Babson Takes Over Boston’s Copley Square

Listen

It was hard to glance around Boston’s Back Bay last week without seeing a nod to Babson.

The top of the Prudential Tower was illuminated in green. Ambassadors were dressed in Babson sweatshirts and caps on Boylston Street. And, Babson flags flew high above the College’s tent in Copley Square.

These activities were just the start of five days of programming for Babson Connect: Worldwide, the Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs®Global Summit Gala, and Back to Babson, all part of commemorating the College’s first century and toasting to the next 100 years at Centennial Celebration.

On Wednesday afternoon, dozens of entrepreneurial thinkers walking the streets of Boston were asked to share what inspires them, and what national and global issues they dream to solve, as part of a Conversation on Copley Square with Babson College.

That night, hundreds gathered under the tent for the Babson Connect: Worldwide Welcome Reception and Cultural Dinner.

“Babson’s centennial is not only a milestone for the college, but it’s an incredible opportunity to shine a global spotlight on the power of entrepreneurship,” said Lacy Garcia, managing director of the Centennial Office. “We could not think of a better place to do that than in Copley Square, one of the most iconic destinations in the heart of Boston.”

“We wanted to take this opportunity to engage with the city,” she added.

Having been in four locations over the past five years, Babson Chief Marketing Officer Kerry Salerno said the College has long had the intention of hosting the 2019 event in Boston, which has been in the works for about a year and a half.

“Copley became a natural place to celebrate Babson’s Centennial, and to celebrate the power of entrepreneurship within the city we are part of,” she said.

Centennial Celebration kicked off in January and was highlighted by the opening of multiple new campus facilities and landmarks, at an historic fireside chat with presidents past and present, as well as Centennial Commencement, and Founder’s Day and Make Your Mark.

In such a prominent location with a high amount of car and foot traffic, Salerno said Wednesday’s events would “spark the conversation of the power of entrepreneurship.”

“We all have an inner entrepreneur,” Salerno said. “Whether you’re looking to pursue a big idea, advance in an established organization, or starting a family and looking to manage a household, we all have entrepreneurial skills within us, and we’re here to ignite those.”

Posted in Community

More from Community »

Latest Stories

Warren Buffett
Buffett Retires: Babson Professors Highlight Lessons from a Historic Transition Warren Buffett’s retirement is more than a milestone, Babson thought leaders say. It’s also a masterclass in thoughtful succession and cultural continuity.
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.
May 30, 2025

Posted in Community, Insights

Zainabou Thiam ’28 sits at a table selling products to waiting customers
Paying Homage to One’s Ancestors Through Entrepreneurship Zainabou Thiam ’28 was raised in the values of Senegal. With the help of Babson, she’s growing her venture, Sunu Body, an African-inspired skin care and wellness brand.
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.
May 29, 2025

Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership

The champion tennis players pose for a photo with their trophies alongside their coaches
Repeat Champs: Babson’s Doubles Team Nets Second Tennis National Title Olivia Soffer ’25 and Matia Cristiani ’26 captured their second consecutive NCAA Division III doubles national championship in women’s tennis.
By
May 28, 2025

Posted in Community