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The Bentley Buzz

Connecting faculty and staff, one story at a time

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 Kevin Wong, associate director of internal communications. To share your news or an idea for a story, please email buzz@bentley.edu.
 

June 1, 2023

Celebrating the Class of 2023!
Commencement brings thousands to campus as graduates begin exciting new chapters

Charlie Baker speaking to the commencement crowd

 

On May 19 and 20, 1,523 graduates crossed the stage at commencement in the Arena and on the Football Field in front of thousands of family members, friends and fellow students. Both days were filled with jubilation and cheers as students prepared to begin the next chapters of their academic and professional careers.

Stephen Kaufer, co-founder and former CEO of Tripadvisor, addressed the crowd during the 48th commencement of the McCallum Graduate School of Business. During his keynote address, Kaufer shared stories from his time leading the global travel site, as well as six guiding principles that he challenged graduates to be mindful of as they advance in their careers. 

“The one thing you can’t buy is your reputation," said Kaufer. "No matter what you do, no matter the struggles you encounter, your integrity, your reputation and whatever else you want written on your tombstone — let those be the guideposts for your life.” 

Charlie Baker, former governor of Massachusetts and NCAA president, delivered the commencement address during the 104th undergraduate commencement ceremony, his first since leaving office. Throughout his address, Baker shared personal stories and lessons learned from his family, as well as calls to embrace and consider different points of view. 

 “Be a good listener,” said Baker. “You learn more when you listen — even if you don’t always want to hear what’s being said.”

Representing the culmination of years of hard work, commencement brought to campus a contagious energy as graduates shared warm embraces with those who supported them throughout their Bentley careers. 

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Watch the Commencement Recap
Relive the excitement of the 2023 commencement exercises! 

A graduate exclaims on stage after receiving her diploma

Commencement in Photos

See the sights and celebrations from the ceremonies!

See the Photos
 

Commencement Speakers Share Words of Wisdom

This year's speakers shared touching reflections and well wishes with the graduates as they prepare to begin their next chapters. From President Chrite and the commencement speakers to undergraduate and graduate student leaders, plenty of inspiring stories were shared.

Read this year's speeches below!

​​​​​​​President Chrite

"Focus more on the pursuit of meaning and purpose in your lives. Because once you identify meaning — your own true north — I can assure you that happiness and success will follow — and more critically, it will endure."

 

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Alyssa Gaeta ’23, Senior Class President

"Give your all to the moment that you are living in, because that will create happiness and memories that will last forever."

 

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Ahmed Amer MBA ’23

"Always listen to your intuition when it whispers, 'Yes you can.' This voice that’s coming from within knows that there’s no limit to your capacity for greatness and there’s no barrier you cannot break."

 

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Co-Founder and former CEO of Tripadvisor Stephen Kaufer

"If you spend a few hours each month helping others, you will be doing a good thing to help heal our world, and your life will be richer for the effort."

 

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NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker

"Do not fear challenges and disappointments. Growth is often about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and learning from difficult moments."

 

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How the Class of 1973 Joined the Celebration

Adding to the excitement around commencement weekend, members of the Class of 1973 marched in the commencement procession to commemorate their 50th reunion. Class representatives and members of the Blue and Gold Society donned golden regalia as they reconnected with friends and classmates.

Bentley Pride Month Logo

Bentley Celebrates Pride Month

Each June, Pride Month showcases and celebrates the vibrant LGBTQ+ community around the world. At Bentley, the 2023 LGBTQ+ Pride Month Planning Committee is excited to once again bring a series of community events and development opportunities to further LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion on campus. 

From the raising of the Pride Flag and social gatherings to workshops and skill-building seminars, there is no shortage of ways to connect with peers and learn more about LGBTQ+ initiatives at Bentley and beyond. Be sure to check out the opportunities to connect and download the Pride Month Zoom backgrounds below! 

Background #1          Background #2

Pride Month Events

Raising the Pride Flag on June 1

Stop by the Morison Flag Pole for the annual flag raising on Thursday, June 1 at 10:00 a.m. to kick off Pride Month on campus! The Pride Flag will fly for the entire month to showcase Bentley’s continued commitment to LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion.

Be sure to stick around for dessert from the Cookie Monstah food truck! 

The Pride Flag in front of the Library

LGBTQ+ and Allies Incoming Student Meet-and-Greet

Wednesday, June 7 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Virtual: Register Here

Ally 101 Workshop

Thursday, June 8 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual: Register Here

Pride Month Movie Screening: Moonlight

Tuesday, June 13 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
LaCava 305AB or Zoom (ID: 952 5995 0239)

Moonlight Film Discussion

Thursday, June 15 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Zoom (ID: 982 5739 0453)

Getting Bi: Bisexuality 101 and Beyond

Wednesday, June 21 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Smith 114: Register Here

Trans Ally Workshop

Thursday, June 22 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Virtual: Register Here

Pride Month Block Party

Wednesday, June 28 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
LaCava Tent (STU Living Room if raining): Register Here

Faculty and Staff Pride Month Social

Thursday, June 29 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
City Streets (411 Waverly Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452)

President Chrite Joins the "What's Your Why?" Podcast

How did a school assignment at age 15 change the trajectory of President Chrite's life? He recently joined the "What's Your Why?" podcast to share the story and to encourage others to create value in their lives and remain faithful to their convictions.

Check out the interview below!

Listen Here

President Chrite Podcast Cover
News from the Nest
Listen to podcasts from the latest Bentley Magazine

News from the Next LogoBentley Magazine tells the stories of alumni doing great things in their communities across the globe. Now, those stories can be found in audio form thanks to the News from the Nest podcast! Check out the latest stories below — or download episodes on Spotify, Apple, Google or Amazon — and keep your ear out for some familiar voices.

Listen to News from the Nest

And The BUFFY Goes To...

Among the many year-end celebrations was the 18th Annual BUFFYs, the English and Media Studies department's film festival where students showcase their creative work.

Check out the recap from this year's award winners here!

Welcome, New Falcons

Gabriella Barthe Associate Director, Digital Marketing and Campaigns

Caleb Gowett Multimedia Content Producer and Coordinator, Strategic Communications

Sarahbeth PersianiProgram Manager, Executive PhD in Business

Diana Quintero  — Building Services

Thomas SilvaBusiness Systems Analyst I, Financial Operations

Andrew TwomeyAssociate Director, Digital Designer, Advancement Communications

Falcon Statue
Keeping Score with Bentley Athletics

Bentley Falcons LogoWomen's Lacrosse and Field Hockey Players Receive CSC Academic All-District Recognition
Three members of the women's lacrosse team and two members of the field hockey team were named to the 2023 College Sports Communicators Division II Women's At-Large Academic All-District team for their success on the playing field and in the classroom.

CSC Academic All-District Men’s At-Large Team Includes Four Falcons
The 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Men's At-Large teams included four Falcons, representing the hockey, lacrosse and golf teams.

Top Senior Athletes Named
Athletics handed out their Outstanding Senior Athlete awards to football defensive end Cedie Dashiell II, diver Mary Huminski and women's basketball captain Kari Brekke.

From the Newsroom

Students Lead Bentley Spring Day Festivities

Rapper Aminé headlined the end-of-the-year celebration.

By Kristen Walsh

 

 

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Cashing in on ChatGPT

Students harness the power of AI technology to develop cutting-edge currency trading strategies during FinTech and the ChatGPT Hackfest.

By Molly Mastantuono

 

 

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Conversations Around Mental Health

Students co-found Bentley Active Minds to change the conversation around mental health.

By Kristen Walsh

 

 

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