Brockton

Glimpsing the Future

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:38:41 +0000

Glimpsing the Future BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:38

Charter high school students visit for a taste of college life

August 10, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Staelle Dumeus has college in her sights. And, after spending several days at 51�Թ��, the high schooler understands just how many possibilities a university degree can unlock.

Staelle and about two dozen of her classmates from New Heights Charter School in Brockton recently spent four days visiting academic departments, touring a residence hall, and exploring their potential futures as BSU Bears.

“It allowed me to see how college life is,” Staelle said. “It really helped me with my preparedness. I’m at the point in my life where people have asked what I want to do. Being at Bridgewater has made me think about it instead of just dismissing it.”

As Massachusetts’ first early college charter school, New Heights students graduate with a high school diploma, at least 12 college credits and potentially even an associate degree. Many will become the first in their family to attend college, making programs such as the one at BSU even more important.

“It gives students the opportunity to dream and dream big and know these opportunities exist in their backyard,” said Cecilia De Oliveira, executive director of student success and equity interventions, whose office organized the visit.

Students spent a day at the flight training center at New Bedford Regional Airport (where some even had the opportunity to fly), and met with representatives of BSU’s science, business, and communication studies programs.

“It helps me know what to expect when coming onto a college campus because I’ve never been on a college campus before,” said New Heights student Jeremiah Olivenza.

They also visited the Pride Center and LGCIE, two BSU departments committed to supporting students of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“They know there are people on campus who will support them and who look like them,” said Krystel Love, ’06, career development coordinator at New Heights.

New Heights also brought students to local employers including a television station, courthouse, and the Statehouse. The goal, Love said, is for these incoming 10th graders to start thinking about life after high school.

During a tour of BSU’s Art Center, students painted and wrote on a large canvas titled “Make Your Mark.” Their work will join the approximately 10,000 other pieces of art in the university’s collection.

Jay Block, associate director of collections and exhibitions, left the students with an inspirational message.

“Be brave. Believe in yourself,” Block said. “Go out there and change the world because you can.”

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

It gives students the opportunity to dream and dream big and know these opportunities exist in their backyard.

Cecilia De Oliveira, executive director of student success and equity interventions

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Brockton

Photo by Mackenzie Rubitschung, '21

Virtual Help

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:47:29 +0000

Virtual Help BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 12/27/2022 - 08:47

BSU educators enhance Brockton online teaching

December 27, 2022

Brian Benson, G'23

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic made online education ubiquitous, Brockton educators recognized that a virtual school has the potential to meet students’ unique educational needs.

With their vision now a reality, administrators at the Brockton Virtual Learning Academy are turning to faculty at 51�Թ�� for help creating an even more effective and engaging online environment.

“During the pandemic, when we were forced into remote learning, we learned a lot by doing,” said Kristina Gallant, ’04, G’18, the academy’s coordinator. Now, “we want to make sure we’re experts in providing the best education possible to our students.”

Gallant, who has degrees in instructional technology and Spanish from Bridgewater, is among approximately 25 Brockton teachers, adjustment counselors, and administrators enrolled in BSU’s Teaching in a Virtual/Online Setting graduate certificate program.

Taught entirely online, the four-course program is a perfect professional development opportunity for the academy, which opened in 2021 and serves about 200 K-12 Brockton students.

"It gives us an opportunity to learn so many different facets of teaching virtually,” said Principal Diane Lynch, ’84, who is also working on earning the certificate. “It helps us to explore what’s out there.”

Lynch and Gallant praised the program for giving school staff new tools and methods with which to engage students and assess their knowledge.

“Teaching in a virtual environment is much different than in a classroom face-to-face,” said Joanne McDonald, ’88, a part-time BSU faculty member who teaches in the certificate program. “They’re gaining that understanding of how it differs and the logistics of it all.”

The program also covers communication and collaboration, including working with therapists and other specialists who are an important part of online education.

