Evening of Champions

Carol Bulman

Carol Conway Bulman is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Jack Conway, one of Massachusetts’ leading independent real estate firms. She has more than 30 years of experience in her family’s firm and in the Massachusetts housing and mortgage industries. Under her leadership since 2008, Jack Conway has acquired over a dozen real estate companies and extended its services to the home buyers and sellers of the North Shore. Carol plays a vital role in both the real estate industry and her community with her roles on numerous boards of directors and advisory committees. Together with President Al Becker and her children, she is committed to expanding her company and continuing her father’s legacy of running her business with the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Her priority, and that of her agents, staff and managers, is to provide exceptional real estate services with a personal touch to the homebuyers and sellers of Conway Country.

Bob Rivers

Bob Rivers has served as the CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors at Eastern Bank since 2017. Rivers began working for Eastern Bank in 2006 as Vice Chair and Chief Banking Officer, he progressed to President in 2007, Chief Operating Officer in 2012, and became an Eastern Bank Director in 2015. Apart from his responsibilities at Eastern Bank, Mr. Rivers is actively involved in several organizations, recognized as a leader in Boston’s business community, and has been acknowledged for his advocacy on social justice issues. Massasoit is grateful for the support of Mr. Rivers. Mr. Rivers has championed and celebrated Massasoit in a variety of ways. We are excited to honor his commitment to the Mission of the College by naming him Massasoit’s 2024 Education and Community Champion.   

Brockton Area Branch NAACP and President Phyllis Ellis

The Brockton Area Branch NAACP and long-time President Phyllis Ellis were recognized as this year’s “Community Champion” for their service to the community and Massasoit. With roots dating back to the 1920s, the Brockton Area Branch has long been an advocate for the protection of civil rights in our community. Formally established in the 1950s, the branch has played an active role in making public housing available to low-income people in Brockton, fostering youth development, and encourages students to stay in school, promotes equal access to jobs and business opportunities, registers and encourages people to vote. Ellis is now serving her fourth term as president of the Brockton Area Branch. She is chair of the ACT-SO Committee. She is also active outside of her work for the Brockton NAACP, serving as chair of the Mayor’s Community Justice Task Force and Commissioner for the Plymouth County Status of Women.

Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber; Peter Forman, President and CEO of the South Shore Chamber

Peter Forman, President and CEO of the South Shore Chamber, and Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, were recognized as this year’s “Champions of Education” for their support of the College and its mission. The mission of chambers are, to convene, engage and take thoughtful action, often benefits many more than those who are counted among their members. Leading Chambers of Commerce are catalysts in creating stronger opportunities for students and all residents in the regions we collectively serve. Massasoit Community College is fortunate to have particularly close relations with two of the leading Chambers of Commerce in Massachusetts. The Metro South and the South Shore Chambers have been long-time leaders in promoting stronger communities and greater economic opportunities all along the Route 24 and Route 3 corridors. They have been important partners helping to amplify the college’s impact beyond campus and into the broader community.

Marvelous Marvin Hagler

Marvelous Marvin Hagler (1954-2021) was an American boxer. He held the title of undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987, earning recognition for his impressive knockout record. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993, Hagler received numerous accolades, including Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade in the 1980s. Hagler’s impact extended beyond the boxing ring. He served on the Massasoit Community College Board of Trustees from 1986 to 1991 and actively supported Massasoit students during his tenure. In 1996, he established the Marvelous Marvin Hagler Scholarship Fund, which supports Massasoit students demonstrating a financial need who live in Brockton. Due to his dedication to the College, our students and community, Hagler became the first honoree posthumously for Massasoit’s newly established Evening of Champions in 2022.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South was formed in 2019 through the merger of the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton (founded in 1990) and the Boys & Girls Club of Taunton (founded in 1902) in order to maximize impact and bridge service gaps in our region. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South (BGCMS) is fueled by a mission “to nurture strong minds, healthy bodies and community spirit through youth-driven, high-impact programming in safe and fun environments” to ensure that every child has a positive place to spend their out-of-school-time hours. Through a combination of afterschool, weekend, and summer camp programs BGCMS serves boys and girls ages 5 to 18 at its Brockton and Taunton Clubhouses, Camp Riverside property, and at several extension sites throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Every day, BGCMS is helping youth build great futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.