360 0 NEWS AND VIEWS
BRYANT
NOVEMBER 2011
6
ATHLETICS UPDATE Women’s crew making a splash
FAMILIES
3
ALUMNI PROFILE Students receive expert advice
FOR STUDENTS AND
2
FACULTY PROFILE Professor believes in being adaptable
An eye-opening internship in Berlin
W
hen Global Studies major Emmanuelle Calvet ’12 (South Grafton, MA) applied for a summer internship with the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, she was
was looking for. She had been researching internships since her freshmen year
Education. She has been on the Dean’s 12 years of her life in France, is fluent in French, and teaches the language as a Center for Excellence. As part of her Chinese minor, she has studied abroad at the Beijing Language and Cultural
“When students ask me, ‘Why study liberal arts at Bryant,’ I ask them, ‘Why would you study anywhere else?’ Our students get the same breadth and depth of knowledge and theory found at other schools, but they also gain marketable experience. Our graduates have more choices.” David Lux, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and wanted to work in a country she had never visited, allowing her to further her knowledge of international relations. Calvet had amassed an impressive list of accomplishments for her résumé, which she prepared with the guidance of Bryant’s Amica Center for Career
University in China, and she has traveled throughout China, as well as Malaysia and Singapore. She completed an internship with the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, receiving the organization’s award after a summer working with the
looked, she was a professional ballerina before deciding to enroll at Bryant, training, rehearsing, and competing 50 hours each week while being home schooled. (NGO) Calvet applied to did not disappoint. She was hired as program coordinator, working with a team comprising American, French, German, Zimbabwean, South African, and Moroccan college for the marketing, planning, and execution of an international conference titled “Cultural Diplomacy in Africa.” Members did not always agree on how to reach their target goals, she says, but they learned to compromise to reach them. Calvet quickly came to realize that Bryant’s professors were right when they taught her that every organization
Emmanuelle Calvet ’12 at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, Germany
business and has to be run like one to learned as part of her required business minor. She also came to value the importance of working in teams, something which Bryant is famous for. Mid-point through her NGO internship, she was promoted to group marketing director because of an idea she proposed based
on what she had learned in her business classes. “My business courses were never my favorite, but I understood that having a strong foundation is crucial,” she says. “Bryant taught me well – I was able to continued on page 8
Honors students travel to NYC
T
wenty-four members of the Bryant pated in the 5 Experience. Led by Professor of Management Lori Coakley and other faculty and staff, this trip immersed students in the commercial and cultural life of that included behind-the-scenes visits to
Honors program members learn about retail strategy from industry leaders Disney and UNIQLO during the 5th Annual New York Experience.
growing dealerships in the country, and learned about the magic behind the iconic brand. During a visit to Disney’s new inside scoop on why Disney has overhauled its entire retail strategy over the Broadway show, explored the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and also networked with prominent alumni. continued on page 8
ction Early A e Deadlin r 1 e Decemb RE T URN SE RVI C E RE QUE ST E D
BRYANT UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ADMISSION | 1150 Douglas Pike | Smithfield, R.I. 02917-1285
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Providence, RI Permit No. 111
BEHIND THE BIO | Faculty Profile
Srdan Zdravkovic, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Marketing
H
e is motivated to see his students succeed. For excellence in teaching and the enthusiasm he exhibits both in and out of the classroom, Professor Zdravkovic was presented with the 2011 Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching. He sees a significant correlation between active student involvement and performance, and encourages students to work with him outside of the classroom. He also follows a philosophy of flexibility within his classroom instruction. “I believe in being adaptable,” says Zdravkovic, who grew up in Yugoslavia – the part that is Croatia today. “I want to teach the most relevant material for that day. I think students appreciate that, and it inspires debate and discussion.” He serves as the co-advisor to the Bryant Marketing Association. He is also a facilitator in the Behavioral Lab for marketing research and teaches a Foundation For Learning course to first-year students. He holds a Ph.D. from St. Louis University. We asked Professor Zdravkovic to complete a number of sentences for Bryant 360. We’re pretty sure you won’t find any of this information in his “curriculum vitae.” When I was in high school, I wanted to be invisible. This was the time of conflict and war in my home country. In my spare time, I play silly games with my kids, enjoy the outdoors, attend Bryant athletic events, and watch sports (too much) on TV.
