The Bentley Buzz

Since the Bentley-Gallup Force for Good survey was unveiled last semester, the results from the inaugural report have been used in numerous ways on and off campus to better understand the public’s perception of the role of business in society. From in-class discussions with members of the Bentley-Gallup Steering Committee and faculty workshops to campuswide listening sessions and webinars, there are many ways that the Force for Good survey has provided the community with a new tool to remain a thought-leader in the power of positive business.

To further promote the use of the survey results, research grant opportunities for faculty members were introduced in December by Provost Paul Tesluk and Vice President for Marketing and Communications Chris Joyce. Grants of up to $5,000 were made available to faculty members to support research and classroom projects that used the Bentley-Gallup survey data. Through the initial call for proposals, two projects led by three Bentley faculty members were awarded funding. 

The first, titled “Political Ideology and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” is jointly led by Marketing professors Lan Xia and Shelle Santana and will use the Force for Good survey results to develop an understanding of how consumers with different political ideologies respond differently to Corporate Social Responsibility.

The second research project is led by Marketing professor Poh-Lin Yeoh and is titled, “Development and Validation of the Conscious Marketing Construct.” This research will use the Force for Good survey results to develop and validate a scale for conscious marketing to assist both academicians and practitioners in their understanding regarding the nature of conscious marketing.

Read More About the Force for Good Research Projects

As the semester came to a close, staff and faculty rallied for another successful Breakfast by Moonlight to make sure students didn't head into finals on an empty stomach. Volunteers dished out hundreds of pancakes, plates of bacon and eggs, and well wishes to nearly 900 students in the 921. Held each term before the finals period, Breakfast by Moonlight is a longstanding Bentley tradition that students, faculty and staff look forward to each semester. 


Congratulations to the Residence Hall Association for another successful event!

The Office of the CIO recently hosted a virtual lunch and learn to discuss the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its many uses (and challenges) in the workplace and classroom. Interested in how the event went?

The Buzz asked ChatGPT to recap the insightful conversation (which it did in less than five seconds!):    

Bentley University recently hosted a panel discussion on the future of AI and its applications at work and in the classroom. The panel consisted of Edlira Stefani, the Director of Data and Analytics Operations, Mark Frydenberg, a Senior Lecturer of Computer Information Systems, and Stephen Tracey, the Manager of Reference Services.

Edlira discussed the various uses of AI in the office, particularly in areas such as finance, marketing, and operations. She highlighted the significance of tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E, and Murf in these fields, which can help automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making processes, and enhance customer experiences.

Mark Frydenberg discussed the potential applications of AI as a useful coding tool in the classroom. He noted that students can use AI-based platforms to generate code, test it, and debug it. This can help students develop their programming skills more efficiently.

Stephen Tracey talked about the ways librarians can use AI tools for references and research. He also highlighted the challenges associated with using AI tools, particularly around copyright and privacy issues.

Overall, the panel discussion provided insights into the significant potential of AI in various fields, along with the challenges that come with its use.

When prompted, ChatGPT also was able to recap the event in haiku form: 

AI's future bright,
Office, classroom, and research,
Challenges ahead.

Here’s what it had to say about the event in sonnet form:

Amidst the hum of chatter, three voices
Came forth to speak of AI's bright future
Edlira, Mark, and Stephen, their choices
Explored its use as tool and educator

Edlira spoke of offices and the ways
AI can streamline tasks and raise the bar
ChatGPT, Dall-E and Murf's displays
Can automate and improve much by far

Mark told of AI in the classroom
How students can code with help from AI's hand
Generating code, testing it too soon
Their skills can blossom like a flower's grand

Stephen spoke of the challenges that lie
In privacy, copyright, when AI's nigh.

Did you miss the virtual conversation? You can catch up on the lunch and learn using the link below! 

Congratulations to the Office of the CIO and Edlira, Mark and Stephen on a thought-provoking presentation! 

The Fifth Annual Bentley Community Learning Conference is just around the corner, taking place from July 24-26! Have you considered sharing your expertise with your colleagues at this year's conference? The Learning and Development team are currently collecting proposals to present, and the deadline for submissions is May 25.

As past presenters shared with the Buzz, participating in the conference provides faculty and staff with an opportunity to collaborate across departments and divisions by sharing knowledge and expertise or presenting on a topic that impacts our entire community. 

Submit a Proposal

As the Public Health Emergency comes to an end and we enter the next phase of managing COVID-19, the Health Center will bid farewell to COVID-19 Contact Tracing Supervisor Stephanie Burney Putnam and Occupational Health Nurse Daniel Battle.

Stephanie joined our community in Jan. 2022 to manage the university’s contact tracing efforts and analyze trends in cases of the virus to help inform next steps and preventative measures. Over the course of the past year, Stephanie’s COVID-specific support allowed the Health Center to focus attention on important and routine health matters impacting students while she kept an eye on local and national COVID trends and guidelines.  
 

Dan came to Bentley in July 2020 as an occupational health nurse to support staff and faculty who tested positive for COVID-19. Throughout his time in the community, Dan consistently provided accurate information about the ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines and practical guidance about how to manage home and work life during a challenging time. His reassurance and reliable communication helped to make a positive impact on faculty and staff who were managing COVID-related illnesses. 

Best of luck to Stephanie in her next chapter and Dan on his upcoming retirement! 

The men’s lacrosse and women’s softball teams both made history this season with first-ever appearances in the NCAA Division II Championship Tournament!

Following an impressive 10-5 season, the men’s lacrosse team advanced to the NE-10 Championship finals before being defeated by no. 1 nationally ranked Le Moyne. In their NCAA tournament first-round matchup against Adelphi on our home field, the Falcons were just barely edged out in a tight 9-8 loss. 

The women’s softball team played their first NCAA tournament game on Thursday against Caldwell University at Adelphi and secured a 2-0 win. They play Adelphi next today at 10:00 a.m., and you can catch the action livestreamed here! In addition to making history with their first NCAA appearance, the Falcons’ season is also noteworthy as they broke the record for wins for the second consecutive season with an impressive 28-14-1 record.



 

Congratulations to the men’s lacrosse and women’s softball teams on two historic seasons!

Two Falcon Golfers Represent Bentley in NCAA Super Regional
Jared Walter and Nelson Eaton will represent Bentley at the 2023 NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Super Regional in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The 54-hole tournament will run through Saturday, May 13.

Two Named IWLCA All-East Region Second Team
Maeve Johnson and Caroline Affolter from the women's lacrosse team were named to the IWLCA All-East Region Second Team.

Baseball Players Earn NE10 Accolades
Liam Sears and Stan DeMartinis III were voted to the NE10 All-Conference second team and Pat Heber and Tommy Bolton received All-Rookie Team recognition.