The Somers Garage Is Open for Business

Members of the Bentley community gathered on Wednesday, April 10, to celebrate the opening of the Somers Garage — a place to exchange ideas, cultivate start-ups and foster collaboration as part of the Entrepreneurship Hub (E-Hub), generously supported by Steve ’08 and Samantha Somers. See pictures from the celebration.

Steve, the guest of honor, mingled with student entrepreneurs who were energized by his generosity. Somers’ gift has created this new creative space where they can bring their visions to life, like an app that creates safe running routes and a service connecting car care businesses directly with customers.

“We have built mentor networks, continue to host coaching sessions, and help facilitate pitch competitions. None of this would have been possible without your support,” said Director Sandeep Purao, pointing out that the Somers Garage is one visible symbol of the generous gift. Purao sees the E-Hub growing to include a living-learning community, seed funding for student ventures, and new partnerships, building on those established with MIT and the Cambridge Innovation Center. 

President Chrite also shared in the celebration of Somers’ gift: “I am filled with gratitude for the Somers’s generous gift that has helped to fulfill our aspirations for Bentley’s E-Hub. This is an essential next step in the evolution of this institution and something we are excited to build upon in the future.”

Partnerships with Great Benefactors, including Somers, play a vital role in propelling Bentley forward as a global leader in business education. Support for the E-Hub will fuel innovation and creativity — and set Bentley graduates apart. 

Somers hopes that his gift will inspire others to also play a role in the future of Bentley students. “My goal is that by giving back and helping to build a world-class program, 10 to 15 years from now, we have alumni like Mike who say ‘it’s my turn to give.’”