Bentley Students Honored for Collaboration with People with Disabilities

Opportunities for Inclusion, a nonprofit organization in Waltham, presented the 2024 “Rags” LaCava Community Service Award to the Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center (BSLCE). For more than a decade, Bentley students have facilitated art projects and other activities such as dance sessions for people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.  

“Brainstorming ideas and crafts to bring on site to best engage and uplift the participants has helped us form deep and meaningful connections,” says Mary Pratt ’25, the BSLCE’s lead program manager on the project. Pratt is a Marketing major in the Honors Program. “Leading a group of Bentley students with this initiative has truly become one of the favorite parts of my week. To get this award is a true honor.” 

The award is named after Anthony “Rags” LaCava, who served Waltham residents with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.  

The connection between Bentley and Opportunities for Inclusion (OFI) also includes on-campus initiatives. In 2024, Bentley and OFI partnered to host an “Inclusion Fusion” concert in the Student Center. OFI trainees also work in the university’s 921 dining hall with supervision from Bentley Dining staff.   

“I feel such deep gratitude for the Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community impact through their work with Opportunities for Inclusion,” says Gavin Conway ’22, BSLCE assistant director of programs and student leadership. “This honor underscores the enduring partnership between Bentley and community organizations dedicated to fostering inclusion and driving positive outcomes in the greater Waltham community.”