Alumni Profile

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 ɫ��Ƶ, Dominic Ford, ’28, inadvertently uncovered a piece of ɫ��Ƶ 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 ɫ��Ƶ, 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, ɫ��Ƶ 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 ɫ��Ƶ’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 ɫ��Ƶ 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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Alumni Profile

Photographic Memories

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:44:28 +0000

Photographic Memories BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 09/19/2024 - 08:44

Instructor uses art to help youngsters deal with loss

September 19, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

As a summer camp photographer, Doug Breault, ’12, captures the pure joy of kids at play. But for the children he typically photographs, joy can be an emotion that too often feels distant.

Breault volunteers for a program that serves children who are grieving the death of a loved one – a feeling he knows all too well.

“When I was a Bridgewater student and I lost my dad, I realized the only thing that made me feel better was helping other people,” said Breault, who earned a degree in studio art from Bridgewater State and now teaches part-time at his alma mater.

That’s exactly what he has done for the past two summers at a Maine camp for boys who have lost a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. The program is part of Experience Camps, a nonprofit that operates across the country.

Breault documented traditional camp activities and poignant moments where campers reflected on their experiences. Just as important, he became an empathetic mentor ready to listen to the campers and help them grow.

“It’s really challenging to be in an environment where every kid has had this impactful loss,” he said. “They’re trying to regain some social confidence, try new skills, and even just talk about it at first.”

Breault faced similar challenges after his father died by suicide. Instead of summer camp, he found comfort in Bridgewater State art classes, where his artistic endeavors became an outlet for his grief.

“I never took an art class before coming to Bridgewater,” said Breault, who initially explored writing and psychology as potential majors. “I took photography as an elective and I realized I was spending more time on that class than the others. I haven’t looked back since.”

Breault earned a master’s degree in fine arts from Tufts University and returned to Bridgewater in 2018 to teach. He’s a professional interdisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in photography but includes other media. Breault is also exhibitions director for the Cambridge nonprofit Gallery 263.

He models his teaching after his experience in Professor Mary Dondero’s ɫ��Ƶ classes. Like Dondero, he helps students become self-guided learners who are not dependent on someone else to tell them the answer.

“My goal is for students to be independent problem solvers navigating their ideas and experiments,” he said. “Failure is part of the learning curve. It’s okay to make something that’s not your favorite piece of artwork, but you can learn from that.”

As a Bridgewater student, Breault also found solace through community service activities as part of the alternative break program.

“Just by helping other people ... you’re more proactive in your grief,” Breault said. “That was a major outlet to feel like I’m doing something.”

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

(At ɫ��Ƶ,) I took photography as an elective and I realized I was spending more time on that class than the others. I haven’t looked back since.

Doug Breault, ’12

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Photo by Kristen Mallen

Alumnus Named to Board of Trustees

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 19:56:25 +0000

Alumnus Named to Board of Trustees BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 09/04/2024 - 15:56

Mike Vieira seeks to replicate his campus experience for today’s students

September 5, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

When it came time to pursue a college education, Dr. Mike Vieira, ’75, G’82, had a dream school in mind: Bridgewater State.

Vieira’s favorite schoolteachers had earned their degrees as Bears, so Bridgewater immediately stood out to the aspiring educator.

“Bridgewater was the place,” said Vieira, who studied English as an undergraduate and earned a master's degree in teaching English. “I often say it was life-changing, and it was in a bunch of ways.”

After several decades teaching middle school, high school and college students, Vieira is gaining a new perspective on his alma mater as a member of the Board of Trustees. Vieira has served on the Bridgewater Alumni Association Board since 2015, and his fellow board members elected him to become the university’s newest trustee.

“I’m honored to be in this position, and I look forward to representing the alumni to the best of my abilities for as long as I can,” he said.

As a Bridgewater student, Vieira joined the Campus Comment student newspaper at the urging of a professor. He quickly fell in love with journalism and publishing, from writing stories to laying out pages to thriving in the sometimes-chaotic newsroom. His first article was on the 1973 resignation of U.S. Vice President Spiro Agnew.

Vieira taught English and journalism for 20 years at Fall River’s Durfee High School, where he advised Durfee’s student publications.

“It all goes back to Bridgewater,” he said. “I created a newsroom atmosphere that really replicated the Comment.”

He went on to work as an assistant professor of computer information systems and an administrator at Bristol Community College. Vieira helped organize international trips that provided community college students with global perspectives similar to those he gained at Bridgewater on a trip to Portugal.

