Alumni Profile

Start the Presses

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 21:12:09 +0000

Start the Presses BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 12/16/2024 - 16:12

Veteran reporter recounts his beginnings in journalism – right here on campus

December 17, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Joe Burns, ’75, traces his career in journalism back to a story about a jazz concert he wrote for the Hard Times Press, an alternative newspaper at Bridgewater State that competed with the more established Campus Comment.

As a rock-and-roll fan, Burns knew little about jazz, and he had minimal experience writing news articles. But his editors at the Bridgewater State newspaper saw a budding reporter in the sophomore from Worcester.

“Bridgewater State was the perfect school for me,” said Burns, who started out studying biology, switched to education and graduated as an English major. “It was the right size. ...There were times that I struggled, but then I found my place at the Hard Times Press and felt that I belong here.”

Today, Burns is a freelance writer specializing in health care. He covers the health reform and insurance beat for the Association of Health Care Journalists and has written for many newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times and Hartford Courant.

But the Hard Times Press is where it all began.

“I remember thinking that sounds interesting,” Burns said of joining the newspaper, which published at Bridgewater State in the 1970s. “They were the most interesting people I met at school. They were smart, they were funny, they were very engaged in what happened.”

As a junior, he became the paper’s editor, a position that required handling all facets of publishing a newspaper. The Press maintained a friendly rivalry with the Campus Comment, which continues to this day providing BSU student-journalists with hands-on experience.

Burns also appreciated his English classes, including a course on the nuts-and-bolts of journalism. He still follows the advice of English professor Charles Fanning.

“He said that you can’t revise a blank page,” Burns recalled. “That’s so true about journalism. You’ve got to get something down on paper and revise and revise.”

After graduating, Burns worked for weekly and daily newspapers in Connecticut before eventually becoming editor-in-chief of the magazine Business & Health, which served employers who manage health care benefits. His work for the Association of Health Care Journalists helps reporters make sense of complex topics that they will cover.

“I was hooked on health care because it is just a fabulous beat,” he said. “It’s so rich and detailed and it’s very consumer oriented. You’re writing to help people.”

It’s an important and meaningful job rooted in Burns’ Bridgewater State experience.

“Bridgewater had a big, big impact on my life,” he said. “I have a soft spot in my heart for Bridgewater. It gave me a great start to a great career.”

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

Bridgewater State was the perfect school for me. It was the right size. ...There were times that I struggled, but then I found my place at the Hard Times Press and felt that I belong here.

Joe Burns, ’75

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Second Gen

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:25:57 +0000

Second Gen HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 12/03/2024 - 08:25

Graduate alumnus follows father’s footsteps into teaching and coaching

December 5, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

Growing up, Brian Caffelle, G’24, watched his father work as a physical education teacher for students with disabilities and it made an impression.

“The amount of joy he was able to bring to those kids every day in a setting where they could move around, exercise and gain confidence in themselves is something that always stood out to me,” Caffelle said.

To advance his career, he opted to continue his education at ��Ƶ�� where he enrolled in the master’s in physical education program with a coaching concentration.

When he decided to come to BSU, it was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; Caffelle felt he needed an online degree option. What sold him on Bridgewater was the coaching education courses the school offered.

“Both the flexibility and course catalog made choosing Bridgewater State an easy choice for my masters,” Caffelle said.

Despite learning remotely, he was still able to connect with like-minded educators and was exposed to professors who Caffelle said were, “not just knowledgeable but also empathetic and personable. They were more than willing to meet my needs as a student and made the learning experience invaluable.”

His advisor, Dr. Jennifer Mead, associate professor Health and Kinesiology, was particularly helpful in her guidance.

“Without her, my experience would not have been the same and I am grateful for all of her help,” Caffelle said.

Through the Thornburg Graduate Student Professional Development Scholarship fund he was also given the opportunity to attend the National Wrestling Development Coaches Association national convention held in Florida this past summer.

The experience allowed him to connect with other college and high school coaches from across the country.

“This conference had such an impact on me, hearing about other people’s personal journeys within the sport was captivating,” Caffelle said. “Without this scholarship opportunity, I never would have had the financial support to attend a conference like this.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, today he works as a physical educator at the East Middle School in Braintree and is also the head wrestling coach at Braintree High School, a sport he participated in.

