Issue link: http://baypath.uberflip.com/i/476449
STEPHANIE O'LEARY '05 BAY PATH COLLEGE "I am so proud of the strides that Bay Path has made over the years. Growing up in Longmeadow, I remember when Bay Path was a Junior College. It was such an exciting time when it became a four-year institution, and I am a proud Bay Path College alumna. Now, after witnessing Bay Path's 'graduation' to a University, I am even more honored to have received my degree from such an amazing place. It is a place that allowed me to grow academically and personally. My alma mater truly embodies its motto, 'Carpe Diem, Seize the Day.'" ANGELA "ANGIE" ST. CHARLES '11 G'14 ONE-DAY-A-WEEK SATURDAY PROGRAM, MBA "I first heard Bay Path was becoming a University last year," Angie said. "Automatically, I said to myself 'YES!' To me, pursuing university status means strength and growth. It means keeping up with the times. It means a diverse school community. It means big opportunities." And a University as seen through Bay Path's lens? Angie laughed and said, "Bay Path could never lose what makes it unique! It's all about big ideas but in a small size." Angie credits her undergraduate degree, earned at the Burlington, MA campus, with landing her first job at her current employer, Boston Scientific. She further credits Bay Path with helping her to advance within the ranks there. "Because of your growth, because you added programs that helped me reach my potential—that's why I am where I am today." But she offers a special shout out to her two young sons who have been with her every step of this journey. Tearfully, she said that one of her proudest memories was having them see their mom walk on stage this past May as she received her second Bay Path diploma. "They stayed strong even though they were too young to understand the sacrifices that I needed to make—the late nights studying, the weekends where we couldn't go away." Today, Angie's future looks bright, and she gives thanks to her alma mater, her family, and those sisters who were with her every step of the way. "My family, friends, and the people I encountered at Bay Path have been instrumental in the person I've become." ADAM ZINKIEVICH G'12 MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AND PHIL ANTHROPY "When I was looking at different schools to further my education, I was intrigued by Bay Path," Adam said. "The College already offered what I thought were the best elements of a university, plus a more personal touch." Bay Path is a community that takes pride in each individual success, he said. "Bay Path means so much to me, personally and professionally, that I want to return the favor in every way I can." Adam is the first man to represent the graduate community on the Alumni Association Council. Does he offer any sound words of wisdom for his alma mater, either honed by his coursework or from his role as the Communications Manager for the Southern New England Division of the Salvation Army? "Keep going." "Bay Path has such a strong grasp on the job market and trending industries—and the ability to craft a curriculum to suit students' needs." He summed up what many of us in the Bay Path community have been saying all along: "In many ways, Bay Path has already been operating on the strength of a university. Now it's official." www.baypath.edu