“We're fortunate that the university offers this unique program which supports the professional practice of educators working in what is a relatively new virtual learning environment,” said Brockton Superintendent Michael P. Thomas, ’92, G’99, who praised BSU as an “invaluable partner” to his district.

McDonald is impressed by Brockton educators’ willingness to enhance their skills while working a demanding job.

“Kudos to all of them," she said. “They’re all so, so dedicated.”

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

We're fortunate that the university offers this unique program which supports the professional practice of educators working in what is a relatively new virtual learning environment.

Brockton Superintendent Michael P. Thomas, ’92, G’99

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Brockton

Making Music Together

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 18:26:08 +0000

Making Music Together BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 02/28/2022 - 13:26

Student-musicians join area orchestra

March 1, 2022

Brian Benson

When Christelle Jean-Francois, ’23, takes the stage this weekend with the Brockton Symphony Orchestra, it will represent an important step in her growth as a cellist.

“I’ve played the cello since I was little,” she said. “It’s in me. I can’t spend a day without my cello.”

The Marshfield resident is a music education major who hopes to one day lead a school string instrument program. Along with 2023 classmates Sarah Fernandes and Daniel Alves – both percussionists and music education majors – she joined the orchestra at the invitation of conductor and BSU professor, Donald Running. The students play alongside a mix of professional and amateur musicians, including several other Bridgewater faculty members.

"We need new, young musicians and excited musicians that want to be part of what we’re doing,” Running said of involving BSU students. “Playing in a symphony orchestra is a really different experience for our students.”

With few people in their sections, the students must truly master their parts for the group to succeed. They learn to blend their instruments into the ensemble and perform challenging pieces at fast tempos. And, they see Running use the conducting strategies he taught them in the classroom.

They also appreciate his willingness to bring students into the group.

“He could have easily gotten someone who graduated five years ago, but he chose active students to do this,” said Daniel, a Brockton High School graduate who looks forward to performing with his hometown orchestra.

The group’s upcoming concert will feature the premiere of “Soaring Over the White Mountains,” composed by adjunct faculty member and tuba player David Vess.

Orchestras, Daniel said, are not as prevalent as other ensembles, making this experience even more important.

“It’s definitely a privilege to have been selected to be performing,” said Sarah, who is from New Bedford. “It’s like a threshold for me, trying to reach the next tier of my professional career and being able to make more connections and play music on a higher level.”

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra performance takes place March 6 at 3 p.m. at Christ Congregational Church in Brockton.

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

It’s definitely a privilege to have been selected to be performing. It’s like a threshold for me, trying to reach the next tier of my professional career and being able to make more connections and play music on a higher level.

Sarah Fernandes, '23

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Arts

Brockton

Photos by Zachary Allen, '24

Boost for Brockton Students

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:01:02 +0000

Boost for Brockton Students BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/16/2022 - 14:01

Pilgrim Foundation establishes scholarships for city students

February 17, 2022

Brian Benson

Dabana Intenque, ’23, immigrated with his family from Guinea-Bissau to Brockton in search of a better life. With support from his new community and 51�Թ��, that goal is now within reach.

Dabana is one of 23 BSU students from Brockton who received $2,000 scholarships from the Pilgrim Foundation, a charitable organization that supports the city’s youth.

“It means a lot to me, just being selected to receive a scholarship,” said Dabana, whose mother works multiple jobs to support the family. “It’s a great motivator in my career as a student.”

The foundation, which began almost a century ago with a gift from oil and rubber investor Edgar B. Davis, decided to support these Bears after learning from BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr. that students sometimes struggle to persist in their college education.

"We gave them $2,000 directly to meet some of their life challenges," said Ray Ledoux, president of the foundation. "This can help take the pressure off while they're going to school."

The scholarships are unique because students can use the money as they see fit.

“That’s a different level of trust from an organization to allow students to make the decisions that best serve their needs,” said Dr. Deniz Leuenberger, BSU’s chief of staff and vice president for planning and strategy.

