LIFE AFTER BENTLEY

Lasting Ties

2016

Bentley blue runs deep in legacy families like the Spencers (see page 94).

Alumni Weekend, 2010

Bonded for Life

BY LEIGH K. GASPAR

BENTLEY IS MUCH MORE THAN A SCHOOL TO ALUMNI. It is a living, breathing community with heart and purpose, pride and ambition, personality and big dreams. Every day, in their workplaces, homes and communities, alumni demonstrate what it means to hold a Bentley degree … and why that is a powerful asset in today’s world.

When the Alumni Association was founded in 1955, most Falcons lived and worked locally or regionally. Alumni activity was centered in the Boston area and, to a much lesser degree, in New York City. Today, our community of graduates includes more than 70,000 men and women around the world.

The new reality of the Bentley experience has inspired the association to break ground in engaging alumni not just in our backyard, but across the nation, and increasingly, across the globe. Last year alone, Alumni Association chapters, in partnership with the Center for Alumni, Parents and Friends, hosted more than 2,850 alumni and guests at 93 events in 39 cities and three countries.

There is renewed commitment to provide alumni with a lifelong connection to their alma mater and a seat at the table for shared ownership of its future. Alumni now participate in everything from admissions activities, to offering jobs and internships for students at career fairs, to sharing their professional expertise as mentors and guest lecturers in Bentley courses. In these ways and more, alumni are powerful partners in students’ education and invested in their continued success as future alumni.

What stands out about Bentley alumni is their strong desire to connect — to hear about each other and share in one another’s accomplishments. Networking comes naturally, and alumni often look to each other when they need to find an intern, new hire, mentor or business partner. Not surprisingly, events for alumni go far beyond socializing at a happy hour. They want to learn something, extend their business ties and call on each other as trusted advisers.

Pride is the emotion that dominates interactions between alumni and students. Our own proudest moments are in seeing alumni recognize themselves in today’s students. Despite the differences and decades of living that might exist between them, they are all Falcons. And that counts for a lot.

Leigh Gaspar is executive director of advancement relations at the Center for Alumni, Parents and Friends.

Pay It Forward

BY SEAN KERRIGAN

When Shanell Mosley ’10 was young, her mother taught her the value in giving back. She’s been doing so ever since. Mosley majored in Management, but always knew she wanted to use her business education to do some good. A Bentley internship with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Boston office gave her a chance to act on the commitment.

As a development intern, Mosley helped organize UNICEF donor cultivation events, coordinated fundraising and marketing activities, and drafted press releases for newsworthy events.

The experience set her on a path of service.

“As a result of my internship, I knew that I wanted to use my business degree to help the world around me,” says Mosley. “During my senior year, I rallied a group of like-minded peers at Bentley to raise thousands of dollars for the Haiti Relief efforts through grassroots events on campus and Spring Day. I knew that, in order to make a difference, I could not do it alone and looked to my peers, faculty and staff at Bentley to help as well.”

After graduation, Mosley followed her passion. She volunteered with AmeriCorps, earned a master’s degree in nonprofit management, and returned to UNICEF in 2015 in her current role as manager of sports partnerships. “Internships are a fabulous opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge, while determining what you are passionate about,” she says. “My internship opened the door to incredible relationships within the organization I one day aspired to work at.”

With that in mind, Mosley has shared UNICEF internship opportunities with Bentley students through the Multicultural Center (MCC). Neither side has been disappointed.

“UNICEF is a huge fan of recruiting Bentley students, knowing they are skilled, reliable and professional.”

Mosley hasn’t forgotten her Bentley ties, and remains heavily involved with the MCC, Alumni Association events and reunions.

“Bentley helped make me into the person I am today,” she says. “Every single time someone asks me about Bentley I light up, simply because of the incredible relationships I built and experiences I gained while there.

“My mom taught me at a young age to always give back to others. I’m proud to say that Bentley has helped put me in a position to do exactly that. It is an honor and my personal duty to help other Bentley students and alumni. We are all family and family looks out for one another.”