Today, Bridgewater students continue to benefit from the global education, hands-on lessons, and individual support which Vieira experienced as a Bear, and subsequently based his teaching career on.

“In a lot of ways, it’s paying it forward,” he said of being an educator. “I always try to keep an eye on those students who need that little extra push. ... You are responsible for helping develop future citizens and future leaders.”

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

Bridgewater was the place. I often say it was life-changing, and it was in a bunch of ways.

Dr. Mike Vieira, ’75, G’82

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Photo by Kendell French, '25

Community Servant

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:24:11 +0000

Community Servant BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 08/13/2024 - 10:24

Double bear earns praise and award for role with local police and fire departments

August 15, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Christina LaRose, ’12, G’14, is often on the front lines of emergency response, but she’s not a police officer or firefighter. Instead, the social worker brings a unique skillset honed during her time at ɫ��Ƶ.

“I’m so grateful for the school and everything I’ve gotten out of it,” said LaRose, an award-winning community response social worker for Foxboro’s police and fire departments. “It was probably the best decision I could have made.”

LaRose knew she wanted to pursue a career in social work from a young age. As a teenager, she worked at a nursing home and enjoyed conversing with the residents and social services staff. LaRose thought she would always work with seniors, but her Bridgewater education highlighted the field’s breadth.

“Going to Bridgewater really opened up my eyes to all of the opportunities,” she said, particularly praising courses with Dr. Kathy Bailey. “She helped me understand more of what was available and gave me really good skills to go into the work and not burn myself out.”

At ɫ��Ƶ, LaRose learned to serve individual clients by meeting them where they are. She also graduated with an understanding of how to create broad change through public policy. And, as a student employee in Central Receiving and Inventory Management, she learned the value of relationships.

After working in elder services for two towns, LaRose became the first social worker for Foxboro’s public safety departments last year. Her appointment comes as a growing number of agencies add social workers to their teams.

LaRose offers a new perspective while responding to emergency calls. She connects people facing mental health crises with the appropriate resources and prevents unneeded hospital stays. Her clients could include a teenager who ran away from home, a domestic violence victim, or a senior coming home from the hospital to a refrigerator with spoiled food.

Her efforts have led to fewer 911 calls from Foxboro’s frequent callers. And her contributions have not gone unnoticed.

LaRose received the Civilian Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement. The association cited her work to improve data tracking, commitment to a job that is not 9-5, and efforts to establish a human trafficking-response team.

She is a “fierce advocate for those who have been affected by both domestic and sexual violence,” the association wrote in an announcement of her award.

LaRose was humbled by the recognition.

“I was blown away,” she said. “I have so much gratitude for the officers who considered me for the award and see the value in this. It was really heartwarming.”

But the real reward comes when LaRose sees a client doing much better.

“Getting them the support they need. ...That’s what keeps me coming back,” she said.

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

I’m so grateful for the school and everything I’ve gotten out of it. It was probably the best decision I could have made.

Christina LaRose, ’12, G’14

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Quite the Racket!

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 17:22:49 +0000

Quite the Racket! HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 08/05/2024 - 13:22

Graduate alumna now a pro pickleball player

August 6, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

At an age when most athletes have retired, 52-year-old Carolyn Weed, G’21, is just getting started.

She spent 25 years playing in the United States Tennis Association league, but as she got older and suffered a knee injury, Weed knew her tennis career was fading. Yet, she wasn’t ready to give up playing.

While pursuing a graduate degree in physical education from ɫ��Ƶ, Weed was hearing things about a new sport similar to tennis. Intrigued, she did some research.

“I wanted to know what this silly pickleball thing was,” she said.

Weed found a local league and started attending open sessions. It didn’t take her long to pick up the ins and outs of the game, and soon she was entering and winning tournaments.

That’s when the National Pickle Ball league came calling. The league was created for pro players ages 50 and older.

She was invited to a combine and after an impressive tryout, signed up by the Austin Ignite team.

Today, she and her teammates travel the country and play against other teams.

“Here I am at 52-years-old playing a sport at a pro level,” Weed said. “Six years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

The mother of two has never let age stand in the way of reaching her goals. After embarking on a career in teaching and coaching, Weed decided a few years ago it was time to go back and get her master’s degree.

While enrolled in ɫ��Ƶ’s master’s in physical education program she combined it with the school’s Professional Tennis Management certificate program.

