BRIDGEWATER STATE COLLEGENewslog |
February 29, 2008Circle K Wins Awards at Regional GatheringA student service organization was recognized at a district convention with several awards, and a member was elected to a top leadership position in the region. The BSC chapter of Circle K International hosted the organization’s New England district convention, which was held last month at the Double Tree Hotel in Westborough, and captured eight awards, including Most Improved Club. The entire group captured several other awards, and individual members were also honored. Diane Bell, director of the Community Service Center was also recognized. There was an international theme to the event, and the attendees participated in a service project where they made pillowcases for children at Father Bill’s & Mainspring. There were also workshops, and elections were held for the district board. BSC’s Rich Henderson was elected Atlantic lieutenant governor, overseeing the clubs of Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Cindy Kane, director of Student Involvement & Leadership at BSC, gave kudos to the organization for its recent efforts. “Circle K continues to make a great name for BSC by representing the college with pride, professionalism and a service-oriented approach to leadership,” she said. “Rich Henderson and the membership has worked tirelessly to bring this group to an outstanding level and I am so proud to celebrate their hard work.” Circle K members perform two service projects each month for both the college and area communities, and raise money for local organizations. Here is the full list of awards presented to the BSC chapter: Club Achievement Award: 2nd Place February 29, 2008Student Achievements Recognized at Awards for Excellence ProgramA packed Campus Center ballroom was on hand Wednesday as nearly 500 students were honored at the college’s annual Awards for Excellence program. Dr. Nancy Kleniewski, provost and vice president for academic affairs, opened the ceremony by offering her congratulations to the gathered honorees. “Bridgewater State College is a very special place, a place where we nurture our students, where there is close interaction between students and faculty and where we value academic excellence,” she said. The event, held in front of an audience of family members, faculty and staff, recognized 382 students who earned dean’s list status for fall 2007, 18 Rose Scholars, 23 students who participated last summer in the Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research, 23 honors program participants and 16 Presidential Scholars. Louis Ricciardi, ’81, chairman of the college’s Board of Trustees, brought the greetings of the board and congratulated the student award winners for their efforts. “You’ve taken advantage of the many superb academic opportunities available at Bridgewater – many more such opportunities than when I was here as an undergraduate, and there were a good number then as well – and I commend you for that,” he said. “We look forward to having you come back when you’re alumni so you can help us create additional opportunities for future generations of Bridgewater students.” Dr. Ann Brunjes, associate professor and chairperson of the English department, and the 2007 recipient of the Dr. V. James DiNardo Award for Excellence in Teaching, delivered the keynote remarks for the ceremony. “This is an important moment we take in our busy lives to recognize the accomplishments of our exceptional students and their mentors,” she said. “It is absolutely fitting that we do this – not as a moment of self-congratulation or empty praise but as a moment of earnest reflection on the meaning and significance of what we do here at the college, how we define success, and what it takes to achieve that success. “It’s not luck alone that gets you here; it’s not just hard work, as important as that is,” she continued. Among the faculty and staff participating were Dr. Peggy Smith, director of the college’s Academic Achievement Center, and Dr. Heather Smith, associate vice president for enrollment services, who presented citations to the Dean’s List students; Dr. Rita Miller, associate dean, School of Arts and Sciences, who presented citations to the 2007-2008 Rose Scholars; Dr. Peter Saccocia, associate professor of earth sciences and co-chair of the Adrian Tinsley Program, and Dr. Lee Torda, director of undergraduate research, who presented citations to the students who participated in the summer 2007 Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research; Also, Dr. Howard London, dean, School of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Jordon Barkalow, assistant professor of political science and acting director, Honors Center, presented citations to Honors Program participants; and Dr. Anna Bradfield, dean, School of Education and Allied Studies, and Dr. Ronald Pitt, associate vice president for academic affairs, presented citations to the Presidential Scholars for 2007-2008. Click here for a full list of student award winners. (David K. Wilson, ’71, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Dr. Ann Brunjes, far right, associate professor of English,who was the keynote speaker for the event, joins Colleen Farrell, second from right, who is a participant in the Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research. Dr. Brunjes served as Ms. Farrell's mentor. Ms. Farrell, ’08, an English and music major from Brockton, is graduating in May. Her ATP research project was entitled "Listen to this: The Effects of Kudicious Listenting to the Play, A Morning Reca." At left are Ms. Farrell's parents, Ellen and David. 
