Connections to College

Since 2005, Suffolk University has partnered with the Bird Street Community Center in Dorchester to offer the Connections 2 College program during the summer. The program provides low-income and first-generation students with resources so that they may pursue higher education following high school graduation. Over the course of six-weeks students live in Suffolk University dormitories; take college-level courses; complete an internship with the State House and other organizations; and participate in social and cultural activities. Over a 150 students have participated in this program that is made possible through the collaboration of the Bird Street Community Center, the S.O.U.L.S. Center, the Moakley Institute, and a variety of Suffolk University departments. back to top^

Earth Day Celebration

In honor of Congressman Moakley’s commitment to the environment, the Moakley Institute and Suffolk University's Sustainability Committee celebrate Earth Day with a university-wide public program that explores issues related to the environment and sustainability. Joe Moakley’s stewardship of the environment can be traced back to the 1950s when he advocated for the preservation and eventual clean-up of Boston Harbor and its islands. He was also one of the few politicians to attend the first Earth Day Celebration at Harvard University in 1970.

Working Toward Environmental Sustainability: The Impact of Consumers, Community and Corporations, April 21, 2011

Boston Harbor Islands: Past, Present and Future, April 21, 2010

Harbor Island Clean-Up Day: April 24, 2010

 

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Moakley Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Suffolk University has proudly hosted the The John Joseph Moakley Charitable Foundation award ceremony since 2003. The Moakley Foundation was established to continue the public service legacy of Congressman Moakley, whose career as a public servant spanned nearly 50 years and who had long championed improving educational opportunities for all people. To date the Moakley Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships and grants since its creation in 2001. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis each spring to applicants who demonstrate financial need, acceptance to a post-secondary vocational education program or to an institution of higher education for undergraduate or graduate study, and a desire to pursue public or charitable service as a vocation or as an avocation.

In addition to scholarships, the foundation also recognizes individuals with a life-long commitment to public service with the John Joseph Moakley Public Service Award. 

Jade Jump receives her scholarship from Rep. James McGovern, 2004

2011: Congressman James P. McGovern 2010: Robert J. Haynes (press release) 2009: William M. Bulger (press release) 2008: James F. Linnehan and Jeanne M. Hession (press release) 2007: Norman B. Leventhal (press release) 2005: David J. Sargent (press release) 2004: Jack Connors, Jr. (press release) 2003: Leonard Florence (press release)

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Service-Learning Trips to El Salvador

Since 2007, the Moakley Institute has partnered with Suffolk's Organization for Uplifting Lives through Service, or S.O.U.L.S., and Suffolk's College of Arts and Sciences to sponsor service learning trips to El Salvador. These trips are designed to provide Suffolk students with a unique opportunity to live and work in the communities that Moakley visited and to learn about the lasting effects of his work there. Members of these delegations live with local families, attend presentations, and participate in community service projects that allow them to contribute directly to El Salvador’s rebuilding efforts a better place.

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