BSC News 

Standing before one of the panels of the traveling exhibit on the life and career of the late Congressman John Joseph Moakley are (from left), Mr. Frederick Clark, '83, formerly chief aide to the congressman; Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, president of Bridgewater State College; Congressman Stephen Lynch, representing the 9th Congressional District; and Congressman Moakley's brothers, Thomas and Robert.

John Joseph Moakley's remarkable life of public service and work on behalf of justice is featured in a traveling exhibit, a retrospective drawn from the papers of the late congressman from South Boston.

The exhibit premiered outside of Boston at Bridgewater State College's Moakley Center for Technological Applications, opening with a special ceremony Monday, Feb. 24. It will be on display in the Moakley foyer through April.

In attendance opening night were two of the congressman's brothers, Tom and Bob, other family members, a number of former staffers, and Congressman Stephen Lynch, who was elected Moakley's successor in the 9th Congressional District.

A project of the John Joseph Moakley Archive and Institute at Suffolk University, the multi-paneled exhibit features artifacts, photographs and papers of various aspects of Congressman Moakley's lifetime of public service.

That special life was fondly recalled by Mr. Frederick W. Clark Jr., '83, the former congressman's chief aid, who was the master of ceremonies at an hour-long program that focused on one of the congressman's special projects - restoration of relations between the United States and Cuba.

"Real power is the ability to say 'yes' to people in need. Joe Moakley conducted power with a wink and a smile," Mr. Clark said. "Joe Moakley loved people - all people - but especially working folks. He admired governments, institutions and leaders who lifted people in need and working folks. He respected Suffolk University and Bridgewater State College in addressing these needs."

Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, president of Bridgewater State College, said the congressman's work "as a chief architect of U.S. and foreign policy had an impact on both Bridgewater State College and on me personally.

"Bridgewater State College is the flagship of the state college system largely due to Joe Moakley," said President Mohler-Faria, referring to the $10 million federal grant secured by the congressman in 1993 to build the technology center that eventually came to bear his name. "That grant represented the future of our institution."

President Mohler-Faria traveled to Cuba with Congressman Moakley in the summer of 1999, as part of a delegation focused on higher education, which also included then BSC President Adrian Tinsley and Congressman James McGovern.

"On that trip, all that I've heard about Joe Moakley came to life," said President Mohler-Faria. "I saw him comfortably interact with heads of state … and homeless people. As someone who grew up in a poor working family, I understand his ability to relate to the common man. Joe Moakley will always be a friend to this college and be remembered by this college."

Mr. John Deliso, associate dean of Suffolk University Law School, from which Congressman Moakley earned his law degree in 1956, brought greetings from Suffolk.

"I feel a special warmth and a special linkage between Bridgewater State College and Suffolk University through Congressman Moakley," Mr. Deliso said. Suffolk houses the Moakley Archive and Institute, under the direction of Beth Bower, who attended the event.

"Bringing Cuba Home: Learning From the Other Side" was the theme of a presentation by Ms. Robin Melavalin, associate director of international programs at BSC; Dr. Sandra Faiman-Silva, professor of sociology, anthropology and criminal justice; and Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan, assistant professor of earth sciences and geography.

The three discussed Bridgewater State College's first Cuba Study Tour, conducted last January, with Dr. Faiman-Silva providing student reaction to the trip and Dr. Hayes-Bohanan presenting slides and commentary. The study tour was a collaborative effort between Cape Cod Community College and BSC.

"This country gets under your skin," said one BSC student of the nine-day experience. "I love that it takes three hours to do anything."

Congressman Lynch has taken up the U.S.-Cuba relations mantle from his predecessor and credited Congressman Moakley with quickly recognizing opportunities for the United States in Cuba when the Soviet Union dissolved. The Cuban economy has retracted 35 percent alone in the last four years, Congressman Lynch said.

"President (Fidel) Castro is an unrepentant Marxist - no question - but there is an opportunity here," said Congressman Lynch, adding it's "just a matter of time" before the U.S. lifts travel bans to its neighbor.

The congressman said the United States has a "wrong-headed policy towards Cuba in that we're waiting for Castro to die and then introduce Democratic reforms. He's a giant," Congressman Lynch said. "In spite of all of this, the Cuban people love the United States. They love all things American."

Of the traveling exhibit, Congressman Lynch said, "Joe is looking down and smiling about this union between Bridgewater State College and Suffolk University, two institutions that were very important in his life."

He concluded by thanking Bridgewater State College for its continued "loyalty to my friend, Joe Moakley." - ETG