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BA in History

Associate Attorney; Cohen Cleary, P.C. 

Kevin was elected President of the BAA in 2024 after having previously served as Treasurer. 

Kevin graduated from ������ý in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. While a student at ������ý, Kevin served as President of the Student Government Association, Homecoming King, President of the Honors Student Congress, an Orientation Leader and a brother of Phi Kappa Theta. Upon leaving ������ý, Kevin attended Northeastern University School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctor. After practicing as an employment law attorney in the private sector, Kevin presently serves as Director of Employee and Labor Relations at ������ý. Kevin presently resides in Taunton

                                                                                                          with is wife and fellow alum Gabriella and their two children Beaumont and Lily.

Kevin is adamant that his time at ������ý made him the person he is today, and through his work with the ������ý Alumni Association he hopes to give back to his the ������ý community in any way he can. One of the youngest members of the BAA, Kevin's goal is to lend the board a fresh perspective and encourage more young alumni to get involved.

BS, Industrial Psychology

Nick currently leads Transdev's Transit Management Services and University Shuttle divisions as Senior Vice President. Transdev is a France-based international private-sector company that operates public transportation systems across seventeen countries. He has four decades of experience in the public transportation industry, including more than 35 years with the company and its predecessors. Nick has lived in seven states since graduating including fifteen years in the metropolitan Phoenix area before returning to Massachusetts. 

Nick began his career as a sophomore working for ������ý State College Transit Service while earning his degree. Today, he is a highly respected executive in the transportation field-- something Nick credits to his experience at ������ý. In addition to his transit experience, Nick has spent years serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations including the Dignity Health Foundation of the East Valley (Chandler, AZ) the Arizona Transit Association and the American Public Transportation Association. He was also the Board Vice Chair of About Care, a transportation services provider for the elderly and homebound. 

I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity at ������ý and as a part-time instructor in the ������ý political science department. As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand the obstacles and barriers faced while attending college. My time at ������ý was invaluable, and I felt not only supported by everyone here but also found mentors willing to guide me on my educational journey.

I joined the BAA to give back to the ������ý community and to build on the excellent reputation that ������ý has developed. I hope to become a source of support for our students and to continue the ������ý legacy.

Jessica McNeill was elected to the ������ý Alumni Association Board in 2022. While studying at ������ý, she was an active student leader and worked as a student event planner in CESO (now University Events Office). She also interned a WBIM and served as a Copy Editor for "The Comment". She graduated from ������ý in 2014 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Minors in Public Relations and Management. In 2019, she earned her Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. 

Professionally, Jessica is a senior Major Gifts Officer at GBH, where she supports efforts to advance public media and protect independent journalism. Prior to joining GBH, she spent nearly a decade at Harvard Business School, most recently serving as Assistant Director of Reunion and Leadership Giving. At HBS, Jessica also contributed to the Dean's Anti-Racism Task Force, which led to the creation of the School's Racial Equity Plan, and was a active member of the Black Staff Affinity Group.

Outside of work, she currently serves on the board of Directors of Women in Development of Greater Boston, and is an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Lambda Kappa Sigma Chapter.

Goal as a BAA Member: To find new and creative ways to re-engage alumni, especially alumni of color, and connect them with current students, while helping increase giving to the ������ý Fund. 

When I think of ������ý: Lifelong connections. Many of the people I met there will be a part of my life forever. 

BA, MEd | School Counselor at Braintree High School

For the past 23 years I have worked as a School Counselor at Braintree High School. I am an officer in the South Shore Guidance Association and was involved with Boy Scouts (17 years) and Girl Scouts (12 years). 

My goal as a BAA board member is to find a way to meet people where they are in life. Whether you are an almost graduate, bear cub, or seasoned bear, we would like to explore the relationship between ourselves and our beloved alma mater. Not only asking the question, what can we do for you, but also, what opportunities can we create to help you give back, reconnect you with old friends, make new ones and create lifelong memories. 

When I think of ������ý, I think of all the things I was involved with, most importantly, SGA, The Comment and me sorority sisters and how they helped me grow as a person. I also think about all of the faculty, administrators and staff who believed in me, helped me when I struggled and were there to celebrate with me in times of joy. ������ý is a place like no other and will always be a part of me. It is a living, breathing entity that is alive with possibility. Once a bear, always a bear!

