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125th Celebration Ball

It was a night to remember. It was a night to be Bay Path proud.
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The 125th Celebration Ball was the perfect ending for a day that began with the inauguration of President Sandra Doran followed by the Inaugural Luncheon.

With over 400 guests in attendance at the MassMutual Center, the Ball was both a celebration and a fundraising event for student support and internships.  The event opened with a pre-dinner presentation by Ruth Carter, Springfield native and Academy Award winning costume designer.   Drawing from her own background, she spoke of the importance of mentoring and internships in helping students reach their own career goals.  The impact of such experiences was brought home by the moving story of Bay Path trustee Pia Kumar and Bay Path intern Kahlia Albury ’20, who now works at her company.  Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual, inspired the room to action, while reflecting on the long relationship between the Fortune 100 company and Bay Path.

Throughout the evening, our very own Bay Path students were front and center performing and sharing their stories with the audience. By the end of the evening, the 125th Celebration Ball had met its goal:  It raised over $290,000 for student support and internships.  Bravo!

Jill Keenan and Daniel Keenan, vice president of advocacy and government relations for Trinity Health of New England.
Michael Matty, former Bay Path Trustee, and Patricia Matty, former Business Leadership Council member, both of St. Germain Investments.
President Doran’s family was on hand to attend the day (from left to right): President Doran; Sally Goodman, President’s mother; and President Doran’s sister Christie Spencer and husband Joe Spencer.
Master of Ceremony Kevin Barlowski, director of theatre and performance studies at Bay Path University, added a spark to the evening!
Mayor Domenic Sarno offered greetings from the City of Springfield.
Alumni Association Council President and Bay Path Trustee Stephanie O'Leary '05 G'16 G'17 poses with Thea Katsounakis ’70, former Bay Path trustee and Alumni Association Council President.
Jane and Gary Rome, President, Gary Rome Auto Group: Gary Rome Hyundai and Gary Rome Kia, with Bay Path Trustee Michelle Wirth and Peter Wirth, owners, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.
David Woods, Bay Path Trustee Emerita Roberta Bolduc, and Bay Path Trustee Ham Wilson.
Marsha Vacirca ’09, the fashion designer who created President Doran's gown for the evening, President Sandy Doran, and costume designer Ruth Carter (from left to right).
Sharon and Matt Bannister, senior vice president, marketing and corporate responsibility, PeoplesBank.
Bay Path Trustee Mary Angus Bushnell ’74 and David Bushnell.
President Doran, Jay Kumar, Augusto Bairos, and Pia Kumar.
President Doran with Bay Path Mission Moment student speakers. During the evening, students were each assigned a table where they shared their experiences and career dreams.
Lori Venberg Roop ’79, event chair of the 125th Celebration Ball.
Roger Crandall, chairman, president & CEO of MassMutual, Premier Sponsor of the event, speaks to the crowd.
Bay Path Trustee Emerita Pat Pierce, a dedicated supporter of women’s education, enjoys the evening.
Khalia Albury ’20 shares her internship experience and how it led to hiring and securing her dream job as a Financial Analyst at Universal Plastics.
Open Your Heart Moment emcees Michelle and Peter Wirth celebrate the magic moment when the evening’s fundraising goal was reached.
The evening ended with guests dancing the night away!

All photos courtesy of Leah Martin Photography. 

125th Celebration Ball Chair

Lori S. Roop ’79

 

 125th Celebration Ball Honorary Chairs

The Honorable Richard E. Neal, U.S. Representative of Massachusetts’ First Congressional District

Roger W. Crandall, Chairman, president and CEO of MassMutual

Ruth E. Carter, Costume designer and 2019 Academy Award winner in Costume Design

Charlene H. D. Mazer ’67, Trustee Emerita, Bay Path University

 

Honorary Community Chairs

Domenic J. Sarno, Mayor of Springfield, MA

Dr. Judith A. Matt, President, Spirit of Springfield

Lyn N. Simmons, Town Manager, Town of Longmeadow

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