Excellent theater often takes place when the audience can relate to the characters onstage. With Bridgewater State University's Department of Theatre’s new production, some attendees will literally see themselves portrayed on stage.

Word for Word features student-written pieces of documentary theater based on interviews with more than two dozen people. It explores suicide, family gatherings and technology.

“It’s really interesting because it’s a reflection of real people’s words,” said Alyssa Germaine, ’19, of Attleboro. “There will be people in the audience who have said the words in the script. Part of theater is a reflection of the human condition. This is one of the most accurate ways you can do that.”

Alyssa and Michael Eckenreiter, Charles Hill, Dylan Crowley and Skye Corbin wrote the play for Lisa Rafferty’s Lab Theatre class. BSU students – including some of the writers – will perform Word for Word Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 in the Rondileau Campus Center.

Their first piece, Removing the Mask, explores suicide and depression. The playwrights see it partly as a way to erase the stigma around those topics.

“I think it’s affected just about everyone,” Dylan, ’19, who is from Whitman, said of the opening play’s theme. 

The production takes a lighter, comedic turn with Growing Up Stories, which features tales of holiday traditions.

“We figure everyone has some funny, embarrassing story from the holidays,” Alyssa said.

Screenshot highlights the relationships between technology and humanity. Technology can, for example, connect people battling a rare disease with each other in ways that might otherwise be impossible.

“In addition to developing these kinships and community, we talk about trepidation with the Internet – why it’s important to be careful about what you share,” said Michael, ’19, of Fairhaven.

The young playwrights said developing the work from scratch was an incredible learning experience that will help them in their future careers. Many want to work in the theater. Charles, ’19, of Boston, hopes to teach the craft to students.

In addition to interviews, students used social media posts in developing their scripts, Charles said.

“It was a chance to use the distinct voices of the people that make up our community and other communities and unite it under a theme,” said Dylan. “It’s a collection of the human experience or humanity’s moments.” 

More information and tickets are available at BSUtix.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Photo caption: Student playwrights Charles Hill, left, Alyssa Germaine, Michael Eckenreiter and Dylan Crowley (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

You might find it surprising that one in five adults struggles with mental illness, which means most likely someone you know is suffering.

It might even be you. 

Bridgewater State University English Professor Sarah Fawn Montgomery knows firsthand how debilitating mental illness can be. Her recently published memoir, Quite Mad: An American Pharma Memoir, chronicles her own journey with anxiety, PTSD and OCD, and the treatments she has explored. The book also examines the history of mental illness treatment in the United States, including lobotomies, sterilization, the “rest cure” and Prozac.

While she didn’t necessarily set out to help others by writing the book, thanks to the candor of her personal narrative, Montgomery has accomplished just that.

“I wanted to write the book that I needed as a patient,” she said. “As a patient I had a lot of unanswered questions. The book is part memoir, part research.”

Since its release, readers have reached out and shared how Montgomery’s words have provided solace and comfort. 

Montgomery structured the book in a way that allows readers to experience what it’s like to have mental health issues. She uses flashbacks in sections, and elsewhere includes passages that appear to be missing periods of time.

“I wanted to try and mimic the experience of mental illness,” she said. “I want (readers) to be anxious, so when they’re reading it they know what it feels like to have OCD or anxiety.”

The narrative surrounding mental health – that once a diagnosis is made that there is necessarily a treatment out there – is false, Montgomery said.

“We’ve put our faith in an easy cure narrative because it makes us feel better and takes away the fear. I understand it, but it’s damaging to patients” she said. “We’re told you have ‘this,’ and you should be better. But I have anxiety, I accept that I have anxiety, and by accepting that it makes it a lot less scary.”

Ultimately, Montgomery hopes readers walk away with a better understanding and acceptance of mental illness as something not to shy away from, that it’s quite normal. 

“Let’s destigmatize that,” she said. A mental health issue “is ongoing, and it’s okay for it to resurface, it doesn’t mean you have failed.”

This isn’t the BSU professor’s first book. Montgomery is also the author of Regenerate: Poems of Mad Women, Leaving Tracks: A Prairie Guide, and The Astronaut Checks His Watch. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News & Video)

An uptick in campus coffee consumption most likely means its finals week at Bridgewater State University. After all, studying for exams can wreak havoc on students, mentally and otherwise, due to late-night study sessions, a lack of sleep, and an abundance of poor dietary choices.

“This can cause anxiety, depression or even panic attacks and increase the risk of illness from the common cold to stomach ulcers,” said Ann Doyle, outreach education coordinator. “It can become difficult to focus, recall information and make decisions. As a student, it’s important to be able to do all of those things, particularly going into exams.”

While some stress can be energizing and even provide the extra push needed to complete a project, too much stress can leave students feeling run down. 

“Physical and emotional health can be impacted by stress,” Doyle said. “When our bodies are stressed, the fight-or-flight response kicks in. This is a good thing when we are in danger, but can produce a nervous system overload leaving us exposed to stress hormones.”

To help BSU students find their balance the Outreach Education and BSU Peer Educators are co-hosting a Stress-Free Zone.

From Dec. 3-7, the campaign will offer a variety of events for students to de-stress as they prepare to tackle final exams. 

Scheduled events include creating a calming tea blend, visits with therapy dogs, a tutorial on the benefits of essential oils, coloring for calm, bracelet and keychain making, a boot camp workout, cupcake decorating, stretching session, and a make your own greeting card session. 

