Dean College on short list of colleges in possible financial trouble

From the Boston Globe: 

"Dean College: What was for decades a two-year school in Franklin, Dean College started offering bachelor’s degrees in the 1990s. But the school has struggled to differentiate itself in a crowded marketplace in recent years.

Enrollment was down more than 13 percent between 2010 and 2024, and the school lacks substantial revenue sources beyond undergraduate tuition, so even modest enrollment declines are painful to the bottom line.

The college’s board has been approving special appropriations from the endowment to cover expenses, including a $3.9 million withdrawal in 2026. The total value of Dean’s endowment shrunk slightly in 2025 to about $66.2 million. The school is also discounting tuition significantly; its 1,092 students paid an average of roughly $33,200 each in tuition, fees, and room and board in fiscal 2025 even though the total cost of attendance listed on the school’s website is $73,972."

Continue reading the writing by the Globe’s Higher Education reporter, Hillary Burns

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/08/newsletters/mass-colleges-in-financial-trouble/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Dean College Announces 2026–2027 Performing Arts Season

Dean College proudly announces its 2026–2027 performing arts season, featuring theatre and dance productions performed by Dean students and brought to life in collaboration with accomplished faculty, guest artists, choreographers and directors. Running from October through May, the season includes four mainstage theatre productions, four major dance concerts and four student showcase productions.

“This season gives our students opportunities to explore ambitious works, develop their individual artistic voices and share their talents with the wider community,” said Stephen Ursprung, Dean of the Schools of Performing Arts. “From contemporary musicals and thought-provoking plays to original student and faculty choreography, each production reflects the creativity, collaboration and professional preparation at the heart of Dean’s performing arts programs.

This season also arrives at a meaningful moment, as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. While not every production speaks directly to patriotism, the season as a whole is shaped around the question of what it means to be American: how we exist in community with one another, how we face challenges as a society, and how we embody ingenuity, collaboration and resilience in the face of adversity.   

Regularly priced tickets range from $12 to $22 per show. Full-season ticket packages offer a 25 percent discount off the regular single-ticket prices. The Full Season Package (eight performances) is $132 for the general public and $72 for senior citizens and non-Dean students. All shows for Dean students are $5.  

The Theatre Series Package (four performances – “The Skin of Our Teeth,” “Urinetown,” “August: Osage County,” and “9 to 5”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.  

The Dance Series Package (four performances – “Fall Dance Concert,” “Faculty Dance Works,” “Choreographers’ Concert,” and “Dance Company”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.  

Ticket packages are now available online at www.dean.edu/performance. Individual show tickets will be available beginning September 8.  

Continue reading the press release which includes additional details on each performance

https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-announces-2026-2027-performing-arts-season/

Dean College field hockey captain takes the field for Puerto Rico

The Franklin (Dean College) radar picked up this item of interest"

"For Lakeland graduate Emily Yazzetti, it is a special time as she is playing field hockey for the Puerto Rico national team that is competing in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, that started July 24 and runs through Aug. 8.

https://news.halstonmedia.com/stories/yazzetti-takes-the-field-for-puerto-rico,89736

“Playing for this team means more to me than just making a name for myself,” Yazzetti said. “It's about representing a part of my culture, my country, and most importantly my family, who this wouldn't be possible without. Finding the true meaning for being a part of this team was hard, since I didn't have a great connection to the roots of where I come, but to build it myself is truly special.”

Yazzetti said the team wants to win badly to make a name for Puerto Rico field hockey.

“But even beyond the concept of winning, just to connect, grow, and play together as a team at such a high level of competition is an honor,” Yazzetti said."

....

"Collegiately, Yazzetti is a rising junior at Dean College, located in Franklin, Massachusetts, where she plays both field hockey and softball. There, she is a captain of the field hockey team, playing forward and attacking midfield and utility and outfield on the softball team.

“It's definitely a challenge to balance playing two sports at the collegiate level but it is so worth the effort put into it to be able to play the two sports that I love and grew up with,” Yazzetti said. “I love having a busy fall and spring now that I play both sports because I like to keep busy and hard work is good busy.”

Highlighting her time to this point at Dean College in field hockey was being named MVP of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship and leading her team to the title last fall."

