Bay Path University

Strada Education Network Grant Bay Path University and The American Women's College was named as a winner of a philanthropic funding contest by national nonprofit Strada Education Network. One of seven national winners, the $1,582,600 grant is for a three-year project titled "Closing the Gaps: Building Pathways for Adult Women in a Technology-Driven Workforce." Administered through The American Women's College, the project will address a critical national need for developing a digi- tally fluent workforce. Several partners are participating in the implementation of the grant including Eco- nomic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board, Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council, Pass the Torch for Women, PSI Services, Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund, Springfield Technical Community College, University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, and the Center for Educational Policy at the College of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The Google Bay Path Partnership Google Comes to the Classroom Google and many other companies have been fostering part- nerships with higher education institutions not only in the area of research, but with initiatives to increase the talent pipeline and prepare a workforce with the most cutting-edge skills and knowledge. For the last several months, Bay Path has been working collaboratively with Google to offer "Fundamentals of Python" to students from any major, and "How to Become a Data Scientist." Both the class syllabi and curriculums have been developed by Google but modified by the Bay Path faculty to fit into the current learning environment. These courses aim to increase undergraduate access to quality data science and machine learning education by leveraging new technologies and teaching styles. Bay Path is one of a select group of colleges and universities and one of four women's colleges selected nationally to collaborate with Google to pilot their offerings in their new Applied Computing Series. Carpe Diem. Carpe Century. When Venessa O'Brien '38 walked into the living room of Empsall Hall, she thought she was going to a Bay Path event, one of many she has attended over the decades. Much to her surprise, she was greeted by over 75 well-wishers who had gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. A graduate of the Bay Path Institute, Venessa is now the oldest living alumna of Bay Path University. At the official birthday toast, President Leary saluted her with these words: "I have known Venessa for many years. Whether it is joining students on the annual Capitals of the World trip or attending Reunion, she is there. Her support is incredible. More important, Venessa is a kind, gracious, and generous woman who is a role model for all of us. As I look around and see her surrounded by family and friends, I can see that she has star power. And we are honored to be in her in presence." From a small town in Maine, Venessa O'Brien '38 went on to make her mark on the world. The first female outside sales engineer for General Electric, she has been recognized for her many accomplishments, including the 2013 Standing on Her Shoulders Award from the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts. Visit www.baypath.edu/baypathway to read the rest of her story. 22 Venessa O'Brien '38 Bay Pathway Spring/Summer 2019

• Cover