BRIDGEWATER STATE COLLEGENewslog |
March 31, 2008Local Consultant Shares Expertise with StudentsBlair Porter, vice president of solution portfolio management in the financial services sector for CGI, an international information technology company, shared his perspective on the world of consulting at a Business Breakfast held Thursday in the Dunn Conference Suite. "A consultant is an expert advisor trusted to deliver value," he said. "It's an attitude rather than a job title. First it's a people business. Then you bring your skill set to the table." Mr. Porter emphasized the skills required to become a successful consultant, namely the ability to listen, combined with people skills, flexibility, self-discipline and team-building skills. Expertise he said is only part of the equation. Students participated in a lively question-and-answer session following Mr. Porter's address. Required entry level skills, salary potential and internship possibilities were just some of the issues raised. Dr. Catherine Morgan, dean of the School of Business, sponsors of the program, praised the students for their involvement. Dean Morgan invited students to attend the next Business Breakfast meeting, scheduled for April 22. Vicky Donlan, author of HER TURN: Why It's Time for Women to Lead in America, and founder and former publisher of Women's Business Boston, will share her perspective. (Karen Booth, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Blair Porter March 31, 2008Lecture by Kenyan Scholar Highlights Africa Awareness WeekStudents got an overview of Kenya's educational system and its inherent disparities during a keynote address that was one of many events held recently to mark Africa Awareness Week. Dr. Agnes Wakesho Mwang'ombe is the principal of the University of Nairobi College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, founder and director of the Kenya-based Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Foundation, and an expert in the areas of education and gender discrimination. She was introduced by one of the coordinators of Africa Awareness Week, Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva, professor of anthropology, who reminded students in attendance that the goal of the week's worth of events was, quite simply, "to engage you in the world and all its realities." Dr. Mwang'ombe's talk outlined the history of public education in Kenya, which dates to the east African nation's independence in 1963, and includes everything from instruction in traditional school buildings to lessons that, in the more rural areas, are held outside. When students reach high school age, the top ones are admitted to the best schools. Dr. Mwang'ombe said this opens the door for disparities, especially for poorer students and females, who are underrepresented in the better schools. Other challenges to education discussed by the Kenyan visitor included the AIDS epidemic that is currently gripping Africa, difficulty in extending education to the country's nomadic population, and the dangers some students face walking long distances to school. Africa Awareness Week also included two panel discussions, an afternoon of music and storytelling, and last Wednesday night a concert brought together several performers to celebrate the continent's various traditions and cultures. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications)
Dr. Mwang'ombe delivers her talk, (top, left), Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva (top, right), and other images from Africa Awareness Week. (Photos by John Winters and Karen Booth) March 31, 2008U.S. Congressman Visits Campus to Discuss Issues of the DayStudents, members of the BSC community and area residents recently had a chance to hear from U.S. Congressman Stephen Lynch, who visited the Moakley Center to share his thoughts on a variety of issues in the news, from the ever-expanding housing and mortgage crisis to the war in Iraq. The representative of the 9th Massachusetts District began by talking about his background and his mentor, Joseph Moakley, before moving into a description of his duties in Congress. Rep. Lynch said he spends four or five days a week in Washington, much of that time is devoted to his work on the Committee on Financial Services and the Government Oversight and Reform Committee, as well as a newer committee that investigates possible sources of money that finances terrorism. BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria was on hand to introduce the congressman, calling him "a great friend of the college." After discussing the troubles currently facing the nation and the world, Rep. Lynch told the young people in the audience they live in "a momentous time," with the "most exciting presidential election in my lifetime." Questions from students addressed several topics, including Social Security and health care. Rep. Lynch's talk was presented as part of the college's Center for Legislative Studies Distinguished Speaker Series. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications)
Congressman Stephen Lynch (photo by John Winters) March 26, 2008Best-Selling Author Gives Talk, Debuts New MaterialTerry McMillan shared her thoughts on a variety of subjects, and, to the delight of audience members gathered for the fourth installment of the college's Distinguished Speaker Series, read from a work in progress that reprised some of her more famous characters. The best-selling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting to Exhale discussed the travails of being past the age of 50 and trying to find a partner, the complex job of parenting, the craft of writing, and her philosophy on achieving happiness. In her reading, she addressed the latter point. The new work was part of a planned novel, Getting to Happy, which catches up with the Exhale characters 15 years down the line, as they "try to reclaim their lives," Ms. McMillan explained. The reading brought plenty of laughter and agreeing nods from members of the audience who were clearly fans of the author and her work. Ms. McMillan also recounted her college days, then segued into a story about her son, who graduated from Stanford and is now washing dishes while contemplating a career in music. "I told him, ‘I know you can get there, but is this the only way?'" Ms. McMillan said, feigning exasperation. Then adding, "But the bottom line is this: I did the same thing." (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Author Terry McMillan delivers her talk. (Photo by John Winters) March 25, 2008Africa Awareness Week UnderwayMembers of the BSC community will have a chance this week to learn much about Africa, its various cultures and the challenges of the new century its people are facing. Africa Awareness Week will feature speakers, panel discussions, music, dance and other events designed to promote cross-cultural learning. Highlights include a concert Wednesday night at 7 in the Horace Mann Auditorium, panel discussions Tuesday and Friday, and a talk, "Educating Women in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities" by Dr. Agnes Wakesho Mwang'ombe. Dr. Mwang'ombe is principal of the University of Nairobi College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, and founder and director of the Kenya-based Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Foundation. Monday she met with select faculty members, students and administrators at the Campus Center dining room, where she expressed her thanks to BSC for helping her bring her message to the region. "Hopefully people here will be able to appreciate a different culture and the various forces inhibiting women from accessing education, and some of the efforts we are putting forth to address these challenges," she said. Africa Awareness Week is being coordinated by Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva and Dr Louise Badiane. Click here for a full schedule of this week's events.
