Answering the Call

Writer

Kait Smith Lanthier

Kait Smith Lanthier is the Director, Content Strategy at Babson College and the Managing Editor of Babson Thought & Action. Her writing has appeared in print and online in a variety of outlets including USA Today, Yahoo Shine, YourTango, CosmoGirl, and First for Women magazine. Smith earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and graduate degree in integrated marketing, both from Marist College.

March 17, 2020

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When the going gets tough, Babson is ready to lend a helping hand.

The City of Boston needed help fulfilling copy services required to provide 72-page educational packets to 18 grade levels for some of the 52,000 registered Boston Public School students. And, they needed it quickly.

Babson College was one of many higher education institutions to help the city in this time of need. The College’s Canon Copy Center ran overnight to assist with the request.

“I’m proud to say that our procurement services team, led by Kevin Collen, stepped up,” wrote Katherine Craven, chief administrative officer, in an email. “We are processing some of a massive overload for kids who may not have access to the internet, as part of what is increasingly looking like an extended leave from school.”

In total, Babson produced over 77,000 pages for grades ranging from pre-K to 12. Collen, director of Babson College’s enterprise-wide Vendor Management & Procurement Services, said his team was happy to provide the service. “I’m happy to be part of the team to support Babson and the broader Boston community however I can.”

We’re looking to spotlight more of Babson heroes during this unprecedented time. What acts of kindness have you observed? Let us know by emailing news@babson.edu.