Rob currently owns and operates Capital Environmental, LLC, a full-service environmental engineering and hazardous waste management firm servicing New England and New York State areas. Rob has over forty years of expertise in the multi-disciplinary environmental consulting business.

As a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP), Rob designs, manages and oversees the remediation and clean up of contaminated properties throughout Massachusetts.

Rob credits his education at ������ý and the mentorship of earlier ������ý graduates for launching his career in New England's emergency chemical spill response industry. Working closely with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and other environmental state agencies, Rob has responded to hundreds of chemical spills and contaminated properties.

Public service has always been important to Rob. He has spent countless hours volunteering with local organizations to give back to his community in Northborough, Massachusetts. He's held leadership roles in several organizations over his career, including Little League, Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff Program, Girls Softball, Athletic Boosters, Algonquin Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and the Lake Arrowhead Conservation Council. Rob's role in The Friends of Gettysburg -- an organization dedicated to preservation and public education for the famous Civil War battlefield -- is especially dear to him.

As a member of the BAA board, Rob looks aims to provide guidance and support to current students on their educational journey so they can live happy and productive lives.

Vinda is currently the Community Outreach Manager for Peabody Properties, Inc. Vinda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and in 2016 Vinda received her MBA from Cambridge College. Vinda served as the past President for ������ý Afro-Am Alumni Association.

My goal as a BAA board member is to continue providing support to our students, alumni and to proudly represent my Alma Mater.

In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, visiting lighthouses and picking sunflowers.

When I think of ������ý State of University I think of home.

I graduated from ������ý State College in 2006 with a degree in Physical Education. I then went on to attend the MGH Institute of Health Professions and achieved my Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in January of 2009. I have since practiced in multiple areas of therapy including inpatient rehabilitation, home care, and outpatient. In May of 2016, I opened my own physical therapy clinic, Physical Therapy U, which now has locations in ������ý, Buzzards Bay, and Middleboro! I am a mom of 3 amazing kids and wife to fellow bear, Ian (class of ’07). I am also a member of the Physical Education Alumni Council and an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association. I serve on multiple boards and enjoy being an advocate for PT and women’s rights.

My goal as a BAA board member is to serve the ������ý students and alumni and to help create connections where able. ������ý State gave me so much and I want to be able to give back!

When I think of my time at ������ý I am reminded of the strong community of supporters I found. It seemed everyone want to see and help me succeed. I felt safe while still being challenged to become my best self. ������ý gave me the confidence to go after the career I had dreamed of.

BA in Economics, Minor in Management, Master’s in Public Administration

I currently work for Eversource on the Project Controls team within the Transmission division. I support 9 different project managers, with varying projects related to Eversource’s constantly growing Transmission business. My day to day consists of behind-the-scenes project management, and wearing a hard hat on occasion. In the spring, I coach men’s varsity lacrosse at Dedham Highschool, it’s my favorite thing to look forward to when the weather starts getting warmer! I also have been the president of the ������ý affiliated Sigma Pi Fraternity Alumni Association, which is a volunteer position like the BAA board.

My goal as a BAA board member is to unite the younger alumni base with the university in creative but effective ways. Specifically, those students who spent time at ������ý during the heat of COVID-19 who may have left with dissatisfaction from their time at ������ý. Reaching this base of younger alumni (2019-2023), I hope to grow our donations and engagement. I am also eager to expand alumni events to our massively diverse alumni population and engage those in minority groups. Overall, I hope to engage and tap into alumni populations that may not be as involved as others.

When I think of ������ý, I think of connections and commitment.

BA, English Literature, Minor in Music

Colleen is currently an Incident & Escalations Manager at Samsara Inc. Colleen manages large-scale outages for fleet managers and their teams as well as monitors data to report patterns in issues impacting day-to-day operations. 

While at ������ý, Colleen was active as an Orientation leader, Chamber Choir singer, member of the Student Events Committee, and worked at the IT department and the Student Association. 

Apart from being on the Board of Directors for the Alumni Association, Colleen volunteers as a member of the Boston Women in Business for Good and is on the Runner’s Council for the American Liver Foundation’s Boston Marathon team. As a charity runner, she has run in 8 Boston Marathons. Her running has also included the World Majors and spans three continents. 