Dr. Nancy Kleniewski, left, joins Dr. Richard Wright, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Meghan Chase, ’08, a criminal justice major from East Bridgewater. Ms. Chase was recognized for her work in the Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research (ATP). Her research project, mentored by Dr. Wright, was entitled, “The Chivalry Hypothesis and Filicide: Are There Categorical Differences Between Mothers and Fathers Who Kill Their Children?” 
Lizandra Gomes, left, a mathematics major from Praia, Cape Verde, was recognized as a recipient of Commonwealth and Departmental Honors in mathemtics. At right is Dr. Uma Shama, professor of mathematics and mentor to Ms. Gomes. 
Kenneth Awasung, a chemistry major from Taunton, received two citations at the Awards for Excellence Program. He was recognized for his work in the Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research for his research project, “Organic Ligand Synthesis and Intra-Molecular Hydroamination Reactions.” His faculty mentor was Dr. Stephen Waratuke. Mr. Awasung was also was recognized for achieving departmental honors in the Department of Chemical Sciences. February 29, 2008Successful Entrepreneurs Share Advice with StudentsA panel of regional entrepreneurs kicked off BSC’s Entrepreneurship Week on Tuesday, addressing a group of students at a breakfast meeting held in the Dunn Conference Room. Mark Hellendrung, president of Narragansett Beer; Wendy Simmons, president and founder of Prism Consulting; and John Simms, ’85, president and founder of Strong Wings Adventure School on Nantucket, each shared tales from their journeys to success, emphasizing the importance of good old-fashioned perseverance. Judging from the thoughtful questions posed to the panelists, the students were clearly there to glean everything they could from each of the three success stories they heard. To conclude the 90-minute-plus session, the three student representatives on the panel, junior Francis Duggan, and seniors Steven Lennon and Shandie Foley, asked each panelist to offer some parting thoughts to the assemble group. Mr. Hellendrung encouraged students to align themselves with a mentor at their place of employment. “Someone who clearly is growing with the company,” he said, suggesting that it is often relationships that fuel the next step or the next idea along a career path. Ms. Simmons agreed, though added the importance of “giving something back to your mentor,” emphasizing that the give and take of a mentor-mentee relationship will always be of great importance. Mr. Simms message was straightforward: “Pay attention.” An idea, a new career path, a twist in the road can all come from paying close attention to any task at hand, as well as a colleague or mentor, he said. Professor Shannon Donovan, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Studies, moderated the panel. (Submitted) 
Panel participants were, left to right Francis Duggan, Steven Lennon, Shandie Foley, Dr. Shannon Donovan, Mark Hellendrung, Wendy Simmons, and John Simms, ’85. February 26, 2008Africa Awareness Week Planned for MarchThe college will celebrate Africa Awareness Week beginning March 24 with a series of events, including a visit by African scholar, activist, and feminist, Dr. Agnes Wakesho Mwang’ombe, 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. Her lecture, titled "Educating Rural Women in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities," will be just one of the highlights of a week that will focus attention on the challenges facing Africa today while also celebrating the region's diverse culture. Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva, professor of anthropology and one of the event's organizers, said the event will hopefully put members of the BSC community in touch with some important issues. "In an ever-increasingly globalized world--economically, politically, and environmentally -- we must begin to proactively engage Africa, where so much human talent is being squandered and so many citizens are being denied full participation in civil society," she said. "By acquainting our students and our community with Africa's richly diverse cultures and societies we hope to awaken interest in broadening our connections to Africa, its people, and its many and varied citizenry." Africa Awareness Week will also include a roundtable discussion on the theme of "Africa: Voices from Our Community"; a day of cultural offerings titled "Celebrating African Arts: Music, Dance, Storytelling"; and a day-long workshop, "Sustainability in Kenya and Greater Africa: Challenges and Opportunities." Check the Events section on the BSC homepage for information about the various activities planned for Africa Awareness Week. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Dr. Agnes Wakesho Mwang’ombe February 25, 2008College Honored for Community Service WorkThe efforts of nearly 1,600 volunteers helped BSC earn the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Award, the highest national recognition a school can receive for commitment to service learning and civic engagement. The annual award, which was launched in 2006, is presented by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Selection is based on factors such as the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of participation, incentives offered to promote service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses. This is the second year BSC has been named to the honor roll. The members of the BSC community whose volunteer work helped earn the award does not include the more than 500 students who were enrolled in service-learning courses. The award says a lot about the members of the BSC community, said BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria. “It speaks to the great dedication of our students, faculty and staff, and reflects our deep institutional commitments to community service, outreach and service learning.” The BSC programs submitted for review by the award committee included Jumpstart, Take a Break and Make a Difference, the Learn and Serve Grant and First Fridays of Service. Projects included hosting homeless veterans from the VA Hospital in Brockton to come to campus for lunch, bingo and conversation, and making holiday ornaments for low-income children. Diane Bell, director of BSC’s Community Service Center said the award is a sign of how integral service is to the institution’s overall mission. “I think this distinction just proves how committed the college community is to civic engagement initiatives,” she said. “It shows current and prospective students that we’re committed to serving our local, national and global communities, and demonstrates to our community partners that the BSC faculty and staff understand and value the learning that takes place inside as well as outside the classroom.” (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) February 21, 2008Faculty Member Highlights Chinese of BostonDr. Wing-kai To, associate professor of history, has published a book, Chinese in Boston: 1870-1965, in which he presents more than 200 historical photographs with detailed information about each. Dr. To also provides an historical overview in a lengthy introduction to the book. He believes Chinese in Boston is the first book about Chinese-Americans in New England told primarily through historical photographs. The book tells the story of Chinese immigrants in Massachusetts and across New England, including glimpses of life in Boston's Chinatown, the impact of World War II, and family life. The book has just been issued by Arcadia Publishing. For more details about the book, log on here. To see and hear Dr. To discuss Chinese in Boston click video below. (Video by David K. Wilson, '71) February 20, 2008Spike Lee Visits Campus to Talk Football, Politics and CareersDressed in a New York Giants sweatshirt, veteran filmmaker Spike Lee strode onto BSC's Campus Center auditorium stage to thunderous applause (followed by some minor booing due to his attire). He shared with the audience some of his political views and life experiences, and offered students some advice about finding their own paths. After opening up with a Super Bowl recap, Mr. Lee addressed the upcoming national election. He encouraged the audience to "get serious and make a stake in the world." Citing the war in Iraq, he stressed that everyone can have an impact on which direction this country will go. This was especially important at this time, he added, because lost lives "cannot be brought back." Mr. Lee, whose films include "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X," also encouraged students to find something they would like to do for the rest of their lives. In his case, he said, filmmaking chose him. In the summer of 1977, he traveled around New York filming different events with a camera he had received for Christmas. Upon editing the footage for a college class, he realized that this was what he was meant to do. Mr. Lee made sure to stress that nobody is ever an overnight sensation. "Don't think you'll get where you need to be by half-stepping," he said, adding that at the same time it's important to never stop believing in yourself, because, "If you lose self-confidence, you lose everything." Most importantly, Mr. Lee said young people should never pick a path simply to please their parents. "You can still love your parents and tell them ‘no.' Find out what it is that makes you happy, not the major that will make you the most money," he said. "The majority of the people on this planet go to their grave having worked a job they hated their whole life. So find something that puts a smile on your face and joy in your heart." Mr. Lee's appearance was sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership. (Jennifer Duarte, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Spike Lee at BSC (Photo by Jennifer Duarte) February 19, 2008Former President Honored at Women's ConferenceThe leadership of Dr. Adrian Tinsley was recognized recently by the American Council on Education, which presented the former BSC president with its Donna Shavlik Award. The honor was received during the organization's annual Women's Leadership Dinner, held in San Diego on Feb. 9. The award is presented annually to "an individual whose leadership, both at colleges and universities and in national positions, has demonstrated a sustained and continuing commitment to the advancement of women through ....leadership development, career development, campus climate, and mentoring...." The award was presented by Claire Van Ummersen, long-time presidential colleague and current vice president of ACE's Center for Effective Leadership. Dr. Tinsley was nominated for the honor by BSC Provost Nancy Kleniewski;
Catherine Holbrook; associate vice president of student affairs;
and professor emerita Dr. Susan Holton. The dinner was sponsored
by The New York Times, with a keynote address by political commentator
Arianna Huffington. Nearly 300 people attended the dinner,
including former BSC Associate Vice President Patricia O'Brien.
