Commencement

Overtime Victory

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:40:50 +0000

Overtime Victory BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 05/16/2023 - 15:40

Student-athletes who missed commencement have special ceremony

May 17, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

As his classmates crossed the commencement stage at Gillette Stadium on Friday, graduating student Matt Josselyn, ’21, G’23, was triumphing on a different field.

Matt, a pitcher on the baseball team, picked up a key win in the Bears’ march to a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference championship and spot in the NCAA tournament.

Though Matt and several other student athletes were unable to participate in the traditional ceremony, ɫ��Ƶ ensured they still received their moment in the spotlight.

“It’s pretty special to see that they respect us so much on campus to give us another ceremony,” said Matt, a transfer student who earned a Master of Business Administration degree. “This is a special place for me. I will gladly call it home for the rest of my life.”

Their recognition came Monday in Horace Mann Auditorium, the historic location for Bridgewater commencements. The university honored 10 graduating students on the baseball, softball, and track and field teams who competed in postseason contests that conflicted with commencement.

Elementary education and psychology major Alison McDonough, ’23, said the ceremony was emblematic of the support she received from ɫ��Ƶ as an athlete and student.

“I’ve had some amazing coaches in my corner,” said Alison, who placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles at Saturday’s New England Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association Outdoor Track & Field Championships. “Our athletic department really does care about athletes and wants us to succeed.”

The ceremony featured much of the pomp their classmates experienced, including a speech from President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, and the coveted opportunity to cross the stage and receive their diploma. The graduates also listened to a video message from someone who knows a lot about success on and off a baseball diamond: Red Sox legend David Ortiz.

Clark highlighted the competing demands students faced juggling academics, practices and games, family responsibilities, and jobs – all in a world marked by a pandemic that canceled sports seasons and disrupted education.

“Even in the midst of historic challenges, you kept moving forward, reaching higher with your heads held high,” Clark said.

Family, friends, and teammates filled the auditorium, creating an electric atmosphere for the graduates.

“I’ll always remember this ceremony with my teammates,” said sociology major Madison Dana, ’23, a softball catcher whose team reached the conference championship game. “It just creates a great ending.”

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

It’s pretty special to see that they respect us so much on campus to give us another ceremony. This is a special place for me. I will gladly call it home for the rest of my life.

Matt Josselyn, ’21, G’23

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Commencement

Class of 2023

Athletics

Photos by Kendell French, '24

Ready for It!

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Sat, 13 May 2023 23:15:27 +0000

Ready for It! BBENSON@bridgew.edu Sat, 05/13/2023 - 19:15

Graduates celebrate where pop idol will perform

May 13, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski and Brian Benson, G'23

Music has long been a staple of Delainey Bostley’s life, but she never imagined in her wildest dreams singing to her classmates in the same stadium as one of her musical idols, Taylor Swift.

“It honestly means the world to me,” said Delainey, a history major returning to ɫ��Ƶ to pursue a second degree in music. “I feel very proud to be representing Bridgewater. … This is the biggest music-related opportunity I’ve had in my life.”

That moment came as Delainey performed “America the Beautiful” from ɫ��Ƶ’s commencement stage at Gillette Stadium.

During two ceremonies on Saturday, approximately 1,700 graduates received bachelors’ degrees.

“In a few days, Taylor Swift will be here at Gillette,” said ɫ��Ƶ President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83. “But while the fans in the stadium will be entertained from the stage at that concert, when our graduates cross this stage today, you will be transformed by what Nelson Mandela described as the ‘most powerful weapon to change the world’, an education.”

In line with ɫ��Ƶ’s school motto, “Not to be Ministered Unto but to Minister,” honorary degree recipient Edward Lambert, G’84, spoke of the importance of service as graduates find as Swift would say, “a place in this world.”

“Service connects you to the community, it can take many forms...you can seek to create your service opportunities or let it find you. I do hope when the opportunity is there, you will choose to serve,” said Lambert, who was elected at age 21 to the Fall River School Committee and has gone on to serve as the city’s mayor and a state representative.

Also receiving an honorary degree was former Chair of the ɫ��Ƶ Board of Trustees Eugene Durgin, who sat on the board for more than 30 years; and New Bedford theater teachers and directors Armand Marchand, ’66, G’70, and George Charbonneau, ’66, G’70.