“As a PE teacher, I get to connect with students in a different light compared to traditional classroom teachers...Overall I work hard to make it fun and enjoyable regardless of their athletic background or skill,” Caffelle said. “As a coach, I get to make an impact on a student-athlete’s life.

“Wrestling taught me how to be accountable, disciplined and confident. I get to pass on that knowledge and life lessons to other student-athletes.”

That includes the knowledge, resources and opportunities he gained at Bridgewater.

“Choosing ��Ƶ�� was gratifying. I cannot recommend BSU enough for anyone looking to study physical education or athletic coaching, or to simply learn how to be a better teacher or coach,” Caffelle said.

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

Choosing ��Ƶ�� was gratifying. I cannot recommend BSU enough for anyone looking to study physical education or athletic coaching, or to simply learn how to be a better teacher or coach.

Brian Caffelle, G'24

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Beneficial Return

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:47:54 +0000

Beneficial Return BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 12/02/2024 - 15:47

Jordanian alumna comes back to campus as visiting scholar

December 3, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

When Dr. Buthina Alobidyeen, G’09, traveled from Jordan to the United States for graduate school, she knew she would need a welcoming environment to ease the inevitable culture shock.

Alobidyeen found that perfect place at Bridgewater State, a school that helped her grow and thrive.

“When I came here and started talking with people, I realized they are so nice and friendly,” said Alobidyeen, who earned a master’s degree in business administration. “I had a great experience. ... Bridgewater has a strong academic program and diverse campus.”

Fifteen years after graduation, Alobidyeen is thrilled to be back at BSU as a visiting international scholar for the College of Graduate Studies. Now a professor at Jordan’s Tafila Technical University and a scholar of human resource management, Alobidyeen is continuing her research on women's roles in leadership, academia and business.

She is also attending workshops and conferences and fostering connections between BSU and Jordanian universities. She spoke about Jordanian youth and women with Bridgewater students studying the Middle East.

“It’s great to be back,” she said. “You have plenty of opportunities. You can learn a lot here.”

Alobidyeen pursued many of those opportunities as a Bridgewater student. She worked as a graduate assistant in the graduate studies office and taught Arabic language courses. She even served as student commencement speaker, delivering a speech reflecting on Bridgewater’s welcoming atmosphere that she said defies stereotypes about America.

While Jordanian education is rooted in exams, Alobidyeen often completed group assignments at Bridgewater that introduced her to new ways of learning and teaching.

“I improved my skills in critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication,” she said. “All of those things I learned from here.”

Alobidyeen said she left Bridgewater prepared to study in the UK, where she earned a doctorate from the University of South Whales. She went on to hold numerous positions at Tafila Technical University, including director of international projects and relations.

After finishing her time as a BSU visiting scholar in January, Alobidyeen plans to bring an even stronger international perspective back to Tafila.

“I like teaching and the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to lifelong learning,” she said. “It is really rewarding to work in higher education.”

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

When I came here and started talking with people, I realized they are so nice and friendly. I had a great experience. ... Bridgewater has a strong academic program and diverse campus.

Dr. Buthina Alobidyeen, G’09

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International Students

Path to Wellness

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:51:49 +0000

Path to Wellness HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 11/14/2024 - 14:51

Alumna launches directory for Africans who seek mental health care

November 19, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

In African culture, seeking help for mental health is not the norm, nor is it necessarily encouraged. Comfort Nyeswah-Wiafe, ’13, G’16, is looking to change that.

The ��Ƶ�� alumna, who works as a licensed therapist, recently launched Equipped To Prosper, an online directory that helps Africans across the globe find African therapists and access culturally and spiritually sensitive mental health care.

“In our community, (mental illness) is often seen as something that only happens to white people,” Nyeswah-Wiafe said. “But we know many Africans are experiencing it (mental illness), so it’s important for us to have a space to recognize it..”

Nyeswah-Wiafe studied psychology as both an undergraduate and graduate student and said Bridgewater helped prepare her for the work she’s currently involved in. She found inspiration from one professor in particular, Dr. Teresa King.