Dabana, who immigrated to the U.S. in 2017, aspires to be a software and web developer. He is part of the Honors Program, as well as the math, computer science, and Bible study clubs.

“51�Թ�� changed my life,” said Dabana, a computer science major with minors in math, statistics, and African studies. “I’m thankful for the professors. I’m thankful for the school. ... Bridgewater put me on the right path.”

Dabana also recognizes how the scholarship is much more than an investment in its 23 recipients. It is a commitment to the Brockton community.

“When you help one person, you don’t know how many people that one person can help,” he said. “I’m not going to waste one penny.”

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

It means a lot to me, just being selected to receive a scholarship. It’s a great motivator in my career as a student.

Dabana Intenque, ’23

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Brockton

Legacy of Music

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:14:56 +0000

Legacy of Music BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 09/29/2021 - 14:14

Alumnus starts conservatory in Brockton

September 30, 2021

Brian Benson

Founding a music conservatory is not easy, but Greg Fernandes, ’13, had the necessary motivation and personal experience, as well as a 51�Թ�� education.

Rose Conservatory, the result of his hard work, is located in Fernandes’ hometown of Brockton. Named after his mother, it offers orchestral, West African drumming, choral, violin and other programs.

“It feels like the last 20 years of my life all combined into one space – all of my experiences, all of my successes, all of my downfalls, all of my education,” he said.

Fernandes’ path to BSU took a few twists and turns. As a child, he studied the violin and piano, only to discover that made him a target of bullying in high school. Wanting to feel accepted, he fell into the gang lifestyle and sold drugs, falsely believing that was the cool thing to do.

“It got to be exceptionally traumatic and really hard on a young kid figuring out life,” he said.

Yet Fernandes never completely abandoned music and played the violin at night. After time in jail for selling drugs, he committed to turning his life around.

Music was the mechanism to accomplish that. He spent time with family in Florida, where he taught at a Boys and Girls club. His mom was a music educator and Fernandes always wanted to follow in her footsteps. But his options were limited without a music degree.

After she died in 2010, Fernandes recommitted himself to finishing his education and returned to BSU, a university he had briefly attended after high school.

“Bridgewater prepared me for the real world,” Fernandes said. “Everyone had a different teaching style, so it forced you to be able to deal with different people in different situations. That’s what the real world is all about.”

His professors remember him as a driven man.

“He was a determined student,” recalled Dr. Sarah McQuarrie, a music professor who was his advisor. “He had a plan, and nothing was going to stand in his way.”

Fernandes appreciated the support of McQuarrie and Dr. Donald Running, and the tough classes with professors such as Dr. Steven Young, that made him a better musician.

“The music department wasn’t huge, but it was a very tight-knit, supportive, encouraging environment,” Fernandes said. “There were times when I did feel like giving up, but there were lots of staff and students who really had my back.”

He reflects that the conservatory he founded is the kind of place he desperately needed growing up as a teenager whose peers did not embrace his musical talent.

“How many other musicians have we lost that way?” he wondered.

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

Bridgewater prepared me for the real world. Everyone had a different teaching style, so it forced you to be able to deal with different people in different situations. That’s what the real world is all about.

Greg Fernandes, ’13

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Alumni Profile

Arts

Brockton

Opioid Battle

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 13:51:38 +0000

Opioid Battle BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 11/25/2020 - 08:51

University and Brockton awarded funding for the fight

November 25, 2020

Brian Benson

Fifty Brockton residents lost their lives to opioid overdoses last year. Now, federal funding will allow the city to team with its longtime partner 51�Թ�� to help in the battle against addiction.

BSU will oversee $1.3 million that is part of the federal government’s HEALing Communities Study, an effort to identify practices that can be implemented across the country to reduce opioid addiction. The program will also create new internships for BSU students who will directly assist in the project.