A “Feel Good Fest” will close out the week on Friday, Dec. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the RCC Ballroom, where three golden

retriever therapy dogs will be present. Also featured will be multiple stress-reducing stations and activities.

“Some people thrive on stress, for others it’s debilitating, “Doyle said. “We try to help students learn how to manage their stress so it isn’t overwhelming.”

Because stress can happen at any time, Doyle wants students to know that Outreach Education offers workshops, activities and tips throughout the year, not just during the Stress Free Zone. 

“Learning how to function in a healthy manner is how you learn to manage stress,” she said. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News and Video)

Dr. Pia Durkin is on a mission to inspire the next generation of educational leaders. For her, Bridgewater State University is the perfect home base.

Durkin is the College of Graduate Studies’ first ever scholar-in-residence, a position that seems like a natural fit given Durkin’s 40-year career in education and BSU’s commitment to training the next generation of teachers and administrators.

“I’m incredibly honored to serve as the first scholar-in-residence,” said Durkin, a former superintendent in New Bedford and Attleboro. “I feel an incredible responsibility to do it well. In many ways, we’re kind of creating the playbook.”

Durkin will spend the 2018-2019 academic year working on a book about her insights into K-12 academic leadership in city school systems, helping the college develop and promote its urban education graduate certificate program, and interacting with the campus community.

Durkin, who received the Distinguished Service Award at the 2018 graduate commencement ceremony, plans to visit BSU classrooms, give lectures, and be available to mentor students one-on-one.

She’s the perfect inaugural scholar because of her extensive background in public education and helping urban districts succeed, said Darren Macdonald, G’08, G’18, the college’s director of communication and outreach. 

The scholar-in-residence program allows the college to collaborate with other areas of the university. Scholars further their work and BSU students and employees interact with and learn from experts like Durkin, Macdonald said.

“The College of Graduate Studies wishes to become better known as a hub of intellectual engagement,” said Dr. Lisa Krissoff Boehm, the college’s dean. “Within the college, academic excellence, rigorous coursework, and stellar scholarship mix with regional engagement.”

As superintendent in New Bedford, Durkin led the district through reforms that have turned around the 13,000-student school system. New Bedford High School’s graduation rate is the highest it has been in more than a decade. Meanwhile, the city’s middle schools have been redesigned and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released the district from state monitoring.

Now, Durkin wants to pass on what she has learned in her career.

Leaders, she said, include those with titles like principal or administrator and even classroom teachers. Good ones know it’s important to take risks and stand up for what’s best for the children.

“Public education can truly make a difference,” Durkin said. “It is the great equalizer in our society.” 

Durkin will give her first BSU lecture Monday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. in the Dunn Conference Suite. She will discuss how teachers, support staff, and administrators can work together to make schools better places for children, and great places to work.(Story by Brian Benson, University News & Video)

Imagine learning a foreign language from someone who only speaks that language. How about sign language from someone who is deaf?

To some, it would seem like an impossible challenge. But, students in Bridgewater State University deaf Professor Glenna Caliendo’s American Sign Language classes see an incredible – and inspirational – educational opportunity.

“I learn how to be who I really am and how to express myself regardless of my (learning) disability,” said Kelsey Carreiro, ’19, an elementary education and English major, who is also minoring in reading. 

At a recent class, Kelsey and her peers mimicked sign language Caliendo demonstrated as they followed along in a textbook. Students next split into pairs to sign with each other as Caliendo offered individualized guidance.

Caliendo writes assignments on the classroom’s white board. She signs with students and has them write down or finger spell words if there is still a communications barrier.

“On the first day of the class, students were shocked that I’m a deaf professor, but they realized that I can lip-read and communicate with them,” said Caliendo, who answered questions by typing her responses.

Sarah Giampa, ’20, added: “The first couple weeks were a little challenging, but we all got used to it. We understand her and she’s really good at communicating things to us twice if we need it.”

Caliendo, a part-time instructor who has worked at BSU for almost two decades, grew up attending public school. She didn’t learn sign language until college when she wanted to communicate with hearing-impaired students who used ASL.

“I am proud to have been raised to use my voice and lip-read and my parents worked very hard to make life the best for me,” she said.

At BSU, she shares personal experiences, something students said adds a unique dimension to the class.

“At first I didn’t know what it would be like,” said Sarah, an elementary education major and special education minor from Walpole. “I really like it. I think it’s better (with a deaf professor).”

Sonja Jensen, ’19, a psychology major and childhood studies minor from Hanover, said Caliendo inspires her to help others because the instructor “is very caring and willing to do anything to help anybody succeed.”

Students learn there is more to sign language than gestures.

“I have to teach them to use their facial expressions, eye contact, and body movement as part of the communication,” Caliendo said. “I want them to communicate in ASL fluently and be comfortable in expressing their emotions.”

Sarah and Kelsey plan to apply their ASL skills in their future classrooms, where they will teach students with and without disabilities. Sonja wants to teach her future children sign language.

“I do believe that ASL is an extremely important language because mostly anyone can learn it and it gives an option for another means of communication in the world,” Caliendo said. “And that can only be a positive thing.” (Story by Brian Benson, photos by Benson and Charlie Peters, University News & Video) 

Nicole Berry, ’19, wasn’t sure how she would fit in at Bridgewater State University until she discovered Assistant Professor Ken Adams’ lab. It has taken her places she never imagined she would go.

