Laurel Ryan, ’15, has seized the entrepreneurial spirit since she ran lemonade stands as a kid. But, starting a jewelry business is very different than quenching neighbors’ thirst. Thankfully, she has a Bridgewater State University education.
“I learned so much. I had so many great professors help me,” she said, praising the classes she took in advertising, marketing, public speaking and business law. “I take that knowledge and use it in what I do now.”
Ellen Farren, ’57, was only a few years out of college when she left familiar New England behind for the unknowns of teaching in Japan. But, she headed abroad with confidence thanks to her Bridgewater State education.
“Bridgewater prepared me for life. I came as a very young, inexperienced, naïve girl,” recalled Farren, who grew up in Fall River and studied physical education. “They taught us to believe in ourselves. We didn’t have any fear.”
Everyone knows Dorothy follows the Yellow Brick Road to reach the Emerald City. But, you may not realize several cast and crew members in Family Performing Arts Center’s upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz took their own Yellow Brick Road through Bridgewater State. Their destination? Theatrical excellence.
Soldier, Bridgewater State student, Hollywood actor, it’s fair to say that Gregory Schwabe, ’09, has led an unconventional life.
Opting for the road less traveled has brought Schwabe success and interactions with both world leaders and entertainment heavyweights.
During his military career, he served as the chief of the counterintelligence analysis section of United States Forces Korea. For several years, he worked alongside world officials as a counterintelligence agent fighting terrorism.
It took a lot of patience for Joe Hogarty to make it to the big leagues, but eventually he got his chance.
After graduating from Bridgewater State, he knew it could take time to reach his goal. “I had the mindset to push further, but maintained the patience to see what life could offer,” he said.
He eventually found a home with the Baltimore Orioles as the team’s strength and conditioning coach.
