‘Champions for Good’

Emily Nasuti was already thrilled to see her years of studying and writing essays pay off by earning a bachelor’s degree. Then security guards brought large black duffle bags onto the Gillette Stadium stage.

The bags contained more than $1 million dollars from philanthropist and honorary degree recipient Robert Hale Jr. – enough so every graduate in attendance received $1,000.

“I started crying,” said Emily, a social work major from Sandwich. “It was immediate tears. I was very surprised and excited. I felt really recognized.”

Hale, the founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, told graduates to keep $500 for themselves and donate $500 to a cause or person who needs it more than they do. The money came in individual envelopes decorated by Brockton schoolchildren.

“We’re proud of you. These are turbulent times, chaotic times. You guys have weathered the storm,” Hale said, adding: “Our community needs your help, your leadership, your empathy now more than ever.”  

Emily plans to give the $500 to her younger sister when she graduates high school while English major Lizzy Hart of Peabody plans to support her sister, who has been out of work recovering from surgery.

Lizzy said the big surprise shows how BSU “cares about the future of their students and they want to reward them for their hard work.”

Hale, who has contributed more than $400 million in support of cancer research, educational institutions and numerous other charitable causes, reflected on his achievements and failures in business. He encouraged graduates to take chances as those ultimately lead to successes.

New this year, the more than 1,400 graduates included members of the EXCEL Program, who exuberantly crossed the stage to receive their certificates. EXCEL is a fully inclusive post-secondary program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These students share experiences with their college peers and grow academically, socially and professionally while learning independent living skills.

“It means a lot to me,” said Bethany Garcia, an EXCEL student from Franklin. “It means that I have accomplished a lot and that I can handle anything life throws at me.”

With a goal of working in childcare, Bethany is moving to Florida to live independently - something she never thought would have been possible without BSU.

“The impact that Bridgewater has had on me is that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and I can get through with the right mindset and determination,” Bethany said.

This year’s commencement also held special meaning for President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, whose daughter was among the graduates. Vocalizing a sentiment undoubtedly shared by many supporters in the audience, Clark reflected on how quickly Reilly grew from a young child into a college graduate.

With a degree in special education and math, Reilly is ready to become an educator who will positively shape the lives of future generations of students. Reilly and her classmates have demonstrated resilience while supporting and caring for each other, Clark said.  

“You have secured your place in BSU’s hall of fame,” he said. “Now we will watch as you move the world one person at a time, one good deed at a time. …Let the world know your name by being champions for others, by being champions for good.”

Student speaker Haley March, a childhood studies major from Pembroke, encouraged her fellow graduates to carry with them “the courage to make a difference” as they enter the next phase of their lives.

“Being a college student has taught me that learning doesn’t just come from the textbooks. It comes from each other,” Haley said, adding: “College is about discovering who we are and who we want to become. It is about realizing that we don’t have all the answers, but we definitely do have the tools to find them.”

As they prepared to process onto the field, Katie Johanson and her fellow graduates reflected on the professors who believed in them and the unparalleled opportunities at Bridgewater. Katie, who is from Old Town, Maine and aspires to work in publishing, was able to edit The Bridge, BSU’s student-produced art and literary journal.

“Bridgewater is unique from a lot of other universities in that there are many opportunities for you to get published as an undergrad,” said Katie, who minored in communication studies. “The professors help you achieve your dreams.… It’s been so much more than I ever thought would be possible.”

History major Brennen Savery of Brewster praised all of his history professors for teaching a diverse range of perspectives on the past.  

“It is surreal,” they said. “All the hard work you put into it is paying off.”

Alexis Gatzimas, of Raynham, entered Bridgewater as a nontraditional student. She initially went to art school but left and became a hairdresser. Deep down, Alexis knew she had knack for teaching and came to BSU to earn a degree in studio art and secondary education.

“For so many years in my life, I didn’t think I would be here,” Alexis said. “It’s extremely rewarding and gratifying.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.