SUMMER 2020 ISSUE
EXPLORE OUR STORIES
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020
BACK TO BUSINESS
While the coronavirus was barred from physical classrooms, it did enter some virtual ones — to great effect. How did faculty use COVID-19 to connect theoretical concepts and real-world practice?
Read the full story.
Trustees, faculty, staff and alumni have created a fund to help students facing unexpected financial strains. More than 200 Falcons have benefited so far.
Read the full story.
Microplastics and the havoc they wreak are a focus of Betsy Stoner’s Environmental Science and Sustainability and Oceanography courses. The pandemic didn’t prevent the assistant professor from bringing her students to Florida’s Atlantic Coast this spring.
Find out how.
WORKING TOWARD RACIAL JUSTICE
More than 430 Falcons heard heartfelt testimonials, speeches and original music from students, faculty and staff during a livestreamed Vigil for Black Lives.
Read their stories.
“Your work matters. Your life matters. Your trauma as a part of the Black community matters.” Student Programs and Engagement is among the many Bentley groups and individuals to speak out on social media in support and solidarity with the Black community.
Read their statements.
Lampley will be Bentley’s first official chief diversity and inclusion officer and a member of the President’s Cabinet. Trustees also voted to create a new board committee focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, chaired by Tanya Hairston-Whitner ’95.
Read the story.
The Cabinet's 18 initiatives will guide the university's next steps on racial justice and are designed to overturn policies, practices and structures that enable systemic racism at Bentley.
Read the initiatives.
How can people become advocates for racial justice? Colleagues in Student Affairs provided guidance and tips for members of the Bentley community.
Learn more.
If ever there was a moment to confront our own culpability in propping up a system that allows others to be treated as less than, this is it. Now is our time to be brave, to take action ... to make this community — our community — a place where Black Lives Matter.
Katie Lampley ’96
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Falcon Files
Bentley has always adapted and innovated around world events. Opportunities for women were rising as coeducation began during WWII.
Five Things
Questions to ask yourself when the world’s upside down, from Bentley’s “thinking about thinking” experts, Wiley Davi and Duncan Spelman.
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020
A Message to the Class
This was not the senior year that the Class of 2020 dreamed of — or deserved. To welcome our newest alumni, we’re hosting a virtual Commencement on August 22. The ceremony will include a reading of each graduate’s name and remarks by faculty, staff members and fellow classmates. When circumstances permit, there will be an opportunity for the Class of 2020 to celebrate their achievements together. Until then, enjoy this slideshow of memorable moments and see more on social media.
Join in and share your congratulations on Twitter and Instagram!
ALUMNI NEWS AND PROFILES
A Seamless Transition
Tags and stitching, be gone. Diana (DeMain) Takach ’03 founded the Me Do. clothing brand to help her son overcome struggles with sensory processing delays.
Prime Real Estate
Kyle Yeung ’08 runs a company that helps people put down roots in his native Hong Kong.
Muscle Cars and Miniature Models
Almost nothing brings Brian Shultz ’80, MBA ’87 more joy than giving visitors a tour of his vintage toy collection.
