Alumni Profile

Making a Scene

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:20:54 +0000

Making a Scene HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 03/21/2025 - 14:20

Alumnus is creating and acting in Sci-fi, horror films

March 25, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Acting was not something Nicholas Garofolo, ’95, ever considered doing with his life but that all changed 30 years ago when a friend hounded him to be in a film they were producing on Cape Cod.

“I kept turning them down, but eventually I said yes,” Garofolo said. “Once I was doing it, I thought, this is actually pretty cool.”

The acting bug had taken a successful bite.

Born in New York City, the Bridgwater State University alumnus always wanted to go back to his roots. After graduating from what was then Bridgewater State College with a degree in management, he took the leap.

“At first I had no job, and was living in a small dingy room,” Garofolo said.

But it didn’t take long for him to find work as an actor; he auditioned and was cast in a part for Law and Order, a popular television crime show where many eager thespians get their start.

“From there, I started doing things in the film industry. I got into independent films, cable shows, and cable movies. I started networking and met a lot of people,” Garofolo said.

His connections led him to auditioning for Adam Sandler’s 2019 film, Uncut Gems. He ended up not getting the part, but it still opened doors for him.

Making connections plays a large role for a working actor, and something he would encourage current Bears looking to pursue a career in acting to consider.

“It’s also about being patient. Sure, it will happen overnight for some, but for most people it’s a journey,” Garofolo said.

Over the years, the ŷ�� alumnus has branched out, as both a writer and director.

“Someone I met (in the industry) offered a bit of advice. If you can’t find work, create your own,” Garofolo said.

So, that’s what he did and found a new successful avenue.

His most recent work, Artificial Evil Awakens recently won the 2024 Cine Vision Award at the Indie Cine Tube Awards Film Festival.

Garofolo both wrote and stars in the film. Production took place back where his acting career started – on Cape Cod.

The plot of the film, which can be found on Fawesome TV and Stash TV, is about a man obsessed with aliens and with making films. His life is hacked by Artificial Intelligence after using a mysterious Ouija Board. It’s not a horror movie necessarily, but more of a sci-fi fantasy, Garofolo said.

As he continues his career in the film industry, he plans to keep auditioning for roles and creating his own projects.

“That’s the life of an actor, you’re always pursuing your next goal, chasing the next gig,” Garofolo said.

The life of an actor can be arduous, he added, but it can also be a lot of fun.

“If you’re a Bridgewater graduate, and looking to pursue this, try not to go in blind like I did. Begin with training, and try to get involved in films, even if it’s student films, so you can build your resume,” he said. “Make sure you also take your time and enjoy your youth while you’ve got it, because it goes by fast.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

If you’re a Bridgewater graduate, and looking to pursue this, try not to go in blind like I did. Begin with training, and try to get involved in films, even if it’s student films, so you can build your resume. Make sure you also take your time and enjoy your youth while you’ve got it, because it goes by fast.

Nicholas Garofolo, ’95

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Alumni Profile

Mutual Trust

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:54:23 +0000

Mutual Trust BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 03/06/2025 - 08:54

Dedicated alumna returns to serve on Board of Trustees

March 6, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Ann Ulett, ’92, arrived on the Bridgewater State campus as a single mother of two juggling schoolwork and childcare.

With an associate degree from Massasoit Community College in hand, Ulett was eager to further her education to land a job that would balance professional and family obligations.

“Bridgewater was just so accommodating for a non-traditional student,” said Ulett, who pursued her bachelor’s degree in management science (with an accounting concentration) in her late 20s and early 30s. “What stuck out the most for me were all the resources available.”

Fast forward several decades and Ulett is now helping ensure today’s students feel similarly supported in her new role as a member of ŷ��’s Board of Trustees. Appointed by Gov. Maura Healey, Ulett brings 26 years of experience working for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, a prominent international accounting firm.

Ulett has spent most of those years in recruitment with a focus on diversity. For more than a decade, she has managed two of PwC’s internship and student-development programs. She often speaks with students at ŷ�� and elsewhere about succeeding in business.

“It gave me the opportunity to come back and share what I learned – the dos and don’ts and unspoken rules,” said Ulett, who serves as PwC’s northeast entry level trust business recruiting manager.

As a first-generation Bridgewater student, Ulett appreciated the mentorship from professors and staff members, including Paul Gaines, who served as Bridgewater’s first director of minority affairs. Gaines recognized Ulett’s knack for working with students even before Ulett realized that was to be her calling.

