Bentley University offers business-focused programs and a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. The university stands out for its dedication to ethical leadership. We delve into the story of its founder, Harry C. Bentley, and his impact on the university’s evolution.
Bentley University, nestled in Waltham, Massachusetts, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1917 by Harry C. Bentley as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance. Initially established to educate accountants, the institution has significantly evolved over the years.
From its humble beginnings with just 30 students on Huntington Avenue in Boston, Bentley has grown into a prominent university specializing in business education while also offering a wide curriculum in liberal arts and sciences. The university offers master’s programs in business administration, accountancy, business economics, computer information systems, finance, personal financial planning, and taxation.
The university is at the forefront of addressing the ethical and societal implications of business. The Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report, a collaboration between Gallup and Bentley University, investigates American attitudes toward the societal impact of business. The study highlights a growing expectation for businesses to contribute positively to society beyond their traditional economic roles.
Now, let’s explore the man behind the institution’s founding, Harry C. Bentley, whose vision has propelled the university into the future.
Harry Clark Bentley (1877—1967) was a visionary educator who recognized the importance of specialized business education.
Harry founded Winsted Business College with his wife Belle in 1898, operating it until 1901. The Bentleys sold the school so Harry could join America’s first university-level program in accounting at New York University. Despite completing his coursework, Bentley was given a diploma but not a bachelor’s degree due to lacking a high school diploma. Still, he went on to found the accounting firm Bentley, Laird & Moyer (BLM) in 1903.
Harry continued as an accountant in various firms but was eager to return to teaching. He found a position at Simmons College in Boston and would go on to build his reputation as a teacher in the Boston area. After that, he became the founding dean of the Boston YMCA School of Commerce and Finance, which later integrated into Northeastern University. In 1916, he moved to a professorship in accounting at Boston University’s School of Business Administration but left after a year.
Responding to his students’ wishes for him to continue teaching, Harry established Bentley College. His innovative teaching methods and dedication to practical skills laid the groundwork for Bentley University’s longstanding success.
The university regularly admitted recent immigrants and black students into the program. It became coeducational in 1942, reflecting societal changes and expanding opportunities for women in higher education. This move came after an initial period during World War I when women were first admitted due to decreasing male enrollment, marking an important step towards inclusivity.
Since then, the institution changed its name twice. However, its namesake, Bentley, remains unchanged.
Having delved into Harry C. Bentley’s legacy, we now turn to the distinguished alumni who have carried forward his mission of excellence and impact.
Bentley University takes pride in its alumni, a diverse group of individuals who impact their respective fields, from professional sports.
Dan Farley is an esteemed Bentley University alumnus with an MBA from the class of 1995. He is executive vice president of State Street Global Advisors and the chief investment officer of the Investment Solutions group
Dan donated $250,000 to initiate the First Generation Student Success Fund at Bentley. The fund supports first-generation students with the resources and support to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
Gail Huff Brown graduated with a degree in Business Communications. She has a rich career that spans decades in broadcast journalism and a notable presence in the political landscape. As the wife of former U.S. Senator Scott Brown, she has been an influential figure in political circles and recently ran for a U.S. House seat in New Hampshire.
Mackenzy Bernadeau obtained a degree in Human Resource Management in 2008. He attended Bentley on a football scholarship and went on to secure a spot in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers NFL roster.
Bentley University’s journey from a modest school of accounting to a comprehensive institution reflects its enduring commitment to innovation. Through its distinguished alumni and pioneering initiatives, Bentley continues to shape leaders prepared to address the complexities of the world.
Meanwhile, Harry C. Bentley’s legacy lives on through the institution’s commitment to excellence.
