BSU Works / en BSU Student Explores Microelectronics Industry /stories/2026/bsu-student-explores-microelectronics-industry <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">BSU Student Explores Microelectronics Industry</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-09-22T09:20:23-04:00" title="Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 09:20" class="datetime">Tue, 09/22/2026 - 09:20</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Christopher Leary, '28, selected for prestigious MIT program</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2026-09-22T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">September 22, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>As one of a select group of students chosen for an MIT microelectronics program, <strong>Christopher Leary</strong>, '28, gained a behind-the-scenes look at the careers for which his BSU education is preparing him.</p><p>"Because the <a href="/department/physics-photonics-optical-engineering">photonics program</a> here is so special, I have the opportunity to learn about very specific things that even people in an electrical engineering degree would not get to learn about at the undergraduate level," said Christopher, who is majoring in photonics and optical engineering and minoring in math and physics. "The photonics classes are really well designed toward going into that field."</p><p>Photonics uses light to make technology more powerful, efficient, and compact. During the weeklong Northeast Microelectronics Internship Program, Christopher, who is from Saxtons River, Vermont, discovered how this cutting-edge technology is applied to microelectronics. He was one of just 30 students selected for the program out of almost 700 applicants.</p><p>Christopher and his peers toured advanced labs and factories at MIT, IBM and semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries. Dressed head to toe in special boots, suits and masks, they had the rare opportunity to enter clean rooms where even the tiniest speck of dust can ruin a manufacturing process.</p> <div class="align-right ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image blazy--field-media-image--image-280w field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-1c71be8f7fa" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Students wear special clothing and masks before entering a clean room." decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/280w/public/media/images/microelectronics1.jpg" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Christopher is especially interested in biotechnology and was excited to visit a lab making flexible chips for medical applications.</p><p>"I'm really passionate about using light to solve problems because I feel like it's a new frontier of science," he said. "I'm definitely passionate about helping others."</p><p>Christopher is already making a difference through on-campus research under the mentorship of Dr. <strong>Thaya Paramanathan</strong>, an associate professor of physics, photonics, and optical engineering. Paramanathan and his students study anticancer drugs with the goal of helping improve treatments.</p><p>"The undergraduate research has prepared me to apply critical thinking to everything I do," Christopher said.</p><p>He credits his success to the work he is doing as a Bear and the relationships he is building with faculty.</p><p>"The opportunities within the photonics department are really endless if you apply yourself and connect with professors," he said. "If there's something you want to do and you are passionate about it, they can really help you."</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/christopher.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/christopher.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="397"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/christopher.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/christopher.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="397"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/christopher.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/christopher.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/christopher.jpg" alt="Christopher Leary works with optical equipment in a lab."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--328086 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-328086"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>The opportunities within the photonics department are really endless if you apply yourself and connect with professors. If there's something you want to do and you are passionate about it, they can really help you.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Christopher Leary, '28 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:20:23 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 6963736 at With Support from Career Services, BSU Student Secures Internship at Global IT Company /stories/2026/support-career-services-bsu-student-secures-internship-global-it-company <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">With Support from Career Services, BSU Student Secures Internship at Global IT Company</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-09-08T16:59:16-04:00" title="Tuesday, September 8, 2026 - 16:59" class="datetime">Tue, 09/08/2026 - 16:59</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Zainab Al-Mosawi, ’27, gained hands-on experience through remote position</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2026-09-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">September 9, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Zainab Al-Mosawi</strong>, ’27, knew an internship would be an important step toward a career in human resources. But as the first member of her immediate family to attend college, Zainab was stepping into unfamiliar territory.</p><p>She turned to BSU’s <a href="https://careers.bridgew.edu/">Career Services and Internships Office</a>, where staff helped her strengthen her resume, clarify her goals and develop a strategy to secure the ideal internship.</p><p>“That connection was really important to get my foot in the door,” Zainab said of working with <strong>Katie Vagen</strong>, director of career development. “It was really important to have someone to guide me and give me tips on what I could do to stand out.”