She has remained connected to her alma mater by joining the ŷ�� Foundation’s board, the Ricciardi College of Business Advisory Board, and the Afro-American Alumni Association. Her grandson graduated from Bridgewater, and her son is currently a nontraditional ŷ�� student studying aviation.

As a trustee, she looks forward to supporting Bridgewater’s commitment to success for all students and focus on racial justice. ŷ��’s values, she said, align perfectly with her own.

“I’m pretty excited about the opportunity and excited to work together with an amazing group of trustees,” she said. “I feel back at home.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Bridgewater was just so accommodating for a non-traditional student. What stuck out the most for me were all the resources available.

Ann Ulett, ’92

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Board of Trustees

Alumni Profile

Photo by Charlie Peters, G'20

Talking Careers

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:30:15 +0000

Talking Careers HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 03/04/2025 - 13:30

Alumna’s media gigs include Bruins emcee, radio personality, and voice of the university

March 11, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

While most people are still snuggled in bed sleeping, Michaela “Mick” Johnson, ’10, is up at 4 a.m. and out the door, all to help others start their day as one of the hosts of the Fun 107 Morning Show.

Even though the job demands she be behind the wheel driving to the Fairhaven station before the sun comes up, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love telling local stories and highlighting what’s going on in our local communities,” Johnson said. “My kids also get to hear mom every morning (on the radio). I get to give my kids something to be proud of.”

Her roots in radio started when she was studying communications at what was then Bridgewater State College and hosted a radio show.

That, and other experiences at Bridgewater, like serving as an orientation leader and walking onto the women’s basketball team, where she served as captain in her final two years, helped Johnson find her niche.

“I got very involved and feel I grew a lot and was able to have some great experiences that launched my career in the right direction, even guiding me into a field that I didn’t’ realize was the perfect fit,” she said.

Initially, Johnson’s plan was to become an athletic trainer.

“I knew I wanted to be involved in sports, but when it came time to declare my major, sports broadcasting started to emerge,” she said. “I took jobs at ŷ��, announced football games, baseball games…any games that fell outside of basketball season, I did it.”

After college, Johnson moved to California where she worked as a production runner for the X Games, breaking down sets, running tapes, even delivering water bottles to famed skateboarder Tony Hawk.

An opportunity to audition for The Rhode Show on WPRI-TV in Providence, Rhode Island, brought her back east. The contest was an American Idol-style event, where contestants competed to serve as one of the show’s hosts for a year. Johnson won, and was so popular with viewers, one year turned into 12.

“Toward the end of my years, they wanted to take the show in a new direction and offered me the opportunity to be the main host,” she said.

While starting her family and working on The Rhode Show, Johnson was also hired to work as the arena host for Boston Bruins home games at the TD Garden, a job she still holds.

“I’m in my ninth season now, it’s been a lot of fun,” she said.

Johnson also lends her talents to promoting her alma mater. She was recently hired by ŷ�� to provide voiceovers on several television commercials.

Wearing so many different hats is a lot to juggle, but Johnson thrives in all her roles.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.

Being so active is what sparks and guides her, that’s been the case going back to her days at ŷ��.

“I would tell current students, get involved! Take advantage of all the opportunities Bridgewater has to offer,” Johnson said. “And stay true to yourself. Be confident that things will work out. The right things will find you, or you will find them.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I would tell current students, get involved! Take advantage of all the opportunities Bridgewater has to offer and stay true to yourself. Be confident that things will work out. The right things will find you, or you will find them.

Michaela Johnson, '10

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Alumni Profile

Communications

Welcome Back

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:59:09 +0000

Welcome Back BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:59

Alumnus is named a new trustee

February 27, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

For Peter Koutoujian, ’83, there’s something magical about being back on the Bridgewater State campus. Even his wife notices how happy he is when he attends Homecoming festivities.

Now, he will have many more opportunities to return to his alma mater as a new member of ŷ��’s Board of Trustees.

“This position is a labor of love,” said Koutoujian, who was appointed to the volunteer role by Gov. Maura Healey. “I’ve always been a booster and cheerleader for this school. ...This allows me a more formal way to bring that to the university.”

Koutoujian was drawn to serve as a trustee for the same reason he came to Bridgewater State as a student more than four decades ago: He immediately felt a connection to the university and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere from his first visit to campus. He still recalls the personal attention he received and how everyone held the door open for each other – two characteristics of the ŷ�� community that persist to this day, he noted.

