Mission Driven
Why did you decide to attend Suffolk?
I grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and really didn’t expect to go to college—neither of my parents had. My father drove a truck, and I thought that was what I would probably do, too. But in my senior year [of high school], one of my teachers pulled me aside and, acting as my guidance counselor, encouraged me to go.
So I applied to Suffolk, Merrimack College, Boston College, and Northern Essex Community College, and I was accepted at all four schools. But Suffolk was the only one that offered me a scholarship, and that covered 50% of my tuition. That scholarship, and an interest-free loan I got from the James W. Colgan Fund, made a real difference.
What do you remember most about your Suffolk experience?
I had always been kind of shy, but I bloomed at Suffolk and went from being an average student to an honor roll student. Harold Stone, who was the head of the Accounting Department, had a lot to do with that. He was not an easy professor, but he was an excellent one. He urged us to think about public accounting and really geared his courses to the CPA exam. When I graduated from Suffolk, I was able to land a job with a public accounting firm in Boston and passed the CPA exam without taking a review course.
How did Suffolk shape your career?
I had a wonderful experience at Suffolk, both as an undergraduate and then later when I returned to get my MBA. It gave me a great foundation, first for my career in public accounting and then when I went into banking. I spent 28 years with the Co-Operative Central Bank, which is the central bank and excess deposit insurer for Massachusetts co-operative banks. It was immensely satisfying work, and I served as the bank’s president for eight years until my retirement in 2008.
You’ve been giving back to Suffolk for almost half a century. Why did you make your first gift, and why have you continued to give over time?
After I graduated, I felt I should “put the money back,” so that it would be there for someone else and they could benefit. Without Suffolk and the financial support it gave me, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done in my life. I wanted to make that kind of opportunity available for others. By this point, I think I’ve put back a little more than I took out! But when you can help others, it gives you a good feeling. I will continue to support Suffolk for as long as I can.
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spring 2025
By Beth Brosnan
Past President, Massachusetts Co-Operative Central Bank
Retired Certified Public Accountant
Financial Literacy Advisor