</p><p>Zainab sought an internship that fit around her part-time retail job. Vagen suggested virtual positions, which are increasingly popular for busy BSU students juggling academics, work and life obligations.</p><p>Zainab secured a summer internship at Hyperflex, a specialized IT consulting company with teams in the U.S. and India. She initially shadowed Hyperflex’s HR staff during candidate screening and interviewing. Zainab quickly earned her supervisor’s trust and admiration and took on greater responsibilities. Before the end of the program, she conducted interviews on her own.</p><p>“I took away valuable real-world work experience,” said Zainab, a <a href="/department/management-marketing" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6699c50-6d22-4c75-add4-f9ca924577ba" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Management &amp; Marketing">management</a> major (human resources management concentration) from Braintree. “I’m so grateful I got an opportunity to apply everything I’ve been learning in class to hands-on work. Now I’m more confident.”</p><p>Zainab said BSU coursework on contracts and hiring proved especially useful at Hyperflex. In one course, students even conducted mock interviews with each other.</p><p>Vagen praised Zainab’s commitment to enhancing her resume and skills.</p><p>“Her internship with Hyperflex gave her hands-on experience even within a remote setting, which is so commonplace in today’s workforce,” Vagen said. “Now, she’s walking away with a great understanding of the HR recruiting process that she can spotlight in interviews for jobs after graduation.”</p><p>For Zainab, the support she got from Career Services is just one example of the culture that makes BSU special.</p><p>“I love how we’re one big family,” she said. “I love the community at 911±¬ÁÏ and feel like I’m part of that community.”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/zainab.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/zainab.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="397"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/zainab.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/zainab.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="397"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/zainab.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/zainab.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/zainab.jpg" alt="Headshot of Zainab standing in front of windows and a wall."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--328006 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-328006"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>I took away valuable real-world work experience. I’m so grateful I got an opportunity to apply everything I’ve been learning in class to hands-on work. Now I’m more confident.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Zainab Al-Mosawi, ’27 </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subtext field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Management major </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/taxonomy/term/2765" aria-label="Related stories tagged Internships" hreflang="en">Internships</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:59:16 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 6750641 at New Partnership Helps BSU Students Pursue Advanced Healthcare Degrees /stories/2026/new-partnership-helps-bsu-students-pursue-advanced-healthcare-degrees <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">New Partnership Helps BSU Students Pursue Advanced Healthcare Degrees</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-09-02T14:41:19-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 14:41" class="datetime">Wed, 09/02/2026 - 14:41</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Agreement with Northeastern University marks the third collaboration with a New England school</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2026-09-03T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">September 3, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Deborah Ashiedu</strong>, ’25, G’26, aspires to make a difference through a career as a nurse practitioner. Having earned two biology degrees from BSU, Ashiedu is ready for the specialized training she needs to land her dream job.</p><p>“Most of my prerequisites were already done,” said Ashiedu, who begins a nursing program at Northeastern University this fall. “I understood what I was getting into. Being a biology major really prepared me.”</p><p>It’s now even easier for 911±¬ÁÏ graduates to follow in Ashiedu’s footsteps. BSU and Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences recently finalized an agreement covering NU nursing, pharmaceutical sciences, physical therapy and pharmacy programs. It provides guaranteed admission for at least five qualified BSU alumni per program per enrollment period. Students are also eligible for special scholarships.</p><p>The agreement covers programs at Northeastern’s Boston campus as well as a new accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing in Fall River.</p><p>“I saw it immediately as a pathway for our students that’s advantageous,” said Dr. <strong>Martina Arndt</strong>, G’21, G’26, dean of the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics.</p><p>BSU has similar agreements with MGH Institute of Health Professions and Johnson &amp; Wales University. The partnerships help 911±¬ÁÏ graduates access advanced clinical degrees that BSU does not offer.</p><p>Healthcare is a multidisciplinary field, and students pursuing majors across BSU may benefit from the agreements, said Dr. <strong>Marci Swede</strong>, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions.</p><p>“The healthcare field is so important to Massachusetts as a whole,” Swede said. “When students go into healthcare, they’re going back to serve their communities. Healthcare is a very mission-driven field to get into.”</p><p>Ashiedu is thrilled that even more students can follow the BSU-to-NU path. She encouraged them to take full advantage of the resources BSU provides. Ashiedu conducted undergraduate research on aging, presented at conferences and wrote a thesis – activities that enhanced her independent thinking and communication skills.