At Bridgewater, Koutoujian studied psychology, played on the tennis team and served as president of his graduating class. His Bridgewater experience became a springboard to advanced degrees from New England School of Law and Harvard University, as well as a rewarding career in public service.

“Bridgewater provided an environment where I could grow and I could learn and I could mature,” he said. “That gave me opportunities.”

After working as a prosecutor and a public defender, Koutoujian served for eight terms as a state representative. Among many legislative accomplishments, he played a key role in having Bridgewater State designated as a university. The name change, Koutoujian said, more accurately reflects the breadth and depth of a Bridgewater education.

Since 2011, he has served as the sheriff of Middlesex County, where he brings a data-driven approach to reimagining corrections. Koutoujian led the development of innovative programs for young adults, veterans, and other groups to significantly reduce recidivism.

Today, three generations of the Koutoujian family have a Bridgewater connection. His son, also named Peter, is an undergraduate political science major, while his mother, Connie, is a member of ŷ��’s Senior College.

Koutoujian said he is impressed with the personal attention of Senior College and the experiences his son has had as a ŷ�� student. The younger Peter has interned for Sen. Ed Markey and served as a community organizing fellow for the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.

“It’s really important to see an institution through the eyes of others,” Koutoujian said. “It’s just given me a greater appreciation for the Bridgewater of today.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This position is a labor of love. I’ve always been a booster and cheerleader for this school. ...This allows me a more formal way to bring that to the university.

Peter Koutoujian, ’83

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Board of Trustees

Alumni Profile

This Job’s ‘Fore!’ Him

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:26:07 +0000

This Job’s ‘Fore!’ Him HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/19/2025 - 13:26

Alumnus earns position covering golf for national sports magazine

February 25, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Athletics were always a big part of Matt Vincenzi’s life growing up and continue to be so today – only on a professional level.

Instead of suiting up and playing sports, today Vincenzi writes about athletes as a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, where he has covered professional golf for the past five years.

“I was always passionate about sports writing, but in terms of playing I was more into basketball,” Vincenzi said. “However, something about the sport of professional golf I found fascinating…how important different grass types are, course experience, and so many other fine details, and how they impact the result of tournaments drew me in.”

Post high school, the initial plan was to play basketball in college, which Vincenzi did for a year before transferring to Bridgewater State University, where he opted to hang up his sneakers and study English with a writing and writing-studies concentration.

“I chose this path because I loved both sports and English in high school. I read and wrote recreationally, and it seemed like a natural fit for me,” the 2013 ŷ�� alumnus said.

The courses he took, and professors he had, both helped prepare him for a career in writing.

“I learned so much about writing and journalism through the program,” Vincenzi said. “I learned a lot that helped shape me where I am today while attending ŷ��.”

After earning his degree, he was hired and wrote for the Action Network for three years before moving onto GolfWRX. He spent another three years there before SI came calling.

He officially started his gig with the well-known publication this past October and has loved every minute covering “breaking and trending” stories. He’s had the opportunity to interview world renown golfers, like Ian Poulter, Joaquín Niemann, An Byeong-hun, and Benjamin Griffin.

Over the last couple of years, he’s broken a handful of big stories including Niemann’s invitation to the PGA Championship, as well as some LIV Golf (men’s professional golf tour) trades.

“I’d like to continue covering golf professionally and hopefully cover more events in person and further develop my relationships with professional players,” he said of his future goals.

He hasn’t completely thrown in the towel when it comes to basketball either. Vincenzi is the head coach for the boys varsity basketball team in Pembroke, where he earned coach of the year honors from the Massachusetts Basketball Association in 2021 and 2022.

Being able to coach and write for a living is something Vincenzi is grateful for and encourages current ŷ�� students to carve out their own paths doing something they like.

“If you do what you are passionate about, living your life is a lot easier,” he said, adding, “Don’t’ just look forward to the weekends, make sure you enjoy every day.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I learned a lot that helped shape me where I am today while attending ŷ��.

Matt Vincenzi, '13

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Alumni Profile

Natural Educator

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:37:08 +0000

Natural Educator BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/19/2025 - 12:37

Alumna cofounds alternative, nature-based school

February 20, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Cristy O’Brien, ’05, still remembers when math really began to make sense to her. She was taking a Bridgewater State class that, ironically, was focused on how to teach the subject to others.

Today, O’Brien helps children have similar “aha” moments as the co-founder of an alternative, nature-based educational nonprofit in Dartmouth. Bridgewater State, she said, prepared her to become an effective educator.

