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Attention parents, grandparents and other Bentley relatives: This one’s for you. A renewed commitment to connecting parents and families of current students with the campus community is unfolding on several fronts at the university.

The initiative is led jointly by the offices of Alumni, Parents and Friends and Student Activities.

“Parents and other family members are a vital part of the Bentley network,” says Nicole (Fernandez) Gamer ’02, associate director of the Parents Fund and family programs. “We want them to be fully aware of all campus news and activities, and educated about the variety of ways they can become involved with the university. Whether it’s fund raising, student life, admission, or career services, the opportunities are nearly limitless.”

The centerpiece of these efforts is a brand-new web site: families.bentley.edu. Launched this fall, it offers one-stop access to the resources most in-demand by parents and families: academic calendars, campus directories, tuition figures, career services and more.

“The web site is the new home base for our parents and families, and their launching pad for opportunities to become engaged,” explains Gamer. “We encourage everyone to visit frequently for the most up-to-date information.”

Other new and expanded initiatives: 

The Falcon Nest. This quarterly e-mail newsletter is packed with the latest information about campus speakers, workshops, special events, and other topics of particular interest to parents and families. A bonus edition distributed in late summer features helpful tips for fall move-in. To begin receiving The Falcon Nest, send e-mail addresses to mykidis@bentley.edu.

Family Weekend. This popular annual event brings parents and families to campus for three days of athletic games, campus tours, educational sessions, nightly entertainment, and Falcon spirit. Family Weekend 2010 takes place February 19 through 21.

The Parents Fund. The Parents Fund provides critical resources to enhance student life and learning. The funds play a vital role in allowing the university to direct resources where they are most needed. By supporting the Parents Fund, you can make a real difference in the lives of current Bentley students. To make a donation, go to families.bentley.edu/parents-fund.

Career Catalysts. Students with real-world business skills are highly prized among top employers. Opportunities abound for parents and families to provide this type of valuable experience for students, while gaining personal satisfaction and needed resources for their company or organization. Consider mentoring a student, sponsoring an internship, or sharing a full-time position with the university’s career database. Learn more about working with Career Services at families.bentley.edu/career-services.

Volunteer Opportunities. From networking with other parents to opening professional doors for the next generation, Bentley offers numerous avenues for getting involved with the campus community. To see the full range of options, visit families.bentley.edu/volunteer-opportunities.

Bentley parent Jack Cumming calls his involvement with the school “incredibly enriching.”

“My wife, Pam, and I value that Bentley provides numerous opportunities for us to show our support,” says Cumming, who is the father of Lacey ’12 and a member of the Chairman’s Circle donor recognition society. “We’re able to help in ways that are important to us, and the university has worked closely with us to determine where we can make the greatest impact. It’s a win-win.”

For more information about services for Bentley parents and families, contact Nicole Gamer at 781.891.3445 or ngamer@bentley.edu. To update contact information and begin receiving the latest campus updates, fill out the Bentley Family Information form available at families.bentley.edu/update-information.