“I found my spot at Bridgewater and have loved it ever since,” she said. “It’s pushed me further than what I could have done before.”

The molecular biosciences publication FEBS Letters is featuring undergraduate research done by Nicole, classmate Jacquelyn LaVallee, and alumni Terrain Grant, Stephanie D'Angelo‐Early, Sergey Kletsov and Kimberly Abt. They worked with Adams and Professor Christopher Bloch, both of BSU’s Department of Biological Sciences; and Boston University Lecturer Mario Muscedere.

“You don’t come into college thinking you’re going to walk out with your name on a publication,” said Nicole, a biology and elementary education major from Avon.

Indeed, publication in specialty journals are the sine qua non for success as a serious researcher. Typically, such accomplishments are the domain of graduate and doctorate students, faculty and professional researchers.

Using predominately rat and mouse cell lines, the BSU group researched a protein called NAB2 that is not fully understood. In humans and other mammals, NAB2 regulates gene expression (whether genes are turned on or off). It also contributes to the development and maintenance of nerves outside of the brain.

The study added to scientists’ understanding of NAB2 by identifying a region in the protein called a “nuclear localization signal” that is required for NAB2 to enter a cell’s nucleus, where it regulates gene expression.

Jacquelyn remembers what she felt when she learned - via an early morning email – their work would be published. 

“Overwhelming joy,” said the biology and chemistry major from Taunton. “Just like ‘Oh my gosh, it means someone cares about it.’”

Jacquelyn previously earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts-Boston, where she studied exercise physiology. Research, she said, provides students critical skills that help them compete for jobs.

“Anything outside of school really requires a deeper understanding of the sciences and a good hands-on knowledge of what biology is all about,” said Jacquelyn, a sergeant in the National Guard who also works at Massachusetts General Hospital and hopes to attend graduate school. 

Research allows students to intensively study a given problem in ways they cannot in a class that only meets a couple times a week, Adams said. He praised the Office of Undergraduate Research and its Adrian Tinsley Program for funding the NAB2 project.  

“I really like doing research and I am dependent on the undergrads just as they are dependent on me to get this done,” he said. 

Nicole, who hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists as a teacher, said BSU research helped her succeed at a Mass General Hospital internship in a lab focused on improving Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

“It was a really amazing experience,” she said. “I never thought I would even have that opportunity.” Photo captions: (Top) Assistant Professor Ken Adams, left, and students Nicole Berry and Jacquelyn LaVallee in the lab. (Below) Nicole Berry works inside a tissue culture hood, which keeps contaminants out of cells. (Story by Brian Benson, photos by Bailey Cormier, ’22, University News & Video) 

Most retirees take up gardening or travel in their golden years, but not Shelia (Tunstall) McKenna, ’62. She’s too busy lacing up her sneakers and hitting the court.  

“I am never going to use a walker,” said the feisty 78-year-old. 

McKenna recently met up with the Bridgewater State University women’s basketball team for a workout in the Tinsley Center, where she shared her love of the game.

The older Bear may have moved a tad slower than the rest of the team, all at least 50 years younger. But if you looked closer, the echoes of the young woman who averaged 20.5 points per game in high school, came into focus.

Back and forth, her fingers maneuvered the basketball with ease, a little fake here, a stutter step there. From the elbow McKenna pulled up to take a shot. The ball left her weathered hands and soared through the air, ending with a snap through the net. 

In 1958, when McKenna first arrived from Fairhaven at what was then Bridgewater Teachers College, there was no women’s basketball team.

Still wanting to play, she opted to participate in intramurals.  After collecting her degree in health and physical education McKenna embarked on a physical education teaching career at Attleboro High School, where she also coached volleyball, field hockey, track and, of course, basketball. 

During her recent visit, McKenna let the BSU players know that age isn’t an excuse to stop doing what you love and shared that she still plays as a member of the Connecticut High Fives Senior Women’s team, where the players’ ages range from 76-81.  

Last April, basketball even opened up a new door, when a casting agent for Showtime was looking for women in their 70’s who play basketball to appear on a series featuring writer and actor Frankie Shaw (Rosie O’Connell also co-stars). The agent was directed to the CT High Fives.

Nine players on the team tried out for the part but in the end McKenna, always the competitor, scored a small speaking role. She shot her scenes on a Boston set this past summer where she got to show off her on-court skills.

“The whole crew was wonderful and oh-so young. They were all very welcoming,” she said. 

The experience was so inspiring that McKenna enrolled in acting lessons and is now auditioning for new roles.

“I wanted to do something different and out of my comfort zone,” she said. 

She may have developed a new passion for acting, but McKenna will never give up playing hoops.

“There are men and women competing who are 100, that’s what keeps me going,” she said. 

During a quick break at the Tinsley Center, McKenna watched the members of the BSU women’s team continue their workout. Staring out to the court she smiled and offered a tip for the younger players.

“Work hard, play hard, study hard. Your years at Bridgewater will be some of the best years of your life,” she said.

(Story by Heather Harris Michonski; photos and video by Carl Hollant, University News and Video)

Eli Diaz, ’14, wants to build bridges. But don’t expect to find him driving heavy machinery assembling a new highway span.
 
Instead, you’re likely to see the Bridgewater State University alumnus forging international connections and encouraging students to pursue their dreams, wherever that might be.
 
That’s what Diaz did when he left the United States for China with only a small amount of cash, little knowledge of Mandarin, and the promise of a job teaching English. He credits his BSU business professors for supporting him and suggesting he put himself out there and see where life takes him.
 