</p><p>“I’m thankful to BSU for the amazing opportunities it gave me,” she said. “I really enjoyed going there.”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nuagreement_1.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/nuagreement_1.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nuagreement_1.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/nuagreement_1.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nuagreement_1.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/nuagreement_1.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nuagreement_1.jpg" alt="A student works with a microscope in a lab."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--327886 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-327886"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>I saw it immediately as a pathway for our students that’s advantageous.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Dr. Martina Arndt, G’21, G’26 </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subtext field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Dean of the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-credit field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Photo by Carly McMahon, '24, G'26 </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:41:19 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 6645856 at From BSU to PwC: Accounting Student Makes the Most of a 911±¬ÁÏ Education /stories/2026/bsu-pwc-accounting-student-makes-most-bridgewater-education <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">From BSU to PwC: Accounting Student Makes the Most of a 911±¬ÁÏ Education</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-07-21T15:16:13-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 15:16" class="datetime">Tue, 07/21/2026 - 15:16</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Glendys Bonilla, ’27, cites professional and personal growth that led to prestigious internship</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2026-07-22T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">July 22, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Glendys Bonilla</strong>, ’27, came to BSU with a keen interest in accounting. She didn’t consider a position with a top firm within reach — until she attended a career panel designed for first-generation students like herself.</p><p>The event featured an alumna who works as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a multinational company considered one of the Big Four accounting firms.</p><p>“If she’s first-gen and also graduated from 911±¬ÁÏ, who’s to say I can’t do it as well?" said Glendys, who used that as motivation to apply for a two-year auditing internship at PwC. “I didn’t expect much, so when I got in, I couldn’t believe it.”</p><p>Glendys, an <a href="/department/accounting-and-finance" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="079ab51d-cf35-49f0-93e2-b20143bb0551" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Accounting &amp; Finance ">accounting and finance</a> major and management minor, is one of several 911±¬ÁÏ students interning at PwC. She is working on client projects by helping ensure bookkeeping is in order and free of fraud. Glendys also completed a tax internship at Nash CPAs in Norwood, her hometown.</p><p>As she transitions from student to professional, Glendys brings a solid background in financial terminology and processes from her classes, and strong teamwork and leadership skills from her extracurricular involvement.</p><p>“Everything I’m learning now is going to show up in the future, not only the accounting aspect,” said Glendys, who is president of the Latin Student Alliance and vice president of the Accounting and Finance Club. “Running clubs has taught me to work in groups.”</p><p>Through the Latin Student Alliance, Glendys helps organize campuswide cultural festivals and events. Club members became her close friends, and the organization offers a safe space that makes BSU feel like home, she said.</p><p>She praised all of the accounting and finance professors for their support within and outside the classroom. Her advisor, <strong>Joseph D’Adamo</strong>, is a consistent source of career advice, while <strong>Donna Abelli</strong> offered Glendys a job as a peer leader for introductory accounting classes. Dr. <strong>Mark Crowley</strong> has been a valued mentor since her first year.</p><p>“He’s been one of my biggest motivators,” she said. “He has been the person who tells me I can do anything.”</p><p>Crowley praised Glendys as a well-rounded student with extensive accomplishments, including earning several accounting scholarships.</p><p>“Glendys is an excellent student and extraordinary contributor to the BSU community,” he said.</p><p>Glendys credits BSU with providing the supportive environment in which she has flourished.</p><p>“911±¬ÁÏ has been great,” she said. “It has given me the opportunity to grow in all areas — academically, professionally, and socially.”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/glendys.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/glendys.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/glendys.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/glendys.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/glendys.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/glendys.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/glendys.jpg" alt="Glendys Bonilla stands next to the PwC logo."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--327381 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-327381"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>911±¬ÁÏ has been great. It has given me the opportunity to grow in all areas — academically, professionally, and socially.