(Submitted)
February 15, 2008IRD to Participate in Regional Water-Usage StudyThe college's Institute of Regional Development will play a major role in an upcoming, multi-town study of water usage and conservation. An interdisciplinary team of BSC faculty experts lead by Dr. Deniz Leuenberger, an expert in sustainable development, will work together on the project, which is being done on behalf of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in partnership with the Plymouth Carver Aquifer Advisory Committee. The project will include the studying of residential, business and agriculture water usage and perceptions of water conservation issues in the Plymouth Carver Aquifer. The towns of Plymouth, Carver, Wareham, Bourne, Plympton, Middleboro and Kingston all depend on the Plymouth-Carver Aquifer as their principal source of water. The faculty will implement a citizen survey, stakeholder and citizen focus groups, and comparable community analysis. Working closely with IRD's Project Manager Jennifer Reid, BSC faculty will gather data that will inform recommendations for both passive and active water conservation methods and incentives for citizens accessing the aquifer. The research findings will also be used to create customized, professional water conservation education and marketing resources, tools, and materials for use in the aquifer communities. Other BSC participating faculty are: Dr. Kevin Curry, biology; Dr. Robert Amey, geography; Dr. Robert Hellstrom, geography; Dr. Nancy Van Leuven, communications; Professor Jodie Kluver, public administration; and Dr. Ilter Bakkal, economics. (Submitted) February 13, 2008Marrow Donor Drive Held at BSCStaff from The National Marrow Donor Program visited the college recently to register potential donors for its national registry. The four-hour registration drive held on Feb. 7 was dedicated to Alyssa Correira, a 10-year-old girl from Rehoboth, whose aunt is an employee of the college. Alyssa was diagnosed this fall with leukemia and needs a marrow transplant to cure her life-threatening condition. None of her family members are a match for the transplant. "Because marrow type is inherited, donors of all backgrounds are needed," said Doreen Travers, coordinator of the marrow donor program at the Rhode Island Blood Center, which is headquartered in Providence. She said that each year an estimated 10,000 adults and children with life-threatening
diseases could benefit from a marrow transplant from an unrelated donor. "Only 30 percent of those in need of a donor find one within their family,"
said Ms. Travers. "The remaining 70 percent need to find an unrelated donor
whose tissue type matches theirs." (David K. Wilson, '71, Office of Institutional
Communications) 
Kim McCoy, left, staff assistant in the college's RiverNet Watershed Access Laboratory, receives instructions on the marrow donor drive from Doreen Travers, coordinator of the marrow donor drive program at the Rhode Island Blood Center in Providence. Ms. McCoy was among a number of BSC students, faculty and staff who volunteered to have their marrow type registered. February 13, 2008Faculty Member's Artwork Displayed InternationallyThe graphic design work of Don Tarallo, assistant professor of art, was recently included as part of a group exhibition at The National Art Gallery in Amman, Jordan. The show highlighted the work of an international group of designers exploring the theme of world environmental awareness. The exhibition was organized in part by the Korean Society of Experimentation in Contemporary Design, along with other cultural institutions in Jordan. The show featured design work that dealt with societal issues. Mr. Tarallo's contributions to the exhibit included work he had done for
a Providence-based non-profit organization called Community MusicWorks, which
provides mentorships and classical music education to underserved communities. 
A sample of Mr. Tarallo's design work from the Jordan exhibition. February 13, 2008CASE Holds Annual DNA and Health ConferenceRoughly 100 area educators and others attended the third annual Conference on Health and Biotechnological Topics, which was sponsored by the college's Center for the Advancement of Science Exploration. Associate Professor of biology, Dr. Michael Carson, co-director of CASE, opened the conference, which was titled "DNA and Health: Education, Community and Business Perspectives." He spoke of the event as an opportunity for BSC to further its mission of sharing its resources with the region. The conference, held at the Moakley Center, included six workshops on topics as varied as green chemistry, DNA, and archeology. Dr. Edward Brush, associate professor of chemistry, led the green chemistry session, where he stressed that this fast-emerging area of science was "something that can be done across all disciplines." Meanwhile, upstairs in a lab, a group of participants examined blood samples as part of a mock investigation. "Scientists have to be really good, active observers," workshop leader Dr. Don DeRosa of the Boston University School of Medicine, reminded the participants. The conference also included a dinner hosted by BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria, and a keynote address by Trustee Dane Bedward, who is senior vice-president of Genzyme. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) 
(Left) Dr. Michael Carson opens the conference; (right) Dr. Don DeRosa leads a workshop in a BSC lab. 