Charbonneau told the class to “never die wondering,” adding: “It is best to attempt something and fail than to say, ‘I wonder what would have happened?’ The failure comes with great knowledge and, sometimes, the best successes you’ll have in your life.”

The crowd roared loudest when former Boston Red Sox star, David “Big Papi” Ortiz shared a recorded message on the jumbo screen, echoing the now-famous comments he made in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.

“ɫ��Ƶ, this is your (expletive) commencement!”

Ortiz followed up his famous catch phrase, reminding students to take advantage of their opportunities. 

“Don’t ever lose your focus, don’t let anybody dictate your goals,” he said. “Congratulations and to all the students, every day is a great day to be a bear! God bless you all.”

Student speaker Paulina Aguilar Delgado, a criminal justice major and psychology minor, recounted how the class has been shaped by world events including the pandemic, mass shootings and terrorism. Yet this class is ready and willing to fight and advocate for equality, inclusion and justice.

“In a reality full of uncertainty, we have managed to do what once seemed impossible and what few are able to obtain – a college degree,” said Paulina, who moved from her native Mexico to Massachusetts just before starting at ɫ��Ƶ.

Fellow student orator Roslyn Dobyna who majored in special education and sociology, acknowledged the unique circumstances on the journey to graduation. 

“Courageous is the route we all took the last few years. Courage is what kept everyone connected and dedicated to their education,” she said. “If we can get through that, we can make it through everything. Do what you can in the moment, even if it seems small.

“I will not let the fact I can’t do everything, keep me from doing what I can.” 

Carrie Provost, a criminal justice and English major with a minor in Indigenous studies, is ready to help those living on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is one of the most impoverished places in the U.S.

A ɫ��Ƶ education "really helps me to be my best self to go and help my people when I go back,” Carrie, who grew up on Pine Ridge, said before processing onto the field.

Graduating at iconic Gillette Stadium was a thrill for Carrie and many other graduates. 

“I’ve never been to Gillette before,” Kevin Ross said with a smile. “Having this be my first time, and to get to walk across the stage on the field, it’s a great experience.”

Kevin had 15 of his family members, including his mother who flew in from Texas, cheering him on from the stands as he collected his degree in health sciences.

Elizabeth Cheesman, an elementary education major, added: “It’s a place for people to come together and celebrate things, and today we get to celebrate us.” 

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

Do what you can in the moment, even if it seems small. I will not let the fact I can’t do everything, keep me from doing what I can.

Roslyn Dobyna, ’23

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Commencement

Class of 2023

Digital Diplomas

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 10 May 2023 17:15:41 +0000

Digital Diplomas HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 05/10/2023 - 13:15

New “e-diplomas” will make graduates’ lives simpler

May 11, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

Story Series

Commencement

This year graduates will not only receive a printed version of their diplomas but can obtain a digital copy, as well.

ɫ��Ƶ is the first state institution to provide free, certified electronic credentials known as a CeDiploma or CeCertificate.

“It’s always been my goal to be forward thinking in terms of what our students need and deserve,” said Registrar Joe Wolk. “We have been using electronic transcripts for a number of years now. In the digital world we live in, portable credentials make perfect sense to be able to offer our students this next level.”

All graduates will receive an email that contains a link to download the digital diploma once it becomes available.

It is expected to take about 4-6 weeks from the end of the semester for the digitals credentials to be issued, according to Assistant Registrar Sarah Sharkey.

Those graduating in May can expect their digital diplomas to be available in middle to late June.

“As soon as they are ready, we will make them available and get them out as quickly as possible,” Sharkey said.

This new initiative officially launched in January, with December 2022 grads being the first to benefit.

Of the 150 grads who have so far claimed their e-credential, none report any issues, Sharkey said.

There are a variety of reasons why e-diplomas are so desirable.

“First, it’s free and helps them have access to another portable credential. It allows them to get that information to a potential employer sooner. They can use it to help them stand out on social media platforms, like LinkedIn,” Wolk said.

It also helps to cut down on diploma fraud.

Each diploma displays a unique barcode that verifies it’s authentic.