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Glendys Bonilla, ’27 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/taxonomy/term/2765" aria-label="Related stories tagged Internships" hreflang="en">Internships</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:16:13 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 5792721 at BSU Students Gain Hands-on Experience Through Co-ops /stories/2026/bsu-students-gain-hands-experience-through-co-ops <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">BSU Students Gain Hands-on Experience Through Co-ops</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-06-23T16:36:58-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 16:36" class="datetime">Tue, 06/23/2026 - 16:36</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Program connects students with local and global employers</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2026-06-24T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">June 24, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Many workers spend their entire careers seeking a dream employer. <strong>Dillon McCarthy</strong>, ’28, is realizing that opportunity while he is still in college.</p><p>In the fall, Dillon will begin a co-op at Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta headquarters, where he will help ensure flight simulators remain reliable for pilot training by coordinating their maintenance and compliance with FAA qualifications.</p><p>“This co-op creates a direct connection between my education and my career goals,” said Dillon, an aviation science major with concentrations in flight and management. “It provides an opportunity to work with one of the most respected airlines in the industry while gaining experience that supports my interests in flying, managing, and maintaining aircraft.”</p><p>Dillon is one of about a dozen juniors and seniors participating in a pilot program that offers co-op opportunities through 911±¬ÁÏ. Co-ops are full-time work opportunities that offer more intensive experiences than internships, which are typically part-time.</p><p>“A co-op gives our students practical, real experience in their field,” said <strong>Diane Bell</strong>, vice president of outreach and engagement. “Students can answer that question, ‘What experience do you have?’”</p><p><strong>Rylee Andrews</strong>, ’27, who is helping run Massachusetts Sen. Dylan Fernandes’ social media channels through a summertime co-op, appreciates the professional growth.</p><p>Rylee, who interned for the senator last summer, has more duties this year. She is growing her network and gaining a stronger understanding of the responsibilities of communications work.</p><p>“It’s an absolutely amazing opportunity,” the public relations major and marketing minor said. “To be part of the pilot year is such a big deal. I hope more students realize all of the opportunities we have.”</p><p>To support the pilot program, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education awarded BSU $20,000, which the university is using to make its co-op program distinctive. BSU students will earn academic credit, be guided by faculty mentors and a career advisor, and receive funding to buy professional clothing or otherwise ease the transition into a co-op.</p><p>“Typically, a student has no connection to faculty and is pretty disconnected to the university (while on a co-op),” Bell said. “We want our students to stay connected to BSU.”</p><p><strong>Corey Taverna</strong>, ’27, is working this summer with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, where he will serve on the run crew for the organization’s outdoor performances on Boston Common. Run crew members are backstage technical workers who handle props, lighting, and a host of other tasks that ensure each performance goes smoothly.</p><p>“I’m going to already have some professional experience under my belt and be ready to move forward (in my career),” they said.</p><p>Corey, a theater arts major and music minor, credited <strong>Miranda Giurleo</strong>, an associate professor of theater, with encouraging him to pursue a co-op. Dillon praised the mentorship of <strong>Michael Welch</strong>, an associate professor of aviation science and former Delta employee.</p><p>“Hearing about his experiences with the company, the professional relationships he built, and seeing how much he genuinely cares about his students’ success gave me the confidence to pursue the co-op,” Dillon said. “His guidance played a significant role in helping me believe this opportunity was within reach.”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/coop_1.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/coop_1.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/coop_1.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/coop_1.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/coop_1.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/coop_1.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/coop_1.jpg" alt="Three people fly in a small plane while wearing headsets."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--327116 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-327116"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>This co-op creates a direct connection between my education and my career goals. It provides an opportunity to work with one of the most respected airlines in the industry while gaining experience that supports my interests in flying, managing, and maintaining aircraft.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Dillon McCarthy, ’28 </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subtext field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Aviation science major </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:36:58 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 5178721 at BSU Graduate Students Gain Hands-on Experience Producing New Magazine /stories/2026/bsu-graduate-students-gain-hands-experience-producing-new-magazine <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">BSU Graduate Students Gain Hands-on Experience Producing New Magazine</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-04-13T16:25:43-04:00" title="Monday, April 13, 2026 - 16:25" class="datetime">Mon, 04/13/2026 - 16:25</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><em>Nerve to Write</em> showcases disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent writers and artists</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2026-04-14T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">April 14, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>As <strong>Kaitlynn Davis</strong>, ’24, G’27, prepares for a career in publishing, she is already doing the work as an intern, helping launch a new magazine dedicated to amplifying voices often left out of the literary conversation.