Bay Path University

Carpe Diem Bay Pathway Spring/Summer 2020 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT lis is a bittersweet moment for me because it marks my last letter in the Bay Pathway. I have said often during the last several months, "Where did 25 years go?" I can still remember the day Noel and I traveled from Boston to Longmeadow to visit the campus. We drove through the town of Longmeadow, and as we turned down the main driveway, we had a reaction much like that of so many of our students. We fell in love immediately with Bay Path. Over the subsequent days and months, I met so many wonderful people— students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and guests— who shared with me their commitment and dedication to this institution. On every level, I saw the tremendous potential at Bay Path for great things. From the beginning, the entire Bay Path community, as well as leaders in the region, welcomed me graciously and enthusiastically. In those early months, many went to great lengths to offer support and introduce me to key individuals who would be critical in the transformation of Bay Path. le kindness and hospitality shown by so many people made our transition to our new home effortless. Quickly, Noel and I knew we were part of a very special place. For 25 years, every time I entered Deepwood Hall, I passed through the gateway of impressive white columns that flank the main door. It has been a constant reminder that I was entrusted with the stewardship of the history and legacy of Bay Path…a legacy that includes thousands of alumni who proudly called Bay Path their alma mater. In fact, one of the greatest joys of my job has been meeting our alumni. Over the years, I have had the privilege to meet alumni who have graduated from the Bay Path Institute, Bay Path Secretarial School for Women, Bay Path Junior College, Bay Path College, and now, Bay Path University. leir stories represent more than 80 years of Bay Path's evolution, reaching back to before 1945, and include alumni from the Bay Path Institute that was founded in 1897. I will never forget chatting with the graduates from the Bay Path Institute at our annual "Evening Under the Stars" events. I was transfixed by their experiences that included commuting by trolley to our then downtown Springfield campus and finding lodging in people's homes because we had no residence halls. And I was entertained by tales from members of the Bay Path Junior College and Bay Path College days who went to great ends to be back before curfews. Many shared their stories of enjoying a sundae at the Friendly's Ice Cream shop across the street. Today, I am kept up to date by alumni emails from women and men all over the world, sharing new graduate degrees, career promotions, or family news. It just points to how quickly the world has changed, but through the decades, there was one constant—the friendships I made and will cherish with so many of our alumni. Often, I am asked how Bay Path reinvented itself and grew from 450 to more than 3,300 students. I can point to many reasons, and, indeed, I have written and discussed our menu for success. Yet, in my mind, there is one factor that rises above all others: the people. lroughout this incredible journey of my presidency, trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, and countless others have worked tirelessly, given generously, and supported this beloved university unreservedly. I wish I could say "thank you" to each one of you, but know the depths of my appreciation and gratitude are limitless. When I look back and see all that has been achieved at Bay Path, it does leave me breathless. In this issue of the Bay Pathway, the "Milestones" section captures some of the high points, but there are so many other accomplishments that could be mentioned. Our website will be featuring an archive section that will chronicle those achievements and serve as Bay Path's genealogy. I encourage you to visit it and see how our tree now has many branches!

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