“This small, little, tight-knit school of 10,000 people opened up a lot of things for me,” he said. “It’s very dear to me.”
 
Diaz, who was a transfer student, switched his major from physics to global management after seeing how engaging the department’s faculty members were. He participated in a study tour to China and knew he wanted to go back.
 
“I fell in love with it,” he said of the country that seemed to come up in every class. “I knew it was an essential place for me to go, in order for me to develop professionally and academically. … You can read about it, your professors can tell you about it, but you have to go there and see it for yourself.”
 
While teaching English in the coastal city of Wenzhou, he found an external affairs internship at Wenzhou University, thanks to a connection provided by BSU’s Dr. Wing-kai To. That led to a job at the university’s aviation school. Diaz, who has lived in China since 2014, now works in marketing in the financial technology sector.
 
Despite being about 7,000 miles away, he hasn’t forgotten his BSU roots. Diaz meets with Bridgewater officials when they visit China, and helped organize a study tour like the one that changed his own life. He is considering returning to the United States to help build ties between the two countries.
 
“At this stage in my professional career, I’m looking to create more bridges between China and the United States,” he said.
 
To this end, he’ll return to campus on Friday, Dec. 7, to talk to current students about Asian Studies. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room ECC113.
 
He encourages current Bears to have a global perspective and not feel pigeonholed into following a traditional career path.
 
“We live in a time that’s extremely interesting,” Diaz said. “The concept of borders, of seeing something as completely outlandish or foreign – that’s going away.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News & Video)
 
Do you have a BSU story you’d like to share? E-mail stories@bridgew.edu.

Over the past few weeks students were perplexed. What was up with the salmon pink- and apple green-colored flyers appearing around campus?

The mystery was solved during a historic ceremony where 13 young women were welcomed into Bridgewater State University’s first-ever black Greek letter organization.
On Dec. 8, in front of their family and friends, the students were inducted into the new BSU Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter Psi Iota Omega during a ceremony held in the Rondileau Campus Center ballroom.

“It is groundbreaking for us and for Bridgewater State University so we’re very, very excited,” said Janet Roberts-Williams, graduate adviser for the Psi Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA). The sorority was first established in 1908; its roots can be traced to Howard University, a historically black institution in Washington, D.C.
Psi Iota Omega will oversee the new chapter at BSU.

The inductees were: Christabell Baah, ’19, Sky Corbin, ’21, Brigitta Dzissah, ’19, Brittney Francisco, ’20, Camille Holts, ’20, Antwonette Irenne, ’19, Star-Asia Kuwornoo, ’20, Geralda Morency, ’19, Chelon Myles, ’19, Adobi Ochijeh, ’19, Jaynah Owes, ’21, Tiffany Smyth, ’19, and Cincere Tarkpor, ’21.

“I feel excited and joyful about bringing this organization on campus,” Star-Asia said. “I feel Bridgewater State University is going in the right direction of incorporating diversity on campus. Bridgewater State University has already been an institution filled with history. Now this illustrious organization can assist this campus to excel and grow and bring all walks of life together.”

Dr. Joseph Oravecz, vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment, said that adding this new chapter not only benefits the BSU campus community but also presents an opportunity to connect with other institutions nationally. He added that he hopes this event will serve as a catalyst for other organizations to expand and join the BSU fraternity and sorority life community.

“The more experiences we can be providing, that’s what we need to be doing,” Oravecz said. “We at BSU stand for what is right, to create a welcoming, inclusive, diverse and supportive environment – to be a fellow Bear.” (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News & Video; Photos by Charlie Peters, Digital Communications)

Breaking into the news business isn’t easy. For 2017 graduates Molly Hurley (pictured above) or Amanda Pitts (pictured below), all it took was hard work and perseverance.
 
After graduating with degrees in communication studies, the women embarked on successful careers sharing the news in front of and behind the camera.
 
Pitts currently works as a news reporter for ABC 6 News in Providence, Rhode Island, while Hurley is employed as a multimedia journalist at KMOT-TV in Minot, North Dakota.
 
“I’m not surprised by her success. Amanda is outgoing, personable and doesn’t take herself too seriously, all good characteristics for an on-camera news reporter,” said Dr. Arthur Lizie, communication studies department chair and professor.
 
Professor Dr. Jessica Birthisel is equally impressed with where Hurley has landed.
 
“I really admire how Molly was willing to relocate for a career opportunity. A lot of our BSU students are resistant to considering such a thing, but I think it’s going to set her up so well for future opportunities,” Birthisel said. “I’m really proud to see how much experience she’s already gained and I love following her reporting via social media.”
 
BSU caught up with both women recently to learn more about their budding careers in the media.
 
Why did you want to be a reporter?

Hurley: “At Rockland High School I was writing for the student newspaper. After the Boston Marathon bombings the newspaper staff sat in on an undergraduate class at Boston University. After seeing how the staff came together to bring the news of the bombing to the students… I knew in an instant I wanted to go into journalism.”

Pitts: “I always loved the news. When I was younger I was the first person to tell anything I found out.”
 
What do you like best about your job?

Hurley: “I love talking to people. There are times when I’m talking with people I find myself getting emotional. Talking with people and letting them know I’m not just using them for a story, but care about the story I’m telling… It reminds me why I do this.”