</p><p>Kaitlynn is one of five BSU <a href="/department/english" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="93e1c8c5-d767-4682-8573-efc57c53a93f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="English">English</a> graduate students interning for <a href="https://www.nervetowrite.com/"><em>Nerve to Write</em></a>, a digital publication that showcases the work of disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent writers and artists.</p><p>“This internship has helped me with my future career prospects and feeling confident in going forth in the literary and magazine editing field,” they said. “This has acted as a stepping stone for me to see what the environment is like and has given me the confidence to know that I can do this.”</p><p>While <em>Nerve to Write</em> is not a BSU publication, its staff has numerous connections to the university. In addition to the five interns, English professor <strong>Sarah Fawn Montgomery</strong> serves as editor-in-chief, while English alumna <strong>Mialise Carney</strong>, ’19, is assistant editor.</p><p>“I was really excited to be able to work with Nerve to Write and maintain that connection with 911±¬ÁÏ State,” said Carney, who credits BSU with laying the foundation that propelled her into the creative writing and literature PhD program at the University of Cincinnati. “911±¬ÁÏ State was a really meaningful part of my trajectory. I’m excited to give back.”</p><p>With experience in publishing and disability studies, Dr. Montgomery aims to create a magazine that serves writers whose voices are often omitted or limited to discussing their disabilities. The inaugural issue received hundreds of submissions of poetry, nonfiction, fiction, art and hybrid works.</p><p>“This seemed to be a gap in the publishing landscape,” said Montgomery, noting the magazine is quickly building a new literary community. “We wanted to fill in that gap.”</p><p>Interns are involved in numerous facets of the production process, including reviewing submissions, interviewing featured authors and collaborating with other publishers.</p><p>The staff hopes readers learn to appreciate disabilities as something to be celebrated rather than as a hindrance. Working on the magazine has already left a lasting impression on them.</p><p>“It gives me a nuanced perspective and a new way to look at it that I might have not known if I didn’t do this internship,” said <strong>Cassidy Rousseau</strong>, G’27, a high school English teacher. “It really helped me slow down and reflect on my own teaching practices and what I can do to help my students.”</p><p>Intern <strong>Emily Lapomardo</strong> has also taken the message to heart. Emily, who works with special education high school students, uses her newfound perspective in her interactions.</p><p>“It’s changed how I engage in conversations,” she said, adding she now tells students, “You are not limited by this. This is something to be celebrated.”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nervetowrite.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/nervetowrite.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nervetowrite.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/nervetowrite.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="396"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nervetowrite.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/nervetowrite.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/nervetowrite.jpg" alt="Four people smile while sitting at a table in a classroom."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--326461 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-326461"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>This internship has helped me with my future career prospects and feeling confident in going forth in the literary and magazine editing field. This has acted as a stepping stone for me to see what the environment is like and has given me the confidence to know that I can do this.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Kaitlynn Davis, ’24, G’27 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/taxonomy/term/2765" aria-label="Related stories tagged Internships" hreflang="en">Internships</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:25:43 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 5156621 at Partnership Helps BSU Students Pursue Health Care Careers /stories/2025/partnership-helps-bsu-students-pursue-health-care-careers <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Partnership Helps BSU Students Pursue Health Care Careers</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-12-01T14:30:40-05:00" title="Monday, December 1, 2025 - 14:30" class="datetime">Mon, 12/01/2025 - 14:30</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>New agreement with MGH’s Institute of Health Professions provides pathway to advanced degrees</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2025-12-04T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">December 4, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G’23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>With more than 13,000 vacant positions in Massachusetts hospitals, the Bay State faces a significant shortage of qualified health care professionals. To help meet that need, 911±¬ÁÏ is offering a streamlined pathway for students to pursue these critical careers.</p><p>BSU recently signed an agreement with Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professions (IHP), which offers degrees that complement a 911±¬ÁÏ education.</p><p>“This is a very, very exciting moment for 911±¬ÁÏ,” BSU President <strong>Frederick W. Clark Jr.</strong>,’83, said. “It’s a great opportunity for our students and I think it’s a great opportunity for not just the hospital but the commonwealth as well.”</p><p>The five-year pact provides qualified BSU students with guaranteed admission to designated IHP programs, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, health administration, health sciences and health care data analytics. Students can also qualify for application fee waivers, tuition reduction/scholarships and personalized academic advising.