There are approximately 2,000 steps from Bryant’s wrought-iron archway to the entrance of the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC), but that’s hardly what students are thinking — or talking — about as they travel the winding path connecting the campus. Instead, they’re watching yellow and brown leaves whimsically flutter to the ground, taking in the earthy fall aromas, and chatting with peers about everything from homework to football practice that’s scheduled later in the day.
The new path, which opened this fall, begins at the heart of Bryant’s Tupper campus, trails amongst the townhouses, and continues alongside the iconic tree-lined entryway before crossing the street and traveling under a canopy of multi-colored foliage to reach the BELC campus, the College of Business’s new home. Taking only 15 minutes, the path is more than just a route that gets individuals from Point A to Point B; it’s an opportunity for growing the campus connections as students, faculty, and staff learn a little more about each other with each step they take.
Inviting students, faculty, and staff to join him for a walk on the new path this past Wednesday, Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., was greeted by a group of 50 eagerly awaiting the day-before-Halloween stroll. For some, this would be their first time making the journey on foot; others had already been recording their walking times and comparing their fastest paces with co-workers. Gittell, who prefers to walk from his home at the Callahan House to his office every day, led the group at a quick clip. This wasn’t his first trek down the BELC path, and it wouldn’t be his last.
With the weather hovering in the high-60s, jackets were quickly abandoned as the sun beamed down and created shadows of leaves on the concrete. Among those in attendance were students from Martha Kuhlman Ph.D.’s “Writing Workshop” course.
“This is a first-year class, so I try to emphasize doing things on campus,” said the History, Literature, and the Arts professor. “It’s a good opportunity to enjoy walking and getting outside; it’s important for them to try new things.”
Heading up a slight incline once they crossed the street, community members were greeted by Bryant’s Bulldog mascot who high-fived students, faculty, and staff. The pathway then opened to the BELC entryway, and individuals — who continued inside to the Corey E. Levine ’80 Dining Commons for lunch — commented on how enjoyable the walk had been.
“From the Archway to the BELC, Bryant students have a beautiful campus they get to call home,” said Assistant Professor of Political Science Tristan Hightower, Ph.D.