King’s Introduction to Psychology class was the first course Nyeswah-Wiafe took at BSU as a freshman. As an African attending a predominantly white university, she said King’s support helped her get her footing.

“She was a strong, powerful woman and really encouraging in the sense that you can do it,” Nyeswah-Wiafe said. “Not only did I get the lecture portion of the class, but the motivation for my future.”

She launched the online directory in November 2023 and has been steadily building a network of African therapists for African therapy seekers.

Why is she only including African therapists? Because often cultural and language barriers prevent Africans from seeking the help they need.

“For Africans living in America, they come up against having to adjust an African culture into an American one,” Nyeswah-Wiafe said. “In terms of healthcare, particularly in the United States, Africans have to leave parts of who they are outside of the door,”

Many therapists and counselors are not familiar with the various African dialects or cultures, so making connections through therapy can be difficult.

Her goal by the end of the year is to have a network of 100 therapists available through the directory.

“It’s important to recognize that therapy is not one-size-fits-all to ensure all mental health needs are met.,” she said. “My overall experience at Bridgewater was amazing. I really feel like Bridgewater prepared me to do the work that I’m doing.”

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

My overall experience at Bridgewater was amazing. I really feel like Bridgewater prepared me to do the work that I’m doing.

Comfort Nyeswah-Wiafe, ’13, G’16

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Sports Minded

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:46:03 +0000

Sports Minded BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 11/07/2024 - 08:46

Alumnus creates content for local sporting goods company

November 7, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

There’s no such thing as a typical day in the office for Michael “Mickey” Howard, ’09. Or even a typical office, for that matter.

As senior manager of creative for Franklin Sports, Howard will go anywhere to produce content for the sporting goods manufacturer – from the inside of Fenway Park’s Green Monster to The Edge, an observation deck 100 stories above New York City.

And Howard never shies away from an opportunity, a character trait he traces to his time as a Bridgewater State history major.

“What sticks out are the relationships I’ve formed,” he said of Bridgewater. “Every new opportunity opened the door to another opportunity.”

Early in his freshman year, Howard successfully ran for class president. That led him to fill many roles in the Student Government Association including student trustee. He also served as an orientation leader, interned for the Massachusetts governor, and joined and eventually led the Sigma Pi fraternity.

“I knew I wanted to get involved and get involved early and often,” he said.

Howard intended to become a high school teacher but discovered a passion for advising students outside of the classroom. With support from Dr. Cindy Kane, who worked in Student Life at Bridgewater State at that time, Howard realized he could turn that interest into a career.

“She was the one that kept putting a bug in my ear,” Howard said of Kane, who encouraged him to apply to become an orientation leader. “To this day, I still stay in contact with her pretty regularly. She gives me sound advice.”

Howard earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of South Florida. He worked for a decade in student life at the University of Florida, where he took on marketing tasks that prepared him to move back to Massachusetts and a new job at Stoughton-based Franklin Sports.

He brings a sense of humor, energy, and innate leadership skills, said Kane, who is now assistant provost for strategic initiatives.

“He had a really good aptitude for meeting new people and helping new people,” she said. “I always knew he was a creative person. Now he’s putting that forward in his profession.”

As an orientation leader, Howard was among the first to welcome students to campus.

“You get to be the first person to make a difference in somebody else’s life, and that is huge,” he said, comparing it to welcoming a new employee into his company. “You get an opportunity to create culture every day.”

Today, Howard leads a team that promotes Franklin Sports’ products for games as diverse as baseball and pickleball (the latter took him to the NYC observation deck for a photo shoot). He hopes his efforts encourage kids to be physically active.

Howard lives in Bridgewater and often walks across campus with his wife and children while telling them stories about his college experience.

“I feel like Bridgewater State cares about the community,” he said. “It’s very much a feeling of being home.”

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

What sticks out are the relationships I’ve formed. Every new opportunity opened the door to another opportunity.

Michael “Mickey” Howard, ’09

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The Right Chemistry

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:53:29 +0000

The Right Chemistry HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 11/04/2024 - 15:53

Alumnus finds his passion not in the classroom but in research

November 12, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

Kenneth Berthelette, ’10, transferred to Bridgewater State because he wanted to become a high school chemistry teacher.