Pitts: “The best part is that every day it’s different. I never wanted an office job. I wanted to something where each day there is a new challenge. In this job it’s always exciting.”
The alumnae credit the experience they gained through internships, acquired through the BSU internship program, which enabled them to compete for highly desirable media-related positions right after graduation.
 
Hurley and Pitts both interned for WCVB Channel 5 News and BTV, a local public access station.
 
Were your internships important?

Hurley: “Internships are what you make of them. There is a fine line between being persistent and wanting to obtain knowledge, but you have to advocate for yourself.”

Pitts: “I don’t think I’d be where I am now if I didn’t have the internship experience.”
 
What advice do you have for students looking to follow a similar career path?

Hurley: “If you’re considering a career in news you have to be driven and a go-getter. It’s never going to be handed to you. Take advantage of the resources around you. You have to create your own destiny and set yourself up for success.”

Pitts: “Take advantage of all Bridgewater has to offer. The internships really helped me and made me realize this is what I want to do. Take advantage of all opportunities.” (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, University News and Video)

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

It’s that time of year again. We’re all getting stressed and anxious and the workload feels like it may crush us. It won’t though because we can handle it—even if we don’t think we can. There are ways to get through these last couple of weeks with minimal stress.

Getting organized is probably the best thing you can do for yourself right now. Write down the dates of all of your finals, your in-class finals, your online finals and the due dates of papers. One of the worst things that can happen is forgetting you have a final paper due the day before you’re supposed to hand it in. Refer to the Fall 2018 Final Exam Schedule (PDF).

On top of writing the dates down, prioritize your workload by how much time you need to prepare. Is there a final you should have started studying for last week because you know it’s going to be extremely hard? Put that at the top of your list. If you’ve had all semester to work on a research paper, but haven’t started it, then that should also be at the top of your list. Two weeks are going to come and go faster than you think and the stress only intensifies as you become pinched for time.

The next thing to do is meet with your professor or PAL if you’re struggling. Teaching yourself how to do something for a simple test during the semester might have been easy enough, but for a final you really want to know the content more comprehensively. Go to office hours and get extra help on topics you haven’t been able to figure out over the course of the semester (even though this would have been a good idea earlier).

Make sure you’ve planned your time around what finals you have. Writing them down is one thing, but making sure you don’t have huge events planned the day before an exam is equally important. Use your free time to make sure you’re ready and don’t feel bad about missing out on plans.

In the end, just do your best. Put in effort to make sure everything gets done and to fully prepare yourself. It’s okay to be stressed, but don’t lose all motivation because you feel like you have too much on your plate. Cry it out if you have to, call your mom or rant to your friends, but know you've got this!

-Catherine Rafuse, ’19, Psychology Major

Countless Americans can tell you exactly where they were when they learned terrorists had attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Maddie Elliott, ’22, is among the young Americans who have no memories of a day forever etched into the minds of so many.
 
“We’re the first generation that has it taught in school to us. It’s part of the history of America,” said Maddie, who is from Foxboro and was a baby in 2001.
 
That education continues at Bridgewater State University, where English Instructor Melissa Santos, ’08, G’12, challenged Maddie and her classmates to explore the attacks’ aftermath through the lens of song.
 
Maddie and Anissa Bukuras, ’22, (pictured at right) who are both taking Santos’ Social Consciousness of Music course, presented at BSU’s Mid-Year Symposium separate projects that examined music after 9/11.
 
“I think music can be so powerful and it can make people come together in times of distress and devastation, and it can just spread such meaningful love and hope,” Anissa said.
 
They were among hundreds of students from across the university who on Monday showcased posters and gave oral presentations.
 
Gedeline Joseph, ’21, Angel Wilder, ’21, and Ryan Robbins, ’20, (pictured above) went beyond just researching their topic. They experienced first-hand how nonprofits assist people in Brockton as part of Assistant Professor Jibril Solomon’s Introduction to Social Welfare course. They spent time at Father Bill’s and MainSpring, a local shelter; the Salvation Army; and My Brother’s Keeper. Each student volunteered at one of the organizations, as part of the requirements for the social work course.
 
“It was very touching,” Angel, who is from Boston, said of helping others.
 
D’Ana Spears, ’20, an environmental geosciences major from Somerville, studied carbon sequestration for Dr. John Kucich’s and Ronald Maribett’s sustainability course. Carbon sequestration is a way to remove the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
 
“I think it’s very important because climate change is very real,” said D’Ana, who hopes to continue researching the topic.
 
The benefits of presenting at the Mid-Year Symposium are tangible, even for freshmen. Participating first-year students are more likely to continue their BSU education and feel more confident in their studies and more connected to campus.
 
The symposium helped Maddie and Anissa hone their public speaking skills as they explained how artists such as Bruce Springsteen and the Beastie Boys responded to the Sept. 11th attacks. Post-9/11 music expressed political views and helped people cope, they said.
 
“Research is important,” said Anissa, a communication sciences and disorders major from Mansfield. “You learn something new every day.” (Story by Brian Benson, photos by Benson and Bailey Cormier, ’22, University News & Video)
 
Do you have a BSU story you’d like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Eager to go on a sleigh ride? There may not be snow on the ground, but Melissa Sommer, ’22, and her fellow Bridgewater State University musicians are ready to take you on one through song.
 