Mansfield High School teachers Anne Carroll, left, and Janet Hogan conduct research during one of the workshops. February 12, 2008School of Graduate Studies Honors Students and FacultyFifty graduate students whose scholarly articles appeared in the 2007 Graduate Research Symposium Proceedings, which was published last spring by the college, were honored at a ceremony hosted by Dr. William Smith, dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Also recognized were nine faculty members who assisted the students in their research projects. The event was held Feb. 5 in the Dunn Conference Room of Crimson Hall. "For many of you this represents your first serious scholarly publication and marks an important milestone in your academic career," said Dr. Smith, addressing the graduate students in attendance. "This volume will be disseminated in libraries throughout the commonwealth and made available to thousand of readers through various databases and search engines. . . .Your thoughts and ideas are now out there for the wider academic community to evaluate and use." "I am confident that your article will influence someone else's academic views and theories," continued Dean Smith, "and together we build scholarly knowledge in every academic area. Congratulations on your achievement." Student award recipients who were present for the ceremony included Kristal Barrett, David Bevans, Carla Blanchard, Joanne Boucher, Mary Ellen Caesar, Brian Duchaney, Alice Forman, William Hampl, Celeste Hoeg, Anne Houle, Bruce Hughes, Rita Hurley, Victoria Large, Linda Lindsey, Kara Poulin, Randi Rezendes, Sarah Roth, Janice Standring and Lynn Wiegel. Dr. Smith expressed his thanks and those of the Graduate School staff to those faculty members "who worked with and mentored these outstanding graduate students." Faculty members who were present to receive plaques from Dr. Smith were: Dr. Ruth Farrar, professor of elementary and early childhood education; Dr. Helene Fine, professor of management; Dr. Phyllis Gimbel, assistant professor of secondary and professional education programs; Dr. Wendy Hayes, associate professor of political science; Dr. Stephen Nelson, assistant professor of secondary and professional education programs; Dr. Peter Sietins, assistant professor of management; Dr. Jadwiga Smith, professor of English; and Dr. Raymond Guillette, assistant dean, School of Graduate Studies. (David K. Wilson, '71, Office of Institutional Communications)  Dr. Ruth Farrar, professor in the department of elementary and early childhood education, was one of nine BSC faculty members honored for their work in assisting graduate student research at a ceremony held earlier this month. Dr. William Smith, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, presented the citation. February 8, 2008HOBA Ceremony Honors Student Achievers, Sarah LewisThe 20th Anniversary Heritage Celebration of the Massachusetts Hall of Black Achievement honored dozens of students of color from Massachusetts state colleges, as well as Bridgewater's first African-American graduates. HOBA was founded in 1987 to honor the achievements and contributions of people of color. This year, 32 Student Achiever Awards were handed out, recognizing individuals from each of Massachusetts' state colleges. A highlight of this year's ceremony was the induction into the Hall of Black Achievement of two important Bridgewater alumni: Sarah Lewis, an 1869 graduate of what was then called the State Normal School at Bridgewater; and Mary Hudson Onley, a graduate in 1912 from the renamed Bridgewater State Normal School. The two women represent the first black graduates from Bridgewater. Videos detailing the life of each woman were featured during the celebration, and commemorative paintings were unveiled. The annual award named for Ms. Onley was this year given to Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter, who oversees the operation of the Massachusetts National Guard. In his acceptance speech, Maj. Gen. Carter addressed the student achievers, telling them that realizing one's goals in life takes discipline, motivation and dedication. The Mary Hudson Onley Achievement Award goes to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the quality of life or whose personal or professional achievement merit special recognition. Of the students honored, 12 were from BSC. They were: Kenneth Awasung, Zinkeng Afiadata, Katia Silva Cardoso, Libby S. Ealy, Patricia A. Garcia, Jasmah N. Hanna, Tara Lima, Nyoka Mills, Melissa Monteiro, Victor M. Ramirez, Damian Shakespeare and Whitney White. (John Winters, Office of Institutional Communications) 
Left, the 2008 Student Achiever Award recipients; right, the unveiling of the Sarah Lewis portrait 
 Left, Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter delivers his address; right, the unveiling of Mary Hudson Onley's portrait. (Photos by Tom Croke) February 5, 2008Faculty Member Publishes Papers, Earns AwardDr. Jason Edwards, assistant professor of communication