“In high school I had a chemistry teacher who had a big impact on me and I wanted to replicate that,” he said. “Bridgewater is really known for both education and chemistry, so it seemed like a perfect fit. That, and I’ve always had a knack of explaining things to people.”

But after taking classes, he found research pulling him in a new direction.

He credits the entire BSU chemistry department for influencing his decision to switch gears and pursue a degree in chemistry with a focus on research.

“Everyone impacted me in different ways…so who I am today, it was a group effort by the entire chemistry department that shaped me,” Berthelette said.

When he had the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research, it further validated his feelings.

“Undergraduate research helped because it gave me hands-on experience. I spent a lot of time in the lab analyzing samples, collecting data and making sure I was doing things right,” Berthelette said.

In the spring semester of his senior year, he flew to the American Chemistry Society conference in San Francisco, where he gave a presentation.

“That experience exposed me to conferences, how to give presentations and set me up to have scientific conversations with those in the field,” Berthelette said. “It exposed me to part of what I do now in my job.”

Today, he works as a senior scientist at Waters Corporation, a global company that designs, manufactures, sells and services analytical technologies for research and quality control labs.

Berthelette works with a marketing team, where he runs experiments on Waters products, and gathers data to support how each performs.

He then takes his knowledge and shares with customers how to properly and successfully use the products.

“A big part of what I do is explain what the product is, how it can be used, what makes it different while also doing it with science,” Berthelette said. “I bring a different perspective (as a scientist). Because I ran the experiment myself, and generated the data, I can best explain it.”

While he may not be working in a traditional classroom, he’s aware that teaching is at the core of what he does for a living.

“My favorite part is when I’m explaining things to people, and they have that ‘aha’ moment. I love seeing that, it satisfies the teaching itch I have,” Berthelette said.

He recently returned to campus to talk with students about his journey from being a student at Bridgewater to working as a senior scientist at Waters.

“When I was asked to come back and talk, I said yes because I know it’s important to professors and helps students to hear (an alumni) come back and share their stories,” Berthelette said.

He told students that if BSU hadn’t gotten him to think outside of his comfort zone, he may not be where he is today in terms of a career.

“The fact is, Bridgewater sets you up in a lot of different ways to be successful even if you don’t realize it,” he said. “Where I am now? It all circles back to Bridgewater.”

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

The fact is, Bridgewater sets you up in a lot of different ways to be successful even if you don’t realize it. Where I am now? It all circles back to Bridgewater.

Kenneth Berthelette, ’10

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Saluting Service

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:58:17 +0000

Saluting Service BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 10/31/2024 - 08:58

Alumnus credits education with preparing him for military career

October 31, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

During his 30-year military career, Mike Adams, ’94, traveled to places as far away as Iraq and South Korea. But he can trace his global acumen right back to Bridgewater State classrooms.

“What was helpful and stood out to me then was the diversity of the faculty and diversity of the student body,” Adams said of Bridgewater, where he studied sociology. “You got much richer perspectives and experience through that diversity.”

Adams credits his time at Bridgewater with instilling skills that formed the foundation of his extensive service in the U.S. Army. The intangible benefits of a liberal arts education, earned at an institution like Bridgewater which champions diversity, helped Adams adjust to serving on a tank crew in South Korea with a Hispanic soldier from New York, a Jamaican and a Samoan.

He rose to key leadership posts, including chief of staff for the 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, Georgia. There, he helped design and implement COVID-19 mitigation measures to protect more than 19,000 soldiers, civilian workers and family members.

“I served with some of the best men and women in the Army,” said Adams, who retired as a colonel and now lives in his native Massachusetts. “Being in command is probably one of the most important and rewarding jobs I’ve had.”

Adams earned master’s degrees from the National War College and Air Force Command and Staff College, advanced educational experiences that he was ready for with a Bridgewater diploma.

“I was 100 percent prepared,” he said, adding he could adapt to the Army’s direct written communication style. “You had to write a lot in sociology and the college environment.”

Adams was so impressed with Bridgewater that he encouraged his daughter, Sophia, '28, to come to BSU. Sophia, who is studying astrophysics, aspires to conduct research using prominent telescopes like Hubble.

