, majoring in management (human resources management concentration), from Falmouth

HIS STORY: Jake battled anxiety and depression in high school and finished his secondary education studies online. Then, he found BSU and immediately fell in love with the campus. He lived in Shea-Durgin, where people kept their dorm room doors open and were eager to meet someone new. An on-campus job in University Events introduced him to many facets of BSU.

“I came here and everything changed. It was like I wasn’t the person I was in high school anymore.”

ORIENTATION TAKE-AWAY: “When you come to Bridgewater, you’re part of the Bridgewater family.” 

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: Get involved, whether through playing sports, being an orientation leader, working an on-campus job or the multitude of other ways.

Alexis Monteiro, ’20, majoring in mathematics and biology, from Praia, on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde 

HIS STORY: Alexis is following in the footsteps of his brother in pursuing higher education at Bridgewater State. He was at first a little shy about going to classes since English is not his native language. But, supportive faculty, staff and peers helped him adjust to college life and feel comfortable at school. He joined organizations such as the Cape Verdean Student Association.

“Everyone is friendly and they understand English is not your first language. They want to learn your culture. They want to learn about where you come from.”

ORIENTATION TAKE-AWAY: “I hope they learn to have fun during their college experience. Enjoy it. Be yourself and also be willing to sacrifice for success.”

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: “Take advantage of the resources.” The Writing Studio and academic coaching helped Alexis.

Tom Gentile, ’19, majoring in philosophy with a criminal justice minor, from Billerica

HIS STORY: Tom acknowledged he struggled to apply himself in high school and didn’t really care. He credits BSU, which was the only school that accepted him, with changing his attitude about education.

“I gained confidence from the school to actually put myself out there and apply myself in classes because I was actually interested. … It’s made me realize how much potential I have.”

ORIENTATION TAKE-AWAY AND ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN: “I hope they take away the fact that they’re welcome here and, in a sense, they belong here. No one should ever feel like they are an outcast or alone. … We’re all here for them.” (Story and photos by Brian Benson, University News)

The school day at Brockton High had ended hours ago, but a dozen or so paraprofessional educators were seated at conference tables located in a study area, heads bent to a handful of grammar-based problems. Word choice, verb tense and other matters comprised the topics of the day.

The afternoon session was part of a program offered by Bridgewater State University geared to helping these educators pass the required Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure). According to the website for Pearson Education, the company that administers the MTEL, “The test assesses a candidate’s proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards.”

This particular MTEL focuses on reading and writing skills.

The paraprofessionals in Brockton on this afternoon were getting a refresher on pronouns, examining sentences like “The jury read their verdict,” and diagnosing errors.

The ten-week course, of which the second session concluded in May, was operated by Dr. Melissa Latham Keh, assistant professor of special education, and graduate assistant Dani Swartzendruber. It covered an array of topics, in addition to grammar and general writing skills. It also includes instruction on vocabulary, critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and rhetorical approaches. Each Monday afternoon session included lectures, plenty of examples, and time for the participants to work on assigned problems and their own writing.

“We’ve really tried to dig into the larger piece, focusing on writing skills and grammar,” Dr. Keh said.

She developed the curriculum for the program, while Ms. Swartzendruber worked on creating lesson plans and co-leading the weekly sessions.

After the first program, Dr. Keh  and Ms. Swartzendruber realized there was a need for a renewed focus on writing.

“We added more one-on-one coaching in that area,” she said.

Knowing what kind of writing the MTEL calls for, Dr. Keh and Ms. Swartzendruber began to emphasize instruction on how to structure essay-type answers.

The program offers these paraprofessionals more than just instruction, Ms. Swartzendruber said.

“The main thing we’ve noticed is the students here are developing confidence,” she said. “We can see it in the class, there’s more discussion, more volunteering of answers. And, their writing samples have improved.”

Out of the first cohort, Dr. Keh said two educators had recently passed the MTEL, and the feedback from the participants thus far “has been great.” (Story and photos by John Winters, G’11, University News)

Greg Zackrison, G’03, replaces BSU Hall of Fame skipper Rick Smith, who retired after the 2018 season following 25 years at the helm of the Bears' baseball program.

