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
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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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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Pride Month Events
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)
Women'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
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
Conversations Around Mental Health
Students co-found Bentley Active Minds to change the conversation around mental health.
By Kristen Walsh