“I was part of the first cohort of the (tennis) program,” Weed said. “I’m all for learning about tennis and the industry, and you never know what your second career will be.”

From getting her master’s degree to turning pickleball pro, Weed said her second act has been nothing short of amazing and the support she’s received from family and her students has been overwhelmingly positive. Especially from her group of friends.

“It’s been outstanding,” Weed said. “I surround myself with people who are all achieving and putting in the work, in whatever they do. You rise to the people you surround yourself with.”

Would she eventually like to see ɫ��Ƶ field a pickleball team? She would be surprised if they didn’t, as the sport continues to grow at a rapid pace.

“It’s already happening on the collegiate level. They are mostly club teams right now, but you’re also seeing high school teams forming in other states,” she said. “There is so much to love about this sport.”

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

I surround myself with people who are all achieving and putting in the work, in whatever they do. You rise to the people you surround yourself with.

Carolyn Weed, G'21

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Love of Language

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:32:08 +0000

Love of Language HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 07/26/2024 - 13:32

Alumna finds passion in TESOL instruction and helping others

July 30, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

Ten years after graduating from high school Jolie Streeter-Duczkowski, ’21, decided it was time to go back to school and enrolled in a local community college.

“I was a teen mom,” Streeter-Duczkowski said. “For ten years, from the ages of 18 to 28, I had this feeling like I had wasted all my potential (in terms of my education). I felt that I had done everything wrong.”

It was through volunteering and helping others in her Taunton community that her mindset began to shift.

She volunteered at a language learners community center, teaching English to non-English speaking students.

“Helping others that were also feeling vulnerable helped me see that by empowering others, I can empower myself,” she said.

After transferring to ɫ��Ƶ to study English with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), she signed up to work as a tutor in the school’s Academic Achievement Center.

“I like doing two things, helping people and answering questions,” she said. “So, I found teaching and tutoring to be a good fit.”

After earning her undergraduate degree, she decided to continue her education and is currently enrolled in ɫ��Ƶ’s graduate TESOL program.

As a student she gravitated toward helping multilingual students and worked in what was then called second language services.

Over time, she began to believe the name of the center was confusing, so Streeter-Duczkowski set out to change it and hopefully clear things up.

This past year, thanks to her efforts, the name of the center was changed to, “Tutoring for Multilingual Students.”

The name change has yielded positive results.

“We have fewer people coming in for mistaken reasons,” she said. “It helps to ensure that appointment times are being reserved for the correct type of help.”

To further help students, Streeter-Duczkowski organized ɫ��Ƶ’s first multilingual fair in March. She collaborated with the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice, student-run organizations, ɫ��Ƶ’s navigator program, the Pride Center, and other community members to pull it all together.

More than 80 students attended the event where they learned about the different resources ɫ��Ƶ offers, and there were also raffles, prizes, and gift bags.

All in all, it was a success.

As she works toward her master’s degree, Streeter-Duczkowski will continue to support ɫ��Ƶ students, creating spaces for those who may be struggling.

“College is about finding your group, your community where you can be yourself, that’s how you grow as a person,” she said.

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

College is about finding your group, your community where you can be yourself, that’s how you grow as a person.

Jolie Streeter-Duczkowski, ’21

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Student Spotlight

Colorful Message

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:47:48 +0000

Colorful Message BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 07/24/2024 - 11:47

Alumnus-artist paints campus mural celebrating community

July 25, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Turned off by the rigidity of his high school art classes, Mark Carvalho, ’01, almost abandoned his interest in visual arts. But a Bridgewater State painting class helped him rediscover that passion – and his future career.

The course, taught by Dr. Stephen Smalley, was inspirational. Rather than being overbearing with requirements, Smalley guided students in bringing out their individual creativity.

“He taught in a very open and free way,” recalled Carvalho, who was pursuing a degree in aviation but switched to fine arts. “It was really refreshing and sparked something in me.”

Today, Carvalho is an art educator himself and a street artist going by the name Boston Maki. He recently returned to his alma mater to paint a mural through an initiative organized by ɫ��Ƶ’s Spirit Committee.

The 30-by-7-foot work, located between the bookstore and Dunkin’ inside East Campus Commons, features three bear faces that pay homage to ɫ��Ƶ’s mascot. Carvalho spent 30 hours on campus creating the mural. After installing a black primer coat, he applied spray paint using a stencil to create intricate details of each bear’s face.