“I feel very fortunate to become the next head baseball coach at Bridgewater State University,” said Mr. Zackrison. “BSU has a long history of great teams and I'm excited for the opportunity to continue that tradition.”

Mr. Zackrison served as the associate head coach at Massasoit Community College from 2003 to 2013, before moving on to Stonehill College where he was an assistant coach for four seasons from 2014 to 2017. He returned to Massasoit in 2018 as the associate head coach during Head Coach Tom Frizzell's farewell season.

Mr. Zackrison is also the head coach of the Plymouth Pilgrims of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), a position he has held since 2013. He was named the league’s Coach of the Year in 2014, as he guided the Pilgrims to a Southern Division championship. 

Prior to coaching the Pilgrims, he was the head coach of the Oneonta Outlaws in the New York Collegiate Baseball League from 2009 to 2012 and an assistant coach for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball League for two seasons. During his college years, Mr. Zackrison pitched for two seasons at Massasoit (1997 and 1998) and two at UMass Dartmouth (1999 and 2000).

“We are extremely excited to bring in Coach Greg Zackrison to lead the team into the next era of Bears Baseball,” said Dr. Marybeth Lamb, director of athletics. “His experience both in recruiting talent and developing fine young men is well known throughout college baseball in New England… His experience on all levels of the game, including junior college, NCAA and summer development leagues, is a key factor in his selection as our next head coach.”

Mr. Zackrison, an adjunct professor at Massasoit in the Social Science Department, lives in Raynham with his wife, Amy, and daughter, Lyla. (Story and photo courtesy of Michael Holbrook, Athletics and Recreation.)

More than 100,000 people have now stepped inside Bridgewater State University’s EarthView, a replica of our planet that conveniently fits inside most school gymnasiums and inside features room for a small class.

Recently, a ceremony was held at Bridgewater Middle School to mark the milestone. See a video from that day.

“Using EarthView to bring education to you is one of our main goals,” Dr. Vernon Domingo told the students who attended the event. “We want to give this gift to the community, and it’s always been a wonderful thing for everyone involved.”

Also on hand was President Frederick W. Clark Jr., who spoke of the benefits of EarthView as an educational tool.

“This type of program is important because if you want to change the world, you’ve got to understand the world,” he said.

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 Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan and Professor 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 made close to 500 appearances.

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 for University News, video by Charlie Peters and Drew Cambra)

Cybercrime knows no geographic borders, so it makes sense that a new journal edited by a Bridgewater State University professor aims to forge connections across the globe.

The International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence and Cybercrime, published in partnership with BSU and Boston University, seeks to offer empirical research articles, policy reports, case studies and book reviews. It debuts in July and will be published twice a year.

“I think every single scholar wants to establish a specialized journal,” said Dr. Kyung-shick Choi, a criminal justice professor and the founding editor and editor-in-chief of the journal. “This is one of my dreams. Research is so important. It connects everyone.”

The peer-reviewed journal seeks to explore the origins, patterns, causes, motivations and trends of cybersecurity and cybercrime. The publication welcomes submissions from criminologists, social scientists, computer scientists, cybersecurity practitioners, members of police agencies, policy-makers and others.

Dr. Choi hopes the publication serves a wide audience from around the world. Editorial board members come from about a dozen countries and Dr. Choi plans to publish issues in languages other than English.

“In order to minimize cybercrime, we have to globally work together,” said Dr. Choi, who teaches at BSU and Boston University. “It’s not just a U.S. problem.”

Dr. Choi recently traveled to Colombia where he delivered keynote speeches at the Cybercriminology and Information Security Seminar at Universidad Antonio Narino in Villavicencio, and the First Symposium on Cybercriminology & Cybersecurity. He also visited the Colombia National Police Information & Technology Agency and was interviewed by the Colombia National Police Radio & Television. 

He praised Associate Librarian Ellen Dubinsky, the head of digital library services, and Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity team members for their assistance with the journal. Dr. Choi hopes the publication helps bring together government and private sector cybersecurity work. He would also like to improve training in the field and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 

“Have an open mind. Don’t be afraid of challenging new things,” he said of his goal for students who will read the new journal. “The students are young and have a bright future ahead.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News)