The last CD I downloaded was the latest Hladno Pivo album. They’re a punk rock band from Croatia. My students would say that I’m enthusiastic about being in the classroom and a resource once they have completed my course. If I wasn’t teaching I would be pursuing some entrepreneurial ideas. I was attracted to Bryant because of the high-quality students, great colleagues, and beautiful campus. I think our students are definitely worth meeting. www.bryant.edu/marketing
Master of Arts in Teaching
B
ryant’s College of Arts and Sciences will offer a Master of Arts
summer of 2012 (pending approval of the Rhode Island Department of Educa-
7-12 in the areas of mathematics, science, Spanish, Chinese, English, and social studies. According to the Bureau of Labor mathematics will have the best employment prospects in the coming decade, with most job openings resulting from the need to replace tens of thousands of teachers expected to retire through 2018.
2 / BRYANT 360
Center for Teaching and Learning – an invaluable student resource
T
he University has the perfect place for students who need help navigating their academic
by the College Reading and Learning Association, is home to the Academic Writing Center.
effectively is a critical skill in any
offers one-on-one service with professional writing specialists and student writing consultants through all stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, outlining, thesis development, and draft editing.
accounting – go a long way to support academic progress and help students discover which study strategies work best for them. “We see 75 to 90 percent of all
“Our research shows that students who use ACE services three to five times or more per semester typically see a .5 increase in their GPAs.”
the Writing Center,” says Director
CTL Director Laurie Hazard, ED.D.
that students who use ACE services
“We work with students to improve their own writing, rather than
several study areas and academic labs – all dedicated to helping Bryant learners. A myriad of services – such as peer-tutoring and learning labs
semester typically see a .5 increase in their GPAs.” Alexandra DiGregorio ’12 (Charlton, MA) uses the Center’s study labs and takes advantage of regular one-on-one tutoring appointments. “ACE is a great resource available on campus for extra help, advice, or some guidance,” she says. “Questions always arise while doing work, so why not seek help rather than remain confused.”
“With the help of ACE and the Writing Center, students develop the strategies and skills they need to succeed in their
the Writing Center also hold workshops on topics such as time managea research paper. For more information Learning, go to ace.bryant.edu/.
Bryant’s College of Business also Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc); and Master of Science in
programs in the world accredited by Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Bryant offers more than 80 areas of study in business, liberal arts, and the sciences. www.bryant.edu/areasofstudy
Bryant ranked 16th Best Regional University (North) in U.S. News survey U.S. News & World Report has ranked Bryant among the region’s top 20 universities, coming in at No. 16 in the Regional Universities (North) category. This is the second consecutive year Bryant has ranked 16th and is the seventh consecutive year it has been ranked among the top 20 schools in its category. For more information about Bryant’s other rankings and accreditations, go to www.bryant.edu/quickfacts.
Career Week 2011 – a resource for all students
W
hether you’re seeking an internship or just starting to interview
impression. From your handshake to your résumé, your online presence to the way you eat at a business dinner, a mistake can adversely impact your candidacy. Bryant’s award-winning Amica Center for Career Education offers programs to tackle these and other topics throughout each academic year. Each September, the center presents a full week of timely programs of interest to all students. 2011
students to critique their résumés, offering suggestions about how to best position themselves. Freshmen and sophomore students could start the process early by taking part in a “Career Jump Start” program. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to utilize the Amica Center staff and resources – not just during the jobhunting craze but during all four years at Bryant,” says Brendan Sysun ’10, EMC Corporation. www.bryant.edu/career
off September 26 with an open house that included hot dogs, popcorn, and a famous Rhode Island beverage, “Del’s Lemonade,” as well as great giveaways. Students toured the Amica Center and spoke with counselors about graduate school, senior recruiting, and the Bryant for programs such as Dining Etiquette, Mock Interviews, Secrets to Interview Success, and more. Employers from area businesses and organizations sat with An annual career fair on campus is a great time to talk to recruiters about summer jobs, internships, and career opportunities.
AFTER BRYANT | Alumni Profile
Expert advice given here
W
hen Leah Atkins ’05, ’07 MBA, completed her master’s degree in business administration at Bryant in 2007, she hadn’t imagined her alma mater would be a vital recruiting resource helping her to do her job. Atkins is now university relations manager at a leading insurer of commercial property, FM Global in Johnston, RI. She recruits college students – some of them from Bryant – for the insurance giant’s co-op and internship program. “Bryant teaches students the skills necessary to operate in a busi-
reason we continue to recruit from Bryant is that the students have a solid foundation of business knowledge. Combine that with the team building, communication, and analytical skills that students gain from a Bryant education and you have strong leaders. “ Currently, six of eight interns at the company are Bryant students, and eight of 30 entry-level positions are held by Bryant graduates, says Atkins, who was on campus recently, critiquing student résumés. “I work closely with the Amica Center to recruit students and increase FM Global’s brand awareness on campus, and learned they had a need for employers to critique résumés. “I remember how helpful it was when I was a student to have an employer review my résumé to help me determine what experiences were important,” Atkins says. When she was a student, Atkins used the Amica Center’s services, including résumé review, networking with alumni, and how-to seminars.