“Bridgewater is where I found my confidence as a learner and a teacher,” she said. “At Bridgewater, I found the tools I needed to become a better writer and a better student than I had ever been.”

In high school, O’Brien prioritized socialization over academics, but she found a supportive community as a Bear that changed her views about school. She quickly became interested in general education classes as well as courses within her elementary education and English majors.

“My feelings about myself as a learner completely changed when I was at Bridgewater,” O’Brien said. “It was a warm environment but also challenging.”

O’Brien was a student-employee under the mentorship of Dr. John Marvelle and gained hands-on experience at a reading and writing program in Taunton.

She first worked as a fifth-grade teacher before moving to an alternative classroom serving students with social-emotional needs.

As her own daughter neared kindergarten age, O’Brien yearned for a school rooted in nature and community interaction.

“Watching her absorb the world and observe and interact with people of all ages, I didn’t want that to end,” she recalled.

O’Brien connected with others in Southeastern Massachusetts with similar desires and, in 2018, co-founded Elements Learning Collaborative. Housed at Round the Bend Farm, the organization has grown from a summer camp to a year-round operation, welcoming students from age 4 through middle school.

Programs during the school day serve students who are homeschooled or in preschool while the summer camp includes those attending traditional schools.

Weather permitting, students spend the entire day outdoors. On a typical day, children might learn about the anatomy of leaves by painting with watercolors, gather data in the field for a math lesson or study a baby goat’s biology in science class.

Nature-based education also offers an opportunity to explore broader lessons, O’Brien said.

“Nature is important because nature teaches us balance and biodiversity,” she said. “When things are diverse, they are healthy.”

Reflecting on her career, O’Brien is thankful it all began at such a transformative university.

“Bridgewater gave me the tools to enter the professional world,” she said.

Bridgewater is where I found my confidence as a learner and a teacher. At Bridgewater, I found the tools I needed to become a better writer and a better student than I had ever been.

Cristy O’Brien, ’05

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Alumni Profile

Super Job

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:58:43 +0000

Super Job HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:58

Alumnus producer takes his talents to the Super Bowl

February 18, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

When Thomas Pike, ’17, first picked up a camera to film the Bridgewater State University football team play against Endicott College, little did he know it marked the beginning of a successful career covering some of the most elite events in professional sports.

“My first experience with collegiate sports at ŷ�� is what provided me with the gateway to what I wanted to do,” Pike said. “The connections I made at Bridgewater have made it easier to broaden my horizons and figure out the trajectory of my career.”

That trajectory recently landed Pike inside New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome for Super Bowl LIX, producing three different segments for Draft Kings, where he works as an associate technical director.

While in New Orleans, he worked behind the scenes helping to produce the Draft King Network’s “GoJo and Golic,” “Pregame Powerup,” and “The Ross Tucker Football Podcast.”

“It was a blast,” Pike said.

This isn’t the first time the ŷ�� alumnus has worked the big game. He also traveled to Los Angeles in 2022 for Super Bowl LVI.

Pike doesn’t take any of it for granted and admits he loves his job.

“I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by amazingly talented people,” he said. “Working with others who have different backgrounds, all with the same purpose and goals...I get to be around people I can learn from every single day.”

That willingness to learn from others goes back to his days at ŷ��, where he got involved with sports production under Associate Director of Athletics & Recreation Operations Glenn Gonsalves and received overall guidance from James Moore, an instructor with the Department of Communication. Both, Pike said, were integral in his growth.

“I had been undecided when I first got to Bridgewater in terms of what I wanted to do, but soon realized I really liked making videos and fell in love with it,” Pike said.

He also gained valuable work experience as an intern for the Brockton Rox and worked for BTV Access Corporation, better known as Bridgewater Community Television.

“That experience really helped me learn how to run and direct a show,” Pike said.

After graduating from ŷ�� with a degree in communications, things happened fast. He was first hired by Dirty Water Media in Boston to create features and film content. Through that job he met someone within the Boston Red Sox organization. Soon he interviewed for and was offered a job as production assistant for the organization.

“Yep, I got the job and was able to witness the Red Sox go to the World Series. It’s interesting, since I left that job, they’ve declined,” Pike joked. “But really, it was a great experience being part of that team and organization.”

He then moved on to work as chief editor for Medfield TV, a local access television station before venturing out on his own as a freelancer.

“Starting your freelance journey during COVID – not the easiest,” Pike said.

Around this time, he reached out to his former employer at Bridgewater Community Television. That’s when he became aware of the opportunity at Draft Kings.