You can read the full article online - https://news.halstonmedia.com/stories/yazzetti-takes-the-field-for-puerto-rico,89736

Franklin Distinguished Young Women Showcase Performance - Sat, July 25

Please join our eleven participants as they showcase all they learned in fitness, talent, self-expression, interview and scholastics!

Where: Dean College Campus Center -Main Stage Theatre

Time: 6 to 8 PM

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026

Shared from their Facebook event - https://www.facebook.com/events/927735053685155/?active_tab=about

First Friday Networking Breakfasts return Friday, August 7 at 7:30 AM

First Friday Networking Breakfasts are BACK!

Please join us for a morning of coffee, conversation and optional breakfast on Aug 7th at 7:30 am. Open to all FDP members.

Board member @gregsafford will facilitate and answer any questions you might have about our upcoming Harvest Festival!

Not a member of the Downtown Partnerships? Check it out - https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/about/

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DalEWQnu5hJ/

Dean College Appoints Heidi Bruce as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni & Family Engagement

Dean College has appointed Heidi Bruce, MBA, CFRM, as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni & Family Engagement.

Bruce brings more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement, and institutional advancement. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, helping institutions strengthen advancement operations, increase philanthropic support, and deepen stakeholder engagement.

In her new role, Bruce will provide leadership for Dean College's advancement efforts, including major and planned giving, annual giving, alumni and family engagement, corporate and foundation relations, stewardship, and advancement operations. As a member of the College's senior leadership team, she will work closely with alumni, donors, families, trustees, and friends of the College to support Dean's strategic priorities and strengthen engagement across the College community. 

Continue reading the announcement - https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-appoints-heidi-bruce-as-vice-president-of-institutional-advancement-and-alumni-family-engagement/

Dean College graduate and filmmaker Maximilian Kent to share Goddard's story

"Dean College graduate Maximilian Kent found himself fascinated with space flight, and while on staff for the school's newspaper, the Dean Daily, Kent reached out to NASA and received press clearance to cover the SpaceX Crew 10 launch in March 2025. Kent went on to create Countdown to Launch, to foster great interest in space exploration.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/franklin-tv-it-aint-rocket-science.html

Kent went on to coproduce and direct the 30-minute film, "Space Man," dramatizing Worcester native Robert Goddard's launch of the first liquid fuel rocket on March 16, 1926. At an event at the Pakachoag Gold Course in Auburn, where Goddard launched the rock at what was then a family farm, Kent met Travis Wohlrab, a public communications specialist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The meeting led to plans to screen the film June 27 and 30 at the NASA Goddard Visitor Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The June 27 screening is free to the public; the June 30 screening is for NASA staff."

Continue reading the article  (subscription may be required)

https://www.telegram.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2026/06/24/last-call-maximilian-kent-filmmaker-moon-man/90647144007/

South St Six scheduled to perform on the Dean College Stage at Patriot Place, Saturday, June 20

South Street Six scheduled to perform on the
Dean College Stage at Patriot Place, Saturday, June 20

via South Street Six

"We're back on the Dean College Stage at Patriot Place, next Saturday, June 20 from 4 - 7 PM!

Come grab some great food and drinks from Bar Louie, Citizen Crust or Estella and enjoy tunes and fun!

See you there..."

Shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/DZkd3uJDiM8/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 12, 2026 ???

Friday, June 12

9am Fallen Hero: Lloyd M. Ellis (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

4pm Strawberry Stroll     (Main St, Franklin)

5pm A Children’s Parade (Dean College)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

---------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

2026 Memorial Day observances for the Town of Franklin

The Town of Franklin invites residents, veterans, families and visitors to come together in remembrance and gratitude during the community’s 2026 Memorial Day observances. A series of events will honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The Memorial Day Breakfast will take place on Friday, May 22, from 9 to 11 AM, at the Franklin Senior Center and offers an opportunity for the veteran community to gather ahead of Memorial Day. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, May 8, by calling the Veterans’ Services Office at 508-613-1315.

On Memorial Day, the community is invited to attend a series of commemorative events, beginning with ceremonies at Dean College at 9:30 AM, Union Street Cemetery at 9:50 AM, and St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:10 AM, prior to the start of the parade.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony — May 25, 2026

The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 AM, beginning at Horace Mann Middle School and proceeding along Oak Street, Daniel McCahill Street, Union Street, West Central Street, Emmons Street and Main Street, ending at the Franklin Town Common.

