Welcome to the latest issue of the Bentley Buzz, where we share news and stories about the faculty and staff who make Bentley special. It is compiled by Joan Yenawine, associate director of internal communications. To share your news or an idea for a story, please email buzz@bentley.edu.
April 29, 2025
Latest News
Share Your Expertise at the Community Learning Conference!
Jeff Funk, associate director, housing operations, admits he was a bit on the fence the first time he submitted a proposal to Bentley’s Community Learning Conference. The annual three-day event gives faculty and staff the chance to lead and attend learning sessions of their choosing.
Getting Over the Nerves
“I was nervous about speaking and also that people would not be interested in my topic,” says Jeff. “But I decided to go for it anyway, and I’m glad I did.”
It turns out that his colleagues did share his interests, and to date he has led four sessions. He began in 2022, leading “The Power of the Page: Reading for Wellness and Growth,” and “Fat Studies and Liberation: Creating more Welcoming Environments to the Fat in the Workplace" (co-presented with Brittanye Mackey). Last year he offered, "Accommodations Explained: Behind the Scenes of Housing and Academic Accommodations” (co-presented with Steph Bohler) and "Unpacking Fatphobia: An Introduction to Anti-Fatness & How to Fight It."
Use the Buddy System
Emma Emmer, director of strategic programs, says that her colleagues make presenting more than worth the effort. “The Bentley community always shows up, and this was no exception. I also had the opportunity to co-present with a colleague who I adore but don’t get to work with all of the time, which was a bonus."
Christine Lookner, associate dean of student equity and inclusion, agrees that teamwork is the key. "I found it very easy to submit a proposal because I was co-presenting with a fabulous teammate, Patrick Couillard-Hale. Presenting as a team makes it rewarding and lightens the lift."
Do More of What You Love
Another benefit of leading at the Community Learning Conference is getting to dive deeper into a skill or topic you are passionate about.
Nana Adu, assistant director, gender and sexuality student programs, co-led two sessions last year: "Unlocking Engagement: Exploring Strategies to Boost Student Attendance" with Ashlee Lindsey, senior assistant director, Office of Alumni & Family Engagement, and "Zooming In: Empowering Gen Z at Bentley University," a workshop with Kenny Allard, assistant director, orientation and student onboarding.
"Facilitating is a skill that I absolutely love to exercise — whether it is facilitation of a workshop, dialogue space, etc., I love having the opportunity to create a space where learning, curiosity and dialogue are welcomed. When proposals opened up for last year's Community Learning Conference, I knew that this was an opportunity I did not want to miss out on applying for.”
Now It’s Your Turn
Faculty and staff are invited to propose sessions for its seventh annual Community Learning Conference. This three-day internal conference, taking place July 21-23, will offer staff and faculty workshops focused on four tracks: Positive Culture, Inclusive Excellence, Best Self, and Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Learn More and Submit a Proposal
Our Community
Sneak Preview of Student, Faculty and Staff Art Collaboration
At the campuswide MLK 2025 celebration in January, students, faculty and staff kicked off 50 Voices: A Portrait of Activism Across America Art Project. Dreamed up by Mounia Ziat, associate professor, experience design, and offered in collaboration with Danielle Krcmar, director, visual arts, the idea was for participants to learn about and celebrate social activists from all 50 states. Each "art ambassador" received a blank canvas to create a work that represents an activist and their home state. Since that day, the artists have been researching and creating personally meaningful pieces. Some of the completed works are now being shown in Collins; the full collection is slated to be displayed in fall 2025.
Enjoy the sneak peek below from several featured artists who offered insights into their motivation and creative process.
Upcoming Campuswide Events
FROM THE NEWSROOM
Understanding the Emotional Toll of Alzheimer’s Disease
by Molly Mastantuono
Photo by Caleb Gowett
From Bentley to Austin: First-Gen Students Empowered and Inspired by SXSW Conference
What happens when 18 Bentley students — many of them the first in their families to attend college — walk into one of the most future-focused, innovative gatherings in the world?
by Vanessa Velasquez, First-Generation Experience Specialist