Student Spotlight

Students Bring the Cheer with Every Pats TD

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:23:43 +0000

Students Bring the Cheer with Every Pats TD HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 01/13/2026 - 08:23

Fans and flag-bearers at Gillette Stadium reflect on a great gig

January 13, 2026

Heather Harris Michonski

When New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye finds wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the end zone at Gillette Stadium, ��Ƶ is part of the celebration.

That’s because every time the home team scores, as part of the celebration, ��Ƶ’s Carly McMahon, ’24, G’26, and JT Goudas, ’26, sprint through the end zone waving giant flags as more than 60,000- fans cheer them on.

“Getting to be on the sidelines, waiting for the Pats to score…then getting to carry a 12-foot flagpole with a 6-foot flag on it and run it across the end zone? It’s insanely fun, I love every minute of it,” JT said.

JT, an aviation science and aviation management double major, and Carly, who has a degree in communications and is working toward a master’s in public relations, both work for the Kraft Group as event presentation ambassadors.

As far as part-time gigs go, both agree the experience is a 10 out of 10.

“This job is fun, but it also comes with hard work like any other job,” Carly said. “It has been extremely valuable to my learning and growth as a professional, I am grateful to work with such an amazing team and be guided by leaders who inspire us.”

Carly and JT aren’t the only ��Ƶ students currently employed by the Kraft Group, Miranda MacLeod, ’28, who is studying public relations, also works as a part-time event ambassador. She doesn’t run the flags on game day, instead, her main responsibilities are to ensure Patriot fans have a stress-free and memorable experience when visiting Gillette.

“I want to work in professional sports, so this has been a really great experience working in the sports industry,” Miranda said. “I’ve made a lot of connections and have gotten to see how operations work behind the scenes.”

There are, of course, some perks like rubbing elbows with Patriot legends.

When working at the recent Patriots Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, that inducted former head coach Bill Parcells and wide receiver Julian Edelman, Carly shared the same rarified air with past players Ty Law, Willie McGinest, Danny Amendola, Rob Ninkovich, Devin McCourty, and current head coach Mike Vrabel.

The most memorable experience was when she got to see the GOAT himself, quarterback Tom Brady, at Brady’s statue unveiling event.

“My family grew up watching him,” the Norton native said. “It was a privilege to be able to see him walk by and see the event in real-time.”

JT didn’t grow up in New England, but he’s still a Patriots fan. While most of his friends in his home state North Carolina were cheering on the Panthers, he stood out like a sore thumb in his Pats gear.

Coming to Bridgewater State not only gave him a place to study to become a pilot but also helped him find like-minded fans and put him in close enough proximity to work for the team he grew up idolizing.

“I definitely caught a lot of flak growing up, especially in middle school,” JT said. “I never really thought in the entirety of my life I’d be working at Gillette stadium, but I would never have had this opportunity if I didn’t apply to ��Ƶ. I’m extremely thankful.”

Miranda is from Taunton, so being a Patriots fan is part of her birthright. She admits it’s easy to get starstruck being that close to the players but emphasizes the importance of remaining professional.

“It’s exposed me to a lot of different people. Yes, it can be fun, but it’s also shown me what to expect as I pursue a career in professional sports,” she said.

Carly, who recently was awarded the MVP of the month for September by the Kraft Group, also believes this job will open doors for a career in public relations and social media.

“As a public relations student I value this opportunity and have learned how to navigate a fast-paced environment, which is something I will be able to keep with me as I navigate my career,” she said. “This and learning how to maintain professionalism as well as discretion are things that will translate into my future career.”

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

I never really thought in the entirety of my life I’d be working at Gillette stadium, but I would never have had this opportunity if I didn’t apply to ��Ƶ. I’m extremely thankful.

JT Goudas, ’26

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Student Spotlight

��Ƶ Senior Tackles Science, Service, and Motherhood

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:07:49 +0000

��Ƶ Senior Tackles Science, Service, and Motherhood HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 12/02/2025 - 12:07

Student researcher looks to solve problems on many fronts

December 9, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

From researching the psychological effects of the popular weight loss drug semaglutide to helping bring clean water to global communities, all while raising her four-year-old son, Benjamin, Genesis Rojas, ’26, is having a busy and impactful senior year at ��Ƶ.