“In every position I’ve had, I’ve been able to use all the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my journey,” Pike said.

As for the next chapter in his career? He’s unsure but can’t wait to see what happens next.

“I’ve been fortunate to be in this amazing position to cover both the World Series and Super Bowl. The next step would have to be covering the Stanley Cup or NBA Championship,” Pike said. “We’ll just have to see what the road opens up for me and go from there.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The connections I made at Bridgewater have made it easier to broaden my horizons and figure out the trajectory of my career.

Thomas Pike, '17

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Alumni Profile

Communications

To ‘Administer’ Unto

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:43:10 +0000

To ‘Administer’ Unto BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 01/08/2025 - 13:43

MPA graduate earns top municipal post in Easton

January 9, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

As the town administrator for Easton, Connor Read, G’16, oversees a municipal entity serving more than 25,000 residents. He leads a team that tackles a plethora of duties, from repairing streets to providing public health and safety services.

It’s a challenging yet rewarding job for which he felt prepared after earning a master’s degree in public administration at ŷ��.

“I don’t think I would have been ready to take on the role of town administrator had I not had that graduate-level education,” he said. “It helped position me to be ready for the next level of my career.”

Read has worked in Easton for most of his career, starting in 2012 as the citizen business advocate. In that role, he helped people navigate municipal permitting. His mentor encouraged him to pursue graduate school and ŷ�� was a perfect fit.

“Bridgewater’s program was really attractive because it has national accreditation,” he said. “It was very close by. It was a program that was accessible, credible and affordable.”

Read appreciated how evening classes met the needs of working professionals. Faculty taught relevant theories while discussing how students could apply them in their careers. His classmates brought an array of professional experiences to class discussions.

The program’s focus on communication and group work became essential as he assumed increasing responsibility in Easton.

“Just being the technician who can make sense of something is not enough,” he said. “You need to be able to effectively communicate.”

While a graduate student, Read received a promotion to assistant town administrator. In 2017, he was named town administrator, becoming one of the youngest municipal chief executives in Massachusetts.

One of his former professors, Dr. Deniz Leuenberger, is not surprised to see Read’s success.

“Connor was and is a value-driven individual,” said Leuenberger, who is now chief of staff and vice president for planning and strategy at ŷ��. “One of the things I really remember about his time in my classroom was how respectful he was of others. He had that level of maturity early.”

Read also excels at interpreting complex information, a skill that is essential to being a town administrator, Leuenberger said.

Read lives in Easton and enjoys seeing the positive effects of town government on display throughout his community. One of his proudest accomplishments, he said, was being part of a team that oversaw construction of a new elementary school.

He traces his interest in public service back to middle school, when he struggled academically after losing his father to cancer.

“If it weren’t for the history teachers, guidance counselors and school resource officers who went above and beyond to pull me back from the brink, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “On a very personal level, I know how important public servants are.”

A Bridgewater education, he said, helps him ensure local government continues to make such a profound difference.

“I’ve been a proud product of public education, and Bridgewater was a big part of that,” Read said. “It has enabled me to do my job well and serve the community well.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I don’t think I would have been ready to take on the role of town administrator had I not had that graduate-level education. It helped position me to be ready for the next level of my career.

Connor Read, G’16

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Alumni Profile

Graduate Studies

Stories to Tell

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:22:23 +0000

Stories to Tell HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 01/06/2025 - 12:22

Alumna moves from television to successful career in public relations

January 7, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Liz (Meagher) Cooper’s impressive career working in media and communications started as an undergraduate at Bridgewater State.

“I was able to test out a bunch of hands-on communication classes to help me figure out which direction I wanted to go,” the 2001 Bridgewater graduate said. “I initially wanted to go into radio, but a professor pulled me aside and said, ‘You’d be great in TV,’ so I took a TV production class and, well, it all fell into place.”

During her senior year, Cooper landed an internship working for Boston’s WBZ-TV, Channel 4.

“It was a dream come true for me,” she said. “Here I was working with people that I had seen on TV, and now I was in the newsroom with them.”

The experience opened doors. The next leg of her journey was in the newsroom at WFXT-TV, Boston’s Fox affiliate. Working at first on the assignment desk, over the next 12 years she worked her way up to segment producer, including for the Morning Show and even booked celebrity guests such as Kevin Bacon.

After working with Fox 25 for more than a decade, Cooper decided it was time to try something new and switched gears, working for a public relations agency before moving onto communications director for the administration of former Gov. Deval Patrick.