Administrators and faculty members held a reception Monday to kick off Africa Awareness Week. Pictured, left to right are Dr. Sandra-Faiman Silva, Dr.Amos Nwosu, Dr. Agnes Wakesho Mwang'ombe, Mike Gomes, Dr Louise Badiane and Nanette Baines. (Photo by John Winters) March 25, 2008Local Organization Recognizes President with Moakley AwardPresident Dana Mohler-Faria was recently presented the John Joseph Moakley Community Leader Award by BAMSI, a non-profit human service organization serving Southeastern Massachusetts. The president said he was "humbled and honored" to receive the award, which was presented at last week's annual meeting of the organization's board of directors. In announcing the award, BAMSI officials called Dr. Mohler-Faria "one of the commonwealth's top leaders in education," citing his work as a leader of the college and in the community, as well as his recent role as education advisor to Gov. Deval Patrick. "I am humbled to be in your presence, with people who do work that really matters," Dr. Mohler-Faria said in accepting the award. "I can think of thousands of people who deserve this honor more. You deserve to be honored for the services you deliver to improve the lives of many." The president paid tribute to BAMSI employees who he said spend their days making a difference in people's lives. BAMSI is a minority non-profit organization that is certified by the State Office of Women and Minority Business Assistance. It operates more than 100 programs throughout Massachusetts and has 1,100 employees who help improve the lives of those most in need. Among the more than 300 people attending the event were Fred Clark Jr., '83, chairman of the State Board of Higher Education, and Bridgewater State College Trustee, Elissa Flynn-Poppey. 
Left, President Mohler-Faria receives the John Joseph Moakley Community Service Award from Darren Duarte; right, Dr. Mohler-Faria with BSC Trustee Elissa Flynn-Poppey and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz. March 25, 2008Administrator Named President of Regional OrganizationShelly Keniston, assistant director for Residence Life and Housing, has been elected president of the Boston Area College Housing Association (BACHA). The organization is comprised of more than 275 individual members at 36 member institutions, and is led by a steering committee of 16 professionals who meet monthly during both academic semesters Ms. Keniston has served on BACHA's steering committee for more than five years, including two years as co-chair of its paraprofessional development committee, and more than three years as treasurer. The president-elect term lasts one year, followed by a one-year presidency. The organization was founded in 1972 to address issues facing college housing professionals. As part of that mission, BACHA hosts several annual events, including the New Professionals Workshop, Brown Bag Lunch Series, the RA and NESAPC conferences, as well as other events. March 24, 2008The Bridge Continues its Winning WaysVolume IV of The Bridge, BSC's student journal of literature and art, won 13 awards at last week's annual Spring College Media Advisers Convention in New York, including its fourth consecutive Crown Award. The Columbia Scholastic Press Association presented the journal with a Silver Crown Award and 12 Gold Circle Awards. The Crown Award is the highest honor granted by the association for excellence in student journalism. Of the thousands of entries nationwide, only 11 colleges received a coveted Crown Award in the magazine category. The Bridge was the only publication in Massachusetts to earn this honor. Since its inception, the journal has each year captured national awards. This marks the fourth consecutive Crown Award for The Bridge, keeping alive a streak that began with Volume I. To date, the publication has received more than 40 national honors. "What's truly impressive about what our students have accomplished," said Dr. Jerald Walker, founder of The Bridge and co-faculty advisor, "is that they are competing against some colleges and universities whose publications have been in existence for nearly 30 years and that operate with budgets and staffs three times our size." "And," added co-advisor, Professor Mary Dondero, "some of those publications are produced by graduate programs in creative writing and graphic design. Simply put, our students are amazing." The 12 Gold Circle Awards represent the largest number of honors The
Bridge has earned at one time. Works recognized include first place for
poetry by Mathew Ryan; second place for poetry by Sean Jansen; and first place
for typography by The Bridge staff. For a complete list of the Gold
Circle Awards, visit www.thebridgejournal.com. 
