EXCEL

Exhibiting Talent

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:39:45 +0000

Exhibiting Talent HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 05/19/2025 - 12:39

Students get creative and a little ‘unruly’ in new campus installation

May 27, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

A new art installation at ϡȱ�� State University’s Hunt Hall showcases colorful work as it celebrates the ways in which the joy of creating can bring people together.

Earlier this year, BSU’s Dr. Margaret Kjelgaard collaborated with EXCEL to bring “Unruly Art” to campus, an activity designed to expose the program’s students to art, inspiring them to create regardless of ability. (EXCEL is a postsecondary program at BSU for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.)

“Art encourages you to use other parts of your brain, it really is valuable. Art can really be powerful.” Kjelgaard said.

During the session, students used paints and canvas to create colorful artworks.

“As the students painted, they worked on goals, taking turns and learning how to work with each other,” Kjelgaard said. “Kids who don’t usually talk to each other, when focused on painting, started to open up and have conversations.”

EXCEL Inclusive Student Life Coordinator Katie Leeco said it was great to watch the students come out of their shells as they painted together.

“I think at first they were a little nervous, but once one person dove in, they all followed. It was a great community event, it created a space where they felt safe and could create,” Leeco said.

BSU students studying communication disorders also attended, Kjelgaard said, and were able to see how art can be incorporated into therapy.

“Some people are sometimes reluctant to use art, but it can be a very effective therapy tool. It can be exciting and interesting for kids, and they get to take something with them, which encourages and opens up conversations at home,” she said.

Kjelgaard co-led the event with Unruly Art founder and MIT Professor Pawan Sinha. Over the years the two have collaborated on autism research. Sinha launched the program in 2012.

According to Kjelgaard, Sinha often travels back to his native India as part of the Project Prakash initiative, a program that brings art to visually impaired children living there.

After seeing the joy and fulfillment children experienced with Project Prakash, he wanted to expand on that experience and Unruly Art was born.

Leeco looks to collaborate with Kjelgaard again, to expose future EXCEL students to the program.

“Unruly Art allowed our students to express themselves in a nontraditional way,” Leeco said. “Sometimes finding the right words can be tricky, but you can draw something or express it through art, and it encourages you to let your guard down.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Sometimes finding the right words can be tricky, but you can draw something or express it through art, and it encourages you to let your guard down.

Katie Leeco, EXCEL inclusive student life coordinator

All the Trappings of Success

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:59:33 +0000

All the Trappings of Success BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 02/02/2024 - 10:59

EXCEL students gain work experience with Bear Trap food stand

February 6, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

When Bob Donahue is on duty at the Bear Trap convenience stand, be sure to ask for his special flavor of smoothies.

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, he doled out strawberry banana versions of the popular drink while greeting passing students with a smile.

“It’s caring for people and making them feel special,” Bob said of working at the convenience stand in the Tinsley Center lobby.

Bob is one of the first students in ϡȱ�� State’s EXCEL program to staff the Bear Trap through a new internship. EXCEL provides an inclusive postsecondary experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The partnership with food service provider Sodexo helps Bob and his peers gain important job skills. Working alongside Sodexo student employees, four EXCEL students participate in all facets of running the stand, from taking inventory to making smoothies to serving customers.

“It gives me the opportunity to learn more new things and learn more about myself,” Bob said.

The initiative breaks down barriers people with disabilities face in the job market because it provides experience students can show prospective employers, said Dr. Jon Cash, EXCEL’s interim director.

“The Bear Trap allows students who see point of sale operations management as their future to come to BSU, experience college, and have an outcome of their choice that will help them find competitive employment,” Cash said.

Sodexo and EXCEL launched the pilot program in the fall semester. Organizers hope it becomes a model for dining programs at other universities.

“Sodexo is a company that’s invested in our diversity and inclusion,” said Staci DeSimone, general manager of BSU Dining. “Piloting this program helps to explore what Sodexo can do for all people.”

The partnership has proven beneficial for everyone involved.

“I really, really like working with this population,” said psychology major Sierra Cummins-Remington, ’25, who runs the stand alongside Bob. “I learn more from them than they learn from me.”

Sierra, who is minoring in special education and works as an education coach for the EXCEL program, appreciates the hands-on experience as she aspires to become a life coach serving people with disabilities.

Bob, who is attending a principles of management class this semester, also sees a connection to his career goals.

He hopes to one day open a food truck with his father. But he knows he has already pleased his parents because of his growth as a Bear.

“I’m making my mom and dad proud and showing them that I can be like them,” he said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

(Working at the Bear Trap) gives me the opportunity to learn more new things and learn more about myself.

Bob Donahue

Learning to 'EXCEL'

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 09 May 2022 14:23:46 +0000

Learning to 'EXCEL' HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 05/09/2022 - 10:23

Program opens new worlds to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

May 10, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Even when he’s wearing a mask, it’s easy to tell Cullen “CJ” Buckley is smiling when he talks: his eyes light up and his infectious enthusiasm gives him away.

He’s also very proud.

“I want to inspire more people, thousands of people,” said CJ, who has Down syndrome.

CJ is enrolled in ϡȱ�� State University’s EXCEL program, a fully inclusive postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Through EXCEL, students have the same experience as their college-aged peers in academics, socialization, career development, and independent living. Students are also paired with a peer mentor for additional support.

“We are a fully inclusive program, that’s what sets us apart. Our students are part of the fabric of the community, fully included in classes alongside all ϡȱ�� students,” said Christina Raeke, EXCEL program director.

When Raeke traveled to North Attleboro two years ago to interview CJ as a potential candidate for the program, she knew immediately after talking with and observing him, he’d be a good fit.

“I was having a particularly stressful morning and I have to tell you, he turned my entire day around. Watching him in his art class, he was so passionate and engaged in his learning. I knew we were going to take him,” she said.

CJ has brought that energy to BSU, where he’s taken a variety of classes, including yoga and theater. He particularly likes yoga for a very specific reason.

“I’m very double jointed,” he said.

His theater classes have also helped define a possible career path.

“I love music, I love to act. I want to perform,” CJ said.

Hip hop is his favorite genre, and he’s not afraid to break out and rap for an audience.

He prefers to perform songs he’s written himself. Some are about a variety of topics, including living with Down syndrome, love, and being there for others, especially those with disabilities.

“For some people it can be hard to understand Down syndrome. I like to try and help them. The fact I have Down syndrome, it helps me teach others,” he said.

When he’s not taking class or rapping, CJ interns in the BSU mailroom where his responsibilities include receiving, scanning, and labeling packages. His favorite part of the job though, is interacting with people.

“I get to deal with a lot of people. I get to greet them. It fits right in with my personality,” he said.

CJ currently commutes to BSU but plans to live on campus next semester.

“I want to see new people, have more independence, and gain that experience,” he said.

Raeke has no doubt he will adjust just fine and looks forward to seeing more of him on campus.

“He has a beautiful spirit, he’s a wonderful young man to be around. CJ represents the type of student we want to see at our college,” she said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I want to inspire more people, thousands of people.

Cullen "CJ" Buckley