News, Notes, and Nods: Undergraduates
1978
Scott Dennett ’78 was appointed Massachusetts’ representative of the Elite Commercial Realty Group. Dennett has worked as an advisor and Massachusetts real estate analyst for more than 30 years. He also has served in numerous civic capacities throughout the state.
1987
Gregory Bochicchio ’87 was promoted to the role of chief transformation officer at CSC ServiceWorks Inc., a commercial laundry solutions and air vending services business. In his new position, Bochicchio leads processes and distributed resources to identify and advance the company’s value creation agenda. “Over the past few years, we’ve made significant strides to innovate and transform our business,” Bochicchio said. “I can’t say enough about what we’ve done in support of our customers and communities.”
1990
Shaun McMahon ’90, the CEO and founder of Illuminate, writes that his business has been named to Inc. magazine’s list of America’s fastest-growing companies for the second year in a row: “In a time filled with unforeseen challenges, our talented and hard-working team has consistently delivered smart, inspired solutions and a near-seamless experience for our clients. Their hard work and commitment to always doing more and doing better continue to drive our success.”
1992
Anthony Caterino ’92 was named senior vice chair and deputy managing partner of EY Americas, where his responsibilities will cover 80,000 people in 31 countries, representing more than $17.2 billion in combined revenues. In his new role, he will be instrumental in driving the execution of EY’s strategy in the Americas. Caterino joined EY as an intern in 1991 and most recently served as vice chair and regional managing partner of its Financial Services Organization.
1995
Former Babson men’s soccer player David Cohen ‘95 has been involved in sports-based youth development since 2008. Today, he’s the CEO of Doc Wayne Youth Services, an award-winning Boston nonprofit that focuses on the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of at-risk youth. The programs, which take place in a gym or on a field, and via telehealth during the pandemic, fuse sport and therapy to heal and strengthen the youth while helping them learn important life skills.
1996
Shawn Wells ’96, a biochemist and entrepreneur who has formulated hundreds of dietary supplements and formulas for more than 50 companies around the world, was featured in an article on LatestLY. He also has more than 20 patents filed, with ingredients that provide users with energy, increase productivity, and lessen stress. “When supplement consumption is combined with a nutritious diet and exercise regimen, then it won’t take long for people to notice a difference in their mood and energy levels.”
1999
Charles Gaudet ’99 has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs through the seven- and eight-figure mark in addition to growing multimillion-dollar companies of his own. Through his work, he has seen one recurring trend more than any other: Entrepreneurs equate hustle with success. He argues that while hustle alone can get you to the million-dollar mark, it will almost never get you beyond that point.
2002
Gregory Bergida ’02 produced Season 1 of Can We Get Coffee, a podcast in which he brings together students and young professionals with industry leaders from around the world to discuss topics relevant to new graduates today. “Far more work than expected, but it’s been a valuable experience for my student co-hosts, so it’s all worth it,” he writes. “I’m looking for co-hosts and guests from Babson for Season 2.” Students and alumni can reach out at hello@canwegetcoffee.com.
2005
Anna (DeFilipp) Dugal ’05 has been promoted to director of development for the LifeFlight Foundation, a nonprofit that provides fundraising and public relations support to LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s only emergency medical helicopter service. LifeFlight works with EMS and hospitals across Maine to provide access to critical care and medical transport to those who need it most. Dugal manages statewide fundraising efforts and has more than 15 years of experience in development, marketing, and events.
Mechanix Wear CEO Michael Hale ’05 was named a semifinalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in Greater Los Angeles. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Hale was appointed CEO of the family business, a developer in automotive, construction, industrial, and tactical hand protection, in August 2016. “Since becoming CEO,” Hale said, “it has been my passion to be a leader, innovator, and continue to uphold a dynamic family business that puts its employees and customers first.”
2009
Tyler Low ’09 and Hilary Low ’12 welcomed their child, Eleanor James Low, into the world on August 30, 2020. “She has brought us such joy, and we are so in love with this little one!” Tyler Low said.
2012
Mike Hoban ’12 and Ashley Hoban ’13 welcomed their son, Brooks Francis, on August 21, 2020.
Hilary Low ’12: See 2009, above.
2013
Peter Foley ’13 married Lauren Jenny on September 4 on Drakes Island Beach in Maine after postponing their original wedding plans due to COVID-19.
Hiba Haider ’13 married Shazan Zaidi on August 8 in her parents’ backyard with their closest friends and family and many virtual guests on Zoom. “My husband went to college at Suffolk during the same time I was an undergrad at Babson. Though our paths didn’t cross until seven years later in New York City, our Boston pride (and college pride, of course) has been a unifier in our relationship!”
Ashley Hoban ’13: See 2012, above.
Keira Yeager Rijsemus ’13 married Diederik Rijsemus on April 16 in New York in a socially distant wedding ceremony, surrounded by a mere six loved ones.
2017
Shan Bhagat ’17 proudly accepted an invitation to be on the Forbes Business Council. “Having successfully launched an eight-figure business at age 25, they felt that although I was young, I would be a good fit for such an organization,” he said. Bhagat specifically thanked Associate Professors Stephen Deets and Jason Mohaghegh for their guidance when he was a student.
UMH Properties Vice President Daniel Landy ’17 took part in virtually ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on August 25 to celebrate a housing community loan recently closed between UMH Properties and Fannie Mae.
2019
Founded by Daniel Brassloff ’19, Freed Foodies placed third in Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Virtual Pitch Competition, earning the business a six-month membership to The Capital Network and a $2,500 cash prize. The company, which launched in June, makes gluten-free, eight major allergens-free, corn-free, multipurpose flour blends to easily make gluten-free baked goods, with a focus on quality, safety, convenience, and transparency.
Malvika Sheth ’19 writes that she and her fashion platform, Stylebymalvika, have been featured in publications including Forbes India, HuffPost UK, Buzzfeed, Thrive Global, Refinery 29, The Cut, Glamour, and Metro.
2020
Ursula Dedekind ’20 writes that she “bought a domain, designed a website, and started a blog that encapsulates my passions!” The website covers Dedekind’s travels, insights, adventures, and experiences.
Jacob Heller ’20 spent the final months of his Babson experience training for and competing in a charity triathlon for No Kid Hungry. “In March, like many people, my life changed in countless ways,” he said. “But, because I had built this self-confidence over all the years prior, I knew I would be OK, and I knew that I would be able to handle this new paradigm and anything I would need to overcome.”
Troy Nanfelt ’20 and his family’s business, Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market and Kitchen, were featured in an issue of The South Coast Insider, the Fall River, Massachusetts-based magazine. Nanfelt has been working at the business since graduation, and his responsibilities include overseeing processing and distribution as part of the business’s wholesale division. Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market and Kitchen has been serving Massachusetts’ South Coast since 1946.
MORE NEWS, NOTES, AND NODS FROM THE WINTER 2020–2021 ISSUE:
Graduates » In Memoriam »
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