Bentley University

Bentley University
Name	Bentley University
Established	1917
Type	Private
Endowment	$350 million (2022)
President	E. LaBrent Chrite
City	Waltham
State	Massachusetts
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 163 acres
Students	5,200 (approx.)
Faculty	500 (approx.)
Colors	Blue and gold
Nickname	Falcons
Affiliations	NCAA Division II, Northeast-10 Conference

Bentley University is a private institution in Waltham, Massachusetts, focused on integrating business education with the arts and sciences. Founded in 1917 as a school of accounting and finance, it has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution is known for its strong emphasis on technology, ethics, and global perspectives in business education, and its campus serves as a hub for innovation and student engagement in the Greater Boston area.

History

The institution was founded in 1917 by Harry C. Bentley as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in Boston's Back Bay. Initially focused on training accountants, it grew rapidly, becoming the Bentley College of Accounting and Finance in 1932. After moving to its current location in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1968, it expanded its curriculum and was renamed Bentley College in 1970. Achieving university status in 2008, it was renamed Bentley University, reflecting its growth into a comprehensive institution with schools of business, arts and sciences, and a strong graduate division. Key figures in its development have included presidents like Gregory D. Adamian and Joseph M. Cronin, who oversaw significant academic and physical expansion.

Academics

The university is organized into several distinct schools: the McCallum Graduate School of Business, the Undergraduate College, and the College of Arts and Sciences. It is accredited by the AACSB and offers a distinctive curriculum that blends business with the liberal arts. Popular majors include Finance, Accountancy, Marketing, and Information Design and Corporate Communication. The university is recognized for its centers of excellence, such as the Center for Business Ethics and the User Experience Center. Graduate programs include the Master of Business Administration and specialized master's degrees in fields like Financial Analytics and Human Factors in Information Design.

Campus

The 163-acre suburban campus is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, approximately 10 miles west of Boston. Notable facilities include the state-of-the-art Bentley Library, the Smith Academic Technology Center, and the Miller Hall for student services. The Dana Athletic Center and the Bentley Arena serve as hubs for recreation and NCAA competition. Residential life is centered around modern housing complexes like the Tree Houses and Falcon Hall. The campus also features the Bentley University Sculpture Park and the sustainable Bentley Microfarm.

Student life

Student life is active with over 100 student-run organizations, including professional clubs like the Investment Management Group and cultural groups such as the Asian Student Association. The university hosts major events like the annual Winter Festival and Spring Day. A significant portion of the student body is involved in Greek life, with chapters from the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council. Community service is emphasized through programs organized by the Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Center. The Bentley University Program Council is responsible for organizing concerts, comedians, and other campus-wide entertainment.

Athletics

Athletic teams, known as the Bentley Falcons, compete in the NCAA Division II as members of the Northeast-10 Conference. The university fields 23 varsity teams, with notable success in sports like ice hockey, basketball, and swimming and diving. The Bentley Arena, opened in 2018, is a premier facility for hockey and campus events. The university also maintains a strong rivalry with nearby Babson College, particularly in basketball. Club and intramural sports are popular, offering activities from rugby to ultimate frisbee.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields, particularly in business, finance, and public service. In corporate leadership, notable figures include Jack Connors (co-founder of Hill Holliday), Gerald Chertavian (founder of Year Up), and Paul S. Amos (co-founder of Aflac). In sports, alumni include National Hockey League executive Chris Snow and former National Football League player J.C. Pena. Other distinguished graduates are Ellen R. Malcolm (founder of EMILY's List) and Massachusetts politician Michael J. Barrett.

Category:Universities and colleges in Massachusetts Category:Educational institutions established in 1917