As the horses gallop onward, one will neigh in appreciation of attendees of the Department of Music’s annual Gala Holiday Extravaganza Concert, since they help make students’ musical goals a reality. The annual event, held Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the RCC Auditorium, will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday favorites performed by members of the Chorale, Wind Ensemble, Pop Vocal, Flute Choir, String Ensemble, Jazz Band and more.
 
Donations at the extravaganza benefit the BSU Friends of Music Scholarship Fund, which supports students such as Melissa, a clarinetist in the Wind Ensemble and music education major.
 
“It was a nice surprise,” Melissa said of her $300 scholarship, which eases her transition to college. “It will help me make that dream of mine come true.”
 
The scholarship, awarded to several new students each year, encourages high school seniors to come to BSU, said Dr. Donald Running, an associate professor of music.
 
Melissa’s dream is to become a high school music teacher. She hopes to create the same welcoming, supportive atmosphere she sees at BSU and experienced attending Marlboro’s Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.

“I practically grew up in music rooms and band rooms.” the Maynard resident said. “We’re a family creating that really cool project together. I find that awesome.  We can collaborate to create a show.”

Melissa and her fellow musicians will showcase that teamwork at the extravaganza. A $10 donation is suggested for admission. The event is free for BSU students.
 
The concert will, of course, feature an arrangement of Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride. But, Melissa thinks you should come for more than just holiday tunes.
 
“It doesn’t just support the program. It supports the students in the program to help them go through college to get their degree,” she said, thanking everyone who contributes to scholarships for her and her fellow Bears. “We have a passion for creating great music and we want to show it to the world.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News & Video)
 
Do you have a BSU story you’d like to share? E-mail stories@bridgew.edu.

Melissa Sullivan, G’20, didn’t wait long to put skills she honed in Bridgewater State University’s certified public manager program to use. When she did, Sullivan (pictured at far left below) helped make everyone who lives, works and studies at BSU safer.
 
Sullivan, business unit analyst for the town of Bridgewater, helped the community add eight firefighters, thanks to a federal grant. That means the fire department can always staff its tower truck, which is needed to reach upper floors of BSU’s taller buildings.
 
As she tackled that project, she gained knowledge from classes on budgeting, grant writing and other aspects of public and nonprofit service. Sullivan praised students and professors for bringing real-world experience into the classroom.
 
“I really learned a lot about public service from my classmates and my teachers, and the appreciation for what that entails,” said Sullivan, who is pursuing an MBA at BSU. “I learned a lot about how to develop skills to reach my professional goals.”
 
Sullivan joins Brewster Assistant Town Administrator and Procurement Officer Donna Kalinick (pictured at left of sign), and Lowell Housing Authority Executive Assistant Andrew Rocha, G’16, (pictured at right) as BSU’s first three certified public manager graduates. Bridgewater is the only school in Massachusetts that offers the certificate program. The leadership development program, housed in the Department of Political Science, is accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium.
 
The program is geared toward public and nonprofit sector managers. Students complete 12 courses, covering topics such as human resources, information technology, and conflict resolution. Some even receive promotions while tackling the program.
 
“We want very strong leadership and competencies and abilities so when we’re providing programs and services to our communities, they’re the best that we can possibly provide,” said Program Director Jodie Drapal Koretski, who is also a part-time political science professor.
 
Students complete a capstone project related to their job or community. Kalinick worked on creating an affordable housing trust, while Sullivan tackled firefighter staffing. Rocha developed a communications plan for the housing authority.
 
“I think I learned a lot from my colleagues within the class,” said Rocha, who earned a master’s in public administration from Bridgewater. “We share similar issues within our organizations and it helped me generate ideas about how I can improve in my own role and improve my organization.”
 
All three encourage public and nonprofit workers to consider the program.
 
With town administrators and finance directors retiring, municipalities need a pool of workers ready to fill their shoes. And, government is changing with more demands on services and need for innovation, Kalinick said.
 
“People who want to be in this line of work need to think outside the box,” she said. “Education helps with that.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News & Video)

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

The Rainbow’s Edge playground was once a bustling hub of activity. Today it sits abandoned. No longer are happy squeals heard coming from children as they travel down the slide, and swings sit empty, swaying back and forth as if propelled by an unseen ghost.

Knowing what lies in the soil on the property of the Bridgewater playground, chemistry Professor Cielito “Tammy” King is satisfied to see it finally closed.

Back in 2004, based on a on a recommendation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, King learned manufacturers were voluntarily discontinuing the use of pressure-treated wood for residential uses.

Preserved with a pesticide that contains arsenic, pressure-treated lumber has been shown to leach this toxic chemical into the environment as the wood deteriorates.

With that in mind, King began to think about The Rainbow’s Edge playground where she sometimes brought her young son to play.

The playground piqued King’s interest because the structures, tables and fences were all made of pressure-treated wood.

Curious, she had her then-undergraduate research student Eric Curry, ’05, collect random soil samples for testing.

The initial findings showed there were three areas on the property with above-average arsenic levels, based on Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) standards.

King shared her findings with the town of Bridgewater, but initially received no response.

So, she spent her 2007 sabbatical collecting and testing over 100 soil samples from the playground for arsenic. Her findings supported the initial study.

Through the help of the administration of Bridgewater State President-Emeritus Dana Mohler-Faria, she worked with the town and organized a two-day affair where she and BSU students volunteered to seal the pressure-treated wood to avoid further avoid arsenic leaching into the soil.

“I just couldn’t sit back knowing there were toxins there,” King said.

Bridgewater eventually closed the playground to the public, where it still sits empty today.

