30th Anniversary History Book

25 t h A n n i v e r s a r y F o u nd e r s Da y Ho n o r e e s

How has Terri Ross transformed the lives of Beacon College students? From study abroad to campus organizations, to special curriculum and classrooms, she has played an instrumental role in developing programs that reflect the evolving needs and interests of Beacon’s students. As our college’s longest-serving faculty member [in 2014], Terri has served as a teacher, mentor, team member and leader. She opened our eyes to the community and the world around us — from starting a campus recycling program that earned Beacon In 2014, Vinnie Ziccolella earned the distinction of being the longest serving member of Beacon College’s Board of Trustees. With an impressive background in special education, he was a natural choice to join the board, and he generously lent his expertise to the needs of students with learning disabilities and ADHD. Vinnie will certainly be remembered as the board’s key representative during the college’s accreditation process. This process was not merely a milestone; it is one of Beacon’s great, defining moments in its early history.

recognition as a leader to developing our first travel abroad program. She sponsored clubs — including the early sorority Tri Mu — and coordinated the Interdisciplinary Studies Traveling Scholars program to Cuba. With her doctoral-level expertise in education for students with learning disabilities, Terri helped create courses and classrooms specially designed to meet their need. She not only taught classes, but she mentored students as a learning specialist and helped to develop a faculty-training program for new professors aimed at providing concrete skills and strategies for working with Beacon students.

Terri Ross

But Vinnie was critical in another way. Beacon began because there was a need that was recognized by a relatively small group of individuals. From the need came the idea of Beacon. From the idea, came the planning for college’s first, humble beginnings. Vinnie helped to build Beacon’s strategy and communicate the college’s very existence and mission.

Vinnie Ziccolella

PAGE 106