Suffolk University Alumni Magazine 2008/2009 - (Page 59) “You have to help students achieve their goals, so their life of civic service and desire to help continues to progress each day.”—JoHnBeRg aRTHUR BeRnaRD arThur bErNard ba’80 recalls becoming a BoBgiBBons afTEr fivE yEarS of manual labor directly out THoMasBRoWneLL aS a gOvErNmENT student in the early 60s, Senate page in 1977 and credits that experience with “really opening me up to a whole career of possibilities.” Now, as a senior adviser for Governor deval Patrick, he has devoted his career to public service. other prominent positions include serving as chief of staff for Senate President robert Traviglini and vice chancellor for the University of Massachusetts Boston. he thanks his professors in the Government department— John Berg, Judy dushku and Judy elmusa— for leaving a big impression upon him through their teaching. “Suffolk was the right place to be because it gave me a chance to grow,” he says, “and the Government department let me feel as if I could do anything and was always there to connect me back to the school.” of high school, Bob Gibbons BS’78 followed his own path to Suffolk University. Professor John Berg recommended him for his first government job as a legislative aide to Thomas Brownell in 1979. he continued to work as vice president at a private lobbying practice, “a job that provided me with a new perspective on challenges facing the private sector,” he says. he currently works as a senior vice president at Massachusetts hospital Association, overseeing state and federal relations for all hospitals in Massachusetts. his late entrance to Suffolk University and adaptation to a new career are obstacles he believes no one can be prepared for in life, but “at the end of every challenge, there lies an opportunity.” the honorable Thomas Brownell BS’63, Jd’66 never imagined becoming a judge. Working at Purity Supreme supermarket to pay his way through college, he immersed himself in the world of politics and government. first he became a lawyer, then a legislator and later a part-time professor at Suffolk University. Now in his current career as 1st Justice of Plymouth district Court, he is able to reflect on the importance of his education. “Continuing education is essential; people must never stop learning because the only constant in life is change.” retirement lies in the future for Judge Brownell, yet he hopes to stay active with a community service job or more teaching. “My father always said, ‘If you help one person a day, then you have done a lot.’” www.suffolk.edu SUFFOLKARTS+SCIENCES//2008/2009 [59] http://www.suffolk.edu
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