Year in Review
Tom Scanlan
Issue date: 5/30/09 Section: Campus News
One adjective that will not be used by anyone looking to describe this past school year is "uneventful." The academic year saw changes come not only to Bridgewater State College and its campus, but also to the world. It has been a year of many firsts and also many lasts.
September at BSC began with some much anticipated closure coming to what had been the on-going investigations into the campus bathroom threats from February 2008. These messages foreboding "murder" and killings, were taken far more seriously than the sprinkle of other threats reported this winter. Chief David Tillinghast, along with Detective Sergeant David Curtis, Detective Mathew Turner and handwriting expert Ron Rice, were able to narrow down the search for the perpetrator. The eventual arrest of Michelle Fortune, a forty-seven year old, East Bridgewater native, ensued.
On a more positive note, the 2008-2009 academic year brought with it one of the most thrilling political election seasons in recent history, subsequently leading to a rebirth of political interest both on campus and nationally.
People were buzzing with affection for the inspiring promises and oratory of then Senator Barack Obama and his overall ability to rally faith and support for the nation. Senator John McCain's lengthy political tenure and military service, including a five-year stint as a POW in Hanoi, inspired many to consider him deserving of the presidency.
Come November, the world witnessed history as America swore in their first African-American president. As the inspirational campaign came to an end, President Obama and his administration began working to overcome the challenges posed to the future security of the United States.
Locally, students experienced an on-campus housing crunch. Hundreds of incoming freshmen and returning upperclassmen were placed in less than ideal accommodations; forced-quads, triples and doubles were implemented as temporary solutions.
"We're building [new dorms] as fast we can, but not fast enough for the demand," explained Beth Moriarty of Residence Life and Housing in the fall.
September at BSC began with some much anticipated closure coming to what had been the on-going investigations into the campus bathroom threats from February 2008. These messages foreboding "murder" and killings, were taken far more seriously than the sprinkle of other threats reported this winter. Chief David Tillinghast, along with Detective Sergeant David Curtis, Detective Mathew Turner and handwriting expert Ron Rice, were able to narrow down the search for the perpetrator. The eventual arrest of Michelle Fortune, a forty-seven year old, East Bridgewater native, ensued.
On a more positive note, the 2008-2009 academic year brought with it one of the most thrilling political election seasons in recent history, subsequently leading to a rebirth of political interest both on campus and nationally.
People were buzzing with affection for the inspiring promises and oratory of then Senator Barack Obama and his overall ability to rally faith and support for the nation. Senator John McCain's lengthy political tenure and military service, including a five-year stint as a POW in Hanoi, inspired many to consider him deserving of the presidency.
Come November, the world witnessed history as America swore in their first African-American president. As the inspirational campaign came to an end, President Obama and his administration began working to overcome the challenges posed to the future security of the United States.
Locally, students experienced an on-campus housing crunch. Hundreds of incoming freshmen and returning upperclassmen were placed in less than ideal accommodations; forced-quads, triples and doubles were implemented as temporary solutions.
"We're building [new dorms] as fast we can, but not fast enough for the demand," explained Beth Moriarty of Residence Life and Housing in the fall.
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