Leah Atkins ’05, ’07 MBA University Relations Manager, FM Global
She found an internship at American Power Conversion through the career education center. She also interned at Bryant’s Export Assistance Center. Working in human resources is satisfying, she says.
“Bryant teaches students the skills necessary to operate in a business environment.” LEAH ATKINS ’05, ’07 MBA
job is providing students with an opportunity to grow. Interns come to FM Global, and through this program, gain industry experience, knowledge in corporate culture, and learn how to succeed in the workplace. “Students come in not knowing what they want to do or how to achieve their goals. Seeing them walk away and the ambition to accomplish those goals – that’s very rewarding.”
BRYANT BY THE NUMBERS | Clubs and Organizations
$44,000 raised by students this year for the American Cancer Society
466
Student-athletes made the NEC Academic Honor Roll since Bryant joined Division I
$500,000 invested by students through the Archway Investment Fund
9
Number of times Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) have advanced to nationals
BRYANT 360 / 3
BRYANT UNIV Bryant students who study abroad all agree that it is a life-changing experience. Participants can choose from hundreds of academic institutions in 46 countries and study for a summer, a semester, or a full academic year. Sophomores can take part in two-week programs during winter and summer breaks, learning about other cultures and how businesses operate globally.
ERSITY admission.bryant.edu
ATHLETICS UPDATE
Women’s crew is making a splash
I
n the dark, early-morning hours while most of their classmates sleep, a small group of students leave campus and travel about a mile to the 304acre Woonasquatucket Reservoir, more commonly known as Stump Pond. It’s practice time for Bryant’s newest club sport: women’s crew. Rowers try to move the boat through the water as fast as they possibly can, maximizing speed and power by matching strokes and timing. Because of this graceful, synchronous movement, rowing is said to be the most team-oriented sport.
of one tenacious student and the enthusiastic response of President Ronald K. Machtley. In the spring of 2010, Nicola Deschamps ’14 attending an admitted student event having lunch in the dining hall when President Machtley sat down with them. When he asked about her hobbies in high school, Deschamps mentioned that she became a rower after her high school started a crew team. She hadn’t necessarily planned to row in college but
Shock and awe “I was completely shocked when he said that if I decided to attend Bryant, I could start a crew team with his full support,” says Deschamps. “After a lot of thought, I e-mailed him the next night and said, ‘Game on, President Machtley – let’s start a women’s crew team at Bryant.’” Under his leadership, and through Elizabeth and Malcolm ’09H (19342011) Chace, two “eights” and a “four” were purchased (boats are named for the number of rowers in them). An accomplished master rower, George Shuster, offered to help train the team as the search for a head coach began. Rowing machines were purchased for training. All that was needed was a team.
An early-morning practice on Stump Pond for (L-R) John Ruppert, senior associate director of athletics; Nicola Deschamps ’14 (Avon, CT); Sara Dziadzio ’14 (Southwick, MA); Jasmine Torok ’14 (Queens Village, NY); Heidi Marshall ’14 (Kingston, Jamaica); Ugonna Iheme ’14 (Lagos, Nigeria); Casey Smith ’15 (Westwood, MA); Melissa Stalega ’14 (Hebron, CT); Marybeth Wallander ’14 (Charlestown, RI)
Deschamps, then a freshman, began reaching out to classmates and upperclassmen. Coach Shuster held basic form, body positioning, and a training plan. Next, the Student Senate Bryant Club Sport. In April 2011, the rowers went out on their maiden voyage. In the fall of 2011, after the arrival of head coach Mark LaBossiere, fulltime water training began. A new dock was installed to launch the boats safely, though until a building permit was received, the team had to wade in – sometimes chest deep – to set their boat into the water. Despite the cold starts to practice, enthusiasm remained high. “Right now, it still feels like a small homegrown team, but I can sense
part of something that is so much bigger than I am is truly remarkable.”
Exciting times ahead On October 29, less than two years from Deschamps’ request, the Bryant Quinsigamond Novice Challenge in Worcester, MA. On November 6, they Merrimack Chase. From there, they will enter a winter training season following by a very exciting spring sprints season. Despite the pressure of knowing that within the next few years, the team of 17 will be competing against some of the most highly respected college teams, Deschamps is grateful for and excited by the opportunities that Bryant has afforded her.