“Bridgewater has taught me so many things, enriched me, enlightened me,” she said. “I’ve experienced such intellectual growth at ��Ƶ. I’m thankful for the experiences, especially as a mom. Not every mom gets to have this experience.”

For example, Genesis participating in ��Ƶ’s signature Adrian Tinsley Program (ATP) for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work Summer Grants. Her project, “Psychological Implications of Abrupt Semaglutide Withdrawal on Individuals Diagnosed with Obesity,” explored the impact the drug has on anxiety and depression-like behaviors once it’s no longer taken.

Biology Professor Joseph Seggio mentored Genesis on the project.

When Genesis first started at ��Ƶ, she initially majored in psychology, but after taking a neuroscience lab and meeting Dr. Seggio, she found herself drawn to biology.

“I learned a lot from him, and it was a good learning experience and over time I transitioned into biology,” she said. “I fell in love with biology, it’s fascinating, all the different systems and the biochemistry behind it. Biology is like art to me.”

This summer, through the ATP project and under Seggio’s guidance, Genesis observed how mice behaved before, after, and during semaglutide injections.

What they found was surprising: there were no real major behavioral changes.

“This experience taught me that sometimes when you don’t have a finding, that’s still okay,” she said. “In research, there is always a takeaway. In every situation you can learn something. And when you don’t find something, you change direction.”

On October 17, Genesis presented her research at ��Ƶ’s Student Arts & Research Symposium (STARS).

Outside research, her focus on campus is to bring awareness to ��Ƶ’s chapter of Global Water Brigades, an international movement of university students working alongside communities to implement clean water systems in the developing world. Genesis helped start the ��Ƶ chapter.

“I’m working toward establishing a more sustainable program here at Bridgewater,” Genesis said. “It’s a great opportunity for any student, with any major.”

If that’s not enough on her busy plate, Genesis will also be preparing for the MCAT, the standardized exam required for admission into medical school, as she works toward her dream of becoming a traveling doctor helping people in need around the world.

“I try to remember, even though the mountain seems so big, I just look at the next hill. I take each hill and before you know it, you’re at the top,” she said. “I attack it little by little.”

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

I’ve experienced such intellectual growth at ��Ƶ. I’m thankful for the experiences, especially as a mom. Not every mom gets to have this experience.

Genesis Rojas, ’26

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Student Spotlight

Top Vote Getter

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:35:17 +0000

Top Vote Getter HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 11/12/2025 - 15:35

Junior’s election efforts earn him Newman Fellowship

December 2, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Joshua Neff, ’27, has always been interested in politics. As a Voting and Civic Action Ambassador with the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ), he strives to build a stronger civic culture at ��Ƶ.

“Essentially, I work with a group of students who are dedicated to teaching other students about voting, we really want to promote civics holistically,” Joshua said.

Last year during the presidential election, Joshua and others set up tables and hosted workshops to help students gain knowledge about the election process and the ways to take civic actions.

He looks to continue that work and recently received news he was named a 2025-2026 Newman Civic Fellow. The fellowship is a year-long program that recognizes and supports community-committed students who have demonstrated an interest in finding solutions for some of society’s toughest challenges.

The program is run by the nonprofit Campus Compact.

Joshua will network with fellows from campuses across 38 states, Washington D.C., and Mexico.

“I am incredibly excited,” he said. “I’ll be working with others in the cohort and exposed to so many opportunities. This program will support me in building a stronger civic culture on campus.”

Joshua said his effort to educate is non-partisan, it’s about getting his peers to have confidence when it comes to voting issues and civic engagement.

“I’m excited to sink my teeth into everything and see our programs and events turn into something more traditional, something that continues year after year here at ��Ƶ,” he said.

He has been involved in other programming at ��Ƶ, including the Alternative Break Program, also run through MRISJ, where he traveled to Boston and met with local legislators.

“It was a really great experience for me,” he said. “I was able to talk with them about transparency issues. It broke down barriers for me and helped me to recognize my power as a constituent.”

All these experiences are helping him prepare for a career in education. The ��Ƶ junior double majors in secondary education and history, with the goal to one day teach in the classroom.

He wants to teach to have an impact.