“A potential employer can type in the validation code on the diploma, and it will show the specifics, that it’s all true,” Wolk said. “This is the future in making it easier, so students won’t need to jump through hoops to be verified.”

“It’s also nimble,” Sharkey said. “It allows you to be immediately responsible. You can email this to potential employers, and they can verify it right away.”

The CeDiploma has another major upside for international students, or those looking to work overseas.

In the United States, a college transcript serves as the official record, but abroad, the diploma is recognized as the official record, Wolk said.

For now, because of platform capabilities, only graduates from December 2022 and moving forward can take advantage of the program.

Wolk hopes students will sign up, as it’s another way to show off their ɫ��Ƶ pride.

“Students should be proud of their achievements, and this allows them to showcase that in another way. We are always trying to think of ways to help our students stand out and CeCredentialshelp do that,” he said.

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

It’s always been my goal to be forward thinking in terms of what our students need and deserve. We have been using electronic transcripts for a number of years now. In the digital world we live in, portable credentials make perfect sense to be able to offer our students this next level.

Registrar Joe Wolk

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Commencement

Speaking to Community

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 08 May 2023 17:21:45 +0000

Speaking to Community BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 05/08/2023 - 13:21

Commencement speaker shares how she found her place at ɫ��Ƶ

May 9, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Paulina Aguilar Delgado, ’23, moved from Mexico to Massachusetts just a few months before she enrolled at ɫ��Ƶ. Not knowing anyone and adjusting to life in a new country, she initially felt like a foreigner.

When she graduates this weekend, Paulina won’t be an outsider.

“Slowly but surely, I’ve made very good friends and found people willing to be my mentors and guide me,” she said. “Now, ɫ��Ƶ feels very much like my community.”

Paulina will represent that community from the Gillette Stadium commencement stage on May 13. As the student speaker, she plans to discuss life’s uncertainties and encourage her humanities and social sciences classmates to be certain about who they are. It’s a message that mirrors Paulina’s journey as a Bear.

In finding a home at ɫ��Ƶ, she embraced her Latin American heritage. And she shared it with her peers by helping run carnivals called Noche Loca as a leader of the campus club La Sociedad Latinx.

“It’s been very nice to see that I’m not alone on campus,” she said. “There are people who relate to my culture.”

A criminal justice major with a victimology concentration, Paulina studied the care homeless women receive in Arizona shelters through ɫ��Ƶ’s undergraduate research program. She worked under the mentorship of Dr. Francisco Alatorre, an assistant professor who was also instrumental in helping Paulina prepare for her post-graduation plans as a law student at UMass Dartmouth.

“He has guided me through what research in criminal justice is,” said Paulina, who also minored in psychology. “He has put me in the right place where I’ve taken advantage of opportunities.”

Paulina praised the support of all her professors as well as Dr. Jenny Shanahan and Kacey O’Donnell of the Center for Transformative Learning. Under Shanahan’s and O’Donnell’s tutelage, Paulina became a mentor for other students conducting undergraduate research, allowing her to pay forward the benefits she received.

Paulina encourages future Bears to become involved on campus academically and socially to maximize their college experience. One day, they too could represent their class on Bridgewater’s biggest stage.

“When I came to ɫ��Ƶ, I never dreamed of being the commencement speaker, let alone being the commencement speaker at Gillette Stadium,” she said. “For those who look like me and are in the same position I was feeling like a foreigner, just know it is very much possible.”

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

When I came to ɫ��Ƶ, I never dreamed of being the commencement speaker, let alone being the commencement speaker at Gillette Stadium. For those who look like me and are in the same position I was feeling like a foreigner, just know it is very much possible.

Paulina Aguilar Delgado, ’23

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Class of 2023

Commencement

Taking the Stage

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 03 May 2023 14:11:49 +0000

Taking the Stage BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:11

Commencement speaker reflects on her education, student-teaching, and those who helped her

May 4, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Roslyn Dobyna, ’23, began her ɫ��Ƶ education taking online classes from her Westport home. She’s ending her undergraduate years student-teaching almost 3,000 miles away.

But Roslyn’s journey as a Bear is measured in much more than miles traveled.

