Bay Path University

25 www.baypath.edu A L U M N I N E W S and the underwriting department. Ruth left MassMutual for a position in a private doctor's office. "At sixteen, you don't have direction, but coming to Bay Path not only gave me direction, it provided me with skills and confidence that have helped me throughout my life and my career," says Ruth. Ruth was not the only member of her family to attend Bay Path. In fact, there is a circle of Dodge family members who attended and graduated from Bay Path over the years. "My husband, Edwin Dodge, shared that both his mother, Gladys Dow Dodge, and stepmother, Virginia Brown Dodge, attended Bay Path Institute in Springfield. Fast forward, our niece, Nicole Dodge-Tjimis '09, and my granddaughter, Lindsay Dodge '15, graduated within the last decade," Ruth notes. Lindsay says, "When I heard Grandma's story of going to college so young, and knowing the successful career and life she went on to lead, I knew when I was transferring. I had to look at Bay Path." Lindsay came to Bay Path and selected accounting as her major. While a commuter student—like her grandmother—she got a jumpstart in her field by working as a part-time teller. Lindsay also had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through two internships: one for the town of Longmeadow and the other for a private accounting firm, which was paid. She credits Dr. Kara Stevens, director of graduate accounting, for her success. "Dr. Stevens went above and beyond, challenging us to learn and understand all of the details needed for a successful accounting career," says Lindsay. "Dr. Stevens also started the Accounting Associates Club so that we could hone our accounting skills and connections even further." Lindsay recently accepted a promotion offered by her chief financial officer at Western Mass News. She relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to work as a staff accountant for station WSMV. She believes her resume stood out because of her internships at Bay Path. In addition to her accounting courses, Lindsay really appreciated the Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders (WELL) curriculum. She felt the program helped her build confidence, as well as connect, support, and empower other women. As for Ruth, her connection with Bay Path didn't stop after graduation. Ruth and her husband, Edwin, an elementary school principal, lived in Longmeadow with their four boys. When a student housing request went out to alumni and the Longmeadow community, Ruth jumped at the opportunity. They had a third floor with two bedrooms and a bath and agreed to open their home and their hearts to host four girls from the University while dormitories were being built. "It was a wonderful experience, not just for the girls, but for us. The girls became part of our family. We baked and cooked together, learned from one another, and became one big happy family. We had a blast during the four years we hosted students, and it was a positive experience for all," says Ruth. Suzie Greenburg '72 and Wendy (Gasiorek) Raymond '72, students who lived with the Dodges, offer these memories, "The Dodges were the most wonderful people. They treated us like family from the minute we arrived, from letting us use the car to cooking in their kitchen to taking prom pictures in their living room...we always felt like we belonged." Ruth and Edwin made such an impression on them as a family almost fifty years ago and they are happy to have remained in touch over the years. "We have always stayed connected. We have visited Ruth and she, in turn, has come to Florida to stay, too. Thanks to social media, we are all able to stay connected and updated. She is such a positive and strong woman, and we are grateful to know her," shares Wendy. And Suzie adds, "Ruth is like another mother to me and I talk with her weekly; she has always been such an influence in my life." Ruth knew the importance of education, and she was happy to provide accommodations for the students at Bay Path back in the day. It was also important she went on to further her own education. Ruth graduated from Our Lady of the Elms College's Leaf Program as an adult woman in her fifties with a bachelor's degree in business. With her degree, she became a law firm manager, eventually working in a doctor's office as a manager. She also encouraged two of her daughters-in-law to continue their education as adults. "Grandma went to college at sixteen, and again at fifty. You are never too young or too old to learn, and she has taught me so much, including to be true to yourself, and you can do anything," shares Lindsay. "Look up to your relatives and friends and learn from their experiences." And just as Ruth continues to evolve and adapt to the times, she is excited about Bay Path University and its future. "To see the original secretarial school vision with maybe fifty students transformed to a University with thousands of students is just amazing," says Ruth. Her advice to current students is, "Never give up and believe in yourself. Dedicate your mind, and you can do it; you have the strength." Lindsay Dodge '15 and grandmother Ruth (Howard) Dodge '47 celebrate graduation. "Coming to Bay Path not only gave me direction; it provided me with skills and confidence that have helped me throughout my life and my career."

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