Spring 2004 - Becker College

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A Recipe for Success Continued from page 11 my job,” she says, laughing. The program director of the Henry Lee Willis Center, a social services agency that has over 22 sites in the greater Worcester area, came in to speak about the institution. Karen liked what she heard about the center’s mission, which is to create a community in which people of color and the disadvantaged can gain equal access to quality human and social services that will improve the quality of their lives. She wanted to work with families and because she had a resume prepared, she handed it to the program director on the spot. A few weeks later, she was interviewed and offered a job as a family care supervisor, which she began just two weeks after her graduation. “I love it here,” she says happily. “I feel like I am creating Campus News Becker is pleased to announce that it has received a $200,000 grant from the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation. The funds will be used to renovate the Worcester campus dining hall. Work on the new dining hall will begin during 2004. In June, the college submitted a proposal to the Fuller Foundation to replace the college’s aging dining area with a modern, inviting and comfortable environment containing a variety of dining options. Among the improvements planned for the dining hall are new serving equipment, new furniture, new serving counter and millwork, new lighting and electrical equipment, and new plumbing and fire protection. “Becker College is extremely thankful to the Fuller English Professor Departs Professor Barbara Kane retired at the end of the spring semester, ending 32 years of service to the college. She began her career at Leicester Junior College in 1963, when she and her husband served as proctors at a dormitory for men. She later served as the part–time women’s physical education instructor and also taught a few English courses. In 1978, after Leicester Junior and 12 / BECKER BRIDGES a difference within family units that are seeking to reunify. I feel incredibly fulfilled in this position.” Kristian Wilson, a senior majoring in psychology who will graduate in May of 2004, is currently occupying Karen’s shoes of one year ago. “I want to work with young children with psychological disorders but I am not sure where to go or how to find that type of job,” she says uncertainly. “I don’t know how to interview, I don’t know how to look and I don’t know what’s out there.” She anticipates that to change in January when she will begin her senior seminar. She’s seen an overview of the class and is expecting it will help her prepare for her future. “I’m really hoping it will help me find a job because I have no idea what to expect, especially in this economy. But I‘m looking forward to taking this class because I would rather learn all this stuff in a classroom than from failure.” Grant Will Improve Dining Facilities Foundation for this exceptionally generous gift. Like all small, private colleges, we keep our budget as lean as possible, but tuition alone can never pay all the bills, which is why we are so grateful for outside help. The Fuller Foundation has long been a supporter of the college and its mission, and because of its support we can continue to offer our students the best possible educational and life experiences,” says Gerald Tuori, vice president of Institutional Advancement. The Fuller Foundation was established in 1955 in Massachusetts by George F. Fuller, with his wife, Sybil. Its primary goal is to assist local efforts, with an emphasis in Worcester, on education, culture, history, health care, community, social agencies, religion and youth. Becker Junior Colleges merged, she began to teach English and public speaking full-time on the Leicester campus. Professor Kane had a special rapport with her students. She offered wise counseling and Tootsie Pops to all who needed her support. Many have stayed in touch with her over the years and she left the college with a heart full of fond memories. Professor Barbara Kane
Alumna is Commencement Speaker Becker College’s 116th commencement ceremony took place on Saturday, May 17 at the Centrum Convention Center in downtown Worcester. Associate and bachelor degrees were awarded to 276 graduates. In her first visit to Becker in almost four decades, Colleen Crotty Barrett, the president and chief operating officer of Colleen Crotty Barrett ’64 Southwest Airlines Co., delivered the keynote address “The Three C’s: Customer Service, Commitment and Care. Colleen is a native of Bellows Falls, Vermont. She graduated with highest honors from Becker College in 1964 with a legal secretary degree. She recalled her student days with pleasure. Not being one of the wealthier students, she had to work to pay her way. But she knew that education was important and eventually applied much of what she was taught at Becker to her career. During her remarks, she stressed that the most important attribute to have is a passion for whatever you do. It will make success possible. She also believes that a truly successful leader will make service to employees and customers a high priority. Ms. Barrett makes an impression as a very warm and caring person who is open and friendly to everyone she meets. She arrived in Worcester the day before graduation, to visit her brother and his family who live in the area. She took the time to tour the campus that has Dean of Students Retires Dr. David Berquist Dr. David Bergquist ended 30 years at Becker with his retirement in June. He came to Becker in 1973 to establish the co-op program He later became the dean of students on the Worcester campus and served as acting provost in the mid 90’s when Becker added fouryear programs. Dr. Bergquist earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Maine. He taught high school for undergone many changes since she was last here. Accustomed to having very full days, she even found time to have early morning coffee with Carolyn Sheldon Desjardins, an old friend and Cedar Hall roommate, early Saturday morning. She began her career as a secretary in the law firm of future Southwest founder, Herbert D. Kelleher. When he launched Southwest in 1971, Colleen was right there with him as the first employee of the brand new airline. She held several vice presidential offices, before being named president and C.O.O. of the company in 2001. Today she is the highest ranking woman in U.S. airlines history. Ms. Barrett was awarded the prestigious Kupfer Distinguished Executive Award in 2002 by Texas A&M University, which recognizes leading business executives who exemplify professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication. She is ranked number 13 on Fortune Magazine’s most powerful women in business list and was placed on the “Women to Watch” list in that publication. Southwest is the fourth largest U.S. airline earning $5.5 billion in revenues. The college recognized Ms. Barrett’s many achievements and involvement in numerous civic, charitable and political organizations in Texas by awarding her the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters. Many graduates expressed pride and pleasure in having such a successful alumna give the commencement address. An honorary degree was conferred upon Warren C. “Bud” Lane, Jr. a Worcester attorney who spent his lifetime serving on the boards and committees of various organizations. Mr. Lane was a Becker College trustee from 1950-1997. His late father, Warren C. Lane, was president of Becker College for over 40 years. Dr. David Bergquist, retiring college dean, was also awarded an honorary degree, following 30 years of service to the college. several years, served in the military for a time and then earned his doctorate at the University of Nebraska. After his retirement, he returned to Central Maine and plans to teach part-time at area colleges. BECKER BRIDGES / 13
Page 1 and 2: Spring 2004 Volume 1, Number 7 Conn
Page 3 and 4: In Memoriam Becker College suffered
Page 5 and 6: Cover Story Becker Under New Leader
Page 7 and 8: thoughts on Becker, they were both
Page 9 and 10: Campus Growth & Changes Recruiting
Page 11 and 12: used as dormitories or offices. In
Page 13: comes into play in part three). The
Page 17 and 18: Marie Senecal Lamb ’50, Lorraine
Page 19 and 20: Golf Tournament The golf tournament
Page 21 and 22: A Family Affair with Plastic Leonar
Page 23 and 24: It Was A Night To Remember... Ron R
Page 25 and 26: 1960s Diane Wood Mende ’61 worked
Page 27 and 28: Laurie Mignarri ’97 is the coordi
Page 29 and 30: 12th Annual Evans Scholarship Golf
Page 31 and 32: oard of trustees Michael E. Jesanis

Spring 2004 - Becker College

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