Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University
Soon Enough the Flowers Will Bloom Again
As we soon approach mid-March 2026, the center of Bridgewater - still bearing full evidence of recent snow storms - doesn't look anything like it will look when spring fully arrives.
As a reminder, we share a video of the town center recorded when the flowers bloomed, as they will again a few weeks hence.
Lest we forget . . .
President Clark, in his most recent message to the university community, wrote:
If you walk past Boyden Hall, you will notice the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag flying to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine is unfortunately one of many armed conflicts in our world. While we are flying Ukraine’s flag, I am also thinking of the war in the Middle East, civil wars in several African nations, and widespread gang violence in Haiti, to name just a few examples.
In moments like these, I am reminded of the profound words of young Martin Richard who made a now infamous poster proclaiming, “No more hurting people – Peace.” Martin was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings, an act of violence that hit all too close to home.
While the conflict in Ukraine may seem more remote, Bridgewater State students, faculty and staff made a tangible difference through what we do best: education.
We welcomed Ukrainian college students through the efforts of the Minnock Institute for Global Engagement and the BSU group "Educators United for Ukraine."
Additionally, Bridgewater students taught young Ukrainian refugees through our international student teaching program.
I am grateful to Educators United for Ukraine for their resolute commitment to forging partnerships and providing meaningful assistance. They are truly putting BSU’s values into action. Flying Ukraine’s flag is a poignant and important representation of those values.
As Dr. Polina Sabinin, a professor of mathematics, remarked, “The raising of the flag reflects Bridgewater State University’s commitment to global engagement, academic freedom and human dignity.”
Alumna Christine Brennan, '20, G '26, Takes
New Approach to Teaching of Physics
We're grateful to Ms. Heather Harris Michonski, G '26, senior communications manager in the university's Office of Enrollment, Marketing and Communications, for sharing with us the following article which she authored:
In one classroom at South Shore Regional Vocational Technical School, physics lessons rarely stay on the page for very long. There, Christina Brennan, ’20, G’26, teaches beyond the textbooks, giving students the opportunity to dive right in.
"My teaching is a little different than your typical classroom. The projects we do are very hands-on and applicable. I try not to do anything just based out of a book; I want them to have a real-world experience,” said Christina, who earned a physics degree from BSU and is now enrolled in the graduate physical science teaching degree program.
Her methods work. Some of her students recently advanced to the finals of the PACK Challenge to represent South Shore -- one of only six schools nationwide to earn a spot at the national engineering and manufacturing competition.
The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies hosts the event and Ms. Brennan is working with students on engineering design, manufacturing concepts, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as they prepare to compete this October in Chicago. The opportunity, she said, is a valuable one for her high schoolers.
“The packaging industry is a booming industry; this exposes them to that,” she said. “Through the challenge, they have to design and create a packaging solution from start to finish.”
. . . As both an educator and a Bridgewater State student, being able to see her education play out in her career is exciting.
“I am incredibly proud to see the impact of my continued learning reflected in my
classroom and in my students’ success,” she said.
She was inspired to become a teacher because of the impression others left on
her both in high school and at BSU.
“They (teachers) were always so caring and compassionate towards their students
and always wanted the best for them. It inspired me to want to do better,”
Christina said.
2 | P a g eWhen transferring to BSU in her junior year, she specifically received support
from Physics professor Dr. Thomas Kling.
“I had a lot of meetings with Dr. Kling. He made the transition very smooth, was
incredibly welcoming, and helped me with figuring out what credits would
transfer,” Christina said.
Once at BSU, she found the entire physics department to be exceptional, often
making time for students beyond office hours. She remains in close contact with
many of her professors, who have continued to mentor her in her graduate
studies.
At the helm of her own classroom, Christina applies what she’s learned as a
student, adding her own flair to educate the next generation.
“I get to showcase all the knowledge I’ve gotten from Bridgewater, and school in
general,” she said. “I make sure my students see how important it is to keep
learning and not be afraid of asking questions."
This concludes the report for Monday, March 9, 2026