&nbsp;</p><p>While the health care industry has made staffing progress, gaps remain in nursing and other patient-facing occupations, according to a recent report from the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association that identified 13,600 vacancies in key hospital roles.</p><p>“We know how critical the health professions shortage is right now. It’s only going to get worse with the aging of the population,” said IHP President Paula Milone-Nuzzo. “We are doing an immense service for the communities that we serve. I am so thrilled that we can do this together.”</p><p>BSU and IHP share values of inclusivity, innovation and a focus on transforming lives, Dr. Milone-Nuzzo said.</p><p>With a liberal arts background, 911±¬ÁÏ students bring intangible skills that are essential to building strong relationships between patients and health care providers, Dr. <strong>Marci Swede</strong>, dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences, said of another synergy between the two institutions.</p><p>“This partnership strengthens our longstanding commitment to student opportunity and to preparing the region’s future health care professionals,” Clark said.</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em><u>stories@bridgew.edu</u></em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/mghagreement.webp 469w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="469" height="265"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/mghagreement.jpg 469w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="469" height="265"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/mghagreement.jpg 469w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/mghagreement.jpg" alt="BSU and IHP leaders sign an agreement while sitting at a large tables with flowers in front of them."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--323126 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-323126"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>This is a very, very exciting moment for 911±¬ÁÏ. It’s a great opportunity for our students and I think it’s a great opportunity for not just the hospital but the commonwealth as well.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> President Frederick W. Clark Jr.,’83 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/taxonomy/term/2808" aria-label="Related stories tagged Health Sciences" hreflang="en">Health Sciences</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-credit field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Photo by Charlie Peters, G’20 </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:30:40 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 2553086 at Real Business /stories/2025/real-business <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Real Business</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-11-20T09:43:03-05:00" title="Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 09:43" class="datetime">Thu, 11/20/2025 - 09:43</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span>CUBEs initiative brings hands-on experience to over 1,500 students</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2025-11-20T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">November 20, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G’23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>When <strong>Kara McManus</strong>, G’26, pursues a career as a government or nonprofit administrator, she will inevitably partner with various consultants. Thanks to an innovative BSU initiative, she’ll do so with lots of first-hand experience.</p><p>This semester, Kara and her classmates in a nonprofit administration course are helping SouthCoast Community Foundation build a database of nonprofits in the region.</p><p>“This was my first time working on a client-based project,” said Kara, who noted the broad scope was initially overwhelming. “This was the first experience I had trying to ask the right questions on how we can narrow this down but still provide a service that is going to be beneficial.”</p><p>Their project, which is part of BSU’s <a href="/academics/cubes" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8e7ecde9-ba08-4015-9f73-7c1edfc38de6" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="CUBEs">Collaborative University Business Experiences (CUBEs) program</a>, will help the foundation assess the philanthropic needs in the region and better distribute funding.</p><p>Launched in 2020 by the Ricciardi College of Business, CUBEs pairs classes with organizations for semester-long projects. The initiative has expanded across the university, having now involved more than 1,500 students and more than 100 projects.</p><p>“We’ve seen growth in skills that help students in the job market, and they are more engaged in the classroom,” said Dr. <strong>Stephanie Jacobsen</strong>, an associate professor of <a href="/department/management-marketing" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6699c50-6d22-4c75-add4-f9ca924577ba" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Management &amp; Marketing">marketing</a> and a CUBEs coordinator. “They don’t just show up, watch a lecture and go home. They know they have a hands-on, real project.”</p><p>The program benefits both businesses and nonprofits who receive assistance with a project they may not be able to complete in-house.</p><p>“It definitely connects to 911±¬ÁÏ’s commitment to the community as well as our commitment to our students,” said Dr. <strong>Seth Meyer</strong>, an associate professor of <a href="/department/political-science" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="08696de2-11ca-45ea-b808-1dec96fe24af" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Political Science">political science</a> and a CUBEs coordinator. “It’s not a zero-sum game.</p><p>CUBEs projects provide a safe space where students can take risks and learn from mistakes, said Meyer, who teaches the nonprofit administration class.</p><p>Meyer’s students said this style of learning is emblematic of the public administration program, where professors challenge students to connect academic theories to practical applications.