In taking advantage of a myriad of campus activities and student involvement while at BSC, Colleen built a foundation that has helped in her professional career and volunteering.

Before graduating from from ������ý with her BA in Sociology back in 2006, Amanda was a very active member of our community; not only was she was a member of the SGA, the Program Committee, and Ensemble Theater, Amanda was also involved in Peer Education and had part time job as a tour guide. Today Amanda works at Verisk Analytics as their Product Coordinator, where she ensures that the products they deliver are working as intended, implements new clients, and sets up referrals for services. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and trying new restaurants.

Amber graduated from ������ý in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in corporate communications and currently works at Thayer Academy in the Human Resources Department as the Benefits Administrator. 

As a student, Amber was an active member of Program Committee and a founding sister of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority; in addition, she was employed as a Student Program Advisor in the Center of Student Engagement, where she helped student-run organizations plan events. 

As a new member of the ������ý Alumni Association, she hopes to give back to, in her words, "the university that gave me the best of friends and meaningful experiences," by bridging the gap between alumni and their alma mater, no matter the distance.

I graduated with my B.S. in Business Administration from ������ý in 1995 and am currently the secretary of the ������ý Afro-Am Alumni Association.

I have over two decades of executive management experience. As an executive assistant, I have operated as the top confidant, thought-partner, and go-to person for boards and presidents throughout my career. I am currently a Senior Executive Assistant to the President’s Office at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Not only have I created a professional resume, but from my life experience as a single mother, I have created a personal brand, Single Professional Mother. My world crashed when I got divorced. After experiencing 15 months of unemployment, 2 years of home insecurity, and with two daughters to raise, I channeled my experience into two books, a podcast, and delivered a TEDx Talk, to inspire other single mothers.

When my daughter graduates from ������ý, she will be the third generation from our family to do so. As a BAA member I hope to assist current students in a mentor role, because ������ý is where I met lifelong friends and is a university I am proud to call my alma mater. 

I received Bachelor’s degree in 1964 and a Master’s degree in 1972 from ������ý State. I began working at the college in 1967 as Director of Men’s Residence for the newly opened Great Hill Dorm. In subsequent years, I became Director of Financial Aid, Director of Administrative Services, and retired after 40 years in 2007 as Director of Special Projects. I continued working part time as Levitative Advisor to President Mohler-Faria and President Clark for another 15 years, spending most of my time at the State House in Boston. During my tenure at BSC, I was elected four times as Local Chapter President of the Association of Professional Administrators APA/MTA and was also elected for 12 years as the State President for all nine State College campuses of the APA/MTA.

While employed at the college, I was involved in many aspects of the Town of ������ý’s local government. I was elected two terms to the ������ý School Committee service one term as chairman and was elected one term to the ������ý-Raynham Regional School Committee. I was also appointed by the Town Selectmen to several posts including twelve years as a member of the Capital Planning Committee, Town Representative to the Plymouth County Advisory Board, and to the Town’s Youth Study Committee.

I presently reside in the town of Lakeville for the past 22 years with Geri Taylor, ’70, G’81 and together, we attend and participate in many alumni events. The college has been my home for so many years and has had such an impact on my life. From beginning as the starting freshman quarterback of the original 1960 Bears football team, to speaking to legislators today about the benefits of a public college degree to their constituents, I wish to continue serving our Alma Mater as a member of the BAA. Once a Bear, Always a Bear!

Kyle Bueno '18, G' 21 was elected to the ������ý Alumni Association in 2025. During his time at ������ý, Kyle served as the Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees, President of the Phi Kappa Theta MA Zeta fraternity, leader of the Alternative Spring Break Trip to New London, CT for Habitat for Humanity, Orientation Leader, and worked at the Rondileau Campus Center. One of Kyle’s most memorable ������ý experiences was working alongside Dr. Kevin Curry, fellow ������ý students, and local Pannastra University students in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where they built and delivered water filtration systems.

Kyle currently works in Washington, D.C., as a Congressional Appropriations Analyst under the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In this role, he works with HHS legislative offices to educate House and Senate Appropriations Committee staff on the Department's mission, policies, and appropriations. Kyle, alongside HHS legislative offices, helps secure billions of dollars in funding for programs that millions of Americans rely on today.

