The first formal memorandum of understanding signed with a local business is in place, promising to bring increased cooperation on a number of fronts.
President Dana Mohler-Faria and Michael Hogan, president and CEO of the Wareham-based A.D. Makepeace Company, signed the agreement. The partnership will enhance internship and summer employment opportunities for BSU students, develop pathways to part- and full-time employment for students and graduates, and foster cooperation between staff members of the two organizations.
“Bridgewater State University is committed to the success of our students and our region,” the president said. “By building deep partnerships with employers, we can better provide a well-rounded education that helps prepare students to meet the challenges of working in our commonwealth and across the world. Simultaneously, growing businesses like A.D. Makepeace benefit from direct access to our talented, motivated and hard-working students.”
According to the company’s website, A.D. Makepeace is the world's largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship. The partnership with Bridgewater is designed to serve both the university and the company: BSU turns out hundreds of well-trained science, business and communication graduates each year, while ADM is a growing regional organization with ongoing talent acquisition needs.
Mr. Hogan said the cooperation between his company and BSU is only the beginning.
“This is a nucleus we can collectively build on,” he said, as he and the president signed the memorandum.
“We’re really pleased that A.D. Makepeace is the first formal business (agreement) we’ve put in place,” said Frederick Clark Jr., executive vice president and vice president for external affairs. He added that the university is eager to create a formal structure to help grow BSU’s paid-internship program and other initiatives that help students and strengthen connections to the local business community.
There are also benefits to the region, Mr. Clark said.
“A.D. Makepeace has been repeatedly recognized for sound business practices and corporate philanthropy in the region,” he said. “The company and BSU are deeply committed to the economic, social and cultural health of Southeastern Massachusetts.”
Dr. Diana Jennings, director of Regional Partnerships, said BSU and ADM are well matched, with a similar sense of social responsibility. “That set of values is shared by us and them,” she said. (Story and photo by John Winters, G ’11, University News)
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