“I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person and matured during my time at Bridgewater,” the special education and sociology major said. “I wasn’t alone. I had plenty of support, but I had to be the adult and say, ‘I can do this one step at a time.’”

It’s that message of perseverance that Roslyn hopes to share with her classmates as the commencement speaker at the May 13 ceremony for science, mathematics, business, education and health science graduates. No obstacle, she said, is too mighty if you put in the effort.

A transfer student who battled depression and anxiety, Roslyn didn’t take classes on campus until her junior year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeling like a freshman, she relied on the support of mentors and that unyielding belief in herself to make ɫ��Ƶ her home.

She praised Dr. Meghan Murphy, ’06, for teaching sociology classes that felt more like family, something that was invaluable as Roslyn adjusted to in-person classes.

“I think it’s the most I’ve ever learned in such a short amount of time,” she said of her sociology courses. “I have a better understanding of the world and different people.”

That’s important for anyone working in special education, a field she embraced because of her desire to help students in need.

“Being a teacher is not just knowing content and how to deliver it, but understanding students and their backgrounds,” she said.

In the Department of Special Education, Roslyn appreciated the one-on-one guidance she received from Dr. Kerri Olore.

“She cares about not just me as a student, but me personally,” Roslyn said.

The department introduced her to serving students of varying economic backgrounds through student teaching positions in New Bedford and Quito, Ecuador. In Quito, she is working with third graders with ADHD, dyslexia, and social-emotional challenges. She is also immersing herself in the Ecuadorean culture by living with a local family and exploring the region, including the nearby Galapagos Islands.

Roslyn will fly home from Ecuador just a week before speaking to her classmates from the Gillette Stadium stage, an opportunity that is a lesson unto itself.

“It shows that anyone can do something if they put in the effort and try,” she said of being chosen to speak. “For me it shows that even though you bounce around, this is where you belong.”

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

I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person and matured during my time at Bridgewater. I wasn’t alone. I had plenty of support, but I had to be the adult and say, ‘I can do this one step at a time.’

Roslyn Dobyna, ’23

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Class of 2023

Commencement

Supporting Role

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 13:22:16 +0000

Supporting Role HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 06/27/2022 - 09:22

Mother and son graduate despite dealing with loss

June 28, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

If Sheldon Duporte could have been there in person to watch both his wife, Thylia Duporte, ’18, G’22, and son, Tyzaire Duporte, ’22, collect their diplomas on the stage at Gillette Stadium, he would have been beaming with pride.

Sadly, Sheldon died last year, but Thylia knows her husband was there in spirit as she and their son took part in ɫ��Ƶ’s commencement ceremony.

“He was always supportive,” she said.

Prior to the big day, Thylia received an email with information about her transcripts and upcoming graduation. The email was sent on May 10, Sheldon’s birthday. Thylia saw it as a sign.

“It left me bawling, but I know he’s still here,” she said.

No one would have blamed either mother or son if they took a break after losing someone so close. However, both were determined to stay in school and earn their degrees.

They turned to each other for support, as Thylia worked toward a master’s degree in social work and Tyzaire pursued a degree in public health.

The times when she did falter, Tyzaire was there to push her forward.

“I told her, we’re pretty much at the finish line. Last year was a very difficult time for us, but I knew we could finish and I’m glad we did,” he said.

Thylia found she could also lean on ɫ��Ƶ faculty and staff. That support, she said, was immeasurable as she grieved.

“Sometimes we are too ashamed or worried to reach out and ask for help, but I was able to build relationships with my professors. I really appreciate the support I received. They showed me a lot of grace,” she said.

The newly minted double Bear hopes to support others, to help them find their voice.

“I’d like to help others advocate for themselves,” Thylia said. “I want people to know they can ask for help. I want to show people that they don’t have to shy away from asking. You don’t know what you can do until you try.”

Meanwhile, Tyzaire is currently interning at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he works with a team of biostatisticians analyzing and organizing data.

He is considering following in his mother’s footsteps and going to graduate school to study public health.

One thing is for certain: As they continue to move forward, the Duportes know they have each other, no matter where the journey takes them.

“Despite all the adversity we faced…to be able to focus, and graduate with honors…it’s been a unique time for me,” Thylia said. “It was an emotional year, but we did it.”

