The Great University Campaign Launch Party on September 21, 2024, was orchestrated by a full cast of characters that included USM students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and others who entertained and informed a large and appreciative audience. Among the participants was USM School of Business faculty member, Richard J. Bilodeau ’96, ’98G, who moderated a conversation with five of USM’s tenacious, talented students.
The evening had a profound impact on Professor Bilodeau, leading to an inspired decision. Here’s how he describes his experience.
“Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of participating in the launch of USM’s $46M Great University Campaign. The night was special for many reasons. We met our new president, Jackie Edmondson. We heard about the newly named McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success and the Center for the Arts. We celebrated our initial fundraising successes and laid out the path for the final leg of the journey. And, we were inspired by our amazing students, past and present. They shared their challenges and triumphs, reminding us that our students are what make USM a truly great University.
“One of our hosts for the evening, engineering major Emmanuel Mutshaila ’22, made the night. Although I have never had Emmanuel as a student, that evening he showed the audience in Hannaford Hall why I show up day after day, semester after semester to teach. His words, wisdom, humor, and experience sparked deep thinking, a little crying, and much laughter. I can think of no better motivator to be a great professor than sharing time with a great student.
“At one point, Emmanuel cracked up the audience when he joked that he aspired to having his name on a building, but all he was offered was a picture with Champ. That moment was pure magic. Hundreds of people were now smiling and chuckling at a fundraising event–a testament to Emmanuel’s brilliance as an emcee.
“Later than evening I had an idea. Although I could not afford to put Emmanuel’s name on a building, what if I could do something to honor him that was a step above a picture with Champ?
“I decided to dedicate one of the first seats in USM’s new Center for the Arts in honor of Emmanuel Mutshaila as part of the “Take a Seat” program. He was a big part of the Great University Campaign launch and now he can be a part of its legacy.”
When Professor Bilodeau surprised Emmanuel with the news about the gift, Emmanuel’s first response was, “But I was only joking about wanting my name on a building!” That joke inspired an act of generosity that will endure––and the idea is catching on. More individuals and even groups of people are coming forward to “take a seat” in the name of teachers, students, mentors, partners, or others who have touched their lives.