This year’s Founder’s Day Award went to Mary Jo (MJ) Sanz, director of Learning Design. Presented by President Brent Chrite and Provost Paul Tesluk, the Founder’s Day Award celebrates and recognizes a staff member who made a significant, positive impact on the Bentley community.
Though s
he’s earned a well-deserved reputation for being collaborative, responsive and innovative, MJ does not seek the spotlight.
“Receiving this award is the last thing MJ would expect,” one nominator accurately predicted.
Indeed, MJ admits to being surprised by the honor but gratified as well.
“I truly appreciate the welcoming environment and opportunity to engage with others in different and interesting ways,” she said. “I enjoy coming to work every day.”
MJ has been an integral part of Bentley University for 16 years. In her current role, she helps faculty find the best, most inclusive and innovative ways to teach students. As one professor noted, “MJ has helped to transform my teaching from strictly lecture to leveraging a variety of flipped classroom approaches and multiple technical learning applications.”
Beyond her deep understanding of how students learn, MJ also has great advice on how to work with others. “Treat your colleagues and peers with respect and value the opinions of others. Appreciate that people come at issues with a wide range of perspectives.”
Congratulations, MJ!
Our B
entley University police and community supported the City of Waltham following the tragic death of Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey, who was killed in the line of duty after being hit by a car.
Bentley staff provided parking and other support for thousands of police officers, family and friends who came to pay their respects, as buses and other vehicles transported the visitors from the Bentley campus to the church on Trapelo Road where services were held.
University Police officers attended the funeral services alongside their Waltham police counterparts while many faculty, staff, students and visiting officers lined Forest Street to show support as the funeral procession passed by campus.
As Police Chief Bourgeois said in an email to the community, “For more than 50 years, Bentley has been honored to call the city of Waltham our home. We are humbled to be able to support our fellow officers in Waltham in this time of mourning and grief.”
This holiday season, the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement is promoting businesses run by Bentley alumni with our online holiday gift guide, which features unique treats from chocolate to coffee to sparkling jewelry — all offered at a discount.
The Falcon Business Directory also highlights a range of services by Bentley graduates.
Check out the Gift Guide Falcon Business Directory
Bentley
University Police Sergeant Matt Doucot is following in his father’s footsteps and reaching out to help people who are unhoused this winter by collecting clothing donations. Bentley community members who would like to contribute can bring donations of new socks, knit hats and gloves to the “Charlie’s Bin” box in the Bentley Police station lobby by today, Dec. 22.
Honoring a family tradition started by his father Charlie, Sergeant Doucot will host a pizza party with The Movement Family on Dec. 27 in Lawrence for people who are homeless and will also deliver the donated clothing.
Supporting Students with the Career Closet
As we celebrate the spirit of giving, consider donating gently used suits and professional clothing to the Career Closet at the Pulsifer Career Development Center. The Career Closet provides students with the attire they need for interviews, internships, classroom presentations and career-related events.
Your generosity can be the catalyst for success, offering students the confidence and appearance essentials for navigating their professional lives.
Donations can be dropped off in the Career Closet bins located outside of LaCava 225. You may also contribute at any time by ordering items from our Career Closet Amazon Wishlist.
Thank you in advance for your kindness and commitment to the success of our students – your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Bentley welcomed 13 new staff and faculty during November and December:
-Christian Edwards, Groundsperson
-Maria Garcia, Building Services Worker
-Matthew Jacoby-Brooks, Building Services Worker
-Matthew Kerr, Leadership Gifts Officer
-Jacob Murphy, Business Analyst I
-Gianna Larson, Residence Director
-Elizabeth Miranda, Associate Director, Advancement Writer
-Jennifer Larson, Career Education Instructor, Pulsifer Career Development Center
-Sarah Denlinger, Director, Parent Giving and Engagement
-Kerr Cirilo, Assistant Director, Graduate Admission
-Samantha Ghika, Talent Acquisition Specialist
-Vijay Kumar Rajendra Yadav, Student Success Data Analyst
From the Newsroom
First-Gen Mentorship Program Launched with Deloitte
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By Kristen Walsh
Bentley Dining: Where Sustainability is on the Menu
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By Kristen Walsh and Caleb Gowett
Bentley Students Mentor High Schoolers on Entrepreneurship
In the space of a year, Kassidi Thompson ’27, went from being a Junior Achievement participant to a Bentley mentor at the 2023 JA Be Entrepreneurial Challenge program.
By Kristen Walsh
How to Build More Sustainable Supply Chains in a Globalized World
A professor and alumna share insights for companies responding to consumer demand for more sustainable business practices.
By Molly Mastantuono and Kristen Walsh