During a standing room only event, Western New England University (WNE) opened the Delbridge Career Center, with new offices and space dedicated to preparing students for the evolving job market. President Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D., alongside benefactors Kevin S. Delbridge '77/H '19 and Sandra E. Delbridge, WNE Board of Trustee President Nicholas LaPier, and Associate Vice President of the Career Center Patricia Goff, gathered to cut the ribbon marking the Center’s official opening on September 26, 2024.
The Delbridges have donated more than $10 million to WNE, marking them as the most generous donors in the university’s history. Their contribution establishes the new Career Center, which is designed to address students' career readiness from the moment they arrive on campus through their senior year and beyond.
“The Delbridge Career Center is more than just a resource—it’s a hub for empowering students to be curious, to adapt and to be able to contribute as global citizens,” President Johnson said. “More importantly, the center reflects our commitment to equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in a constantly evolving job market.”
The need for career preparation has never been more pressing in a period where job security is becoming less certain. A 2024 report from Dell Technologies predicts that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 have not been invented yet.
Against this backdrop, WNE's Delbridge Career Center provides visible and vital opportunities for students to adapt and thrive in this dynamic employment landscape even before they set foot on campus. "By co-locating the Career Center in the Welcome Center, we are letting prospective students, and their parents know that career development is important, and that this University is prepared to assist students in achieving their career goals,” said Delbridge.
For the five colleges at WNE, the Career Center offers a comprehensive range of services. From personalized career coaching to internship placements, the center ensures that students are equipped to succeed from day one. The impact is already evident: 96% of the WNE Class of 2023 were either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
“One advantage of having the entry to the Career Center facing the campus is its visibility,” said Delbridge. “It is a frequent reminder to students why they are here and that there is a wealth of resources that can be tapped, which will increase the odds that graduates will be productively employed in their chosen field,” Delbridge remarked during the ceremony.
As job security becomes increasingly uncertain, institutions like WNE are stepping up to ensure their graduates are prepared for the future. The Delbridge Career Center stands as a testament to WNE's dedication to its students' long-term success.
The new facility is poised to become a cornerstone of student life, offering support at every stage of career development, with a forward-looking focus on career preparedness and adaptability.
