Semester Recap: Highlights from Fall 2021 at Dean College
This fall, we were thrilled to welcome our students back to campus and experience a semester full of events, activities, community, traditions and more. From momentous occasions to everyday interactions, our Bulldogs put The Dean Difference in action in everything they did. Here’s a look back on some of the highlights of the past semester:
Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business Announcement – In honor of proud alumnus and longtime benefactor Dean R. Sanders ’47, the College announced the naming of the Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business. After nearly seven decades of loyal giving, Sanders, who held a successful career leading the Espoma Company, donated over $3 million – the largest estate gift in the College’s 156-year history. We are proud to name the school in honor of his life and business success.
U.S. News & World Report Ranking – This semester, Dean College ranked 28th in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings in the Best Regional Colleges, North category. This is the 11th consecutive year that Dean College has received the Best Colleges honor. Additionally, Dean placed 5th in the Best Regional Colleges, North category for Best Undergraduate Teaching and 28th on the Top Performers on Social Mobility list.
Dean Leadership Institute Speakers – Students had the opportunity to hear from industry leaders as part of the Leadership in Action Series. Scott Couto, Executive Vice President, Head of North America at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, joined us in person, while Kelly Mehrtens, Executive Director of The Trust Powered By The NFLPA, spoke virtually to our Community.
Fall Athletics – For the first time since Fall 2019, our fall athletes were back on the field. Football, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf, and women’s volleyball showed their determination and skills as they competed this season. Men’s and women’s basketball also kicked off their season, and we’re looking forward to seeing them – and all spring sports – compete next semester.
Theatre and Dance Performances – The show must go on! We were excited to welcome back a full season of performances. The School of the Arts and the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance put on several impressive shows this semester, including The Theory of Relativity, Arts Mosaic, All Together Now!, I Hate Hamlet, and the New Dancer Showcase.
Giving Back – We’re proud of our Community for giving back throughout the semester. Our Bulldogs built beds with the “A Bed for Every Child” project through the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, stocked the shelves at the Franklin Food Pantry, organized a blood drive and food drive, raised funds to purchase clothes and toys for the Salvation Army's “Dress A Live Doll” campaign, and more.
Events & Activities On Campus – There’s always something happening on campus. We gathered together to kick off the semester at the Welcome Back BBQ, students advocated for mental health during Fresh Check Day and the Project Green Showcase, and campus clubs and organizations were back in full swing. Chris Rice-Thomson, a member of the touring company of Hamilton, taught a master class for our performing arts students, while the entire community celebrated some of our favorite campus traditions, from our Thanksgiving Dinner to our Tree Lighting Ceremony and Late Night Breakfast.
Alumni Events – There were also plenty of opportunities to come together with our alumni this semester. We held the 24th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament, while Homecoming: For Alumni and Families packed three days of activities into a fun fall weekend. Alumni also had the chance to participate in networking events, career panels, and a new Lunch and Learn Series.
Thanks for a great semester, Bulldogs! We can’t wait to see what Spring 2022 will hold.