Bryant faculty/staff kick off Campus Campaign

The goal is to raise $75,000 with a 50 percent participation rate to support scholarships for students.

One of the ways Bryant stands out from other schools is the strong sense of community throughout the University. From maintenance to support staff to administration to public safety to faculty, everyone on campus has the same goal – to help our students achieve their educational dreams. The Campus Campaign allows us to directly impact deserving students whose families are facing financial challenges.

Just ask Daniel Abad ‘12 (Merrimack, NH). With an older sister in college and a younger sister preparing to begin college shortly, his family understands firsthand the rising cost of higher education. Through the support of a Campus Campaign scholarship, which is funded solely by faculty and staff donations, Abad is able to focus on his studies instead of worrying how to make ends meet.

“It is nice to tell to my dad that I was awarded this scholarship that is supported by the Bryant community,” says Abad, who plans to become an accountant after graduation. “Not only is this University giving me a great education, but it is also generously supporting me financially. It truly makes a difference.”

Abad was one of five Campus Campaign scholarship recipients who thanked the Bryant community on Monday for its support as this year’s campaign kicked off. The goal is to raise $75,000 with a 50 percent participation rate. Campus Campaign volunteers will be available each day this week from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in Gulski. Those who donate this week will be entered in daily raffles. To learn more contact Susan Detri-Souve.

Realizing a dream

Lauren Timmerman ’12 (Merrimack, NH) says she knew from her first visit to campus that Bryant was the place for her. She thanked faculty and staff for their role in helping lessen the financial burden of pursuing her education.

“With your help I am able to realize my dream of a Bryant education,” says Timmerman, who plans to work in accounting or finance after graduation.

A three-year recipient of a Campus Campaign Scholarship, Erin Reilly ’10 (Newington, CT), a finance and economics double concentrator, says she is honored to receive the scholarship from faculty and staff who know firsthand about the quality of a Bryant education.

“I am excited to take my experiences with me as I continue my journey into a professional career,” she says.

(L-R) Meghan Delaney ’11 (Centerville, MA), Erin Reilly ’10 (Newington, CT), Lauren Timmerman ’12 (Merrimack, NH), Bryant President Ronald K. Machtley, Gessi Giarrantana ’10 (Madison, CT), Daniel Abad ‘12 (Merrimack, NH), and First Lady Kati Machtley

At the kickoff event, Gessi Giarrantana ’10 (Madison, CT) spoke about a summer internship he secured, which was facilitated by Bryant’s Amica Center for Career Education.

“Each year I am at Bryant, I see how valuable my education is towards achieving my career goals,” says Giarrantana, who hopes to work in the financial industry after graduation.

Like his fellow recipients, Nicholas Ferreira ’11 (Swansea, MA), says the scholarship is important to his family, which includes two college-age siblings. He has shown his appreciation for the support by immersing himself in the campus community. He is a resident assistant, the vice president of the Sigma Chi Rho fraternity, and a member of the accounting association.

“This scholarship has truly made a great impact on me and my family,” he says.

Living legacy

This year, Bryant awarded the first Julia Gladstone & Marsha Posusney Memorial Scholarship. Posusney was a professor of political science and Gladstone was an associate professor of legal studies and the curriculum coordinator for that discipline. Both Posusney and Gladstone were widely published and well-respected experts in their fields.

The recipient, Meghan Delaney ’11 (Centerville, MA), says the scholarship helps her pursue a well-rounded education.

“The generosity of all who contributed gives me the opportunity to receive an education rich in both business and the liberal arts to further develop the skills needed to succeed after graduation,” says Delaney, a global studies major.

In her two year at Bryant, Delaney, has been impressed by the dedication faculty members have for their students.

“Both Professors Gladstone and Posusney demonstrated this commitment to students,” she says. “They left an amazing legacy here on the Bryant campus.”

Superlative students

President Ronald K. Machtley lauded the scholarship recipients for their commitment to earning a top-notch education. Each is a Dean’s List student.

“Your generosity is going directly to people who are wonderful ambassadors for Bryant,” he says. “We are raising money to help wonderful, academically-superlative students earn an education at Bryant.”

Machtley recognizes that the turbulent economy has made times difficult for everyone. Still, he urged faculty and staff to do what they can to ensure students have the financial resources to continue their education at Bryant. He challenged the campus community to surpass the 50 percent participation goal.

“What a statement it would be if everyone donated,” he says. “Beyond the amount you give, your donation shows a commitment to our students.”