Bentley Chancellor and President Emeritus Greg Adamian (left) shares a special moment with his longtime friend Joel Wilder '58.
“These inspiring alumni play important roles in Bentley’s past, present and future storyline,” says Leigh Gaspar, director of the Center for Alumni, Parents and Friends. “Their generosity in terms of time, talent and wisdom helps Bentley to thrive, and it is an honor for us to recognize them.”
Integrity and Generosity
For Joel Wilder, success is the result of a simple equation: hard work plus a deep understanding of his field. In 1972, he co-founded what would become the Wilder Companies, which is now one of the nation’s top shopping center development and management firms. For the better part of four decades, Wilder has honed his expertise in real estate by developing, financing, rehabilitating and managing retail properties across the country – all with an unparalleled level of integrity.
“Joel understands at a fundamental level that you need to do things right by the retailers, municipalities and lending institutions that you deal with,” says Tom Wilder, Joel’s son and principal of the Wilder Companies. “He realized early on that their success would be our success.”
Sharing and community building is a cornerstone of Wilder’s life, with Bentley being one of many institutions to benefit from his time and talents. He has served the school in numerous ways since earning his degree in accountancy in 1958, notably, as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees. He currently serves as trustee emeritus.
“At Bentley, I came under the influence of great professors. I want to help make sure that current students receive the same educational experience I did,” says Wilder. “I believe in giving back. If you want to make this world a better place, that’s what you have to do.”
Wilder’s enthusiasm for his alma mater is entirely mutual.
“Joel’s story is one for the Bentley history books,” observes President Gloria Cordes Larson. “I am so happy we are able to honor his achievements and welcome him into the prestigious ranks of Bentley’s most distinguished alumni.”
Partner in Success
PJ Neal has a passion for assisting others. Professionally, Neal puts this commitment to work as a senior engagement manager for the corporate learning division at the Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation. The role includes overseeing the sale, design and technical support of programs delivered to corporate and government clients across the globe. Personally, Neal lends Bentley students a helping hand as the go-to alumnus for advice in the field of consulting.
“At Bentley, I was lucky to connect with some truly wonderful professors and alumni who helped me find my way,” explains Neal. “Now, I feel privileged to be in a position to offer support to students and young alumni who are interested in the world of consulting.”
Neal’s passion for the university extends well beyond career guidance.
“PJ is a partner to Bentley in every sense of the word,” says Leigh Gaspar, noting his leadership roles as president of the Young Alumni Association, student mentor and admission ambassador. “Quite simply, PJ is a natural leader who genuinely cares for this university, his fellow alumni and today’s students.”
High-Impact Alumna
Grace Doherty has been a loyal member of the Bentley community since she first set foot on campus.
“Bentley was great to me when I was in business school – and has been great to me ever since – so I like to do as much as I can to give back,” says Doherty, now a vice president at Sovereign Bank.
Since graduating in 2001 with an MBA focused on international marketing, Doherty has sought out new and innovative ways to assist the Bentley community. These include helping with Career Services workshops to prepare MBA students for job interviews and encouraging her employer to take on Bentley MBA candidates as interns.
“These internships not only launch the banking careers of our MBA students, but also strengthen the relationship between the bank and Bentley University,” says Len Morrison, director of corporate and foundation relations at Bentley.
Most recently, Doherty was a key liaison in developing the Santander Universities Study Abroad Scholarship Fund at Bentley. The fund provides annual support for students to pursue academic and service-oriented programs overseas.
“I strongly believe in the business education Bentley provides,” she says. “I also believe it is critical that we work to make education – in all its forms – available to as many students as possible. My hope is that this scholarship will help students gain valuable experience and expand their knowledge.”