studies, has recently published two papers on current events, one of which
will be honored at an upcoming conference. Hear him discuss his work in this video. (Video by David Wilson, '71) Dr. Jason Edwards February 4, 2008Exchange Agreement Signed with the University of Cape VerdeThe longstanding relationship between BSC and Cape Verde took another step forward with the recent signing of an exchange agreement between the college and the island nation's new university. The signing of an agreement with the University of Cape Verde shines a spotlight on a partnership that has been evolving over the past several years, said Dr. Edward Minnock, vice-president of external affairs. It is also something that will benefit students from both institutions, he added. "I don't think we need to be reminded that our community has become our world, and we need to prepare students for a global community," he said. "Through these exchanges we anticipate students will improve foreign-language fluency, gain cultural awareness, and return home prepared to work and succeed in the global community." The genesis of the agreement dates to 2006, when the Cape Verdean minister of education visited BSC, and expressed a desire to work together toward the formation of a national university system. In 2007, Dr. Minnock traveled to Cape Verde to meet with officials there to prepare a protocol of cooperation. Last October, BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria served as the keynote speaker at the opening of the University of Cape Verde and formalized the protocol. The signing of the exchange agreement last month begins another phase in
this partnership, allowing BSC students and UNICV students to come together
and to experience each others educational institutions, Dr. Minnock said.
As a first step in this process two events are already planned: Dr.
James Hayes-Bohanan, associate professor of geography, will lead
a group of BSC students to Cape Verde this summer, and in the fall a group
of UNICV students are planning to come to BSC. (Submitted)  President Mohler-Faria signs the exchange agreement with the University of Cape Verde. February 4, 2008Large Jump Seen in Number of BSC Students Studying AbroadThe number of Bridgewater students studying abroad more than doubled between 2006 and 2007. The increase comes at a time when this type of learning opportunity is increasingly seen as a key part of today's higher-education experience. In recent years, BSC President Dana Mohler-Faria has emphasized the importance of giving students the opportunity to live and study in another country. The Division of External Affairs and the Office of International Programs have worked to make this happen, and the dividends are reflected in the recent increase of students studying abroad, to 100 in fall 2007 from 48 the previous year. The increases are across the board, in exchange programs, study away opportunities and study tours. The increase is part of a national trend, and good news for students, said Dr. Edward Minnock, vice president of external affairs "Students are recognizing the importance and the benefits of being globally
aware and recognizing that studying internationally increases their cultural
competence and effectiveness in working in the global environment of the 21st
century," he said. "BSC faculty have been encouraging student involvement
and have been providing opportunities for students to study in culturally
and globally diverse locations around the world." (John Winters, Office of
Institutional Communications). February 4, 2008Insurance Executive Shares Advice with Students, FacultyA roomful of students and faculty members learned firsthand about the world of project management when Lisa DiTillio of Boston-based Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, was the featured lecturer at the most recent edition of BSC's Business Breakfast Series. The director of the project management office at Harvard Pilgrim and a recognized authority and published author in the field, Ms. DiTillio delivered an address titled "Fight for the Cause: How to Establish Calm During Chaos and Get Real Results." Much of the work in business revolves around projects, and Ms. DiTillio discussed the aspects of managing a successful one, including the methods of communicating its goals and details, garnering widespread internal support for it, and seeing it through to completion and beyond. She illustrated these points using specific examples from the business world. The formula and practices she shared with the audience helped turn Harvard Pilgrim from an organization that was placed in state-supervised receivership in 1999 to being ranked as the number one health plan in America by U.S. News & World Report / NCQA. The talk was co-sponsored by the Division of External Affairs. (John Winters,
Office of Institutional Communications) 
Lisa DiTillio delivers her address. (Photo by John Winters) « Newslog Archives |