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

I want people to know they can ask for help. I want to show people that they don’t have to shy away from asking. You don’t know what you can do until you try.

Thylia Duporte, '18, G'22

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Commencement

‘You are worthy. You are ready’

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 23:14:39 +0000

‘You are worthy. You are ready’ BBENSON@bridgew.edu Sat, 06/25/2022 - 19:14

Members of the Class of ’22 celebrate the culmination of a challenging journey

June 25, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski and Brian Benson

Early Saturday morning, three life-long friends gathered in the parking lot at Gillette Stadium to help one another adjust their robes and stoles as they prepared to celebrate yet another milestone.

Over the years, Savannah Resendes, Jailyn Tavares, and Angela Locke have created lasting memories as they navigated elementary school, middle school and high school together in their native New Bedford.

Now concluding their studies in early childhood education at ɫ��Ƶ, crossing the commencement stage together inside Gillette meant a lot for these tight-knit friends and first-generation college graduates.

“It’s been very rewarding, fun, and exciting,” Tavares said. “We all stuck through it together.”

Added Resendes: “It’s rewarding being the first person in your family to do this. It shows all the sacrifices my parents made that helped provide me with opportunities.”

Across two ceremonies, ɫ��Ƶ celebrated the achievements of 1,841 members of the Class of 2022. Many have faced the loss of loved ones, immigrated to a new country, cared for their children, and worked multiple jobs while taking classes.

Graduates faced a pandemic and graduated amid a war in Ukraine and the prospect of an economic recession. Yet these achievers are ready to change the world for the better, said President Frederick W. Clark, Jr., ’83.

“With all of the adversity, I believe that our newest graduates sitting in front of me will be the next greatest generation because you are strong, resilient and determined,” he said. “You, my friends, give all of us hope for the future.“

Speaking to graduates of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley highlighted her perseverance as a parent, caregiver to a mother with terminal cancer, sexual assault survivor, and forceful advocate for a more just world.

“May you continue to get up, survive, to thrive, to bring your purpose-driven contribution to our commonwealth and our world. … You are worthy. You are enough and, guess what else, you are ready,” she said. “You are ready for whatever comes next.”

Pressley received an honorary degree along with renowned basketball coaches and former roommates Elaine Clement-Holbrook, ’75, G’81, and Barbara Stevens, ’76. Clement-Holbrook, who coached girls basketball at Easton’s Oliver Ames High School, and Stevens, who led Bentley University’s women’s basketball team, told science, mathematics and business graduates how they used their ɫ��Ƶ degrees to mentor and educate countless students.

“What drove us was knowing we had to be at our best in order to bring out the best in those we taught and coached. It’s the same in any profession,” Stevens said. “You have no choice but to be your best, because when you strive to be great, you inspire those around you to discover their own greatness.”

For student speaker Majd Al-Jurf, finding one’s greatness often means leaving one’s comfort zone, just as she did in moving from Jordan to Massachusetts.

“We don’t all face the same challenges, but we do share many of the same feelings,” the accounting and finance major told morning graduates. “For many of us, the path to commencement wasn’t easy...You are all insanely brave and will continue to be in the future.”

Those feelings ranged from confidence in newfound knowledge to grief at the loss of a close relative, said Shakira Rosado, a social work major who spoke to afternoon graduates.

“As we embark on the next journey of our lives, remember that emotions make us human,” she said, adding: “We may feel overwhelmed, whether it’s with nerves, happiness, excitement for what lies ahead, or all of the above. Whatever it is, embrace it.”

Locke, one of the trio of friends from New Bedford, is guided by Nelson Mandela’s belief that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.

“I’m now graduating and educated, but I will also become an educator for others,” she said. “With the climate of the world right now, we all need some education in our lives.”

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

As we embark on the next journey of our lives, remember that emotions make us human. ... We may feel overwhelmed, whether it’s with nerves, happiness, excitement for what lies ahead, or all of the above. Whatever it is, embrace it.

