Bridgewater Alumni Association

BA, MEd

School Counselor at Braintree High School

For the past 23 years I have worked as a School Counselor at Braintree High School. I am an officer in the South Shore Guidance Association and was involved with Boy Scouts (17 years) and Girl Scouts (12 years). 

My goal as a BAA board member is to find a way to meet people where they are in life. Whether you are an almost graduate, bear cub, or seasoned bear, we would like to explore the relationship between ourselves and our beloved alma mater. Not only asking the question, what can we do for you, but also, what opportunities can we create to help you give back, reconnect you with old friends, make new ones and create lifelong memories. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of all the things I was involved with, most importantly, SGA, The Comment and me sorority sisters and how they helped me grow as a person. I also think about all of the faculty, administrators and staff who believed in me, helped me when I struggled and were there to celebrate with me in times of joy. BSU is a place like no other and will always be a part of me. It is a living, breathing entity that is alive with possibility. Once a bear, always a bear!

BA in History

Associate Attorney; Cohen Cleary, P.C. 

Kevin currently practices law in Southeastern Massachusetts with a focus on Estate Planning, Estate Administration & Litigation, Personal Injury Law, and Employment Law. Kevin graduated from BSU in 2015 with his BA in History. While at BSU, Kevin served as President of the Student Government Association, Homecoming King, President of the Honors Student Congress, an Orientation Leader, and a brother of Phi Kappa Theta. Upon leaving Bridgewater, Kevin attended Northeastern University School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2018. Kevin presently resides in Taunton with his wife and fellow BAA member, Gabriella, and their Maltese, Winston. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to continue giving back to this institution which has shaped the person and professional I am today. As a younger alumnus, I hope to contribute my unique perspective to the BAA and serve as a resource for alumni, new and old, who would like to get more involved with their alma mater. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of the countless friends, mentors, and colleagues who made my BSU experience truly memorable. 

An experienced technology leader, Colleen has worked across multiple healthcare IT vendor and provider organizations. With technology process improvement, customer relationship management and organizational team development as her core skills, she has built and executed mature, successful technology driven teams. 

In her most recent engagement, V.P of Implementation and Support Services with Azara Healthcare, she has built out the client delivery teams to accommodate the significant client growth since 2016. Recognizing the power of technology within the healthcare environment she has excelled in creating organizational structures supporting the growth and clinical success of clients and their patients.

Colleen is a board member for the Boston SIM organization co-chair of the RLF mentor program, co-chair of the National SIM Authors Group and a 2016 SIM RLF graduate. In addition to her volunteer work with SIM she is an alumni board member at Bridgewater State University (1997) providing internships and mentoring students and recent graduates. 

In her free time, she enjoys watching her three children at their various activities and hiking with her golden retriever ‘Brady’. Her first book, "Planning your career path through Reflection, Skill Gap Analysis and Networking" will be published late 2020.

BS, Industrial Psychology

Nick currently leads First Transit’s Transit Management Services division as Senior Vice President. He has nearly four decades of experience in the public transit industry, including more than 32 years with First Transit and its predecessor companies. He has management experience in all First Transit’s product lines including transit management services, call center operations, and turnkey public transit operations and has lived in seven states since graduating, the last fifteen in Arizona before returning to Massachusetts.

First Transit is a professional transportation management and services company based in Cincinnati, OH with operations throughout North America.

Nick began his career as a sophomore working for Bridgewater State College Transit Service while earning his degree. Nick credits his experience from the front line to managing the BSC transit system his senior year with a successful career as an executive.

Nick’s non-profit board experience includes serving the Arizona Transit Association, the American Public Transportation Association’s Business Member Board of Governors, Vice Chair for About Care, a provider of transportation services for the elderly and homebound through a volunteer network in the Chandler and Gilbert (AZ) area, and lastly, the Dignity Health Foundation of the East Valley which raises funds in the community to advance the facilities and equipment of both of Dignity Health’s local hospitals in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ.

BA and MAT in English

I currently am retired from Bristol Community College, where I served as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean and full-time faculty member from 1999-2013. I continue to teach part-time at Bristol and at other schools. As a result of serving as editor of The Comment, I have written and edited professionally since 1974. For more than 20 years, I taught in Fall River's public school system and advised the student publications at B.M.C. Durfee High School. A native of Fall River, I now live in Swansea with my wife, Audrey. We have two children and two grandchildren. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to support BSU in as many ways as possible and to serve as an ambassador for Bridgewater. When I advise community college students, I am not shy about promoting the University. It was a life-changing place for me and my kids and I am sure it will be for my students. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think about commuting to classes while working part-time and sleeping on floors in dorms and other places to take part in social events. We would work on the newspaper all night on Wednesday's, then I would drive it to the printers in Mansfield. I would usually make it back to Fall River in time to see my parents heading for work on Thursday morning. Great times. 