In just her first semester, she is already studying her passion through physics instructor Joseph Doyle’s Exploring the Universe course.

“I love that class so much,” she said. “It’s exactly what I want to do and the stuff I want to learn. It’s overall just a really nice opportunity to learn about the history of astronomy and do some fun labs.”

Adams is glad – but not surprised – to see Sophia fit in at Bridgewater.

“It has a great climate,” he said. “It will play to her strengths. Bridgewater is in my mind the right place.”

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

What was helpful and stood out to me then was the diversity of the faculty and diversity of the student body. You got much richer perspectives and experience through that diversity.

Mike Adams, ’94

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Veterans Center

Supporting Survivors

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:48:10 +0000

Supporting Survivors HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 10/22/2024 - 14:48

Alumna’s work centers on helping women who have faced abuse

October 29, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

After taking an introduction to criminal justice class at ��Ƶ��, Kayla Machado, ’19, knew she had discovered her path.

“I loved it, which is ultimately what made me decide to focus on criminal justice,” she said.

Kayla earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology.

The inspiration she found while taking that criminal justice class led her to working in a position where she helps others.

Today, Machado serves as the education and outreach coordinator for the Women’s Center, a nonprofit agency that works with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault located in New Bedford.

“We provide wrap-around services during some of the most traumatic and challenging times of a person’s life,” she said.

To support victims and survivors, the organization offers counseling, emergency short term shelter, transitional housing assistance, court advocacy and a youth trauma program where licensed clinicians work one-on-one with children who have been victims of abuse.

In her role, Machado’s focus is on the community and making connections, along with prevention work.

She works closely with schools and speaks to students about healthy relationships, boundaries, and how to keep yourself and loved ones safe.

“Being able to give these children the basic information about boundaries alone is huge,” Machado said. “This is not a subject that is typically discussed in schools. Having the ability to make positive connections and bring light to such heavy topics is something I’m proud of.”

Finding her calling has been rewarding. She is grateful for the professors in the criminal justice department for their knowledge and support and helping her discover her path, especially Professor Kadijha Monk.

“She was a professor who helped me during the more difficult classes. I learned a lot, and was always looking forward to her classes,” Machado said.

As she moves forward, Machado looks to continue networking and building connections, not only for the Women’s Center but professionally as well.

“I want to continue seeing the different within our communities that the prevention work was in fact able to reduce the number of people being victims of abuse, harassment or assault,” she said.

For BSU students carving out their own paths, Machado said it’s all about finding a balance and realizing your journey may be different than others.

“If you are someone who does not have everything planned out, like I was, don’t look at your friends and compare yourself,” she said. “Everyone gets to where they are going on their own two feet, and things will fall into place.”

The Bridgewater chapter is all part of creating the outcome.

“You will look back one day and be proud of your achievements and your failures that helped you get there,” she said.

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

If you are someone who does not have everything planned out, like I was, don’t look at your friends and compare yourself. Everyone gets to where they are going on their own two feet, and things will fall into place.

Kayla Machado, '19

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Chamber Man

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:02:54 +0000

Chamber Man HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 10/17/2024 - 08:02

Alumnus has worked with multiple chambers of commerce

October 22, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

If you asked David Colby, ’91, what the chamber of commerce was when he was a freshman in college, you would have been met with a blank stare.

“Like most people I didn’t really know or understand what a chamber of commerce was,” Colby said. “So, I can’t say I knew that’s what I was going to pursue in terms of a career.”

That all changed when Colby, who studied business, took a marketing class at Bridgewater State.

Through the class, he worked on the town of Whitman’s recycling program, and performed research, developed promotions, and worked with local businesses in the area to create public awareness.

At the end of the project, he and his classmates gave a presentation. The experience led Colby to a job offer with the Brockton Chamber of Commerce.

“I graduated from Bridgewater State on a Saturday and started my job with the chamber on a Monday,” Colby said. “The entire experience led me to that job, ultimately to a career, and the job I’m in now.”

Today, Colby lives in Clermont, Florida, where he is the president and CEO of the South-Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Since leaving Bridgewater, Colby has worked steadily in the field.

