In Brief

Springfield College Professor of Exercise Science and Sport Studies Professor Leads Clinical Trial Research Study

Springfield College Professor of Exercise Science and Sport Studies Samuel Headley, along with nephrologist Dr. Michael Germain from Renal and Transplant Associates of New England (RTANE), are leading a clinical trial research study that is focused on the impact of lifestyle interventions on key functional measures and quality of life in a sample of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients.

The study focus is to determine what effect a comprehensive and individualized lifestyle intervention program has on an individual’s short physical performance battery (SPPB) and other indices of physical function. The intervention program includes dietary, exercise, pharmacy, and behavioral counseling on patient performance of the SPPB, which gives an indication of an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living dependent upon lower extremity function. Additional objectives include the impact of the intervention on cardiovascular risk factors.

Director of Strength and Conditioning Brian Thompson Honored by Chinese Sports Bureau

Director of Strength and Conditioning Brian Thompson recently received an official appointment as an expert technical consultant to the Chinese National Fitness Trainers Association by the Chinese Sports Bureau. Thompson is the only non-Chinese citizen to ever receive this status. Throughout his tenure, Thompson has made multiple visits to China to help educate coaches on proper strength and conditioning programming and methods, and to assist in the growth of strength and conditioning through coaching development.

Springfield College Opens Recruiting Office in Beijing

Springfield College continued to strengthen its relationships in China with the recent opening of the Springfield College Recruitment Office located in Beijing. Prospective students in China can learn about Springfield College academic programs, further strengthening the College’s student recruitment efforts in China. Springfield College alumnus Joe Chou ’94 was instrumental in helping make the Beijing recruiting office a reality.

Department of Sport Management and Recreation Receives Reaccreditation from COAPRT

The Springfield College Department of Sport Management and Recreation recently received reaccreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT) for the Recreation Management major. This award was the culmination of a year-long process led by the Recreation Management program director, Ariel Rodriguez.

Computer Graphics/Digital Arts Program Hosts Game Lab Workshop

The Springfield College computer graphics/digital arts program recently hosted a free game lab workshop designed for high school students who have an interest in being a video game designer.

The workshop introduced individuals to video game design experts, and allowed guests the opportunity to experience the field first hand. Attendees had the chance to witness how video games are made and what it takes to design a video game of their own.

Campus Community Participates in #GivingTuesday

The Leadership Training Conference and Rachel’s Challenge student organizations collected food, clothing, and school supplies for local nonprofit organizations and schools to support the global initiative #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29. Individuals were able to participate by donating canned food for the Open Pantry in Springfield, donating socks for the Friends of the Homeless emergency shelter in Springfield, and through other means.

Springfield College Creates Tobacco-free Campus

Springfield College was awarded a grant as part of the American Cancer Society and the CVS Health Foundation’s Tobacco-Free Generation Campus Initiative (TFGCI), a $3.6 million multi-year program intended to accelerate and expand the adoption and implementation of 100 percent smoke-and tobacco-free campus policies. Springfield College is one of the first 20 colleges and universities to receive a TFGCI grant. On Jan. 1, 2017, Springfield College joined 1,427 other institutions of higher education in the United States in becoming a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus.

College Signs Articulation Agreement for Exercise Science with Berkshire Community College

Springfield College and Berkshire Community College (BCC) have entered into an academic agreement allowing qualified BCC physical fitness graduates to transfer to Springfield College’s Applied Exercise Science program with junior standing.

The Springfield College Applied Exercise Science program is designed to assist students in their preparation for nationally recognized certifications. BCC’s physical fitness degree option was created in 2001.

Exercise Science and Sport Studies Chair Sue Guyer Participates in TEDx Springfield

Springfield College Exercise Science and Sport Studies Chair Sue Guyer, DPE’03, recently participated in the TEDx Springfield event hosted at the MassMutual Headquarters. Guyer’s presentation was titled, “The Power of Posture in the Prevention of Pain,” and focused on the importance of posture and helping a person recover and get back to his or her normal activity.

Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement Groundbreaking

Springfield College officially kicked off the renovation of the Springfield College Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, located at 235 Eastern Avenue in Springfield, with a groundbreaking ceremony on Humanics in Action Day in September. The center will provide services to the community around the themes of education and health/wellness. The center will provide a platform to develop students as leaders serving humanity.

Shaq Headlines Education and Leadership Luncheon

Springfield College, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Beta Sigma Boulé hosted an Education and Leadership Luncheon in September with Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 inductee Shaquille O’Neal serving as the keynote speaker. The Education and Leadership Luncheon was part of the Basketball Hall of Fame 2016 Enshrinement Weekend festivities.

O’Neal is a retired professional basketball player whose skills and talents have earned him many accolades. Throughout his prolific 19-year NBA career, O’Neal played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. In addition to his prowess on the court, O’Neal has worked as an actor, rapper, police officer, businessman, and investor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2000; his master’s degree in 2005; and his doctorate in 2012. (See Lastly)

Springfield College Honored as Recipient of Highest President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in Education

Springfield College was the recipient of the Presidential Award in the Education category of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This honor is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. This marked the seventh-consecutive year that Springfield College was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, but the first time it has received the top honor. More than 500 colleges applied for this year’s award.

Springfield College On the Rise in U.S.News & World Report Rankings

For the sixth-consecutive year, Springfield College has moved up in the U.S.News & World Report rankings. At 27, this year’s ranking is up two spots from 2016 and 40 spots from 2011.

The College also is ranked 12 in Best Value Schools for Regional Universities – North. This is the first year the College has been listed in the Best Values category, which takes into account a college’s academic quality and net cost of attendance. The College also was ranked 14 in the north region in Best Colleges for Veterans.

Three-time Grammy Award-winning Angelique Kidjo Performs

Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, activist, and humanitarian Angelique Kidjo entertained a large crowd at Springfield College in October as part of the College’s Arts and Humanities Speaker Series made possible through the generosity of Carlton ’63 and Lucille Sedgeley.

Kidjo comes from the West African country of Benin, where she began performing at the age of six. In 1992, Kidjo’s breakthrough album, Logozo, reached the top of the Billboard World Music Charts and sold more than 40,000 copies. Away from the stage, Kidjo works with the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund to raise awareness for such causes as gender equality, education, and conservation. Her work has earned much recognition. Most recently, she was named a winner of the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award for 2016.

Professor Named Council President

In October, Michael Accordino assumed the role of President of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) for one year. NCRE, formed in 1955, is a professional organization of educators dedicated to quality services for persons with disabilities through education and research. NCRE includes professional educators, rehabilitation counselors, trainers, researchers, rehabilitation students, and other professionals primarily concerned with the preparation and maintenance of professional standards for individuals who provide service to persons with disabilities.

Kate Bowen, G’16, Named Head Softball Coach

Kate Bowen, G’16, has been named the Diane L. Potter ’57 Head Softball Coach by Director of Athletics Craig Poisson. Bowen will serve a one-year appointment at the helm of the softball program, as well as serve as an instructor of physical education at the College. For the past two seasons, Bowen was a graduate assistant coach with the program, working primarily with hitters and outfielders, and also teaching physical education classes.

The softball program has been recognized as one of the top programs in the region. Last season, the Pride was ranked as high as No. 7 in the NCAA Division III New England Regional Rankings.

A decorated student-athlete at Manhattan College, Bowen finished her career with the Jaspers with a career batting average of .340, including 18 home runs, and is the current program record holder in career at bats (618), ranks No. 2 all-time in hits (211), and third all-time in doubles (39), runs scored (122) and games played (190).

Head Coach Naomi Graves Runs Clinics in Hong Kong

Frank Fu, G’73, DPE’75, welcomed Naomi Graves, G’85, head coach of the Springfield College women’s basketball team, and her staff to Hong Kong Baptist University where they ran two weeks of a youth basketball camp. Fu, associate vice president of Hong Kong Baptist University, funded the trip through a
generous donation.