Past President
BA in Communication Studies, MEd in Student Affairs Counseling

I currently serve as Past President of the Bridgewater Alumni Association and have served as a member of the Board of Directors since June 2016. I previously served as an Alumni Advisor, Chapter Director, New England Province Archon and as a President and Founding Father of the Sigma Pi Eta-Eta Alumni Association. I am also actively involved with the wrestling team, where I serve as the team representative on the BSU Athletic Alumni Advisory Board and as a fundraising champion during the annual Crimson Pride Challenge. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to share the good of our beloved alma mater with fellow alumni, students, Bridgewater community and friends of the University. I also hope to keep fellow alumni informed and engaged with our various alumni news and events. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of all the great memories that I have had, both as a student and as an alum. I have had the opportunity to meet so many great members of our Bridgewater family over the years. Bridgewater will always be home to me.

BA in English

I am currently employed as an attorney at Alkermes, Inc. (global biopharmaceutical company). In this role, I provide strategic, regulatory, legal and transactional counsel on matters related to clinical trials, medical affairs activities, and pre-clinical research and development efforts. I’ve been with Alkermes since August 2016. At Alkermes, I am a member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Steering Committee and am the co-leader of the Women Inspired Network.

Outside of work, I support mission-based organizations. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Bar Association (MA); serve as a Trustee on the Women’s Bar Foundation (MA); and serve as Alumni Trustee on the Bridgewater State University Board of Trustees. I am the proud daughter of Irish immigrants and am first generation born American.

I am the first in my immediate family to graduate from college and the first to graduate from law school.

My goal as a BAA board member is to serve as your Alumni Trustee to the best of my ability. I am honored and proud to represent our over 75 thousand alumni in this role. I hope to serve as a bridge to connect the BAA to the Board of Trustees.

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of home away from home! I always leave campus or a virtual meeting feeling better than I did before I got to campus or before I joined the virtual meeting.

Gabriella (Diniz) Costa was elected to the Bridgewater Alumni Association Board in 2017. While studying at Bridgewater State University, her passion for art, design, and marketing was fueled. She immersed herself in the studies of art, graphic design, art history, and business management while actively involved in Student Government Association, Honors Student Congress, study abroad, community service, The Bridge, and more. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design and minors in Art History and Management in 2015. In 2018, Gabriella received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Gabriella is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Jett Foundation, a nonprofit empowering families while fighting Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In her free time, she runs a graphic design, stationery, and family photography company, Design by Gabriella.

Scott McDonald was elected to the Bridgewater Alumni Association Board in 2018. He works in sales at John Nagel Co. in Boston. As a student he served as a class officer. Scott is a resident of Duxbury.

BS in Criminal Justice, MPA

Assistant Chief of Police at Bridgewater State University, Owner and President of Blue Strategies Group, LLC

I currently work for BSU and I am committed to improving and supporting the lives of every student that finds their way to BSU. I am deeply committed to the mission of BSU and its impact on each and every student. I am able to do this through my work at BSU and the many volunteer opportunities that I have had the pleasure of participating in over the years. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to give back to BSU in a way that provides opportunities for the first generation college students and in ways that help us remain a leader in social justice issues while remaining accessible for all that dream to go to college. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of how much the University has grown over the years. From a small college to large university, the impact on the Southeastern Massachusetts economy, workforce development and providing opportunities and access to an affordable education for thousands of students. Bridgewater State University continues today to evolve as a social justice leader, just another example of its impact in Massachusetts and beyond. 

BA in English

Senior Associate Dean and Director, Student Activities at Brown University

I currently serve as the Associate Dean and Director of Student Activities at Brown University where I have worked since 2012. In my role, I work to empower students and enhance their capacities to be more effective and adaptive leaders. In addition, I strive to support student leadership and initiatives to enhance and promote campus community. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to give back to a place that is incredibly special to me and was formative for both my personal and professional life. I hope to continue to advocate for students and bridge the gap between alumni, students and the University. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of all the memories with friends and the professional experience I gained that I brought with me throughout my career. 

Dr. Margarida C. Baganha is the Director of University Services at Bridgewater State University (2002-present). Prior to this position, she held several continuing evolving positions at the University including Staff Associate, Staff Assistant and Administrative Assistant in Administration and Finance, Personnel Recruiter in Human Resources and Administrative Assistant in the Office of the President (1985-2002). In her current role, Dr. Baganha leads several departments within University Services, including: Mail Services; Parking Services and Connect Card; and University Printing Center. Dr. Baganha also oversees several multi-million dollar agreements, including: Dining Services; Dunkin Donuts; Starbucks; Bookstore; snack and beverage vending; Copy/Print Management; and Connect Card Off-campus Program. 