“I want to do something, be in a career, that is positive for the community. Teaching is a great outlet to do meaningful work, where I can help people,” he said. “The opportunities I’ve had (at ��Ƶ) have reaffirmed this is the right path for me.”

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

I want to do something, be in a career, that is positive for the community. Teaching is a great outlet to do meaningful work, where I can help people. The opportunities I've had (at ��Ƶ) have reaffirmed this is the right path for me.

Joshua Neff, '27

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Student Spotlight

Joint Decisions

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:47:20 +0000

Joint Decisions HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 10/31/2025 - 10:47

Health science major’s research looks at surgical options for injured former athletes

November 6, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

As a member of the ��Ƶ women’s soccer team, Logan Levesque, ’26, has witnessed both teammates and opponents go down with injuries, specifically knee injuries.

“I’ve been lucky to not experience an injury like this, but it’s something I’ve often thought about, how female athletes seem to have more knee injuries,” she said.

As a health science major, with a concentration in physical therapy, Logan looks to carve out a career helping people recover from injuries.

When her advisor, Dr. Jean Mead, informed her of an opportunity through ��Ƶ’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work Summer Grants program, Logan saw it as way to gain more knowledge within a field she wants to work in.

“I’m trying to figure out my future, and what I want to do over the next few years, and I thought this was a cool opportunity,” she said.

While working on her project, ““Decision-Making in Knee Replacement Surgery: Exploring Influences Among Former Female Athletes with Osteoarthritis,” she was mentored by Mead and Health and Kinesiology Professor Dr. Matthew Patey.

The study examined elite female athletes, post-career and over 40, and the ways in which they arrived at making the decision to have knee-replacement surgery.

“Going into the PT (physical therapy) field, I want to better understand all of the factors one considers so I can better help my patients, what they are going through when they are making this decision,” Logan said.

What she found was a lot of similarities. That many of the women struggle with mental health when it comes to having the surgery.

“Most people didn’t want to feel as though their identity as an athlete will be taken away,” Logan said.

Another commonality was that many of the women put off having the surgery until a major incident occurred.

“Until they had fallen multiple times, or couldn’t walk normally, or stand up without their knee giving out, that was when they would finally consider it,” she said.

As she looks to apply to graduate schools next spring, Logan said the ATP program has helped increase her knowledge and added to her resume as she enters the workforce.

“It really did benefit me and will help me with the application process for PT schools. I’ve now gotten to do research that I didn’t think I’d get to do (as an undergraduate). I’m happy I did it,” she said.

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

It really did benefit me and will help me with the application process for PT schools. I’ve now gotten to do research that I didn’t think I’d get to do (as an undergraduate). I’m happy I did it.

Logan Levesque, ’26

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Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Reaping Rewards of Volunteering

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:07:43 +0000

Reaping Rewards of Volunteering HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 10/16/2025 - 10:07

Graduate student dedicated to giving back

October 30, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Like many first-year students, when Nick Jordan, ’20, G’26, first arrived at ��Ƶ he was looking for a way to connect with others on campus, and in doing so discovered a passion for community service.

He became involved with what was then called the Community Service Center. Through the center, he took part in a living-learning community, where he opted to live on the same floor as others who were interested in performing service projects. He served as a program assistant within the community.

“I met some really great people, but there is so much more that comes with it,” Nick said. “Especially as a freshman, you can feel alone and not sure who to turn to, but I was able to surround myself with others who are well intentioned and thoughtful, which sets you up for success in the long run.”

While studying communications, his involvement snowballed. When the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ) was created, he continued his work in service-based projects, including the annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance project and the Sharing the Harvest program.

Run through the South Coast YMCA, Sharing the Harvest is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven community farm established in 2006 as a grassroots response to hunger at the local level. The farm’s mission is to alleviate hunger, promote volunteerism, and provide agricultural education on the south coast of Massachusetts.

Every September and April, a group of ��Ƶ student-volunteers travels to the farm to harvest the crops in the fall and plant new seeds in the spring. The food gathered is then distributed to local food pantries.

“It’s my favorite (service) project,” Nick said. “You are outside getting fresh air, interacting with others, and working together to accomplish something for the common good.”

This year, as a graduate student enrolled in the mental health counseling program, Nick is in charge of organizing the event. It’s a full-circle moment for him, going from volunteering as an undergraduate to working behind the scenes as an MRISJ staff member.