From his first job in Brockton, to serving as the executive director for the Watertown chamber, president of the Berkshire chamber, and president of the Columbia County chamber in upstate New York, before moving onto Florida in 2016.

“I’ve enjoyed being in a position where I can connect businesses to resources,” Colby said. “I get to watch businesses grow and be successful and become hubs of activity within their communities.”

Colby explained that chambers of commerce exist to help local businesses thrive. They create networking opportunities, connect businesses to resources, and assist when businesses have specific questions or concerns.

“We bring people together and help businesses develop their own voice,” he said.

The desire to build and be part of a strong community goes back to his days at Bridgewater.

As an undergraduate, he played football and rugby, was active in student government, frequented the student union, and participated in different campus activities.

“There was always something going on and a lot to do. I really enjoyed that about Bridgewater, I had a lot of fun meeting people,” Colby said. “Bridgewater put me on the path to making connections, and now many years later I’m still working on creating connections, all because of the interaction I made in college.”

For new and returning students arriving on campus this fall, Colby offers some advice.

“Try to explore every path you can, talk to people who are in the fields you are interested in and learn from them,” he said, including older Bears like himself.

“There are a lot of alumni doing so many great things in so many different fields,” Colby said. “Most people are willing to share what they know. There is a lot of value in reaching out and asking to grab a cup of coffee, to connect and learn.”

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

Bridgewater put me on the path to making connections, and now many years later I’m still working on creating connections, all because of the interaction I made in college.

David Colby, '91

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Bearing His Name

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:36:45 +0000

Bearing His Name HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/23/2024 - 11:36

Meet the man who donned school mascot ‘Bristaco’

October 8, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

When sharing the good news that he was accepted into ��Ƶ��, Dominic Ford, ’28, inadvertently uncovered a piece of BSU history.

Ford works as a dining server at Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham. It’s also where alumnus Dr. Robert Calzini, ’64, resides with his wife, Jan.

Over the past two years, the two formed a friendship. When Ford received his acceptance letter to BSU, Calzini was one of the first people he told.

After congratulating him, Calzini then revealed a little-known fact connected to his alma mater and the legacy he left after graduating with a degree in elementary education.

“Back then I entered a contest to name Bridgewater State’s mascot,” he said. “And I won!”

“I was definitely surprised,” Dominic said of the information.

Today, everyone on campus knows that “Brisatco” is the bear mascot’s name, but not many knew where the moniker comes from.

“My roommate and I both decided to enter (the contest). We wrote down a plethora of names,” Calzini said. “I was determined to win!”

He doesn’t remember all the names he came up with.

“I think I had Brownie or something like that,” Calzini said.

Then it hit him.

Bristaco!

At the time, BSU was then Bridgewater State College, so the “Bri” stood for Bridgewater, the “sta” for state and the “co” for college.

“My roommate told me that it was terrible, but I won,” Calzini said.

As the winner, he received a $10 grand prize.

“I used it to buy a lot of beer,” joked Calzini.

For more than 50 years the name has stuck, even when Bridgewater made the change from college to university in 2010.

“I was surprised, I thought maybe they would change it, but they didn’t,” Calzini said. “I’m really pleased that it stayed.

Calzini was back on campus during BSU’s homecoming celebration this past weekend where he was recognized by President Frederick W. Clark Jr at halftime during the football game.

"We’re excited to welcome you back on campus to honor your legacy and our enduring mascot,” Clark said.

After graduating from Bridgwater, Calzini embarked on a successful career in education while simultaneously earning a master’s from the University of California and a PhD from Michigan State University.

He and his wife Jan have lived in Spain, Denmark and England, where both taught at Department of Defense Education schools.

Calzini eventually worked his way up to principal.

The couple lived overseas for more than 30 years, where they also raised their two sons.

Upon their return to the United States, Calzini continued working in education in Natick and then Mashpee before retiring in 2005.

He is excited for Dominic as he begins his journey at Bridgewater State and has no doubt it will be a great experience.

“I learned a great deal at Bridgewater,” Calzini said. “You’re going to get a great education and build a solid foundation for your next steps.”

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

I learned a great deal at Bridgewater. You’re going to get a great education and build a solid foundation for your next steps.

Robert Calzini, '64

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