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.
Oct. 30, 2020
Since moving to a remote work setting, Alyssa Orlando, senior assistant director of graduate admissions, and the entire graduate admission team have been finding new ways to recruit students to the McCallum Graduate School of Business. A member of the Racial Justice Task Force and active member of the Bentley community, Alyssa crosses paths with many members of our virtual community each week. But did you know that outside of Bentley, Alyssa is a competitive powerlifter? After practicing strength and conditioning while on the cheerleading team as a student at Ithaca College, Alyssa made the transition to powerlifting after graduating and connecting with an old strength coach.
"My favorite part about powerlifting is watching yourself get stronger over a long period of time," said Alyssa. "It's incredible to see how far you come when you stick with something long enough." Since she started powerlifting competitively in 2015, and since joining the local powerlifting team Precision Powerlifting Systems in 2017, Alyssa has seen her numbers steadily increase. Last February, she posted impressive highs that included squatting 336 pounds, benching 204 pounds and deadlifting 391 pounds!
Like so many, Alyssa's been spending more time at home since the spring, but thankfully got the equipment needed just in time to continue her lifting. "I ended up buying a powerlifting rack and competition plates the Sunday before we started working from home, and they sure have come in useful over these last seven months. My routine hasn't really changed too much other than I now lift from my garage."
Despite the challenges posed by physical distancing, Alyssa has continued to grow as a powerlifter. "I directed my first powerlifting meet during the pandemic! It was supposed to be March 21, and obviously was postponed. We were able to run an outdoor meet in August with social distancing and masks for all!"
While she's not helping to build the next cohort of graduate students or lifting incredible amounts, Alyssa is working on her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
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Have you discovered an interesting new hobby while working remotely? Started breeding lizards? Entertaining your kids with puppet shows? We want to share it in the next issue!
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In the News
Each month, we'll share chatter about Bentley from the outside world. We know how special our Bentley community is, but every now and then, it's good to hear what others think!
Remdesivir’s Hefty Price Tag Ignores NIH Investment In Its Creation
Ekaterina Cleary, lead data analyst and research associate at the Center for Integration of Science and Industry, authors an op-ed asserting that drug pricing needs to reflect funding from the NIH by keeping prescription costs down.
How Will Racial Minorities Shape Future Elections?
Government Professor Christine Williams comments on the shifting demographics that could present various challenges for different political groups.