In addition to working at MRISJ, he also hosts a radio show on WBIM, ��Ƶ’s radio station. He and co-host Heather Hynes, a ��Ƶ alumnus, are on the air Thursdays from 7-9p.m. and host “ThursTea” a show that encourages conversations that cover a variety of topics. All of it in the name of community building.

“It’s another way to give people a voice, to be visible, to encourage others to have a dialogue,” Nick said.

After he graduates from ��Ƶ this spring, Nick looks to embark on a career as a mental health counselor. His involvement at ��Ƶ has helped create a foundation from which he can build.

“Part of being a counselor is going out into the communities you serve, to gain a real understanding of the struggles they are facing and learn how best to support them beyond therapy,” he said. “I have been exposed and have seen how people connect with each other. It’s been part of my evolution in my desire to connect with people one-on-one, to be a true ally in the efforts combatting whatever it is people are facing.”

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

I have been exposed and have seen how people connect with each other. It’s been part of my evolution in my desire to connect with people one-on-one, to be a true ally in the efforts combatting whatever it is people are facing.

Nick Jordan, ’20, G’26

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Student Spotlight

Center Stage

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:36:39 +0000

Center Stage BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/29/2025 - 11:36

Music major feels at home in stadiums, classrooms and beyond

September 30, 2025

Brian Benson, G’23

At the end of high school, Delaney Hughes, ’26, was relegated to playing the flute over Zoom amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Just a few years later, the ��Ƶ student performed a solo near the 50-yard line of an NFL stadium.

Delaney is a member of the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps, which played at LucasOil Stadium in Indianapolis for the Drum Corps International world championships. She credits her music-related experiences at ��Ƶ with providing the confidence to excel on such a large stage.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot,” said Delaney, a music education major from Franklin. “All of the faculty and my peers are so supportive. They’re looking at your potential, not how good you are at the start. It’s a very growth-focused environment.”

Flutes have not historically been part of competitive drum corps, which are highly advanced marching bands that emphasize brass and percussion. Thus, Delaney learned how to play percussion when she joined the Hurricanes a few years ago. However, a recent rule change allowed corps to include woodwind soloists, opening the door for the Hurricanes to feature Delaney playing Evanescence’s “Hi-Lo” on her flute.

The Hurricanes “really strive to be an educational drum corps, but we also have really high expectations competitively and we do well in our class,” she said.

That encouraging atmosphere reminds Delaney of life at ��Ƶ, where her performance resume includes concerts with the Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir and football games with the Bear Band. She also leads the ��Ƶ chapters of the National Association for Music Educators and International Alliance for Women in Music. The latter organization focuses on presenting songs by women composers, and Delaney studied female flute composers through ��Ƶ’s undergraduate research program.

Delaney aspires to use her broad musical experience to teach music to elementary students, where she can instill a lifelong love of the art form just as her early music teachers inspired her.

“I really love working with the littler kids,” said Delaney, who worked as a nanny during a gap year between high school and college. “Just to get them excited about music at such a young age so it sticks with them into adolescence and as adults.”

Delaney praised the support and individualized instruction of Donald Zook, who teaches the flute at ��Ƶ. In Dr. Sarah McQuarrie’s music education classes, she enjoyed hands-on lessons where students practice teaching each other, making them more prepared to lead their own classrooms.

“I feel more connected to my peers and faculty than a lot of people at other schools might,” she said. “I’ve made lifelong friends and professional connections that I will have with me as a teacher.”

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

I feel like I’ve grown a lot. All of the faculty and my peers are so supportive. They’re looking at your potential, not how good you are at the start. It’s a very growth-focused environment.

Delaney Hughes, ’26

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Student Spotlight

Arts

The Curious Kind

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:22:47 +0000

The Curious Kind HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/29/2025 - 11:22

New student trustee brings to the board an inquisitive mind and desire to do good

October 9, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Dhareen Jean-Michel, ’28, takes ��Ƶ’s motto, "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister" to heart, especially in his new role as student trustee on the university’s 11-member board.

“I really want to serve people and work for the people as our motto states,” Dhareen said. “I am in a position where I can listen to and help students. I look forward to hearing the ideas they want to see implemented and hopefully set those plans in motion.”

