A Bear Then, A Bear Now, Carrie Kulick-Clark
Here at BSU, it’s no secret that community spirit is one of our school specialties. Even after they graduate and move on with their journeys, our former Bears are always there to offer a paw and help keep our community thriving. Of these alumni, Carrie Kulick-Clark (she/her) is one of BSU’s finest. From big things like being heavily involved with campus organizations like Bears Essential, to small acts of kindness, Carrie helps keep the campus spirit high and brightens any stormy day.
Carrie started her BSU career as a first-generation college student in the 80s. It was a different time for colleges, a time before campus visits and online applications were the norm. But even in such a different time, BSU still held that appeal. After getting an off-campus apartment and adjusting to the rural area, Carrie began her Bridgewater career, taking advantage of every opportunity she got and always trying her best. She would go on to hold a position in The Comment, student government (where she would meet Fred Clark, the current president of the university), and persevere in challenges such as being in charge of BSU Homecoming. She ended up graduating in 1985 as a communications major with a political science minor, and then in 1998, returned to get a master’s degree in education and counseling. Talk about a double Bear!
When asked what she likes the most about BSU, Carrie responded that what she liked then and now are the same: the faculty that goes the extra mile to get to know you. Even after graduating and entering the professional workforce, the connection with students and faculty remains. “It’s like we never left,” she says.
Carrie remains heavily involved on campus today. In addition to helping out at campus events, Carrie served as the president of the Bridgewater State Alumni Association for over two decades, and currently continues to work with Bears Essential to provide free professional clothing to students in need.
Closing off our interview, I asked if she had any advice for students and what she said was truly inspiring: “Sometimes saying hello is the hardest thing to do.”
Carrie’s success is because of her ability to take initiative and reach out, and while professors open doors for students, it is ultimately your steps that get you to your destination.
