In Brief
When I was a senior at Springfield College in 1988, I had aspirations of being a strength and conditioning coach for a college football or NFL team. Back then, it was unheard of. When I read the article in the Winter 2020 Triangle, I’m Just Coach, I was so excited and proud to see the four graduate assistant coaches for the football team.
I have spent the last 30 years working for the YMCA in health and wellness and love my career path, but whenever someone asks, “what did you want to be when you went to Springfield”, I always respond that I wanted to be a S & C football coach! Now, there will be women graduates who not only can aspire and dream, but can live it.
Thank you,
Laura A. Fasano
Vice President, Healthy Living
YMCA of Greater Rochester-Association Office
Invitation for Public Comment
Springfield College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit September 27-30, 2020, by a team representing the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of NEASC, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges).
The New England Commission of Higher Education is one of seven accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. The commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits approximately 220 institutions in the six-state New England region as well as several American-style institutions overseas.
Springfield College has been accredited by the commission since 1930 and was last reviewed in 2010. Its accreditation by the commission encompasses the entire institution.
For the past year and a half, Springfield College has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the commission’s Standards for Accreditation. An evaluation team will visit the College to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission a continuing status for the College. Following a review process, the commission itself will take the final action.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the institution to:
Public Comment on Springfield College
New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803-4514
E-mail: info@neche.org
Public comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution. The commission cannot settle disputes between individuals and institutions, whether those involve faculty, students, administrators, or members of other groups. Comments will not be treated as confidential and must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments.
Public comments must be received by September 30, 2020. The commission cannot guarantee that comments received after that date will be considered.
Juneteenth: The Son of a Slave Reflects on the America He Sees Today
Dan Smith ’60 has lived the American racial story. He is the son of a man who was enslaved. He was chased to within inches of his life by the Klan on a haunting night in Alabama. He marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. He attended the inaugurations of Barack Obama. He was screamed at by a white cop as he tried to save a white girl’s life.
For Professor of Communications Martin Dobrow, the story of Dan Smith ’60 was one he felt compelled to tell. Smith’s lineage as the son of an enslaved man was a remarkable starting point, but the extraordinary life of the man beyond his father is what makes Smith’s story so important.
Read Professor Dobrow’s story. https://springfield.edu/springfield-stories/our-faculty/juneteenth-son-slave-reflects-america-he-sees-today
Listen to Dobrow preview Smith’s story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=L3DZbmNinfE&feature=emb_logo
Fall Semester Athletics Update
President Mary-Beth Cooper and Executive Director of Athletics Craig Poisson, in consideration of the health, safety, and welfare of student-athletes, coaches, and staff, have announced that there will be no intercollegiate athletics competition for the fall 2020 semester.
In a letter to the campus community, they wrote:
There is great disappointment knowing that our student-athletes will not have the opportunity to wear THE jersey and compete against other institutions this semester. However, as this COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip our nation, this decision was necessary.
Read their letter. https://springfieldcollegepride.com/general/2019-20/releases/20200716u8gzp1
Trustee Elections Announced
The Springfield College Board of Trustees announced the outcome of its 2020-21 board election held during its annual meeting. The primary governing body of the College, the Board is responsible for major decisions and changes on campus, and comprises an integral part of the progress and advancement of the College. James H. Ross, III, resident of Wilbraham, Mass., was re-elected as Chair for the Springfield College Board of Trustees. William A. Burke, III, of East Longmeadow, Mass., will serve as vice chair. Elected trustees include Student Trustee Kristian Z. Rhim ’21, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Student Trustee-Elect Sabrina Williams ’22, of Hartford, Conn.
https://springfield.edu/news/springfield-college-hosts-board-trustees-elections-annual-meeting-1
Wesley Church Named Dean of the Springfield College School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences
Wesley Church II, MSW, PhD, has assumed the role of dean of the Springfield College School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences. Church brings more than 20 years of experience in the field of social work, primarily in criminal justice settings, to the College.