Brockton is one of 67 participating communities aiming to reduce opioid overdose deaths over the next three years by 40 percent. The $1.3 million will be used to hire a coordinator, fund student internships, and take other steps to develop and implement an action plan.

Brockton officials “wanted BSU to play a larger role because of our past successes in leadership in the opioid arena,” said Vinny deMacedo, Bridgewater’s director of regional partnerships and a proponent of taking action on the opioid front since his days as a state representative. “I felt this was one of the most important issues we as a commonwealth have to address.”

Bridgewater has long played a role in responding to the opioid crisis. Administrators serve on task forces and the university was the first higher education institution in the country to make the overdose reversal drug Narcan publicly available across campus.

The problem also strikes close to the BSU community as students cope with family members who are battling or passed away from addiction.

“It’s one of the main reasons for Bridgewater to get involved,” said Dr. Chris Frazer, executive director of the Wellness Center.

The study, which is led in Massachusetts by Boston Medical Center, will also deliver a direct benefit to BSU students with up to 10 internships per semester. Interns could come from social work, psychology, public health and other disciplines. Their roles could include research and data analysis as well as directly serving partner organizations.

“It gets our students out there in the community,” Frazer said. “It builds a pipeline to go out and do really meaningful work.”

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

Brockton officials “wanted BSU to play a larger role because of our past successes in leadership in the opioid arena."

Vinny deMacedo, BSU’s director of regional partnerships

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Brockton

Photo by Carl Hollant, '15

City Champions

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

City Champions Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

Geography students study Brockton’s government, diversity and more

December 26, 2019

Brian Benson

Story Series

News Feature

Georgia Lane, ’23, used to wonder if Brockton was safe. After taking a first-year seminar at 51�Թ��, she began looking at the local city differently – as an ethnically and geographically diverse community waiting to be studied.

“It’s a thriving city,” said Georgia, a health science major from Pembroke. “I had assumptions about Brockton and (the class) has helped break the assumptions.”

That is one of the goals for Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan, who first taught a class about Brockton a decade ago. The city, he said, is a perfect municipality to study. It is multicultural, urban (some students walk down their first city alley while taking this course), and close to campus. Students explore its connections to Cape Verde, Haiti and elsewhere.

“It’s a lens on the wider world that they can learn,” the geography professor said. “They can have international experiences within 10 miles of campus. … I hope it helps them to value the diversity of the communities they live in.”

Geography, after all, is about much more than maps. It involves truly understanding another community.

This semester, students talked with a Brockton Hospital nurse, visited the Brightfield solar power facility, and met locals at Elvera’s Café. Sometimes, they just drove around the city making observations and working to dispel stereotypes.

Students found fruits and vegetables as diverse as the grocery store’s customers, natural areas to enjoy a walk in the woods, and Little Free Libraries where anyone can take and leave books.

Even Brocktonian Dale Quimby, ’23, learned more about his home city’s manufacturing history. He praised BSU for offering this course.

“I think it shows they care about the communities they have around them,” the physics major said.

During a recent class, students visited Old Colony Planning Council, which helps cities and towns coordinate environmental, transportation, and economic initiatives that cross municipal boundaries.

The council employs a number of Bridgewater alumni, including Charles Kilmer, ’93, who showed students a textbook from his days as a geography major.

Being a Bear “helped set the stage for what I wanted to do for a career,” Kilmer said.

Kilmer, now the council’s assistant director and transportation program manager, hopes students understand Brockton is comprised of people working together to improve their community. That’s a sentiment BSU students share after spending a semester in the City of Champions.

“When you first hear about it, you look at Brockton as an unsafe place,” said Mikey Skwarto, ’23, a secondary education and math major from Taunton. “But, there’s a lot more to Brockton.”

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

It’s a thriving city. I had assumptions about Brockton and (the class) has helped break the assumptions.