After serving as student government senator last year, he knew he wanted to continue representing his peers. Specific areas Dhareen hopes to highlight during his tenure include mental health initiatives, community outreach and expanding connections on campus.

Since being appointed in May, he has received support from all board members, something Dhareen said he is grateful for.

“We have a group of phenomenal people running our university. They have helped me understand what is happening not only at the administrative level, but also within the community, as well as the state and federal levels,” he said.

Growing up in Stoughton, Dhareen often found himself looking up at the stars, and questioning how they got there.

“I’m a curious person and love to learn. Space is one of those things you never stop learning about, you can spend a lifetime studying the cosmos and barely scratch the surface,” he said.

He also has an affinity for biology.

“I’ve just always enjoyed it, it’s always come easy to me,” Dhareen said, which is how he came to major in the discipline, with a concentration in cellular physics. His goal is to pursue a career in astrobiology.

His sense of curiosity will bring valuable perspective to the board and help him strengthen his own communication skills.

“Learning how to communicate with different people from different cultures and being aware of that, and to be able to connect with so many people, these are skills that will be applicable in all I do,” he said.

During his year-long term, Dhareen ultimately wants to make a difference.

“I am a curious person who loves to help people and serving in this role will help me understand a lot and give me an idea of how I can help people even more,” he said.

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

I am a curious person who loves to help people and serving in this role will help me understand a lot and give me an idea of how I can help people even more.

Dhareen Jean-Michel, ’28

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Student Spotlight

Research is on her Plate

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:38:20 +0000

Research is on her Plate BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 09/04/2025 - 08:38

Chemistry student studies ancient food artifacts

September 4, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26, is using modern scientific techniques to gain insights into how people lived thousands of years ago.

The West Bridgewater resident is studying pieces of pottery with the goal of determining what these ancient people ate. Along the way, she’s gaining new perspectives on her own future.

“I don’t think I would be able to explore this potential avenue for a career if I didn’t have the ability to research and experiment,” she said. “It gives me insight into what it is like to do this work fulltime.”

With a major in chemistry and minor in anthropology, Mackenzie is pursuing the right degree to continue conducting this type of research. Her current project, supported by ��Ƶ’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work, involves pottery used by Pocomtuc indigenous people 500-2,000 years ago in what is today western Massachusetts.

Working under the mentorship of chemistry Professor Sarah Soltau and anthropology Associate Professor Michael Zimmerman, Mackenzie extracts lipids from the pottery samples. She conducts chemical analyses on these lipid residue deposits with the goal of determining if the vessels once contained animal fats or plant fats. While her work cannot be generalized to the entire Pocomtuc people, Massachusetts Archaeological Society officials hope it will provide lifestyle clues and lay the groundwork for using this methodology to conduct additional research.

“We hope Mackenzie is able to learn more about this past population and their daily lives,” said Jessica Munkittrick, a society board member. “It’s a collection that might not otherwise be looked at in-depth.”

Munkittrick and society President John Campbell, ’11, identified the pottery as ideal material for an undergraduate researcher, and Dr. Zimmerman connected them to Mackenzie.

Campbell, who completed undergraduate research when he was a Bridgewater anthropology major, is impressed with Mackenzie’s dedication.

“What stands out about Mackenzie in this research is her drive to try to find out how the methodology will work and the results themselves,” he said. “She is a student who is clearly not afraid of rolling up her sleeves to get the job done.”

Mackenzie, who is also minoring in Irish studies, said she is driven by a desire to learn new things about the past and showcase how chemistry is important in humanities research.

“I’ve met a lot of different people,” she said of the project. “It’s really helped me grow. Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.”

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

Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26

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Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Soaring to New Heights

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:44:22 +0000

Soaring to New Heights BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:44

Math major earns NASA grant, aims to break new ground in photonics

August 21, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27, has always enjoyed math because it allows her to flex her brainpower. As a ��Ƶ student, she realized how far her love of numbers could actually take her.

This summer, Evaneida is contributing to the development of devices that could one day be used by astronauts in space.

“This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for,” said the first-generation math major who grew up in Cabo Verde and Fall River. “��Ƶ has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.”