“The respect and regard that I have received as a student have been overwhelming.” NICOLA DESCHAMPS ’14 AVON, CT
“I am in awe of the resources and support that our team has been regard that I have received as a stuencouragement and support is true of Bryant’s nature overall and reflected in the relationships between students, faculty, and staff.”
BRYANT HAS HISTORY
Founded in 1863, Bryant is Rhode Island’s second oldest college, moving to the East Side of Providence before relocating to Smithfield in 1971.
6 / BRYANT 360
Malcolm S. Forbes, president of Forbes Magazine, received an honorary degree in 1976.
Bryant students began publishing their own newspaper in the 1930s.
Dragon Dance Team triumphs in China
T
he Bryant University Dragon Dance
speak, placing third in the Shanghai International Dragon and Lion Dance Competition that took place in September. American group competing in the tournament. In Beijing, they took part in three days of intensive training at China University of Geosciences (CUG) in Wuhan prior to the competition with their coach CUG
Fan Zhou ’12, Anmei Zheng ’13, by Bryant alumnus and former Dragon Christopher Neale ’10, now an English teacher at China University of Geosciences, Wuhan. Established in September 2009, the team combines athleticism and artistry to bring serpentine life to a 54-foot-long tube of fabric that trails an ornate dragon head. throughout Rhode Island.
team during a faculty exchange in 2009. Members included Alicia Kennedy ’12, Samir Kothari ’12, Mumbai, India; Marcia Chong ’12, Varishensagar Shah ’12, Ahmedabad, India; Margaret Wong ’12, Fremont, CA; Bakhtiyar Baidaralin ’12, Cranston, RI;
Student Affairs, as well as the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan and the Shanghai International Dragon and Lion Dance Competition. (L-R) Samir Kothari ’12; Varishensagar Shah ’12; Professor Kai Hu, team coach; Fan Zhou ’12
CLASS OF 2011 | WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Finance major and legal studies minor Jennifer Schwall (Rehoboth, MA) is managing director at Cherrystone Angel Group, a Providence-based company that offers early-stage investment funding to growth companies. Schwall, who interned at Cherrystone, was a member of the Investment Fund, an academic program that allows students to learn investment principles by managing a real portfolio.
Marketing major and psychology minor Nicholis Jones (Windsor, Leaders Program -
at Lego, served on the executive board of the Bryant Marketing Association. Amanda Zagame (Bellingham, MA), a mathematics and statistics major with
minors in business administration and history, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Mathematics (actuarial). A member of with the highest GPA in Class of 2011 and was the recipient of two Commencement Awards. Michelle Figat analyst in the Financial Leadership
Investment Fund (AIF) and a Beta Gamma inductee. Figat had secured by networking at a Bryant career fair with an alumnus who was a former AIF member. Donna Chan Wah Hak (Port Louis, ber who double majored in actuarial mathematics and applied statistics (and minored in business adminis-
She was a member of the Archway
Faces in the Bryant crowd
Shana-Kay Smith ’13 Major: Accounting Minor: Literary and Cultural Studies Kingston, Jamaica
Rohan Laungani ’12 Majors: Actuarial Mathematics, Economics Minors: Finance, Business Administration Lagos, Nigeria
Smith graduated from high school with academic distinction and a perfect 4.0
Laungani has already passed two actuarial exams that will help him achieve profes-
Program, she hasn’t skipped a beat, having made Dean’s List every semester and currently holding a 3.94
petition 2010 and is currently a Securities
of challenge, and I feel a great sense of accomplishment after completing each
president of the Bryant Bowling Club and was the founder of both the Dragon Dance
that my professors dedicate has made
has also held leadership positions in the International Student Organization. As an entering student, he participated in 4MILE, an orientation session for multicultural and international students, serving as a peer counselor twice before becoming lead counselor this year. “4MILE is really the best way to start the most memorable four years of your life,” he says.