The staff of The Bridge with awards, left to right, back row: Cheryl Tullis, Michael Carter, Maria Alonso, Emily Goodwin, Emily White, Derrick Zellman and Ben Hogan. Front, Charlie Robinson, Corey Ritch, Laura Viola Maccarone, Shaylin Walsh and Michele Lyons. Not pictured: Eric Smith, Shawna Macaulay. (Submitted photo) March 24, 2008Campus Police Honored by MADDThe Massachusetts chapter of MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, recently honored the Bridgewater State College Police Department for its commitment to enforcing drunk driving laws and keeping local roads safe. The recognition was part of MADD's fourth annual Drive for Life Law Enforcement Recognition Breakfast at Devens Common Center. "Keeping our roads safe is dangerous and thankless work," said Barbara Harrington, MADD state executive director. "MADD believes the men and women of the Bridgewater State College Police Department are everyday heroes. They have made enforcing OUI and traffic laws one of their highest priorities, and this award is our way of saying thank you." Drunk driving is the most frequently committed violent crime in the United States, affecting three out of every 10 Americans. In Massachusetts 137 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2006, representing 32 percent of all traffic fatalities in the commonwealth, Ms. Harrington said. Representing the BSC police force were Lt. Michael Froio and Sgt. Mark Russell. "We are very honored to receive this award from MADD Massachusetts" said BSC Police Chief David Tillinghast. "We're proud of the work that we do; it is a vital component of keeping our community safe." (Submitted) 
Lieutenant Michael Froio (left) and Sergeant Mark Russell accept from Barbara Harrington the Law Enforcement Award on behalf of the BSC Police Department. March 20, 2008School of Graduate Studies Celebrates AnniversarySeventy years ago this spring the first master's degrees were presented at what was then called Bridgewater State Teachers College. Since 1938, more than 13,000 men and women have earned from BSC their graduate diplomas and certificates of advanced graduated study. That anniversary was recognized recently at the "Graduate Symposium: Seventy years of Graduate Education at Bridgewater State College," held in the auditorium of the Moakley Center. The keynote address was provided by Dr. Debra Stewart, president, Council of Graduate Schools, which is the leading U.S. organization dedicated to the improvement and advancement of graduate education. Its 500 members award 95 percent of all doctorates and 70 percent of all master's degrees nationwide. Her talk was titled, "The Millennial Graduate Student." Welcoming remarks were delivered by BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria, who said, "Several years ago we made the determination that the further development of graduate education at Bridgewater was important not only to the students who study here and to the institution itself, but also to the commonwealth, to the nation, and, indeed, to the world." Dr. William Smith, dean of the graduate school, served as master of ceremonies and shared with the audience some highlights of the history of graduate education at BSC, beginning with its first entering class in 1937, of which eight students would go on to receive degrees. The college back then limited the number of incoming graduate students to15 per year. Today, said Dr. Smith, the graduate school has a "profound impact on southeastern Massachusetts," through 33 degree programs in fields ranging from education to social work to criminal justice. "And we're hoping to add doctoral degree programs in the very near future," Dr. Smith said. In his remarks, President Mohler-Faria, praised the work of Dr. Smith, as well as the progress the school has made in developing graduate programs to meet the needs of society in the 21st century. "This is the beginning, and as we think about the vision for graduate education, and as we think about the directions we need to take, we know that the development of a strong graduate culture will continue here far into the future," he said. Panelists at the symposium included Dr. Anna Bradfield, dean, School of Education and Allied Studies; Dr. Ann Brunjes, associate professor and chairperson, Department of English; Dr. Benedicta Eyemaro, assistant professor, Educational Leadership; Dr. Paul Harris, Thomas Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education; Dr. Wendy Haynes, associate professor and graduate coordinator, Master of Public Administration program; Dr. Clark Hendley, professor, St. Joseph's College; Dr. Nancy Kleniewski, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs Division; and student Natalie Pauska, master's candidate in education/reading. (David K. Wilson, '71, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Pictured, left to right, Dr. William Smith, dean of the School of Graduate Studies; Dr. Debra Stewart, president, Council of Graduate Schools, and the event's keynote speaker; and BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria (far right) in the audience for one of the day's presentations. (Photos by David Wilson) March 14, 2008Students Learn Lessons from ‘Sweatshop'A group of students spent a recent afternoon learning first-hand about life in a sweatshop, and at the same time raised awareness among members of the BSC community about where their clothing is made. The mock sweatshop was held in the Campus Center on Thursday, March 6, giving students a unique opportunity to investigate the myriad issues raised by the practice, including the horrible working conditions suffered by many who are forced to earn a living this way. There was also an information booth set up, as well as a large map highlighting the countries where sweatshops can be found. Students from the Social Justice League, which sponsored the event, called on the campus to become "sweat free." "Sweatshop labor is a vicious and pervasive business practice that far too many of us fuel each and every day," said league President Joshua Warren. "We encourage students and faculty members alike to check their tags and see whether or not their garments were made in countries where clothing is produced in sweatshops." BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria took note of the students' actions and applauded their efforts. "I'm really impressed by the time the students took to learn about the issue, advocate for it passionately and professionally, and ultimately bring about positive change at the college," he said. He then announced that BSC will be joining the Workers Rights Consortium and putting together a committee of students, faculty and administrators to work on the issue. Mr. Warren said the event was a great success. "This seemed to give everyone a better idea of the role we all play as consumers in the perpetuation of labor violations and exploitation abroad," he said. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) Two local newspapers covered the mock sweatshop. Read their stories here. 
Images from the mock sweatshop. (Photos by Jennifer Duarte) March 14, 2008Non-Traditional Women's Roles is Topic of LuncheonFaculty members and students recently gathered in the Campus Center Ballroom for the annual Women in the Workplace Luncheon, where they heard from a panel that included a female state trooper and a woman who serves as a top official with a high-profile college football team. Marlyn Colon, a student of the class of 2010 and vice president of the Afro-American Society, welcomed everyone to the luncheon. Leading the panel discussion was Saré Arnold, the regional recruiting manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The panel consisted of Lorraine Levy, a Massachusetts state trooper, Suzanne Keane, '84, director of the implementation division at MEDITECH, Kelly Wheeler, assistant director of football operations for Boston College, and Danielle Hawke, project engineer for William A Berry & Son Inc. Topics discussed included the rewarding aspects of the panelists' careers, the biggest risks they have taken to get where they are, changes they've seen for women in non-traditional jobs, and the importance of networking. Many of the panelists agreed that they faced some big risks by choosing a non-traditional career. By following their hearts, they entered into male-dominated careers, they said, and with the support of others were able to push through some tough times and gain acceptance in their respective fields. Ms. Levy also has the added risk of putting her life on the line everyday which she feels not everyone always appreciates or realizes.
Ms. Keane said, "I never looked at myself as a woman. I looked at myself as a programmer with the same skills as men. It's how you put yourself out there." The luncheon was presented by the Office of the President, Career Services, the Center for Multicultural Affairs, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, as well as the Women in the Workplace Committee, American Marketing Association, and Gamma Phi Beta. (Jennifer Duarte, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Panelists for the recent luncheon were (left to right): Danielle Hawke, Suzanne Keane, Lorraine Levy, and Kelly Wheeler. (Photo by Jennifer Duarte) March 14, 2008Lots Brewing for College's 'Coffee Maven'Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan's love of coffee is well known, and as an associate professor of geography he has been able to put that passion to work in the classroom. From his Geography of Coffee course held in Nicaragua, to lessons about fair trade and other issues in his Second-Year Seminar on coffee, there are many lessons to be learned from that morning cup of Joe, he said. "As a geographer, I like things that express something about place," Dr. Hayes-Bohanan recently said in a front-page story in The Enterprise about his coffee-related endeavors. "Coffee helps me establish connections to places and makes it a little more interesting." To that end, he recently invited to speak to his class BSC graduate alumnus Michael Lundquist, chief executive officer of The Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, a Massachusetts-based organization (and fellow lover of fine coffee). The talk focused on Nicaragua and surrounding countries, where the riches of coffee economy are scarcedly evident. Here, poverty reigns, and the worst cases are often people left disabled by the dangerous ways in which they are forced to make a living. The Polus Center provides wheelchairs and prosthetics for landmine victims and others, helps people start businesses, and generally find ways to enable people with disabilities and without to live and work within their community. "It's very important that we help people build their own capacity," Mr. Lundquist said. During a break in the talk, students got to taste some coffee from Massachusetts roaster Dean's Beans, before Dr. Hayes-Bohanan and Mr. Lundquist led a discussion about ideas to work with the people of these countries. His interest in all coffee-related matters has led to his recent appointment as an affiliated scholar with the Vanderbilt University Institute for Coffee Studies. "It is a way to become connected to scholars in this field," he said. Also, Dr. Hayes-Bohanan will be featured in the April issue of Glimpse Magazine. The article will also include the first published photograph by his daughter, Paloma. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan and Michael Lundquist March 13, 2008Faculty Member, Therapy Dog Offer Support at NIUDr. Louise Graham, associate professor of counselor education, recently traveled to DeKalb, Ill., with her dog Ellie-Mae, to volunteer with the Animal Assisted Crisis Response Team. The work they did focused on Northern Illinois University, the site of a recent shooting spree, and included providing emotional support and other assistance to the students, faculty and staff at the university as they attempted to come to grips with the deaths of five students and wounding of 15 others. In the past, Dr. Graham has volunteered her counseling services with colleagues Drs Michael Kocet and Maxine Rawlings in the wake of Katrina, and performed animal-assisted therapy last fall during the California wildfires. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Dr. Louise Graham and her dog Ellie-Mae at NIU (second from left), with members of the Animal Assisted Crisis Response Team. March 13, 2008Students Present Research at Cape ConferenceTwo undergraduates recently presented their research on various forms of marine life at the 13th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference. The biology students involved were Amanda Taylor, who presented a paper titled "Observed Behaviors of the Humpback Whale in Gulf of Maine with Creation of an Ethogram"; and Eric Souza, who presented a poster, titled "NEBShark: A Community Sighting Network for Basking Sharks and Ocean Sunfish." Fellow student Christina Petrovits was on hand to assist with educational outreach. Attending the full-day conference with the students was Carol "Krill" Carson, visiting lecturer in the biology department, and The event was held March 8, at Cape Cod Community College, and was presented by Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary & Environmental Technology Program. The conference featured 15 brief presentations by individuals from environmental and scientific organizations, agencies, and colleges across Cape Cod and greater Massachusetts. The presenters shared their expertise concerning the status, behavior, and ecology of Cape Cod plants, animals, natural communities, and current environmental issues. Three additional BSC students were able to attend the conference thanks to funding from The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, which also provides internship opportunities for undergraduates. (Submitted) 
Amanda Taylor (left) shares her research; Eric Souza and Carol "Krill" Carson with his poster presentation.(Submitted) March 10, 2008Panel Discussion Takes on U.S.-Latin American RelationsLatin America experts from across several disciplines came together last week to share their thoughts on U.S.-Latin American relations in the post-9/11 world. The roundtable discussion, hosted by the BSC's Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program, Women's and Gender Studies Program and the anthropology department, featured a discussion on the current state of Latin American affairs against the context of a U.S. that has been distracted in recent years by events in the Middle East. Dr. Daniel M. Goldstein, associate professor anthropology at Rutgers University, and director of its Latin American Studies Program, discussed the ways in which "pre-9/11 neoliberal policies promoting privatization and reduced government spending," increased poverty and caused a "crisis of [democratic] representation" in Latin America. Meanwhile, Dr. Erin O'Connor is an associate professor in the BSC history department, talked about the challenges facing Latin American women and indigenous peoples, noting that development and aid programs often privilege men over women. The themes of neoliberalism and globalization were picked up by Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan, a BSC associate professor of geography, who argued that the country missed the opportunity to connect with Latin Americans after September 11th, even though many members of that community reached out to the U.S. in public displays of solidarity and grief. And political science Professor, Dr. Mike Kryzanek, noted that the U.S. has not cultivated what he called a "mature partnership" with its neighbors to the south, but rather developed a foreign policy based on "benign neglect." Speakers agreed that the future of U.S.-Latin American relations will continue to be complicated by poverty, inequality, and the deteriorating U.S. economy. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva, professor of anthropology. (Submitted) 
Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva, professor of anthropology, welcomes attendees to a discussion titled "Latin America in a Post-9/11 World," held Tuesday, March 4, in the Moakley Center Auditorium. Pictured left to right are Dr. Michael Kryzanek, Dr. Daniel Goldstein, Dr. Faiman-Silva, Dr. Erin O'Connor and Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan. (Photo by David Wilson) « Newslog Archives |