</p><p>“In every single course, you have to take the analytical and textbook material and go into your career and apply them in ways that are beneficial,” Kara said. “I think the MPA program in general does a really good job of that.”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em><u>stories@bridgew.edu</u></em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/cubesmpa.webp 470w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="470" height="265"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/cubesmpa.jpeg 470w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="470" height="265"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/cubesmpa.jpeg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/cubesmpa.jpeg" alt="Three students and a professor talk while sitting at tables in a classroom."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--323101 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-323101"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>In every single course, you have to take the analytical and textbook material and go into your career and apply them in ways that are beneficial. I think the MPA program in general does a really good job of that.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Kara McManus, G’26 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/cubes" aria-label="Related stories tagged CUBEs" hreflang="en">CUBEs</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:43:03 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 1855686 at Launching a Career /stories/2025/launching-career <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Launching a Career</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-10-27T16:02:06-04:00" title="Monday, October 27, 2025 - 16:02" class="datetime">Mon, 10/27/2025 - 16:02</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>BSU program helps juniors land internships</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2025-10-28T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">October 28, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>As a first-generation college student, <strong>Diamond Hunter</strong>, ’26, is forging a new path for her family as she pursues a college degree.&nbsp;</p><p>Knowing she needed guidance and support from experts, Diamond participated in BSU’s first Junior Career Launch program. Run by the <a href="https://careers.bridgew.edu/" data-entity-type="external">Career Services and Internships office</a>, the initiative offered hands-on workshops, guest speakers and resources to prepare students to seek internships.</p><p>“It made a huge difference,” said Diamond, a <a href="/department/psychology" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="37755cc4-c2f2-41f9-8409-2f7d7640f67e" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Psychology">psychology</a> major from the Dorchester section of Boston. “It gave me new experiences. I didn’t know how to find an internship, and this helped me. It made me very aware of how I could become a better version of myself and be successful.”</p> <div class="align-right ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image blazy--field-media-image--image-390x230 field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-1b16f2d9d0c" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Diamond Hunter holds a certificate." decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/390x230/public/media/images/diamond.jpg?h=a6967b5f" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Diamond completed an internship with Central Boston Elder Services. She participated in community outreach to elderly residents to make sure their basic needs, including the medications they need, were met.</p><p>“It was very rewarding because I was able to make a difference in someone else's life,” she said.</p><p>Diamond is one of 16 students who participated in the career launch. Eleven of those students landed an internship this past summer, with several more securing positions in the fall. Students wrote and revised their resumes, participated in mock interviews and even attended an etiquette dinner that reinforced manners for dining at professional conferences and formal occasions.</p><p>Juniors are ideal for this program because they have begun taking advanced courses within their major and bring other experience such as undergraduate research or relevant part-time work to the table, said <strong>Katie Vagen</strong>, associate director of internships and career development.</p><p>“By junior year, they have a little more clarity on their career interests,” she said. “They’re more competitive in the internship search process.”</p><p><strong>Waleed Jabak</strong>, ’26, used skills from Junior Career Launch to become an intern at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where the <a href="/department/physics-photonics-optical-engineering" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="fdd356b3-bdc4-4483-b100-b427ceeace14" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering">photonics</a> major assisted with laser alignment and other technical processes that contributed to the facility’s cutting-edge research.</p> <div class="align-right ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image blazy--field-media-image--image-390x220 field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-7f185b97d3f" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Waleed Jabak stands next to a sign for MIT Lincoln Laboratory" decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/390x220/public/media/images/waleed_0.jpg?h=2c8a2b68" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>“I wanted to land an internship during the summer, and I knew this was a great opportunity that would help me achieve that goal,” he said.</p><p>The internship helped him hone skills within his major and positioned him well for the real world, post-graduation.</p><p>“The experience was very important,” he said. “It’s really the first step (toward securing employment after graduation).”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/resumeworkshop.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/resumeworkshop.webp 600w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="600" height="338"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/resumeworkshop.