Moments & Memories

THE EARLY YEARS

I can honestly say that the education I received on Boylston Street did assist me in getting a decent job, and the ability to work in accounting jobs most of my adult life; raise a family; purchase a house; and help people with income tax returns. Not very exciting, but I thank Bentley for the education I received. JJ Scully ’48

I did well at Bentley, graduating with honors. After an interview with Mr. Harold Mackinnon, vice president at GE, I took a position in their Business Training Program. I have spent over 50 years in increasingly more responsible positions in accounting, business and tax management. My wife and I have also developed two country inns, which now have national prominence. I doubt that my wife and I would have accomplished what we did without the challenge and support given by my professors and Bentley. We will always be grateful. Karl Taylor ’57 I worked in the computer field prior to starting my own cleaning business. I have been preparing income tax returns since 1972 and I still, at 79 years old, prepare over 100 returns a year. I was selected and inducted into the Bentley College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. Caroll McMillan ’64

After graduation, I was hired by Price Waterhouse & Co. After about a year, I was chosen to head a team of auditors at a relatively new client: Bentley College, at their new Waltham campus. When I walked into the office of one of my former professors, who had taken on the responsibilities of treasurer of the college, I thought he was going to faint! When he recovered his senses, he was most gracious and provided everything that we needed to issue a “clean opinion.” Joseph Mador ’66

Every year since 1969 our old gang meets for dinner at the Chateau Restaurant in Waltham to catch up. These guys are my family and I’m grateful for them. Bentley is not just a university; it is a perfect state of grace. I always felt fortunate to call it my Bentley. It’s so much more than an institute of higher learning — it’s a lifetime of friendship. Paul Grassia ’69

I graduated not knowing if accounting was going to be right for me. It took me 10 years after I graduated to realize that my career in accounting was my true path. I am now a partner in the CPA firm and look forward to work with passion every day. Stanley Feather ’74

1980s and 1990s

I have held many positions in the last 31 years, but none so rewarding as coaching the students on the Acton Boxborough Regional High School Speech and Debate team. Sue (Ouellette) Hennessey ’85

I was in one of the last classes of CIS majors where COBOL was taught, and I’m still working with COBOL and the mainframe 31 years later, currently as principal software developer at Fidelity Investments. I have three amazing adult children (two currently still in college, my youngest at Bentley), and one pre-adoptive infant son (hopefully adoptive by the time the issue is published!). I’m also a novelist, writing primarily in the horror suspense genre (under my real name, Daniel G. Keohane, and a pseudonym G. Daniel Gunn), with dozens of short stories and five novels currently in print. For fun, I also write film reviews for the website Cinema Knife Fight. Dan Keohane ’85, P ’19 I married my Bentley sweetheart and we both have had very successful careers built on our Bentley education. We have stayed very connected to Bentley even though we have lived in Maryland since 1991. Mark Semanie ’85

Bentley provided me with an outstanding education and gave me the knowledge and confidence to succeed quickly in my career, and also allowed me to retire early. For that, I am forever grateful. My heart will always belong to Bentley. Nancy Wine ’86

I received my PhD in Aviation Operations from EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University in June 2016. Kevin O’Leary ’90, MBA ’95

After receiving my MBA, I continued my sales and marketing career but found ways to do some adjunct teaching at other local colleges. In 2002, Perry Lowe and Ian Cross asked me to teach the GB 310 Project Module. I taught as an adjunct every semester after that for 10 years, and in 2012, I had the opportunity to join the faculty on a full-time basis. I helped create the new Professional Sales major. I’ve been honored to have given a Baccalaureate address and a Convocation address. And now, I work side-by-side with many of the faculty who helped me earn my MBA over 20 years ago! Jim Pouliopoulos ’94, MBA ’95, Director of Professional Sales Program and Marketing Lecturer There are four people that I met freshman year that I am very close friends with 20 years later. Three of them were in my wedding and one of them is the godmother to my eldest child. While Bentley prepared me to get an internship and full-time job with Ernst & Young in public accounting, after two years I realized I did not want to be a CPA and switched careers. Monique (Young) Jefferson ’96

After getting my MST at Bentley, I worked in the federal tax department at Arthur Andersen, Boston and then later started a tax firm of my own. My Bentley tax instructors are a great resource for me even today. Marietta Courtney, MST ’98

There is no life after Bentley for me. This is my second home and I look forward to coming to work each day. I love Bentley, I always have. I met my husband here and many, many friends.

