Meet Roger, Babson College’s Community Resource Dog

Listen

Babson Police Officer Kevin Carrigan knows it’s a cliché. But, when he met a 5-month-old puppy a few weeks ago while in search of a Babson community resource dog at Golden Opportunities for Independence, he felt an instant connection.

“I knew once I saw the dog that this was going to be something special, and the community would feel the same way I felt,” he said.

That dog, an English cream golden retriever, has since affectionately been named “Roger,” and if his first few days on campus are any indication, he’s already a hit with students.

The Newest Member of the Community

Carrigan considers Roger a central member of the community that epitomizes One Babson, someone everyone can care for, relate to, and be comforted by. On a recent afternoon walk up College Drive, it was impossible for students to pass by without petting him and saying, “Hello.”

“This is a special time. We’ve never done anything like this before,” said Carrigan, Roger’s primary handler. “Knowing Babson and what it’s all about, it will bring a special twist to the community, something we have a common vested interest in.”

Currently in training four mornings a week to become a certified community resource dog, Roger is expected to be on campus during afternoon hours and will call Carrigan’s home his own during evenings.

“Having something that everyone is mutually invested in, and excited about, can bring so much school spirit and connection.”

SGA President Andrea Lindner '22

Outside of him taking strolls on campus and attending events, the College anticipates using Roger to respond to emotional, mental, and physical health emergencies and serve as a calming influencer. Research has shown being in the presence of a companion animal can offer mental, social, and physiological health benefits.

“The options for this are endless,” Carrigan said. “It’s a way to connect, a mediation point between how somebody can interact with me.”

Spurring Happiness

The College’s Student Government Association has played an indispensable role in bringing Roger to Wellesley. The student body originally pitched the idea, and the SGA is providing the funding for Roger.

SGA President Andrea Lindner ’22 said Roger will help drive the feelings of community, health, happiness, and partnership on campus.

“He will have a lasting impact,” she said. “Who doesn’t love a puppy?”

Advancement is contributing and working to get alumni involved as well, as the campus department has made Biz-E Beaver-themed dog toys and Babson College leashes available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Roger’s well-being.

“Having something that everyone is mutually invested in, and excited about, can bring so much school spirit and connection throughout the community,” Lindner said.

Posted in Community

More from Community »

Latest Stories

Farrah Narkiewicz and Rob Major sit and talk at Trim Dining Hall
The Regular Crowd Shuffles In: Lunchtime at Trim  Trim Dining Hall may be a key part of everyday life for many Babson students, but a slew of faculty and staff members also make it part of their daily routine. At lunchtime, they file into the dining hall, seeking food and camaraderie.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
September 4, 2025

Posted in Community

Babson Study Reveals the Power of Customer Kindness New Babson-funded research shows that customer kindness can boost employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and spark a cycle of positivity in service industries.
By
Hillary Chabot
Writer
Hillary Chabot
Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.
September 3, 2025

Posted in Community, Insights

Three photos in a side-by-side collage depict Michael Kopelman coaching, Brady Anderson in action, and the doubles team celebrating
Courting Success: How Babson Tennis Teams Transformed into National Powerhouses With championships and top-tier recruiting classes, Babson Director of Tennis Michael Kopelman has overseen the transformation of the men’s and women’s programs into national powerhouses.
By
Scott Dietz
Writer
Scott Dietz
Scott Dietz is Babson College's Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications. Dietz is responsible for the department's internal and external communications, including branding, campus engagement, marketing, social media, sponsorships and website management. Additional duties consist of event coverage, facilitation of interview requests, media pitching, video content, writing and editing. Before Babson, Dietz spent 13-plus years at fellow NEWMAC institution Wheaton College, worked for the NFL, New England Patriots, and in the media relations department with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. A native of South Park, PA, Dietz began his sports information career at Westminster College.
September 2, 2025

Posted in Community