The story doesn’t end there, however.

In 2017, the contaminated soil was still in the back of her mind, leaving King to seek funding to help her continue her work. She had recently been turned down for a National Science Foundation grant that would fund new instruments that, among other things, could help determine the type of arsenic in the playground’s soil.

In response to her application, NSF said one of the reasons she was denied is because she lacked a publication.

So, King set out to remedy this.

“Okay, I thought, I don’t have any publications, let me try to get published,” she said.

The determined professor collaborated with the geology department at Bridgewater, and with UMass-Amherst faculty, who allowed King to use their analytical instruments in exchange for co-authorship of the research paper.

During a second sabbatical in 2017, Dr. King worked at the playground site using the equipment from UMass, which allowed her to expand her research.

The results showed that during the previous 10 years, arsenic continued to accumulate in the soil at levels exceeding Massachusetts DEP standards. However, most of the arsenic was a less-toxic form and less likely to leach underground into the groundwater.

Armed with updated data, an article was composed. Much to King’s delight, “Long-term leaching of arsenic from pressure-treated playground structures in the Northeastern United States” will be published this March in Science of the Total Environment, a peer-reviewed journal.

Once published, King plans to reapply for the NSF grant.

“It feels surreal that it’s been accepted,” King said. “It’s been a journey… I’m proud of myself, but also very grateful for the support I received from my two sabbaticals, my department, undergraduate research students, BSU administrators and collaborators.” (Story by Heather Harris, University News & Video)

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

It would be easy to understand if someone entering Burnell Hall was startled to see students hunched over what appeared to be a human head. A closer look was just as jarring, as it revealed they were busy sculpting human ears.

No need to panic, the students were not working on an actual head, rather, they were using a model to learn how to reconstruct aspects of the human anatomy as part of their training to become funeral directors.

Restorative art is just part of the funeral service program at Bridgewater State University. Through the program, students learn what it takes to work in the funeral business, from marketing and merchandising, to dealing with bereavement issues, to learning the science of embalming.

The program arrived at BSU this fall in a non-traditional way. After Mt. Ida College shut its doors for good in May, many students were left scrambling, including those enrolled in the school’s funeral service program.

To save the program, Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) partnered with Bridgewater.

The American Board of Funeral Service Education approved CCCC’s “teach-out” plan which enables the school to continue the program for former Mount Ida students interested in completing their degrees.

In a unique move, the program is run through CCCC, but housed by BSU.

“We are ecstatic, the people at Bridgewater have been accommodating and welcoming,” said Daniel Shea, CCCC assistant professor who teaches in the program. “Coming from a four-year institution, this lets us give our students some of the same things we had at Mt. Ida.”

Taking classes on campus isn’t the only thing funeral service program students enjoy, they also have access to amenities that include campus cafeterias, the library and gym. Living on campus is also an option.

Ashley Letourneau of Acushnet is one of the former Mt. Ida students who is set to earn her degree from the funeral service program at the close of this semester.

“I attended Mt. Ida and the unknown was crazy. Then we got notification we were coming here and it’s been fantastic,” she said “I couldn’t ask for anything better. We’ve been able to continue our classes and our education. I can’t even tell you how great it’s been.”

CCCC is now seeking approval for on-going accreditation of the funeral service program for new students.

“Being on the BSU campus, it’s a big name and centrally located. I have a feeling our program will grow bigger than it was before because we are located at a state university,” Shea said.

If approved, the goal is to accept new students this fall.

“Our hope is to continue to be here and grow here,” Shea said. (Story by Heather Harris, University News and Video)

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

Communications and public relations are often about promoting the work of others. Bridgewater State University’s Dr. Thomasena Shaw makes sure her students can also promote themselves.
 
Shaw’s students complete online trainings that cover multimedia messaging, social media campaigns, content strategy and other topics. After successfully finishing, the students receive certifications to include on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles showing they know the tools of the trade.

“With many of our students being first-generation (college students), sometimes holding several jobs to get through school, their ability to do internships is not the same,” said Shaw, an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies. “It gives them a practical advantage that employers are interested in.”
 
Students complete Hootsuite and Hubspot certifications, which are available free to them. The trainings go beyond what Shaw can cover during class meetings.
 
Emily Mangum, ’20, earned Hootsuite and Hubspot certifications and already sees the benefits. She impressed her internship supervisor at Brockton’s Fuller Craft Museum with her knowledge of Hootsuite, a social media management platform.
 
Emily, a strategic communications major and public relations minor from Royalston, hopes to work for a nonprofit organization or government agency. The certifications, she said, could help her stand out in a field of applicants.
 
“Everyone and their mothers are getting bachelor’s degrees, so you have to set yourself apart,” Emily said.
 
Noah Larson,’21, of Mansfield, completed a certification for his Business and Professional Communication class. Noah, who is majoring in communication studies with a concentration in media studies, said he did not expect to come away from the course with a concrete addition to his resume.
 
“That was really beneficial,” he said. “That’s not something you get with every college course.” (Story by Brian Benson, photos by Carl Hollant, ’15, University News & Video)

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

Photonics can revolutionize the world’s technology, making everything from medical devices to cell phones better. There’s one problem: To advance the emerging field, you need trained workers.

That’s where Bridgewater State University comes in.

BSU is one of several institutions, including Stonehill College, working with a $1.8 million grant MIT secured from the U.S. Office of Naval Research. The grant allows AIM Photonics Academy at MIT to develop a program to train people to work in advanced manufacturing. The initiative brings together industry, academia and government.