The three bears are unique in color and composition, something Carvalho said is meant to symbolize the diversity of the ɫ��Ƶ community. He hopes the thousands of students who walk by his creation draw their own meaning.

“I designed it so it’s not ambiguous, but maybe makes people want to tell a story when they look at it,” he said.

For Alexis Conley, ’99, G’14, the mural symbolizes how everyone – no matter their background – is a Bear.

“We really wanted this to be a unique piece of art,” said Conley, who co-chairs the Spirit Committee and is assistant director of alumni relations. “I thought it was such a fantastic way to showcase one of our own alumni.”

Carvalho’s street art has taken him to Miami, New York City and Costa Rica. He predominately paints in New Bedford, where he helped city officials appreciate the vibrancy street art brings to otherwise mundane things such as vacant buildings and electrical boxes.

He also teaches at Whaling City Alternative Junior/Senior High School, a New Bedford school serving at-risk students. As he works with students who struggled in traditional schools, Carvalho thinks back to lessons learned at Bridgewater.

“Coming into this job, I took the approach Dr. Smalley took: ‘I’m going to foster your creativity,’” he said, noting his students are a lot like himself. “They thrive in a different environment. I’ve got some kids creating great artwork that wouldn’t have participated before.”

Carvalho is excited to see so much public art at ɫ��Ƶ, including bear statues and a tunnel mural painted by students and alumni.

“It’s amazing,” he said of showcasing the creativity of members of the Bridgewater community. “You’re building a sense of school pride. You’re showing students that these things can be done.”

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

I designed it so it’s not ambiguous, but maybe makes people want to tell a story when they look at it.

Mark Carvalho, ’01

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Arts

One Good Turn, Then Another

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:46:45 +0000

One Good Turn, Then Another HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 07/10/2024 - 09:46

Alumna experienced homelessness. Now she helps others in need

July 16, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

During her senior year at ɫ��Ƶ, Elizabeth Miller, ’19, found herself experiencing homelessness. Naturally, it wasn’t easy. However, she was able to persevere after receiving help from ɫ��Ƶ.

“They went above and beyond to make sure I was supported,” Miller said.

She applied for and received a scholarship that allowed her to move into an apartment and continue her education.

“Bridgewater State really does its best to support students, and I mean outside of academics,” Miller said. “For them to care about my living situation, it’s something I’ve never forgotten.”

Today, armed with a ɫ��Ƶ degree in social work, Miller is in a position where she is now the one offering support to others as a full-time social worker and substance-abuse program coordinator for the town of Hingham.

She sums up her M.O. with these simple words: “I work hard to help as many people as possible.”

In her role, she helps local residents find the resources to deal with things such as food insecurity, clothing needs, and fuel assistance. She also helps individuals with job applications, cover letters and resumes.

“I like to be able to provide people with as much advocacy and resources as possible,” Miller said.

As the town’s substance-abuse program coordinator, she also accesses state funding to help with harm reduction, prevention, treatment and recovery for those experiencing substance abuse.

“My job is to come up with programs, ideas, scholarships…any sort of initiative that will help in this area,” Miller said.

Ultimately, helping others is what drives her.

“I truly feel that this is my calling, making sure people are equipped with information and the knowledge they need to be successful,” Miller said.

Seeing people able to move forward once they have the right support, that’s what it’s all about, she added.

“It’s the small successes,” she said. “In social work, you may never be able to solve all problems, but seeing small successes, just making someone’s life easier, that’s rewarding knowing I’m putting forth my best effort to help anybody that I can.”

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

I like to be able to provide people with as much advocacy and resources as possible.

Elizabeth Miller, '19

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‘Prepared for the Future’

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:11:25 +0000

‘Prepared for the Future’ BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 07/02/2024 - 11:11

Recent alumnus excelling at Boston tech start-up

July 3, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Joseph Defendre, ’24, arrived at ɫ��Ƶ with an interest in technology but little knowledge of computer programming. He recently graduated with the confidence that he can excel in a programming job.

And the computer science major is already proving his abilities thanks to a special fellowship and internship.

“The difficulty of the computer science program really prepared me for tasks passed on to me in my current role,” said Defendre, who overcame doubts at Bridgewater State about his ability to succeed. “That adversity prepared me to accept any challenge in the workplace.”

Before he studies artificial intelligence in graduate school at Northeastern University, Defendre is spending the summer interning for WHOOP. The Boston-based company develops wearable fitness trackers used by professional athletes like LeBron James, as well as everyday consumers. Defendre works on a team supporting the company’s Android app.