With funding from the NASA Space Grant program, Evaneida is applying mathematical optimization and data analysis skills from her undergraduate courses to the design of integrated photonic devices. The devices would utilize particles of light called photons to help monitor astronaut health and study exoplanets, which are planets located outside our solar system.

Evaneida collaborates with Dr. Samuel Serna, an assistant professor of physics, photonics and optical engineering, and his students to understand how her computer-based modeling could play out in the real world. As she refines design algorithms to develop feasible concepts, Evaneida works with MIT material scientists to understand the extreme environments in which these devices must operate.

“I like problem solving and I like to be challenged,” she said. “Math can be applied in many different fields. I’m having so much fun doing that in this research.”

While Evaneida’s project is confined to a computer, she hopes to see the designs eventually built, potentially in collaboration with MIT scientists. The research also improves her coding and troubleshooting abilities, skills that will be invaluable as she eyes a career in data analysis.

Evaneida is also taking part in ��Ƶ’s 4+1 program, through which she can complete her bachelor’s degree while beginning her master’s degree in math. This allows students to count some courses toward both degrees and save time and money.

Outside of the classroom, Evaneida is a resident assistant for the honors living learning community, a position through which she mentors fellow honors students and introduces them to opportunities at ��Ƶ that she has found so valuable.

“Bridgewater State has helped me grow as a person,” she said. “It has helped me grow academically. It has made me feel a sense of belonging and that I can do anything I desire to do.”

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

This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for. ��Ƶ has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27

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Undergraduate Research

Photonics

Honors Program

Student Spotlight

Graphic by Charlie Peters, G'20

Making a Difference

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:58:52 +0000

Making a Difference BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 07/23/2025 - 11:58

Senior with autism seeks to increase inclusivity on campus and beyond

July 24, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Dom Zullo, ’26, envisions a world where everyone feels welcomed and can thrive. And already he is taking tangible steps to make that happen at ��Ƶ and across Massachusetts.

“��Ƶ has provided me opportunities to step up as a leader and make a difference in the lives of so many people and also make ��Ƶ a more accessible place for people of all abilities,” said the communication sciences and disorders major and music minor from Norfolk.

Dom’s dedication to a brighter future is driven partly by his own experiences. Diagnosed with autism as a baby, he struggled to understand social cues and control his emotions. He made great strides in high school and has continued to grow during his three years at Bridgewater State.

Recently, Dom took his advocacy to the Statehouse, where he testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation in support of a bill to improve communication between police officers and people with autism. The measure would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to design blue envelopes that can hold an autistic driver’s license, registration and insurance card. The envelopes would also provide police with written guidance for effective communication during traffic stops.

Dom credits a ��Ƶ public speaking class and his experiences as a student leader with preparing him to deliver compelling yet succinct testimony.

“It’s given me the opportunity to be more open and more vocal,” he said.

On campus, he works with fellow students and ��Ƶ staff to advocate for people with disabilities. He serves as a group leader for the Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic and peer mentor with the EXCEL Program. Dom is also the evening events coordinator for Program Council, a tour guide, and a member of a team that works with ��Ƶ’s mascot, Bristaco.

“We’ve made so much progress making those groups more inclusive for neurodiverse people,” Dom said. “Everybody here is so welcoming, so caring, so willing to learn how to interact with people with disabilities.”

He’s especially proud of EXCEL students’ growing involvement in student life. In recent years, these students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities – who might otherwise miss out on a college experience – began crossing the stage at commencement, joining the orientation team and receiving recognition at the annual Impact Awards.

As a result of his positive experiences as a Bear, Dom aspires to work in higher education, where he can continue his mission of inclusivity.

“There’s no better feeling in the world than knowing you made an impact on people’s lives,” he said.

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

��Ƶ has provided me opportunities to step up as a leader and make a difference in the lives of so many people and also make ��Ƶ a more accessible place for people of all abilities.

Dom Zullo, ’26

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Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight

Students Bring the Cheer with Every Pats TD

������Ƶ Senior Tackles Science, Service, and Motherhood

Top Vote Getter

Joint Decisions

Reaping Rewards of Volunteering

Center Stage

The Curious Kind

Research is on her Plate

Soaring to New Heights

Making a Difference

��Ƶ Senior Tackles Science, Service, and Motherhood