View the parade route: Memorial Day 2026 Parade Route

Download a PDF copy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7xl3qkGgSuR-9vLd2wpdOCqsiBUPdRq/view?usp=sharing

The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12 PM at the World War I Memorial on the Town Common immediately following the parade. The ceremony will honor Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day, as well as the Town’s 45 fallen heroes who died in service to the nation.

In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the Town’s Veterans’ Services webpage (https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services).

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. The Town of Franklin encourages all to take part in these observances and join in honoring the legacy of our nation’s heroes.

Dean College Vocal Ensemble Concert scheduled for Sunday, May 3

Dean College Vocal Ensemble Concert
scheduled for Sunday, May 3

"Don’t forget to visit @dcvocalensemble before they break for the summer season! "

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXwwKyfD9tI/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, April 26, 2026 ???

Sunday, April 26

The Little Shop | Lady Bug Walk (Day 2/2)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-little-shop-of-olive-oils-family.html

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

3:00pm Music at the Museum: Jazz (Franklin Historical Museum)

***  NO Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 25, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 25

The Little Shop | Lady Bug Walk (Day 1/2)

9:00am Annual Ladybug Trail Walk Multiple points in Downtown Franklin

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Charles River Earth Day Cleanup (Sites across the watershed, from Boston to Hopkinton!)

10:30am Rainforest Reptiles! (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Painting for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Boston Typewriter Orchestra Concert (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

5:30pm dayTREAT featuring "SLOW BURN" (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

7:30pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

***  NO Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, April 12, 2026 ???

Sunday, April 12

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Sunday Speaker Series: Steven Puleo talks about "The Boston Italians" (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:30pm Book a Break Book Tour Event ~ THE MIDNIGHT SHOW (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

2:00pm The Prom (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 11, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 11

9:00am Electronics Recycling Event (St. Mary's Parish School Parking Lot)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am    Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am    Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Craftalong for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Vance Gilbert (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections – A Middle Eastern Experience” - April 15

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections
– A Middle Eastern Experience” - April 15

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections – A Middle Eastern Experience,” is a free, family-friendly program open to all ages. 

It will include a brief presentation along with interactive activities such as Islamic art coloring, a Palestinian Tatreez activity, and Middle Eastern BINGO. 

Snacks and refreshments will also be provided.

Event Details:
April 15, 2026 = 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Franklin Historical Museum
80 W Central St, Franklin, MA

Dean College Announces Nery Gomez as 2026 Commencement Speaker

Dean College is pleased to announce that Nery Gomez, entrepreneur, investor, and member of the Dean College Board of Trustees, will serve as the keynote speaker for the College’s 160th Commencement ceremony.

Gomez is the founder, president, and chief operating officer of BlackSun Private Equity, Inc., and the founder and chief executive officer of multiple advisory and investment firms. A published author and speaker, he is known for helping individuals align financial decisions with long-term purpose and fulfillment—a philosophy that closely aligns with Dean’s mission to educate and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

Dean College Announces Nery Gomez
as 2026 Commencement Speaker

“We are honored to welcome Nery Gomez as this year’s Commencement speaker,” said Darrell Kulesza, Interim President of Dean College. “His career reflects a strong focus on preparation, adaptability, and long-term success. Those are qualities we work to instill in our students, and I expect his remarks will resonate with the Class of 2026.” 

Originally from Massachusetts, Gomez earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Tufts University, with extensive coursework in economics. He has been accepted into Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Early in his academic journey, he studied at Dean College—an experience he has described as formative in shaping both his academic and professional path. 

As a member of the Dean College Board of Trustees, Gomez is actively engaged in advancing the College’s mission to support, challenge, and prepare students for life beyond Dean. His work reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals build the clarity, discipline, and confidence needed to move forward with purpose. 

“It is a privilege to celebrate the Class of 2026,” said Gomez. “My time at Dean was a meaningful part of my early academic experience, and I have a lasting appreciation for the College’s commitment to student growth. I look forward to sharing a message that encourages graduates to approach what comes next with clarity, intention, and confidence.” 

Dean College’s Commencement ceremony will be held on May 9, 2026. Learn more by visiting the Commencement website - https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/