While Bentley’s commitment to providing a world-class business education has not wavered throughout the decades, the university’s student life experience has changed dramatically. Here is a snapshot of an average day in the life as told by students from two distinctly different eras in Bentley’s history.
Rich Caturano ’74, MST ’85
Gloucester, Massachusetts
National Leader of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at RSM International;
Former Chairman of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Morning
I was up at 6:00 a.m. I’d grab a quick breakfast, and be out the door around 7:00 a.m. I commuted with two other classmates from Revere (Mass.) High School — Bob Picardi ’74 and Les Vitale ’74, MST ’01, P ’10. Typically, at least one of us had to be on campus for an 8:00 a.m. class.
The commute wasn’t too bad. Usually less than an hour. Our soundtrack? Les wouldn’t stop talking from the minute I picked him up until we arrived on campus.
Professor Marion Willis taught English and was constantly trying to explain the benefits of being able to write and speak articulately. I’d think, “Why do I need to be an expert in English if I want to be an accountant?”
Once we got to Bentley, I’d either head to class or to the cafeteria. As a commuter, you would spend most of your time between classes in either the library or cafeteria. Not many other options. I’d use that downtime to get my homework and studying done or just hang out.
To this day, I can vividly remember Joe from the cafeteria. He was a friendly guy — the custodian who cleaned the cafe. Each morning, I’d ask him: “How’s business, Joe?” He’d reply: “It’s picking up.” Got me every time. I don’t remember the specific classes I took in the morning versus the afternoon, but I do recall a couple of professors who had a significant impact on me.
Professor Marion Willis [who, in 1962, became the first full-time female professor in Bentley’s history] taught English and was constantly trying to explain the benefits of being able to write and speak articulately. I’d think, “Why do I need to be an expert in English if I want to be an accountant?” I couldn’t see outside of my accounting bubble. It didn’t take long for me to realize just how right she was.
Professor Dick Cross was my freshman accounting professor. He was a nice guy, but tough. Very disciplined. He was really the accountant’s accounting professor. He approached teaching in such a methodical manner. His approach and demeanor made the content easy to understand.
Afternoon
Every day, my mother made my lunch. It was usually something with eggs — like pepper and eggs. She was a good cook. The challenge for me was waiting until around noon to eat it.
The afternoon was much like the morning. Go to class, or study in the library or cafeteria. The day was pretty full. I was either studying or doing homework. There wasn’t much time for student activities.
After our last class, usually around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., we’d head back home to Revere.
Evening
When I got home, my mother would serve the family dinner. Most of my classwork and studying was already done. So, soon I would be either off to visit my high school sweetheart (now my wife) or off to bed — and ready to do it all again tomorrow.
During my three years at Bentley I never once went to a party on campus. The parties we had were off-campus with some of our fellow commuters.
What's Old is New Again: Throughout my Bentley life, I drove a 1964 Chevy Impala. Recently, I bought almost an exact replica. I have it sitting in my garage now. It sure does bring back some great memories.
Happily Ever After: After my sophomore year, I got married to Bob’s sister, Bob married my sister, and years later Les and I became business partners. We’re one big Bentley family, I guess.
Elaine Tai ’17
Cupertino, California
Major: Economics and Marketing
Minor: Computer Information Systems
Morning
My alarm goes off at 7:30 a.m., and rings about seven times. Every two minutes I shut it off. I just can’t bear to get out of bed.
Once I finally rise and shine, I do my morning routine. I shower, brush my teeth, get dressed, etc. Then I’m off to the kitchen to make breakfast. Yogurt. Granola. Cereal. Oats. Fruit. I like to mix it up.
Everybody on the shuttle is scrambling, talking about how tired they are from staying up late studying.
I live on the north campus [near Gann Academy], so I take the shuttle to the main campus each morning. You have to time it perfectly. The shuttle consistently leaves two minutes early, and if you’re not running to try and catch it, then it’s not waiting for you. Everybody on the shuttle is scrambling, talking about how tired they are from staying up late studying. Once we’re dropped off, I run to a 9:30 a.m. class. I typically have classes from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
I’ve been fortunate to take some great courses and have some outstanding professors. I took Intermediate Macroeconomics with Professor Aaron Jackson, who is the director of the Honors Program. It’s great. He’s also from the West Coast, so during the winter we’ll commiserate about the weather. I really enjoy his class, because he uses a lot of visuals. Whether it’s the Smart Board or PowerPoint, he makes it easy to understand the interactive graphs. The technology really helps, and he’s a wonderful teacher.
Professor William Clarke teaches Intermediate Price Theory. He’s always injecting funny stories when he’s explaining a concept. The humor really helps, and it’s a very interactive class. He knows how to relate to his students, and I learn so much during each session.
Afternoon
After morning classes, I hop on the shuttle back to my apartment for a 20-minute nap. Any shorter is not enough, and any longer is too much; 20 minutes is optimal. I wake up make a quick salad or sandwich and head off to work. I work in the Advancement Communications office in LaCava. Great people. I work from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and then it’s off to class, again!
Evening
My 5:00 p.m. class gets out at 6:30 p.m., and then, depending on the day of the week, I might have a meeting with the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC) or head outside for a quick run. Next — dinner! This meal is a bit more chill. My roommates and I generally cook together, each making our own dinner in our shared kitchen. Whatever is quick and easy, but we try to eat as healthy as possible.
After dinner, I relax for about 30 minutes, until about 8:30 p.m., then it’s off to do my school work with friends. Back to the shuttle!
Around 9:00 p.m., my friends and I go to either Smith or the library to study. We always bring snacks — not usually of the healthy variety — and coffee. Of course, coffee! We study for about three hours or so, then it’s back home to get ready for bed and crash for the night.
Ugh, it’s a long day
Let it Snow & Snow & Snow: My first winter here was the historic “Snowmageddon” of 2015. Growing up in California, I was never subject to extreme cold or snow. It was definitely my “welcome to New England” moment.
The City of Lights: I’m spending the fall semester [2016] in Paris. I am so excited to immerse myself in a different culture and experience all that the city has to offer