Student speaker Shakira Rosado

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Commencement

Class of 2022

Photo by Zachary Allen, '24

A ‘Degree in Tenacity’

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 00:51:58 +0000

A ‘Degree in Tenacity’ BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 06/24/2022 - 20:51

Graduate commencement celebrates commitment and persistence

June 24, 2022

Brian Benson

Sam Alloy, G’22, knows what it means to persist.

Once told he shouldn’t be an elementary teacher because he has autism, Sam never gave up. He eventually found a community of professors at ɫ��Ƶ who offered unwavering support and believed in him.

“I have gotten through everything that stood in the way. It’s been a very long road,” Sam said, adding: “Stubbornness is a virtue.”

Sam was one of 490 graduates celebrated at the College of Graduate Studies’ Class of 2022 commencement. With Gillette Stadium towering above them, the newest ɫ��Ƶ alumni reflected on the challenges they faced: adapting to remote learning during COVID-19; juggling classes, work and raising families; and living in a deeply divided world coping with war and economic challenges.

“The fire of adversity has been very hot indeed,” President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, told graduates in his address. “Because of that adversity, you, my friends, are emerging stronger than before.”

Times like these provide the best opportunities to challenge oneself, just as the members of the Class of 2022 did, said student speaker Em Sandman, ’19, G’22.

“Tenacious people do not wait around, they find a way to make things happen, and best believe, they get it done,” said Sandman, who earned a master’s degree in criminal justice. “Tonight, we graduate with a complementary degree in tenacity.”

Massachusetts Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago, who received an honorary Doctor of Public Service, drew parallels to his college experience in the 1970s. Then, as now, war and rising gas prices dominated the headlines. But today’s graduates also faced a pandemic.

“I am more optimistic because I look at the graduates and what you have gone through to earn your academic credentials,” Santiago said. “I know that you will bring about a better future than perhaps any of us did.”

Catherine Harvey, ’19, G’22, who studied social work in graduate school, is already making a difference as a crisis clinical coordinator at Aspire Health Alliance, a job that fulfills her longtime career goals.

“I’ve had a passion for mental health and service and just helping people,” she said.

Sandman said the class is ready to make their mark on a world where she hopes equity overcomes oppression and hate.

“We’ve done hard things and we stay ready to conquer even harder ones,” she said, adding: “Our potential is too powerful to conserve.”

Tenacious people do not wait around, they find a way to make things happen, and best believe, they get it done. Tonight, we graduate with a complementary degree in tenacity.

student speaker Em Sandman, ’19, G’22

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Commencement

Class of 2022

Graduate Studies

Photo by Zachary Allen, '24

Academic Journey

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:24:42 +0000

Academic Journey HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 06/22/2022 - 08:24

Graduate student speaker learned to love learning

June 22, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

When she first arrived at ɫ��Ƶ, Em Sandman, ’19, G’22, wasn’t sure she even wanted to go to college.

“I wasn’t a great student,” she admits. “I didn’t love being in school, but heard they had a really good, nationally acclaimed cheerleading program, so I came to ɫ��Ƶ to cheer.”

Her mindset began to change once classes started.

“I got my first A,” she said, “I had never gotten an A before and I thought, this isn’t as bad as I thought.”

Sandman dove in and along the way developed a love of learning while earning a degree in social work before moving on to obtain a master’s degree in criminal justice.

She looks to inspire others by sharing her story on the Gillette Stadium stage as this year’s featured graduate student speaker.

“I never learned to love learning in high school, but because of the opportunities at ɫ��Ƶ I realized I’m smart, I’m capable, I’m talented,” she said.

With new-found confidence and after getting her bachelor’s degree, Sandman was inspired to apply for the ɫ��Ƶ master’s in social work program but hit a roadblock.

“When I didn’t get in, I was heartbroken,” she said. “But I’ve learned that things happen for a reason.”

Sandman turned inward and thought about things she was good at, like helping others and working with youth. Ultimately, she landed a job working as a part-time high school career counselor.

Still, she wanted to further her education so explored other graduate programs at ɫ��Ƶ.

After investigating her options, she applied and was accepted into the criminal justice graduate program.

Old insecurities resurfaced, but with the support of her professors those fears vanished.

“I was nervous to come back, but once again Bridgewater never disappoints,” Sandman said.