Dr. Baganha serves on the Bridgewater State University Alumni Association Board of Directors; Chairs the Awards Committee and is a member of the Community Service Committee.

Dr. Baganha is a member of the Rotary Club of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. As a Rotarian, she volunteers and participates on a number of activities, including serving meals at a homeless shelter; the Million Dollar Meal; the Rotary Foundation Dinner; and Polar Plunge Fundraiser.

Dr. Baganha is a freelance writer for the Praca (Town Square) Magazine (March 2017-present), which is distributed in large Portuguese communities in the United States, Canada and Bermuda as well as the Azores and Portugal. 

Dr. Baganha earned a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at Johnson and Wales University in May, 2017. She holds a Master of Education in Management Science (2007) and a Bachelor of Science in Management Science (2002) from Bridgewater State University. 

Dr. Baganha resides in Raynham, MA and has one daughter. She enjoys spending time with her extended family, reading, and traveling in the United States and around the world.

BA in English

Business Owner, Tax Preparer, Affordable Tax Service and Sales Representative at Avon, Inc.

I currently am involved on committees of various organizations in my community. I provide annual scholarships to the BSU Sponsor-A-Student Scholarship Program. During tax season, in addition to doing taxes for my own company, I also volunteer to prepare taxes under the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program helping taxpayers with low-incomes file their taxes. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, I became an Avon Representative due to their Breast Cancer Crusade.

My goal as a BAA board member is to help the board achieve their goals and to help deserving students get the financial assistance they need as a member of the Board's Scholarship Committee.

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of the lifelong relationships I formed there. We still keep in touch, meet at least annually and have been friends for over 50 years.

BS in Political Science

Senior Vice President Business Development & Innovation at Decas Cranberry Products, Inc.

Keith has been in the CPG industry for over 20 years and is currently Senior Vice President Business Development & Innovation at Decas Cranberry Products, Inc. He is a member of the Advisory Board at the BSU Ricciardi College of Business, the Bridgewater Alumni Association Board, and a board member at the Duffy Health Center on Cape Cod. Keith earned his BS from BSU and his MBA in Marketing from the McCallum School of Management, Bentley University. He lives in East Sandwich with his wife Mary, '82, and has twin daughters, Taylor and Rebecca. He is an avid fisherman and cyclist.

My goal as a BAA board member is to proudly connect with alumni and students while helping students prepare for life after graduation. I ensure that they know all the resources the University has to offer, both while being in school and after graduation. I let them know that they have a network to lean on. With alumni, I foster a continuing connection with the University and its students through having alumni share life experiences with students and be active within the University. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of providing an opportunity for hard-working students to gain a college education and further develop their lives.

BA

Affiliated Faculty at Emerson College

I currently work as a Communications and Marketing Consultant and have supported clients with their brand building efforts in the education, biotech, and software industries. Additionally, I teach as an Affiliated Faculty at Emerson College in the Communications Studies Department. My courses focus on Digital Storytelling and Online Content and Strategy. Every Fall, I also teach a Social Media in Public Administration course at Bridgewater State University in the Political Science Department. In the greater Boston community, I volunteer every year at the Massachusetts Conference for Women on the Social Media Street Team. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to develop a passionate community of BSU alumni in support of the University and each other. I want alumni of all eras to come together and celebrate the progress that BSU continues to make in public higher education for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. As a member of the communications committee, I am eager to work with my peers to publicize and promote alumni achievements, events, updates and news. Ultimately, I want to connect BSU alumni and current students with one another and the BAA. 

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of home.

Tim (’82,’86) and his wife, Carol (’82), have been residents of Sherman, TX for the past 32 years, and they are the parents of two Sherman Bearcat alumni (Ashley ’05 and Gregory ’08).  After a nearly 40 year career in higher education education,  in 2020 Tim stepped down from his former role at Austin College where he served as the vice president for Student Affairs and Athletics for 32 years, including 14 years with the dual appointment of athletic director. Tim is currently the inaugural Executive Director of the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team, a collective of 30 stakeholders that addresses mental health issues and substance use. He earned both a B.S. in elementary education, with focus areas of science and reading, as well as an M.Ed. in counseling. He also graduated from the Institute for Education Management program at Harvard University. Since 1994 he has been a certified mediator in the state of Texas, earning his certificate from the National Mediation Academy in Dallas, Texas. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles for national organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and the Association of College Personnel Administrators (ACPA). 