Enza A. Rapatano-O’Connell ’80, Bentley University Library

2000s

I am assistant professor of business administration at Tunxis Community College in Farmington, Conn. An avid mountaineer, I summited 29,029-foot Mt. Everest on May 20, 2016. Mark Milewski, MBA ’00

After completing my degree, I stayed in the Boston area for five more years, working for companies like Mullen and Digitas. My roles were generally around advanced data analysis. The education I received at Bentley had prepped me very well for the challenges in my career. In 2007, I moved back to Istanbul and started the first analytics consulting shop in the country. We are working with top-tier banks/telecoms in TR and have grown the team to 15 consultants, including one other Bentley graduate. Omer Nadirler, MBA ’02

After two years in the Boston area working in stores and on projects with the corporate Staples team in Framingham, I relocated to northwest Arizona. I assisted in opening six locations, doing everything from creating local marketing campaigns to product selection for merchandising to training and developing future leadership through the West region. After relocating to the Tampa, Florida, area, I continue to operate and oversee locations, and manage proj-

ects for the Southeast region. I am a proud father of three: sons Cayden and Demetri, and daughter Jordyn. I am supported 24/7/365 by my better half Robyn, my rock and source of motivation to do great things in life. My family drives me to succeed in life and work, to create a better future for them, and ensure our next generation has a better place to grow in. Hopefully I have future Falcons on the way! James Litopoulos ’03

I still contact some of my Bentley friends from 15 years ago. Our paths still cross from time to time. I will cherish our memories and experiences forever. Esel Shemmeri ’03, MSF ’06

I remember thinking senior year that post-Bentley life would never shine as bright as the years spent on campus. What I didn’t realize was that my journey at Bentley was preparing me for more than just a career, it was preparing me for life. Bentley has been more than a memory; it’s a reminder of my potential to push further, partner better and seek joy in all I do. I feel both a responsibility to and support from the faculty, staff and fellow alumni, which gives me confidence about all the good I — and we, together — can do in this world. Eleven years, five jobs, three kids, and two houses later, I feel confident that where I am now is exactly where I was meant to be. And there is still so much more to come! Deborah (Kerr) Lee ’05

After the financial recession, I decided to continue my education in economics so that I could better understand the environment that created the recession. I completed an MSc in International Economics at the University of Essex, and then moved to London to work. I’ve been in England for seven years now, and I am counting the months until I’m legally able to apply for citizenship. I’ve also been teaching myself technical analysis for market trading. I have come to understand that with time, commitment, patience and persistence, you can learn anything and follow any path. Doing something you enjoy as your source of income is one of the key fundamental aspects to achieving consistent happiness in life. Eric Dahms ’06

Since graduating I moved back home to Panama. I own part of an indoor soccer rental place, and I love interacting directly with the students in the soccer academy. I believe there’s a lot one can teach through sports. You can really notice how different personality traits show when they are doing sports and it’s easy to pinpoint strengths and flaws. Tomás E. Galán Pérez ’06

I still remain close with my friends from college. Even my significant other is an alumnus, and I didn’t meet him till long after graduating. A real testament to the power of the network, I think. I am who I am today because of Bentley. My career, my relationships, my future ... it all started at Bentley. I’m proud of who I’ve become and I’m proud to call myself a Falcon. Melissa Nazar ’06