The internship is one component of the Hack.Diversity fellowship, an initiative striving to increase representation for Black and Latinx people in the technology workforce. Fellows such as Defendre complete technical projects and also study resume writing, networking, salary negotiation, and the impact of race in the workplace.

The organization’s mission resonated with Defendre, who noted the difficulty of “people like us to get our foot in the door.”

Defendre immigrated to the U.S. from Haiti with his family at age 7. His classmates and a high school teacher recommended attending ɫ��Ƶ.

“I’ve seen the sacrifices my parents had to make to get me where I am,” said Defendre, a first-generation college student. “I always felt obligated to not let them down.”

But his journey to a bachelor’s degree wasn’t straightforward. Having joined the Army National Guard when he was 17, Defendre temporarily withdrew from ɫ��Ƶ. As he focused on his military duties, Drs. John Santore and Margaret Black, both computer science professors, remained invaluable sources of guidance.

“I couldn’t have made it without these people,” he said, also praising Military and Veteran Student Services staff. “Because of their support and constant emails and pointing me in the right direction, I was able to enroll back in Bridgewater State.”

As a Bear, he formed close friendships, persevered through challenging mathematics classes, and learned in-demand skills from computer science professors who were committed to his success.

Despite studying a different programming language than the one he uses at WHOOP, Defendre said he developed the foundational skills to adapt to any software job.

“I think Bridgewater had a huge impact on how I turned out on a professional level as well as my social development,” he said. “I feel prepared for the future.”

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

I think Bridgewater had a huge impact on how I turned out on a professional level as well as my social development. I feel prepared for the future.

Joseph Defendre, ’24

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Scouting Out Success

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 11:34:05 +0000

Scouting Out Success HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 06/25/2024 - 07:34

Alumnus finds his true calling on the NFL sidelines

June 25, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

Fresh out of college Joshua Pierrejean, ’17, started a career in corporate sales, but deep down he wasn’t satisfied. It wasn’t until a friend, who coached college football, invited him over to watch game film that the lightbulb went off.

The two friends sat together and went over plays on the screen in front of them. Five hours passed before Jean realized how late it was and that night had turned into early morning.

“That’s when I realized I needed to make a change,” the ɫ��Ƶ alumnus said. “I was making a lot of money but wasn’t happy with what I was doing. That’s when I started reaching out to my former contacts.”

It didn’t happen overnight, but his networking paid off. Today Pierrejean works as a scouting assistant in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals.

“I love what I do – watching film, being around the game…even though the hours can be long, it’s something I’m passionate about,” he said.

Raised in Mattapan, Pierrejean said he was an inner-city kid who loved to play sports. He credits his mother, Joselene, for instilling in him a strong work ethic.

“I owe a lot of my success to my mom,” he said.

In third grade Pierrejean started playing soccer then made the switch to football in seventh grade. In ninth grade he also took up track.

His athleticism caught the attention of area colleges, ɫ��Ƶ being one of them.

Off the field, Pierrejean studied and earned a degree in business administration and management with a minor in accounting and finance. He also was involved in the ɫ��Ƶ Men’s Integrated Brotherhood, a black male initiative group.

“Being involved required me to be detailed oriented…you have to have those skills to play multiple sports, go to school and participate in activities,” he said.

While at Bridgewater, he continued to network.

“Bridgewater State has a large network of people who have gone on to do big things in the football world, there are people coaching in the NFL and college,” Pierrejean said.

When switching gears from corporate sales to football, he learned of a volunteer opportunity at Boston College which led to him being hired as a skills coach.

While moving up the ranks to full-time recruiter analyst, he simultaneously earned his master’s in sports administration from BC. Pierrejean was next hired as assistant director of player personnel for the school’s football program.

One of his contacts then approached him with another possibility, a position working in the NFL.

“It’s been a blessing to have the opportunities I’ve had. I’ve been part of great teams with great coaches and ultimately have been able to hit the goals I’ve set for myself,” Jean said.

The most important piece of advice he would offer a ɫ��Ƶ student looking to create their own success?

“You’ve got to be prepared and take the opportunities, be ready to make a move,” he said. “It’s also really important that you make connections. Network and be conscious of your surroundings. Do a good job in school…all of these things play a factor.”

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

You've got to be prepared and take the opportunities, be ready to make a move. It's also really important that you make connections. Network and be conscious of your surroundings. Do a good job in school...all of these things play a factor.

Joshua Pierrejean, '17

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