Natasha Silva (’13) is proud to be the daughter of Portugese immigrants and a native of Southeastern MA. As a former public servant, she’s excited to combine her experience on Capitol Hill with her love ������ý Statue University in service of the BAA’s mission to support and uplift our alumni community.

After graduating form ������ý in 2013, Natasha Silva began her career on Capitol Hill, where she spent nearly a decade serving Representatives Steven Lynch and Bill Keating, both of whom represent the town of ������ý. Today, Natasha leads the U.S. Desk at Macedo Vitorino, a respected Lisbon-based law firm, while perusing her third master’s degree at the University of Lisbon in Portugal.

As a member of the BAA, Natasha is excited to engage with fellow alumni, support current students, and find new ways to elevate ������ý’s presence both within Massachusetts and around the world.

Purvang Patel currently serves as the Executive Director of the Harvard College Observatory at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. A proud alumnus of ������ý, Purvang was an active student leader serving as President and Senator for the Class of 1997, a brother of Kappa Delta Phi, and a member of several other student organizations. He currently lives in Attleboro, Massachusetts, with his wife, two children, and a Goldendoodle named Bailey.

After graduating from ������ý, he began his professional journey at the Joslin Diabetes Center. In 2001, he earned his MBA in Corporate Finance with Distinction from the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University. Over the course of his career, Purvang has held senior leadership roles at multiple departments across Harvard University and Brown University.

As a newly appointed Director on the ������ý Alumni Association Board, Purvang is excited to connect with current students and explore how alumni can play an active role in supporting their journey through mentorship, career connections, and ongoing engagement that extends far beyond the classroom. Purvang believes that ������ý’s greatest strength is its accessibility; by offering students an affordable education regardless of background, they'll have opportunities to students and families from all backgrounds,  opening doors to upward mobility and enriching not just individuals, but entire communities.   

Ron Ford graduate from ������ý State College in 1991, and has spent his entire 35 year teaching career at Cohasset Middle High School . Through the years, he has taught Physical Education, Health and Wellness, and served as district Athletic Director for 18 years.

Today, Ron serves as head of the school's wellness department and coaches the cross country and tennis teams. Ron has also held many roles in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and is currently as state tennis and basketball tournament director.

Ron's involvement with the BAA stems from his desire to give back to an institution he feels has given him and his family so much. ������ý, he says, is built on the shared experiences of both students and alumni and the relationships they've forged. He is honored to serve on the BAA Board, and hopes to create even more opportunities for bears to come together as a community.       

Katherine Knapp (’27) is a current student at ������ý, perusing a major in English concentrated in creative writing and dual minors of marketing and music, and is a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma. Like her area of study might suggest Katherine has a fondness for writing. She’s recently had a short story of hers published in the The Bridge, and she writes for the student-run newspaper The Comment.

“I am most excited to connect with ������ý State Alumni and to serve my community through this role. Being able to represent the perspective of current ������ý students on this board is truly an honor and I cannot wait to start! I know this experience will make me a better leader and allow me to grow in a variety of ways.”

Michael J. Vieira’s professional career has been in the field of education for most of his life.  Dr. Vieira worked at B.M.C. Durfee High School as an English/Journalism Teacher and Publications Advisor for 20 years. He also had a distinguished career at Bristol Community College (serving as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean for Business and Information Management as well as other roles during the time period 1999 through 2013).  Michael has also served as an adjunct/part-time instructor for Wentworth Institute of Technology, Eastern Nazarene College, ������ý, Roger Williams University, and UMass Dartmouth.

Dr. Vieira has several published books and journals; has international education experience (participated in student educational trips to Barcelona, England, Ireland, etc.; Disquiet Writing Conference in Lisbon and the Azores; the annual Community Colleges for International Development Conference, etc.) and has received numerous awards, honors and certifications.

Michael has been an active member of ������ý’s Alumni Board since 2015, most recently serving as its secretary.

Dr. Vieira earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in the Teaching of English from ������ý; Certificate of Advance Graduate Study in Educational Administration from Rhode Island College and his PhD in Education, Leadership for Higher Education Specialization from Capella University.