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/resumeworkshop.jpg 600w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="600" height="338"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/resumeworkshop.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/resumeworkshop.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/resumeworkshop.jpg" alt="Students work together on editing resumes."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--322776 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-322776"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>It made a huge difference. It gave me new experiences. I didn’t know how to find an internship, and this helped me. It made me very aware of how I could become a better version of myself and be successful.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Diamond Hunter, ’26 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/taxonomy/term/2765" aria-label="Related stories tagged Internships" hreflang="en">Internships</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:02:06 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 990166 at Lighting It Up /stories/2025/lighting-it <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Lighting It Up</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-07-02T11:14:12-04:00" title="Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - 11:14" class="datetime">Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:14</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Senior interns with WaterFire Providence</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2025-07-03T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">July 3, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Nora Sperling</strong>, ’26, has always enjoyed visiting Providence for WaterFire, when on selected nights throughout the summer the city converts its three downtown rivers into a mesmerizing display featuring more than 80 glowing bonfires.</p><p>This summer, Nora is experiencing the famous art installation in a whole new way.</p><p>The BSU <a href="/department/communication-old" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1ac8e655-edd3-4c50-8ee4-7699a451756f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Department of Communication">communication</a> major and <a href="/department/management-marketing-old" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="56406c55-24ee-4b6f-8872-20e097e272d7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Department of Management &amp; Marketing">marketing</a> minor is a development intern with WaterFire Providence, the nonprofit that organizes the experience and operates an arts center.</p><p>“I realized it really aligned with what I wanted to do,” said Nora, who is from Berkley and aspires to work in public relations and marketing. “This is going to give me a lot of insights as well as experience.”</p><p>Nora helps the organization secure sponsorships and assists with event preparations for lightings. She is putting her writing and design skills to use by developing promotional materials and communicating with prospective sponsors.</p><p>“I’m definitely using my creative side,” she said. “I’ve taken digital marketing classes at 911±¬ÁÏ and been able to use those skillsets to create things for WaterFire.”</p> <div class="align-right ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image blazy--field-media-image--image-400x220 field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-e7ccc093aad" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Bonfires set on a river light up downtown providence Providence." decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/400x220/public/media/images/waterfire2_1.jpeg?h=b0059216" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>This is a momentous summer for WaterFire, which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of lightings that have captivated more than 10 million visitors. The multi-sensory experience blends flickering firelight on Providence’s arched bridges with the fragrance of wood smoke and the sounds of music.</p><p>Nora is now part of the team that makes this a must-see Providence attraction. She has even ridden in a boat during a lighting, an experience she once only imagined.</p><p>Nora learned about the internship through an email from BSU’s Department of Communication, a seemingly simple gesture that she said is emblematic of the culture she experiences at 911±¬ÁÏ State.</p><p>“Something I’ve noticed about 911±¬ÁÏ is the sense of community,” she said. “Everyone tries to help each other. Especially in the communication department, every professor tries to prepare you for life outside of 911±¬ÁÏ.”</p><p>While Nora’s internship dovetails nicely with her professional ambitions, she encourages fellow students to be open to trying something new.</p><p>“Go for it. 100 percent,” she said of pursuing an internship. “Even if you don’t think it completely aligns with what you want to do in the future, do it. Experience is experience.”</p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/waterfire1.webp 470w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="470" height="265"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/waterfire1.jpeg 470w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="470" height="265"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/waterfire1.jpeg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/waterfire1.jpeg" alt="Nora Sperling stands in front of windows."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--320771 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-320771"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Something I’ve noticed about 911±¬ÁÏ is the sense of community. Everyone tries to help each other. Especially in the communication department, every professor tries to prepare you for life outside of 911±¬ÁÏ.</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Nora Sperling, ’26 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/taxonomy/term/2765" aria-label="Related stories tagged Internships" hreflang="en">Internships</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/bsu-works" aria-label="Related stories tagged BSU Works" hreflang="en">BSU Works</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:14:12 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 360921 at