Around this time, she also started a new adventure – motherhood. She was worried how to make it all work but found that many others were in the same boat.

“Many graduate students are parents or caregivers, whether that is taking care of a child or a parent,” she said. “There is often more pressure because of this, but student services, the deans and professors are all very supportive.”

To recognize these students, Sandman came up with the idea of creating a parent-caregiver stole for students to wear during commencement.

“We recognize so many beautiful identities at graduation, but we weren’t recognizing parents,” she said.

Not anymore. This year marks the first time the parent-caregiver stole will make its appearance at commencement.

“Going through school with a child is a different experience...it might take you longer, you stay up later, but parents are the strongest superheroes in the world. You just get it done,” Sandman said.

She isn’t done with ɫ��Ƶ just yet: Sandman is returning in the fall to become a triple Bear. She didn’t get in the first time, but the second time around was accepted into Bridgewater’s master’s in social work program.

“I have unfinished business,” she said.

And if ɫ��Ƶ ever offers a PhD program, she’ll be the first in line to register.

“My eventual goal is to get a PhD,” she said. “Dr. Sandman has a nice ring to it.”

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

...because of the opportunities at ɫ��Ƶ I realized I’m smart, I’m capable, I’m talented.

Em Sandman, '19, G'22

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Commencement

Speaking Up

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:12:34 +0000

Speaking Up HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 06/21/2022 - 08:12

Senior prepares to give commencement address by looking back – and ahead

June 21, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

If you asked Majd Al Jurf, ’22, four years ago to give a speech in front of thousands at Gillette Stadium during ɫ��Ƶ’s morning commencement ceremony she would have declined, terrified at the thought.

“When I first came here in 2018, I was a very shy person. I wouldn’t have jumped into an opportunity like this,” she said. “But throughout my time at ɫ��Ƶ, I’ve met a lot of people and have gotten the chance to do a lot of things...Bridgewater shaped my personality to be the outgoing person I am today.”

Majd and her family moved to the United States from Jordan shortly after she graduated from high school.

Once the family settled, an aunt who lives near campus told her niece that she should look into applying to ɫ��Ƶ.

“I admit, I didn’t do a lot of research on the college, but my aunt said ɫ��Ƶ looked good, so I signed up...I’m so grateful I did because I had the most wonderful experience,” Majd said.

Coming to ɫ��Ƶ from another country was at first difficult, but she immersed herself in school, opting to study accounting. Over time she felt more comfortable and began to thrive.

“Bridgewater is a great place for diversity. The fact that you look different or speak a different language, are a different color, practice a different religion, it doesn’t matter, all are welcome,” she said, adding, “Bridgewater State is not perfect, but they are always striving to improve, and I think it’s important to highlight these aspects.”

Majd also took advantage of opportunities Bridgewater offers, like the Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work Summer Grants. She worked with professor Dr. Mark Crowley on her project, “Understanding Accounting as a Language in Business.”

She analyzed more than 500 financial statements to compare how 50 companies fared in 2019 versus 2020.

“It was a pandemic year and I wanted to see how companies performed. Some had a major fall, like airlines. Other companies, like Netflix or those who had an online presence, their revenues and sales went up,” she said.

Majd presented her research in-person and from that experience sharpened her public speaking skills.

“That was my first time presenting in front of people. I was scared but it gave me the courage to apply for student speaker (consideration),” she said.

Majd isn’t done with ɫ��Ƶ just yet, she plans to return next year to pursue a master’s degree in accounting.

“Being at ɫ��Ƶ is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, it’s prepared me to do bigger things, like apply for a master’s,” she said.

Majd hopes her story impacts others when she shares it on the stage at Gillette, particularly for those who may see something of themselves in her.

“Being an immigrant, it’s part of my identity. I want other people in the same position as I am to be, hopefully, inspired,” she said.

Overall, she is joyful to celebrate with the ɫ��Ƶ class of 2022.

“We’re very hard-working students and Bridgewater has prepared us for whatever is coming next,” she said. “Bridgewater State is a great university and I’m proud to be a ɫ��Ƶ Bear.

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

Being at ɫ��Ƶ is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, it’s prepared me to do bigger things...

Majd Al Jurf, '22

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Commencement

Undergraduate Research