Since graduating I took a job with AB [previously AllianceBernstein] in financial operations before moving to our Strategic Relationship Group to help manage relationships in our retail channel. My life outside of work has been pretty crazy. I got married in June 2013, was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2013, and my wife gave birth to twin boys in August 2015. It been quite the roller coaster. Bryan Busch ’07

In 2011 I moved to Alice Springs, Australia, still working for Raytheon, where I’ve been since graduating. I plan on moving to Tucson, Ariz., in July 2017. I was married to an Aussie in 2014 and this year qualified for the 2016 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, having completed eight Ironmans and 27 marathons. I will be joining my wife, who qualified at IM Western Australia. I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries now and life just keeps getting better! When at Bentley, I wrote for the newspaper; I’m still writing at alicesprings athlete.wordpress.com. Kevin Coyle, MSF ’08

I was married on April 9, 2016, to Christopher Luongo in Harwichport, Mass., at the Wychmere Beach Club. Megan (Culver) Skinner ’08 and Arden Brust ’08 were in my bridal party. Courtney (Lynch) Luongo ’08

I met my husband, Matt ’07, at Bentley in 2005. Since then, we bought a home in Needham, Mass., in July 2014, and got married in Tuscany, Italy, in September 2014. Matt has worked at TJX as a buyer for the last 8.5 years. I’ve worked at several local tech companies doing marketing and business development. I recently expanded my marketing consulting business, Promise Consulting Group LLC, to full time. We are moving to Florence, Italy, this fall as Matt relocates for work. Bentley brought us together 11 years ago, and it has been quite the exciting story ever since! Lisa (Promise) Colella ’09

After Bentley, I worked in corporate insurance for a few years until deciding to start my own specialty bakery in New Jersey, where I’m from. I recently moved to Arizona, where I am starting up a new specialty bakery, and I’m thrilled to be on a new adventure. Alexa Zozzaro ’11 I’m a professional hockey player overseas in France. I’ve been playing for four years now, after playing for Bentley’s DI program from 2009 to 2013. The coaches at Bentley helped me progress as a hockey player, which allows me to travel the world doing what I love. Dan Koudys ’13

Every day I have the pleasure of working with four fellow Bentley Falcons at The Grommet. We each took distinct paths at Bentley and are living proof that a Bentley education can take your career in many different directions: CFO; communications; managing teams and accounts; discovering the next great household products. The thread that connects these different paths is providing value to a business, which is the ultimate achievement of a Bentley degree. Mike Lovett ’13

Recently took part in a client service competition at PwC ... Enjoyed performing with fellow Bentley grads and we brought home the cup! Lindsey Theriault ’13, MBA ’15 Since Bentley, I decided to serve with Cru [an international campus Christian ministry]. For the last two years I have been a modern missionary of sorts, serving in the Boston area. I have been so fortunate to work right here at Bentley, partnering with the Spiritual Life department. I have the privilege of helping students merge spirituality into their business training and all of life. Although it is not a common route for Bentley students, I see myself using my formal training in business management all the time. Andrew Nilson ’14

Even though we all live in different parts of the U.S., the six Bentley University volleyball team seniors of 2015 still talk almost every single day and fly across the country to see one another! Alex Tator ’15

Essentially, all the friends in my life are Bentley friends. We still get together regularly, reminisce about old days and make new memories.

Bill Mortimer ’03

Maggie (Brogan) ’08 and Joey ’08, MST ’09 Calvetti: Our pups have some fun news to share about our post-Bentley lives!

Read more stories and add your own at bentley.edu/ 100

Career Services Then & Now

BY ALLYSON MANCHESTER WITH RESEARCH FROM THE BENTLEY ARCHIVES

Placement Department, 1937

Bentley’s ranking as No. 1 in career services by the Princeton Review is the most recent national nod to our career programs. But the school has a long history of helping graduates find jobs throughout their lifetimes. A Placement Bureau was the very first service offered to Bentley students, and available free of charge.

Mr. Bentley and fellow faculty frequently appealed to friends, professional acquaintances and alumni for open opportunities at their places of business. By 1919, more than 180 students and alumni had been placed. These young graduates, who then kept an eye out for positions for the next class, built the foundations of the robust alumni career-networking program we enjoy today.

