Dawn Ross ’08, G’14

DONOR PROFILE

Continuing to
Help FSU Students Launch Their Careers

There is no one more associated with the Career Development Office at Framingham State than Dawn Ross ’08, G’14, who served as the University’s first internship coordinator before being promoted to director from 2014 until her retirement in 2020. During her 18 years at Framingham State, comprehensive career and internship support became an essential part of an FSU education.

“We worked really hard to build up a successful program,” says Ross, a U.S. Navy veteran who completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working at FSU. “A big piece of it was getting out in the community and establishing relationships with all of the surrounding businesses. I’m really proud of the strong reputation we fostered on and off campus.”

During her tenure, Ross oversaw the implementation of the CHOICE (Community/
Hometown Organizations Internships and Cooperative Education) internship program, which provided students with funding for internships at community-based employers that otherwise could not afford to pay, such as government and nonprofit organizations.

“We gave out millions through CHOICE to students who really needed it,” says Ross. “A lot of these students are paying their way through school. They shouldn’t have to take on an unpaid internship.”

Her proudest accomplishment is the Suitable Solutions Program, which provides students with

comprehensive career preparation and a $100 stipend for professional interview attire.

“That program is my legacy,” says Ross, who was honored with emerita status upon her retirement. “It provides students with the whole package—not just the professional attire, but also the professional mentorship and interview skills needed to land a good job.”

Ross helped financially support the Suitable Solutions Program, as well as other initiatives at FSU, well before she retired.

If you are interested in supporting the Suitable Solutions Program, or other student-focused initiatives at FSU, visit: www.framingham.edu/give.