concentrator is a reference assistant in the Douglas and Judith Krupp Library on campus. She served as secretary to the International Student Organization, a group she has been active with since her freshman year. www.bryant.edu/honorsprogram
WWW.BRYANT.EDU/4MILEPROGRAM
Kristen Berkos, Ph.D. Associate Professor Communication
Stephen Perreault, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Accounting
Since she joined the Bryant faculty in 2004, Professor Berkos has garnered awards for service, research, and teaching excellence. She was impressed with the University from the start. “I instantly connected with my colleagues, and I remember sensing that Bryant was a real community,” she says. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in communication, she explores areas such as gossip, imagined interactions, and interpersonal and intrapersonal communications. She was recently quoted in the Providence Journal on “unfriending” among Facebook users, which, she says,
Professor Perreault, a CPA, teaches the initial accounting class required of every Bryant undergraduate, so he tries to make it exciting. “Accounting affects everything!” he says. “It drives stock prices and influences major business decisions. I show students that the accounting for a particular transaction affects organizational decision-making, such as whether a company will pursue a major initiative.” sions they enter, they’re going to be
regular life,” said Berkos. “Purging Facebook friends allows us to put more energy into our most meaningful relationships and the people we most care about.”
in an art gallery – where you will have to manage a budget. At some level, you will be an accountant, and at some level, accounting will influence the decisions you make as a leader.” www.bryant.edu/accounting
www.bryant.edu/communication
BRYANT 360 / 7
IMPORTANT ADMISSION DATES Early Action Deadline Thursday, December 1 Early Decision II Deadline Monday, January 16 Regular Decision Deadline Wednesday, February 1 Ladies’ Night Wednesday, February 15 Tuesday, February 21 Bryant 360 Wednesday, February 22 Friday, February 24 ADMISSION.BRYANT.EDU
[
ADVICE4U
]
“As a freshman, I found it easy to feel comfortable on campus. Everyone is in the same boat as you are, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people.” Katarzyna “Kate” Rokos ’12 Human Resource Management North Andover, MA
Words of wisdom from baseball’s “Iron Man”
A
sellout crowd packed the MAC on September 26 as baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. talked about his career and what it takes to have a winning attitude. they love to do and let that passion drive them. Ripken is best known for holding the world record for playing 2,632 consecutive games, beating Lou Gehrig’s previous record and earning him the title of “Iron Man.” 21 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, and in 2007, was
receiving the third-highest voting percentage in history – and the most votes ever. Since then, he has devoted his time to his business endeavors and philanthropic work, helping to promote the game he loves among children worldwide. With his brothers, he established the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, an organization that runs baseball and softball programs for underprivileged children. Ripken is also the author of several books. Student Arts and Speaker Series.
An eye-opening internship in Berlin
Honors students travel to NYC
continued from page 1
continued from page 1
think outside the box and develop a marketing strategy that reached a segment of the population that the NGO had never marketed to before. “It resulted in several applications coming in for the conference,” says Calvet. “Every time I tell my friends this story, they are amazed at the fact that, as a Global Studies major, I was able to come up with such a successful marketing plan.” Calvet is already utilizing the Amica Center for her job search. She plans to work for two years after graduation, earn a graduate degree, and eventually take the Foreign Service Exam. Until then, she’s going to make the most of her senior year at Bryant. “My Bryant education means the world to me,” she says. “In four years, I learned a lot academically and grew tremendously. I met many amazing people I plan to stay in touch with. “People say that college is the best time of your life, and they are right,” says Calvet. “I did not believe them three years ago – but I do now.”
every aspect.” Sarah Perlman ’12 marveled at how the experience demonstrated the relevance of her Bryant education. “From speaking with business owners to analyzing a retail strategy, and networking with alumni to tapping into my cultural side on Broadway and at the Met, it was a fantastic way to realize how much I have learned and grown at Bryant,” she says. Many participants noted that faculty and students built special bonds during the trip. “I never forget what amazing students we have at Bryant,” sor of political science. “Sharing time together outside the classroom reminded me how special it is for students and faculty to move beyond those categories and get to know one another as people.”
Visit Bryant and see for yourself!
A
t Bryant University, 12 miles outside Providence, RI, seeing is believing, according to Barron’s “Best Buys in College Education.” A campus visit is the best way to make an informed decision about college. Prospective students who visit Bryant’s campus usually apply – evidence that our friendly atmosphere, beautiful campus, and high-quality academics are best experienced in person. Student-guided Tour (Monday to Friday and most Saturdays). Information Session presented by a member of the admission staff (Monday to Friday and most Saturdays).
8 / BRYANT 360
is to offer its members a unique, personalized experience to enrich their academic, social, cultural, and professional talents in a mentor-oriented environment,” says Elizabeth Powers, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs.
Day With Class. interview with an admission counselor or a student fellow. Fly-in and you may qualify for a reimbursement. Virtual Tour at admission.bryant.edu. CHECK OUT THE FULL CALENDAR OF ADMISSION EVENTS AT ADMISSION.BRYANT.EDU, CALL US AT (800) 622-7001, OR E-MAIL ADMISSION@BRYANT.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION.