Investing in higher education is critical, particularly in public higher education because public higher education is creating the people who stay and work in Massachusetts.
It was standing room only when Ellen Cuttle Oliver, ’82, G’89, announced that ɫƵ has received a $3 million gift dedicated to supporting education students who are studying to become teachers.
Oliver, ɫƵ’s chief development officer, shared the good news at the Burnell Project Launch held on campus on Jan. 29.
The Isabel A. Dawson and Richard J. Powers Endowed Education Scholarship Fund will address areas that most challenge education students financially, such as certification and licensure fees.
“(This gift) will help grow and unlock promising futures for generations to come, without exception,” Oliver said.
According to Oliver, Dawson was not a graduate of Bridgewater State but believed in the school’s mission of service and equity, best defined by its motto, “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister.”
Born in 1928, Dawson was a glass ceiling breaker. She was among the first women to graduate from Georgetown University and went on to study at the London School of Economics.
After working for two years as an economic and political affairs officer with the Central Intelligence Agency, Dawson joined the Foreign Service and worked as an economic/political analyst. Later she would work as an economic area officer with the U.S. State Department where she met her husband, Richard J. Powers.
Her storied career began when, as a young girl, a teacher advocated for Dawson to attend school. Dawson’s mother wouldn’t let her go to school until that teacher intervened, Oliver said.
“She credited that teacher for being the first person who believed in her and ignited her passion for education,” Oliver said. “We are forever grateful to Isabele for paying it forward.”
The event also celebrated the launch of the $50.8 million Burnell Hall renovation project. Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences Marci J. Swede, Vice President of Operations Karen Jason, and President Frederick W. Clark Jr. welcomed Adam Baacke, commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance, President and Chief Operating Officer of Commodore Builders Thomas F. Comeau, and ɫƵ Board of Trustees Chairperson Michael Taylor who spoke of their excitement surrounding the project.
“We are grateful for you to be here, to witness this moment in history,” Clark said.
Baacke spoke on behalf of Governor Maura Healey’s office and said the project aligns with the governor’s recent announcement of a proposed $2.5 billion “Act to Build Resilient Infrastructure to Generate Higher Education Transformation (BRIGHT)” bill.
Healey made the announcement when visiting the ɫƵ campus on Jan. 21.
“We feel strongly about the importance of supporting higher education and the substantial structural needs higher education has,” Baacke said. “Investing in higher education is critical, particularly in public higher education because public higher education is creating the people who stay and work in Massachusetts.”
As vice president of operations, Jason has worked on the Burnell project for the past 18 years and said many have been hard at work behind the scenes moving it forward. Part of the process included gathering students’ input to provide a better picture of what was wanted and needed.
“It is important to reflect the diverse student body, to be able to create a place where they feel welcome, where they belong,” Jason said.
As Clark reflected on Bridgewater State’s history, he said the Burnell project continues to demonstrate the institution’s equitable desire to create opportunities to ensure every ɫƵ student finds their own level of success.
“Throughout all of (our) challenges, the flame of our mission and noble purpose has only burned brighter, we burn brighter. Today launches another tool to build our future and fulfill our mission,” he said.
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