Though the campus is unusually quiet, the Bryant community is buzzing with support and online activity, thanks to the new #WeAreBryant campaign.
Launched earlier this month, the initiative has activated alumni through social media and philanthropy in support of Bryant students. On a new webpage and through social media, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff are all using the hashtag #WeAreBryant to show their solidarity with Bryant students who are finishing the semester via distance learning.
“I know life just threw you guys a big curveball, but if there is one thing I know about Bryant students, it's that you've got an overabundance of grit and determination,” said Jay Weinberg '85, former president of the Bryant Alumni Association in a posted video. “You've got 50,000 Bryant alumni out here, and we've got your back."
#WeAreBryant includes the newly created Bryant COVID-19 Fund, designated for financial aid for current and admitted students affected by the unprecedented economic impact of the pandemic.
Tracy J. Noga ’92, Ph.D., CPA, Professor of Accountancy at Bentley University, says it was an easy decision to contribute to the COVID-19 fund. “Bryant is a big part of my success, and I just want to help others have the same opportunity I had.” She says she is grateful to be healthy and working while so many others are dealing with tremendous hardships. “My heart is breaking for the senior class and I wish they could be together to celebrate their hard work. But Bryant students will persevere and use this an opportunity to build life skills in change management.”
If there is one thing I know about Bryant students, it's that you've got an overabundance of grit and determination... You've got 50,000 Bryant alumni out here, and we've got your back.
W. Dustin Goldstein, ’95, ’20 MBA, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Treasury Management Sales at U.S. Bank, made a gift to the COVID-19 fund because he quickly realized that for many the pandemic would not only be a health crisis, but a financial one as well.
“I received significant financial aid when I attended Bryant and I think it’s important to pay it forward to today’s students,” Goldstein says. Like many others, he has been working from home, but his weeks now include some time with his former Bryant classmates. “One of the bright spots of being quarantined has been reconnecting with my townhouse mates via Zoom every Wednesday.”
Goldstein’s message to the Bryant community is to hang in there. “When we come out the other side, we will be stronger, more versatile, and more adaptable. Virtual learning and meetings will be the new norm and, when Bryant seniors graduate, alumni like me will be there to help you as you start your careers.”
There are several ways to get involved and remind us all that #WeAreBryant - learn more here. Also be sure to visit the Bryant Class of 2020 Kudoboard to show your support for the Class of 2020, use the hashtag #WeAreBryant to tag your social media posts about Bryant, and if you can, consider supporting Bryant students with a gift to the Bryant COVID-19 Fund.