What began as an ad hoc service became an official department in the 1930s. Pamphlets and letters were published to advise graduates on common interview questions, ways to sell themselves and their skills, and how to plan for a career. For alumni who might have trouble finding placement — Mr. Bentley particularly worried about those with foreign backgrounds — the department doors were always open for “frank, impartial advice,” reads a 1941 catalogue. Sometimes, that meant changing an Old World last name to something easier to pronounce and remember.

As the decades passed and the campus moved, many alumni well remember sifting through career catalogue after career catalogue in the new office or using early computer databases. Career Fairs began in the 1970s, with about 100 employers coming to campus, as well as career-oriented workshops.

During hard times, such as the 1980s when the country was in a recession, the Bentley Observer magazine often listed open positions at the end of each issue. For a time, the Placement Department published a newsletter of employment opportunities.

After the economic crisis of 2008, many alumni found themselves out of work. “I was pretty devastated and overwhelmed,” says Phyllis (Keplin) Hodge ’79. “I had been with my firm for 27 years. I wasn’t sure where to get started.”

Bentley and Barbara Hyle, former director of alumni career services, were the solution. Elizabeth Doulbakian ’08 describes Hyle’s efforts over her 14-year tenure as “relentless.” The combination of expert guidance and alumni camaraderie was invaluable to Doulbakian’s spirit and motivation to engage in her job search.

“I met incredible people just willing to help,” says Mark Pieleski ’80. “I was out of work for 26 very long, painful months. I’m absolutely convinced all of the preparation I did here was a major factor in successfully landing a job.”

Today, Alumni Career Services offers a wealth of programs in person and online (see A Sampling of Services Today, page 91). While the office has grown far beyond a single room filled with catalogues, the staff uphold Mr. Bentley’s legacy of helping alumni throughout their lives — and it’s still free of charge.

Cate Waldram ’16 Raghav Tanna ’15

A Sampling of Services Today

Thanks to Bentley’s nationally recognized Nathan R. Miller Center for Career Services, 98 percent of undergraduates report employment or graduate school plans within six months of graduation. Here are some of the many offerings for students and alumni that have led and will continue to lead Falcons to successful professions:

HIRE EDUCATION

Career Services structures its undergraduate program according to a four-step process called HIRE Education. Each step — Explore, Experiment, Experience and Excel — corresponds with one year in school. For example, a Career Development Introduction Seminar helps freshmen articulate their personal interests and goals. Students go on to build a strong résumé, complete advanced career development programs, and interview for and (ideally) secure their dream job.

MENTOR MARKETPLACE

With more than 1,800 members, this new online networking tool connects current students with alumni in their fields of interest. Students and young alumni set up a professional, LinkedIn-style profile, then are matched with alumni mentors at companies like Microsoft, J.P. Morgan and Dunkin’ Brands. Want to join? Sign up at bentley.edu/mentor.

PREMIUM JOB SEARCH RESOURCES

Career Services offers premium access to Vault.com (an online hub of rankings and reviews of employers and internship programs), InterviewStream (a website for practicing interviews and receiving feedback) and a variety of career skills webinars. The Career Services blog features event updates, insight on important job search topics (“How do I find an internship with no experience?”) and photos of students who have been #hired.

CAREER COMMUNITIES

While cultivating an active online presence, Career Services also focuses on building in-person relationships. The Career Communities program facilitates meetings for students with faculty, alumni, parents and friends who have similar professional interests. At the meetings, students discuss how their classroom experience fits the needs of the business community. Find out what gives Career Services its No. 1 ranking.

Alumni Gatherings

2014

Above: Frozen Fenway, 2013

Right: The first Alumni Day, 1955

See how alumni celebrate their Bentley ties.

1989 2014

2008 1999

Walter Spencer Robert Spencer Jonathan Spencer Courtney Jansson

We Are (Bentley) Family

Meet the Spencers, one of many families with proud ties to Bentley that span generations: Walter ’48; his son, Robert ’77, MST ’85; and Robert’s son and daughter, Jonathan ’07 and Courtney ’09. Each is inspired by the others to make a difference in the world — and determined to continue their Bentley legacy.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON BENTLEY?

Walter Spencer ’48: It was after the war (WWII). Bentley was already known as a solid accounting school, and I was interested in accounting. Robert Spencer ’77, MST ’85: I came to Bentley because I wanted a broad-based applicability to all aspects of business with the ability to go to law school. Jonathan Spencer ’07: My father always taught me that you can never go wrong in life with a business education. After a few campus visits and seeing what they had to offer, it was an easy decision. Bentley, here I come!

Courtney (Spencer) Jansson ’09:

I knew in high school that I wanted to study business, and in particular, marketing. My decision was made easier when I visited Jonathan on campus during his junior year and experienced the amazing campus.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY?

JS: I majored in Corporate Finance and Accounting and minored in Information Design and Corporate Communication. CJ: I knew the minute I stepped on campus that marketing was the right major for me. Marketing is constantly changing, which keeps it exciting. When I graduated, Twitter was just becoming a thing. To see how marketing has changed since graduation day is astounding. RS: Public Administration. I also focused on every law course offered. WS: Accounting.

FAVORITE PLACE TO STUDY?

WS: The college had a few common areas to study in the original Boylston Street location. RS: In the library or Lower Café. CJ: The library was always my favorite — early in the morning or late at night. JS: The library was always great — but I also liked the study rooms in the Fenway dorm with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the athletic fields.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN BENTLEY CHANGE?

WS: I attended the original Boston location on Boylston Street, so in my two years, no big changes. Obviously the move to Waltham and the growth I’ve seen there has been incredible and beyond anything I could have imagined in 1948. RS: In 1974-1977, I saw the lower campus development start and the addition of a new gym at the Dana Center. JS: Bentley is always improving! They built a new gym when I was there, too. It was also in the process of transitioning from Bentley College to Bentley University. I think I was in the last class to graduate from Bentley College. CJ: That was the biggest change for me, when Bentley went from college to university. I still recall the day of the change with the new logo and T-shirts that were handed out to students on the Greenspace. Overall, I have seen Bentley evolve along with the business world. It has been a great ride to see how far Bentley has come.

DID YOU RECEIVE FAMILY ADVICE WHEN YOU ENROLLED?

JS: Our Dad would always say: There are 24 hours in a day. Even if you sleep for eight hours and have class for five, that still gives you 11 hours a day, so no excuses to not have enough time to study! CJ: He also frequently reminded us of the Bentley chant: “Debits to the left, credits to the right, fight, fight, fight!” That may have determined my marketing direction!

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE BENTLEY.

JS: Hilly. Challenging. Creative. RS: Challenging. Comprehensive. Practical. WS: Accounting. Discipline. Hard Work. CJ: Unforgettable. Rewarding. Inspiring.

HOW WILL BENTLEY CONTINUE TO BE PART OF YOUR LIFE?

WS: I’m in my 90s now, and I’m thankful for the time I had there. JS: My first baby is due in October … maybe she will be Bentley Class of 2039? CJ: I hope to stay part of the Bentley family. Whether through alumni events, campus visits or my lifelong friends, Bentley will always have a big place in my heart.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR BENTLEY’S NEXT 100 YEARS?

RS: Bentley’s first 100 years have been transformative. Bentley is a state-of-the-art institution and needs to maintain its welldeserved standing and reputation as a leading business education institution. JS: My hope is that Bentley continues to grow its already outstanding reputation and continues to take the next step into the national fold as one of the top universities in the country. I also hope Bentley continues to offer classes that introduce the “business” side of all types of jobs and professions. CJ: I hope Bentley continues to show the world what it means to be Bentley alumni. We are a special crop of students who are generally looking to make an important impact in the world. WS: Good luck and keep up the good work!