Bearing His Name

When sharing the good news that he was accepted into Bridgewater State University, Dominic Ford, ’28, inadvertently uncovered a piece of BSU history. 

Ford works as a dining server at Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham. It’s also where alumnus Dr. Robert Calzini, ’64, resides with his wife, Jan. 

Over the past two years, the two formed a friendship. When Ford received his acceptance letter to BSU, Calzini was one of the first people he told.   

After congratulating him, Calzini then revealed a little-known fact connected to his alma mater and the legacy he left after graduating with a degree in elementary education.

“Back then I entered a contest to name Bridgewater State’s mascot,” he said. “And I won!”

“I was definitely surprised,” Dominic said of the information. 

Today, everyone on campus knows that “Brisatco” is the bear mascot’s name, but not many knew where the moniker comes from. 

“My roommate and I both decided to enter (the contest). We wrote down a plethora of names,” Calzini said. “I was determined to win!”

He doesn’t remember all the names he came up with. 

“I think I had Brownie or something like that,” Calzini said. 

Then it hit him. 

Bristaco!

At the time, BSU was then Bridgewater State College, so the “Bri” stood for Bridgewater, the “sta” for state and the “co” for college.

“My roommate told me that it was terrible, but I won,” Calzini said. 

As the winner, he received a $10 grand prize. 

“I used it to buy a lot of beer,” joked Calzini. 

For more than 50 years the name has stuck, even when Bridgewater made the change from college to university in 2010. 

“I was surprised, I thought maybe they would change it, but they didn’t,” Calzini said. “I’m really pleased that it stayed.

Calzini was back on campus during BSU’s homecoming celebration this past weekend where he was recognized by President Frederick W. Clark Jr at halftime during the football game.

"We’re excited to welcome you back on campus to honor your legacy and our enduring mascot,” Clark said. 

After graduating from Bridgwater, Calzini embarked on a successful career in education while simultaneously earning a master’s from the University of California and a PhD from Michigan State University. 

He and his wife Jan have lived in Spain, Denmark and England, where both taught at Department of Defense Education schools. 

Calzini eventually worked his way up to principal. 

The couple lived overseas for more than 30 years, where they also raised their two sons. 

Upon their return to the United States, Calzini continued working in education in Natick and then Mashpee before retiring in 2005.

He is excited for Dominic as he begins his journey at Bridgewater State and has no doubt it will be a great experience. 

“I learned a great deal at Bridgewater,” Calzini said. “You’re going to get a great education and build a solid foundation for your next steps.”

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