Since then, she’s stuck with the public relations side of the field, working at Massachusetts Bay Community College for nearly 10 years, and these days serves as the associate director of public relations.

What does she like best about working in higher education?

“The students, I just love working with the students. They keep me feeling younger than I am,” she said.

More importantly she likes unearthing students’ stories and sharing them with the world.

“I love highlighting the amazing things people are doing that you wouldn’t otherwise know about,” Cooper said. “Everybody has a story to tell. Meeting people, getting to know the students, it just excites me.”

Her storytelling skills were recently recognized by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations who honored her with the 2024 District 1 Communicator of the Year.

“It’s extremely meaningful to me, I was blown away, truly humbled by it all,” she said.

As she looks back at her career, Cooper recognizes the seeds of inspiration were planted as a student at ŷ��. It was the support of professors and mentors like Dan Darcy, who at the time worked as assistant director of activities in Greek Life and today is director of Alumni and Student Engagement, who helped propel her.

“Dan was always available to everyone. He helped us all navigate Bridgewater. He was such a cheerleader, and I found that I didn’t want to let him down,” Cooper said. “Dan made a huge impact on my life in how I lead and make myself available. He helped me become a good listener.”

If she were able to offer ŷ�� students some of her own advice, it would be to put your best foot forward and work hard.

“Experience all that college has to offer. You’re only there for four years, maybe five, it goes by so quickly so make the most of it. Use the resources there,” Cooper said. “Make mistakes, don’t be afraid to fail. Mistakes help you grow and make you stronger. Brush it off and move forward.”

And, Cooper added, don’t forget to stay in touch with ŷ�� post-graduation.

“Stay invested and connected. A lot of alumni have a lot to offer and can help you get involved,” she said. “My Bridgewater experience was so worth it, and I donate back to ŷ�� when I can. If you can, give back to another Bear.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

My Bridgewater experience was so worth it, and I donate back to ŷ�� when I can. If you can, give back to another Bear.

Liz (Meagher) Cooper, '01

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Alumni Profile

Start the Presses

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 21:12:09 +0000

Start the Presses BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 12/16/2024 - 16:12

Veteran reporter recounts his beginnings in journalism – right here on campus

December 17, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Joe Burns, ’75, traces his career in journalism back to a story about a jazz concert he wrote for the Hard Times Press, an alternative newspaper at Bridgewater State that competed with the more established Campus Comment.

As a rock-and-roll fan, Burns knew little about jazz, and he had minimal experience writing news articles. But his editors at the Bridgewater State newspaper saw a budding reporter in the sophomore from Worcester.

“Bridgewater State was the perfect school for me,” said Burns, who started out studying biology, switched to education and graduated as an English major. “It was the right size. ...There were times that I struggled, but then I found my place at the Hard Times Press and felt that I belong here.”

Today, Burns is a freelance writer specializing in health care. He covers the health reform and insurance beat for the Association of Health Care Journalists and has written for many newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times and Hartford Courant.

But the Hard Times Press is where it all began.

“I remember thinking that sounds interesting,” Burns said of joining the newspaper, which published at Bridgewater State in the 1970s. “They were the most interesting people I met at school. They were smart, they were funny, they were very engaged in what happened.”

As a junior, he became the paper’s editor, a position that required handling all facets of publishing a newspaper. The Press maintained a friendly rivalry with the Campus Comment, which continues to this day providing ŷ�� student-journalists with hands-on experience.

Burns also appreciated his English classes, including a course on the nuts-and-bolts of journalism. He still follows the advice of English professor Charles Fanning.

“He said that you can’t revise a blank page,” Burns recalled. “That’s so true about journalism. You’ve got to get something down on paper and revise and revise.”

After graduating, Burns worked for weekly and daily newspapers in Connecticut before eventually becoming editor-in-chief of the magazine Business & Health, which served employers who manage health care benefits. His work for the Association of Health Care Journalists helps reporters make sense of complex topics that they will cover.

“I was hooked on health care because it is just a fabulous beat,” he said. “It’s so rich and detailed and it’s very consumer oriented. You’re writing to help people.”

It’s an important and meaningful job rooted in Burns’ Bridgewater State experience.

“Bridgewater had a big, big impact on my life,” he said. “I have a soft spot in my heart for Bridgewater. It gave me a great start to a great career.”

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Bridgewater State was the perfect school for me. It was the right size. ...There were times that I struggled, but then I found my place at the Hard Times Press and felt that I belong here.

Joe Burns, ’75

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