Georgia Lane, ’23

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Brockton

In the Classroom

Honors Program

Today a Boxer, Tomorrow a Bear

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Today a Boxer, Tomorrow a Bear Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

BSU opens office in Brockton High School

September 23, 2019

Brian Benson

Story Series

News Feature

51�Թ�� has long had a message for Brockton students wondering whether college is right for them: “Yes, it is.” Now, BSU faculty and staff can easily spread that positivity within the walls of Brockton High School.

The university has a dedicated office next to one of the school’s cafeterias. The space, unveiled at a recent ceremony, is the latest example of the vibrant BSU-Brockton partnership.

“To physically be here, physically be a resource to the administration of Brockton High, but more importantly the students of Brockton High, is what this is all about,” said BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83.

Having a presence in a high school is unique for a higher education institution, but it’s an approach officials hope grows.

“It affords our students an opportunity to talk to someone within the building that will guide them in the future of their education,” said Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues.

The new office builds on BSU’s extensive mentoring, scholarship and other initiatives that benefit Brockton students. University faculty and staff will use it to continue mentorships started through programs such as the Bridge Partnership, run professional development for Brockton educators, and offer financial aid counseling.

“Students think that they can’t afford college,” Clark said. “I promise you every student can afford college. Sometimes, you just have to sit down with pen and paper and show them.”

Sydné Marrow, director of BSU’s Center for Multicultural Affairs, looks forward to helping Brockton students realize their potential.

“They need to see themselves in us so that they know they have the ability and there are people out there who care,” said Marrow, who is Cape Verdean.

Bridgewater and Brockton officials see the office as a step toward diversifying the teaching workforce. Southeastern Massachusetts gateway cities, of which Brockton is one, have only 8 percent educators of color.

To that end, Clark announced two new scholarships named for the late Mayor Bill Carpenter, a key proponent of a more diverse teaching workforce. They will fund tuition and fees for Brockton students who are committed to teacher preparation programs at BSU and chosen for the award by their principal.

“We can’t thank you enough for what you do for the Brockton Public Schools,” said Interim Superintendent Mike Thomas, ’92, G’99. “Our best teachers are teachers who graduated from Brockton High.”

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

To physically be here, physically be a resource to the administration of Brockton High, but more importantly the students of Brockton High, is what this is all about.

President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83

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Brockton

Local Champion

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Local Champion Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

Mary Waldron honored in her adopted hometown of Brockton

October 22, 2018

John Winters

Story Series

News Feature

Mary Waldron isn’t a Brockton native, but she sure has a passion for the city.

Waldron, who grew up in Chicopee and leads 51�Թ��’s Institute for Policy Analysis and Regional Engagement, dedicates much of her free time to giving back to her adopted hometown.

The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton recently honored her commitment to the city and its youth at its annual gala. Waldron is one of three recipients of this year’s Thomas P. Kennedy Service Award, named after the late state senator who represented Brockton.

“She is someone who is so passionate about this city,” said Monica Lombardo, ’11, the club’s director of development and communications. “Mary has a lot of pride in her adopted hometown.”

Waldron started the Just Checking In Fund in memory of her late husband, John, who was himself committed to the city and renown for always checking in on friends and family.

The fund supports a variety of Brockton-area programs, including the Boys & Girls Club, youth sports, and an initiative to place flags at veterans’ graves. It awards scholarships to Brockton High School graduates and supports Brockton students attending BSU.

“To receive the award is humbling and also emotional in many ways,” said Waldron, whose husband worked for Kennedy.

She is also a Rotarian and has worked for Brockton 21st Century Corporation, which is an economic development agency, as well as the city’s mayor’s office.

Waldron praised BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr., the cabinet, and the Board of Trustees for their support of her efforts to improve lives in the City of Champions. Her work is one of many examples of Bridgewater State’s commitment to social justice.

“Living in Brockton, you just see the need around you and you can’t sit back and be a bystander,” she said. “The need in Brockton is so, so large.”

Boys & Girls Club officials think she is a perfect fit for the award.

