State Senator Ed Gomes on Friday toured the University of Bridgeport with Mary-Jane Foster, vice president of University Relations, who’s expected to enter the race for mayor. Foster supported Gomes in the special election that returned him to the Senate. Could an official endorsement from Gomes soon follow? News release from Gomes:
State Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport) visited the University of Bridgeport (UB) today for a campus tour and to see the exceptional programs UB offers to its students.
Founded in 1927 as the Junior College of Connecticut, UB has a student body comprised of 5,000 students from 45 states and 80 countries. The 50-acre campus rests adjacent to Seaside Park on Long Island Sound.
Mary-Jane Foster, Vice President of University Relations at UB, showed Senator Gomes several newly renovated properties on the UB campus, including the Wahlstrom Library, the School of Naturopathic Medicine and Fones School of Dental Hygiene.
“Students at UB are receiving cutting edge resources and quality education,” said Sen. Gomes. “The small student population allows for a more intimate climate for both students and staff.”
In January, UB received grant funding for the purchase of a microgrid to power the university’s dining hall, recreation center, police station and two residence halls. These facilities provide emergency food and shelter for about 2,700 city residents and emergency responders during a natural disaster or other form of emergency.
“With so many threats to our college campuses nationwide, I thought it would be a great idea for Senator Gomes to visit UB and become aware of how we deal with emergency situations,” said Foster. “On a lighter note, I also wanted the Senator to see the various programs and opportunities UB offers to our students.”
UB conducts active shooter and hostage drills throughout its campus to ensure that students are aware of how to react if and when an emergency situation occurs. Using multiple layers of coordination via annunciators, reverse 911 systems and social media, the university ensures students are always safe while on campus.
UB’s various programs and schools, including the newly renovated School of Naturopathic Medicine and Fones School receive more than 20,000 clinic visits a year and offer over $2 million in community services. The Fones School is the first dental hygiene school in the U.S.
“The reputation of Bridgeport has been associated with so much negativity,” said Sen. Gomes. “UB brings a breath of fresh air to this community.”
First, Mayor Bill Finch should feel ashamed of himself for the lack of respect he has shown in his positions as Mayor, State Senator, City Councilman serving the citizens of Bridgeport towards University of Bridgeport (UB) and their student body. I’m glad State Senator Ed Gomes doesn’t feel that way about such a valuable asset to our city. Senator Gomes and MJF make a great team.
Finch is an island on this–Himes, Blumenthal, Malloy, the legislative delegation, McCarthy and the whole City Council have been supporters of UB. Just one more glaring example of how out of touch and arrogant Finch is.
The University of Bridgeport was a vibrant university in the ’70s and I enjoyed many parties on campus as well as great entertainment. It is nice to see the university coming back and rebuilding. Mary-Jane Foster is one of its greatest assets and of course George Estrada who always makes a huge impact under the radar. He is a real asset. I always thought George Estrada would also make a mayor and I am shocked his wife Rita didn’t force the issue. 🙂 Great picture, Ed Gomes and Mary-Jane Foster look ecstatic. Good luck to all.
Mary-Jane Foster embodies all the qualities the City of Bridgeport needs as its next chief executive.
Donald Day, make no mistake about it, MJF would represent the city well. Timing is everything.