Students can complete a 15-month, 30-credit certification program, which will include apprenticeships at companies. BSU will also offer a new photonics minor as well as a new concentration for physics majors.

Photons are particles of light capable of replacing electrons. Using photons allows for higher-density chips in devices and improves the transmission of information, providing more bandwidth and less energy loss.

BSU plans to train people to be photonics technicians. They are involved in all levels of the manufacturing, testing and characterization of photonic and optical devices, which includes working with lasers and fiber optics.

“They’re well-paid, long-term positions and full-time jobs,” said Dr. Ed Deveney, a BSU physics professor and local principal investigator for the grant.

Technicians need hands-on learning, and that’s something at which BSU excels. The university has 20 years of experience placing students in jobs in the optics industry. 

As part of the grant, Bridgewater will develop three new courses covering optics, fiber optics and electronics. The grant also funds equipment and personnel.

Organizers anticipate welcoming the first group of students in 2020. And, that can’t come soon enough.

Technicians are in demand locally as companies pop up around Massachusetts looking to play a role in photonics-related developments, Deveney said.

“It’s exciting to be part of this revolution and exciting Massachusetts can be a leader in this industry,” he said. “We need a workforce and they will be this workforce.” (Story and photo by Brian Benson, University News & Video)

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

You probably see lots of Santa’s helpers this time of year, but have you ever seen an elf who is also a bear?
 
Meet Effie May Bell. She loves entertaining children with Mrs. Claus at the Taj Boston Hotel’s Teddy Bear Tea.
 
“I think the best thing you can do in your whole life is to make a meaningful connection with a child,” Effie said.
 
When Effie, also known as Libby Lit, ’20, is not bringing North Pole magic to young children, she hangs out with her fellow Bridgewater State University Bears.
 
Mrs. Claus also has a home on campus as Department of Theatre adjunct faculty member Mari Novotny-Jones.
 
Libby and Novotny-Jones work together seamlessly at the weekend teas. They glide around the room, posing for photos with eager children, teaching kids a new song and playing hide-and-seek. Libby dances and lets youngsters make holiday music on her ukulele.
 
Novotny-Jones, who has brought her Mrs. Claus to the hotel for more than two decades, savors every interaction with a child.
 
“It only exists for a moment,” she said. “That moment and all those moments put together carries me through the year.”
 
When the weekend teas grew so popular that she needed help to ensure every child has a special time, hotel management agreed to hire an elf. Novotny-Jones has been picking Bridgewater students as elves for about a decade.
 
Libby, who is from Milford and majoring in communication studies with a concentration in theater education, sees the job and her BSU education as excellent preparation for her career. She wants to produce children’s theater that is accessible to all, including kids with disabilities.
 
“I would have never gotten this chance anywhere else,” said Libby, who is in her second season as Effie.
 
Libby and Novotny-Jones meet throngs of children every season. But, some interactions stand out.  Libby, who is Jewish, once met youngsters who share her religion.
 
“Those kids didn’t leave my side the whole time,” she said. “We played The Dreidel Song instead of a Christmas song. We talked about latkes. Effie May Bell is known as the elf who brought Hanukkah to the North Pole.”
 
Then, there was the time they comforted a child whose mother was dying.
 
“I don’t think there’s anything better in this world than having a deep impact on a child’s life,” Libby said. “And I feel like that’s what I do every weekend.” (Story and photos by Brian Benson, University News & Video)

Tears fell from the face of Dominique Durden, 19, as she stood in the middle of the Minnock Institute Global Learning Lab. She was thinking of her late friend, Sackie Nyanquoi.

“He was just always so nice to me, he was always so genuine,” she said.

On Dec. 17, Dominique and other members of the Bridgewater State University community gathered for an intimate ceremony to rename the Global Learning Lab in honor of Sackie, a chemistry major and member of the class of 2019, who died in October.

The young scholar had touched many lives during his time at BSU, leading to the naming of the lab in his honor.

“I think it’s more than appropriate to recognize Sackie’s contributions to our university and how he was able to make in impact on a worldly basis,” said Joseph Oravecz, vice president of Student Affairs. “This dedication is emblematic of how he assisted BSU to move forward with international student relations.”

Sackie, always diligent when it came to his studies, was a frequent visitor to the lab.

“As a tribute to such a dedicated scholar and a dear friend to many at BSU and beyond, we wanted to create a space for the community to come together and remember him,” said Jennifer Currie, associate director of International Student and Scholar Services.

Dominique said the gesture is fitting.

“I think it’s phenomenal because he was excited about education,” she said.

Sackie, a Liberian native, overcame many obstacles in his short 27 years, including a near-fatal acid attack in 2008 by an assailant who was trying to rob his parents’ home in Monrovia.

He never let adversity harden him, and it was rare to find Sackie on campus without a smile.

“He was very friendly. Every time I saw him, he would say ‘Hi,’ and ask how I was doing,” said international student Jenniffer Rivas, ’18, of the Dominican Republic.

During the recent dedication ceremony, a plaque containing a photo of Sackie was unveiled. The plaque will eventually be put on display for all to view.

Currie encourages all students, not just international students, to seek out the Sackie Nyanquoi Lab for a quiet place to study, and even reflect.

“We hope students will come by to share their stories and remember him as well,” she said. (Story by Heather Harris, University News & Video)

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