Church has been the J. Franklin Bayhi Endowed Professor, the special assistant for assessment, and formerly the director of the Louisiana State University School of Social Work.
Church succeeds Francine Vecchiolla, MSW, PhD, retired after 30 years of distinguished service at Springfield College.
Strong Relationship, Unique Podcast
Communications/sports journalism major Kris Rhim ’21 and Professor of Communications Marty Dobrow, in October 2019 created, “Liberty, Justice, and Ball,” a podcast on the intersection of basketball and social justice.
https://springfield.edu/news/faculty-and-student-strong-relationship-leads-unique-podcast
College Hosts Third Annual Legislative Breakfast
Local State Representatives and state and federal legislative aides attended the third annual legislative breakfast hosted by President Mary-Beth Cooper.
https://springfield.edu/news/springfield-college-hosts-third-annual-legislative-breakfast
Occupational Therapy Department Hosts Camp-Lab
Camp-Lab participants and graduate occupational therapy students participated in the third annual camp-lab, a Winter C.A.M.P. (Celebrating Abilities–Making Possibilities) on the campus. Camp-Lab is designed to help transition-age young adults with mild disabilities experience college life.
NJCAA CEO Parker Discusses Opportunities
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Chief Executive Office and President Christopher J. Parker was the featured speaker at the Athletic Administration Graduate Program annual leadership series spring event. Parker discussed career opportunities in the NJCAA.
Rep. Nika Elugardo Reflects on King’s Impact
Springfield College welcomed Massachusetts Rep. Nika Elugardo as the keynote speaker at the seventh annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. Following the speech, the second annual Springfield College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards were presented.
https://springfield.edu/news/springfield-college-hosts-seventh-annual-martin-luther-king-jr-lecture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7-vzu4QARQ
NAKHE Recognizes PEHE’s Simon
Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Health Education Mara Simon, EdD, received the Hally Beth Poindexter Young Scholar Award at the annual National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education Conference.
Harvest Table Comes to Springfield College
Dining Services has partnered with Harvest Table Culinary Group for its hospitality and dining services. The group is working with the Springfield College community to deliver an innovative, authentic, and personalized food experience.
https://springfield.edu/news/springfield-college-partners-harvest-table-culinary-group
Celebrating National School Counseling Week
Faculty members and students in the Department of Counseling joined individuals across the United States in celebrating National School Counseling Week in February.
https://springfield.edu/news/celebrating-national-school-counseling-week-springfield-college
Fellowship Created to Support Faculty
Springfield College has unveiled the Faculty Enrichment Fund, designed to establish the Center for Excellence Fellowship to support faculty members in development, execution, and dissemination of research projects that advance the understanding of teaching and learning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dLdcpgq2W0
Social Work Professor Named Hidden Legend
Professor of Social Work Miguel L. Arce has been recognized by Holyoke (Mass.) High School students in the Pa’lante’ Restorative Justice Group as a “Paper City Hidden Legend,” for his work as an activist, organizer, and leader who has helped pave the way for high school students.
Students Earn Scholarships, Real-world Experience at Hoophall Classic
Springfield College and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame presented the eighth annual Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Scholarship to sport management students Jeremy Therrien and Abigail Wylie, both juniors, during the 2020 Spalding Hoophall Classic held at Blake Arena during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend.
Communications/sports journalism students also had a first-rate, game-day experience providing content for the game program and real-time stories as part of the The Springfield Student media network.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpFPX5GML1A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpXw7TdHZ5I
PA Program Chair Discusses Opioid Crisis
Physician Assistant Program chair Charles Milch appeared on WGBY’s Connecting Point to discuss a collaboration of physician assistant faculty members from Massachusetts colleges and universities who are addressing the opioid crisis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msN5mtEBxjQ
Springfield Elementary Students on the Campus
The Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement and the Department of Athletics welcomed more than 250 city of Springfield students to the campus in January when women’s basketball hosted Smith College at Blake Arena.