Vinda is currently the Community Outreach Manager for Peabody Properties, Inc. Vinda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and in 2016 Vinda received her MBA from Cambridge College. Vinda served as the past President for BSU Afro-Am Alumni Association.

My goal as a BAA board member is to continue providing support to our students, alumni and to proudly represent my Alma Mater.

In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, visiting lighthouses and picking sunflowers.

When I think of Bridgewater State of University I think of home.

I graduated with my B.S. in Business Administration from Bridgewater State University in 1995 and am currently the secretary of the BSU Afro-Am Alumni Association.

I have over two decades of executive management experience. As an executive assistant, I have operated as the top confidant, thought-partner, and go-to person for boards and presidents throughout my career. I am currently a Senior Executive Assistant to the President’s Office at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Not only have I created a professional resume, but from my life experience as a single mother, I have created a personal brand, Single Professional Mother. My world crashed when I got divorced. After experiencing 15 months of unemployment, 2 years of home insecurity, and with two daughters to raise, I channeled my experience into two books, a podcast, and delivered a TEDx Talk, to inspire other single mothers.

When my daughter graduates from BSU, she will be the third generation from our family to do so. As a BAA member I hope to assist current students in a mentor role, because BSU is where I met lifelong friends and is a university I am proud to call my alma mater. 

Jessica McNeill was elected to the Bridgewater Alumni Association Board in 2022. While studying at Bridgewater State University, she was an active student leader and worked as a student event planner in CESO (now University Events Office). She also interned at WBIM and worked as a Copy Editor for The Comment. She graduated from BSU in 2014 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and minors in Public Relations and Management. In 2019, she earned her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University.

Professionally, Jessica is an Assistant Director of Reunion and Leadership Giving at Harvard Business School. In her role, she manages class-based annual and reunion fundraising campaigns with multi-million-dollar goals. In addition to campaign and volunteer management, she also cultivates, solicits, and stewards leadership-level gifts from a portfolio of class-based prospects. At HBS, Jessica has served on the Dean’s Anti-Racism Task Force, whose work led to the creation of the School’s Racial Equity Plan. She also is a member of the Black Staff Affinity Group and the External Relations Racial Equity Initiative Action Group.

Outside of work, Jessica is active in her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, as a member of the Lambda Kappa Sigma Chapter. She previously served on the Board of Directors at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and was a member of BSU’s Young Alumni Council.

Goal as a BAA board member: Find new creative ways to reengage alumni (especially those of color) and connect them with current students. Also, the fundraiser in me wants to help increase giving to the Bridgewater Fund.  

When I think of Bridgewater State University: Lifelong connections, many of the people I met there will be a part of my life forever.

I received Bachelor’s degree in 1964 and a Master’s degree in 1972 from Bridgewater State. I began working at the college in 1967 as Director of Men’s Residence for the newly opened Great Hill Dorm. In subsequent years, I became Director of Financial Aid, Director of Administrative Services, and retired after 40 years in 2007 as Director of Special Projects. I continued working part time as Levitative Advisor to President Mohler-Faria and President Clark for another 15 years, spending most of my time at the State House in Boston. During my tenure at BSC, I was elected four times as Local Chapter President of the Association of Professional Administrators APA/MTA and was also elected for 12 years as the State President for all nine State College campuses of the APA/MTA.

While employed at the college, I was involved in many aspects of the Town of Bridgewater’s local government. I was elected two terms to the Bridgewater School Committee service one term as chairman and was elected one term to the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee. I was also appointed by the Town Selectmen to several posts including twelve years as a member of the Capital Planning Committee, Town Representative to the Plymouth County Advisory Board, and to the Town’s Youth Study Committee.

I presently reside in the town of Lakeville for the past 22 years with Geri Taylor, ’70, G’81 and together, we attend and participate in many alumni events. The college has been my home for so many years and has had such an impact on my life. From beginning as the starting freshman quarterback of the original 1960 Bears football team, to speaking to legislators today about the benefits of a public college degree to their constituents, I wish to continue serving our Alma Mater as a member of the BAA. Once a Bear, Always a Bear!

I am a rising senior at Bridgewater State University studying Communications with a concentration in Media studies and a double minor in Integrated Communications & Digital Media. I will be serving as the student alumni association director in the upcoming fall & serve as treasurer for PRSSA for consecutively two years in a row. One of my goals after college would be to work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to help advocate for minorities, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. My other goal would be to work in crisis communications.

My goal as a BAA Student Alumni Association Director would be to show people of color have a chance to be in the spotlight on a board of directors. It shouldn't matter about your background; there is a spot for anyone. I want to create a more open and welcoming environment for minorities.

When I think of Bridgewater State University, I think of the bonds I make with my friends and professors.