“She’s truly beloved by people far and wide in this city,” Lombardo said. “If there’s anybody who epitomizes what we’re trying to honor, Mary really is at the top of that list.” (Story by Brian Benson, University News)

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Brockton

On the Job: Bears in Brockton

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

On the Job: Bears in Brockton Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

Helping the City of Champions be the best it can be

September 30, 2018

Brian Benson

Story Series

News Feature

The Brockton-51�Թ�� connection is and has long been strong. BSU student-teachers often hone their craft in the city’s classrooms, students volunteer to help city organizations and community leaders mentor interns from BSU, and the university has a robust partnership with Massasoit Community College.

For graduates, Brockton is an employment destination, including in Mayor Bill Carpenter’s office. We recently asked several members of the mayor’s staff about their studies at BSU and the municipal work they do on behalf of their city.

Koren Cappiello, G’13, director of social services

Empathy. Compassion. Ethics. Those are traits that make a great civil servant and also lessons Cappiello took away from her BSU experience.

She came to Bridgewater because of its master’s of social work program, which caters to people already on the job.

“I think it being so close to Brockton was really important,” said Cappiello, who has tackled homelessness, mental health, gangs, and other problems since she began with the city in 2010. “I think working and going to school at the same time was important.”

In recent years, she has focused on substance use, including working on Brockton’s Champion Plan. The program encourages people to seek help recovering from drug addiction by going to the Brockton Police Department.

“It portrays police in a different light and helps police look at those individuals in a different light too,” she said.

Paul Umano, ’13, G’16, grant administrator

While overseeing grants, Umano is also involved in virtually all aspects of city government and also works with local nonprofits. The intimate knowledge of the city that comes with being a Brockton native helps him in his job.

“I think it’s everybody’s dream come true (to improve your hometown),” said Umano, who majored in political science as an undergraduate and returned to BSU to earn a master’s degree in public administration. “I know I wanted to work in local government, be close to family and friends, and give back in any way I could.”

The first grant he helped the city acquire was $2.7 million from the federal government for home lead paint abatement.

He praised BSU’s Dr. Deniz Zeynep Leuenberger, now chief of staff to the president and vice president for planning and strategy, as well as a former political science professor, for offering guidance and sharing experiences to draw on as he aims to make the world better through his public sector work. He interned at BSU’s Institute for Policy Analysis and Regional Engagement and the city of Brockton.

“I always felt where you can make the most impact is at the local level,” he said.

Monica Monteiro, director of constituent services

English is Monteiro’s fifth – yes, fifth – language. She also speaks Cape Verdean creole, Portuguese, Spanish and basic French. It’s no wonder she wants to one day be an international diplomat.

For now though, she has a passion for helping Brockton’s diverse population connect with city government. She assists people in filling out applications and translating documents, among other duties.

“I love what I’m doing,” said the Brockton High School graduate.

Monteiro, who came to the U.S. from Cape Verde and is set to become a U.S. citizen this fall, studied political science at BSU before leaving to care for her child. She hopes to return and complete her studies at Bridgewater, where students and faculty welcomed her.

She used to be embarrassed about her accent, but Bridgewater classmates told her to embrace it.

Monteiro sees her linguistic skills as a plus at city hall, where she can talk with residents in the language in which they are most comfortable.

“It’s sad when you don’t understand something,” she said. “It’s good when you have someone to help you understand that specific thing. I feel very proud to be here.”

Kimsone Chau, ’16, assistant director of constituent services

While a student at Massasoit Community College, Chau had to take a psychology course. She fell in love with the subject, so much so that she pursued it as a major at Bridgewater State.

“I had a great experience at Bridgewater,” she said, praising the sense of helpfulness that permeates the campus. “I tell all my friends about it.”

She hopes to one day work in a position focused on youth or seniors. But, for now, the relative newcomer to municipal government (she started working for the city in May) is eagerly soaking up everything she can.

“I love helping people,” said Chau, who is a liaison between residents and city departments. “I also love the fact I can learn a lot in the process about local government.”

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Brockton