https://springfield.edu/news/springfield-college-hosts-local-youth-womens-basketball-game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEJP1wzyHFc
Wellness Advocates Present at NASPA
Springfield College Student Advocates for Wellness recently presented information on the health risks of vaping at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrator (NASPA) General Assembly in Baltimore, Md.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0–cefni-nY
Tactical Games Approach to Teaching and Learning Presented
University of Massachusetts Amherst Professor of Sport Pedagogy Linda Griffin, PhD, presented “A Tactical Games Approach to Teaching and Learning Sport: Reflections and Advice,” in December in the Flynn Campus Union.
Physical Therapy Faculty Earn National Grant
Department of Physical Therapy faculty members Julia Chevan, PhD, and Regina Kaufman, EdD, are the recipients of a grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) to develop a regional hub to promote the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program.
Exercise Science Students and Faculty Recognized at Conference
Applied exercise science students and faculty members attended the recent New England American College of Sports Medicine Conference, at which several of the students received awards and scholarships. Elizabeth O’Neill, G’00, DPE ’03, professor of exercise science and sport studies and director of the applied exercise science program, was selected to the position of president-elect for NEACSM.
eSports in the College Setting
The sport management and recreation graduate program presented a forum about eSports in the college setting on the campus in November. Four panelists discussed the fast-growing phenomenon in the world of competitive video gaming and examined how eSports can be integrated in the college setting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cghUa5Uz_Zg
Social Work Alum Honored
Master of social work alumnus Carlton J. Smith ’20 was awarded the National Association of Social Workers Connecticut Chapter’s (NASW/CT) Master of Social Work Student of the Year honor before he graduated last spring.
Game Lab and Career in the Arts Day
High school students interested in becoming game designers or working in the arts participated in the free Game Lab and Career in the Arts Day Workshop hosted by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and the digital, web, and multimedia design program. The event provided an opportunity to discuss careers in game design, digital design, art education, art therapy, and community art.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Collaborate on Fall Prevention Program
The physical therapy and occupational therapy programs hosted a fall prevention program for community members at the LIVE EVERY DAY clinic located on the campus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7x83LUW_9I
Fit After Forty
Springfield College and Baystate Rehabilitation Care welcomed health experts for a Fit After Forty Symposium led by Dean of the School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership Sue Guyer, DPE ’03.
https://springfield.edu/news/springfield-college-hosts-fit-after-forty-symposium
Wesley Hamilton Speaks
“I never smiled until I was in a wheelchair,” said Wesley Hamilton, body builder and activist, who found light in a situation most would find devastating. Hamilton was shot by a stranger and left permanently unable to walk. He spoke about it to a crowded room in the Flynn Campus Union recently.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rge-mQa0AiI
AmeriCorps Program Partners with Parent Villages to Serve the Community
Members of the Springfield College AmeriCorps program are partnering with Parent Villages, Inc. and other local nonprofits, to lead the Village Engagement Matters initiative, a program committed to providing community members with face masks at no cost to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Dance Program Hosts Virtual Community Dance Events
The Dance Program recently presented dance lessons and lectures on the history and different styles of dance featuring guest artists in a virtual format via Zoom. Led by Springfield College Assistant Professor of Dance and Director of the Dance Program Sarah Zehnder, these special dance events highlighted the strong impact that the art of dance has on the campus community.
https://springfield.edu/news/springfield-college-dance-program-hosts-community-dance-events
Springfield College, Springfield Public Schools Lead Anti-Vaping Program
Associate Professor of Physical Education and Co-chair of the Department of Physical Education and Health Education Michelle Moosbrugger and student leader Marie Brady recently appeared on WGBY’s Connecting Point to talk about the collaboration between Springfield College and Springfield Public Schools into providing anti-vaping programs in the Springfield Public Schools.
Editor’s Note: Pia Flanagan recently was elected to the Springfield College Board of Trustees. Her name was incorrect in the last issue of Triangle. 
