Embracing the Promise of Tomorrow by Supporting Our Students Today
Through our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion funds, we are enriching Springfield College’s efforts to create an inclusive, diverse, and respectful community—one that embraces, understands, and unequivocally supports every student who arrives on Alden Street. All funds raised will enhance the student experience through scholarships, creative programming, and new opportunities and will help to create a learning and living environment in which all students can thrive.
“Giving back to Springfield College is a responsibility that I accept and fully embrace. Being able to give directly to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund has allowed me to dedicate my gift towards making a difference in the life of the college's Black Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC) students as they strive to live the college mission of leadership and service.”
Carlton Pickron, EdD, ‘79
Have an immediate impact
Annual support from alumni, family, and friends help keep Springfield College strong each year. You can choose to support any of the five Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion annual funds today:
- Operational Necessities - provides the funds needed to keep the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, thriving and meeting the needs of students each year
- Student Groups - supports student groups such as the Men of Excellence, Women of Power, Student Society for Bridging Diversity, the Black Student Union, and the SC Gender and Sexuality Alliance
- Signature Programs - provides resources for the Education and Leadership Luncheon, the Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture, the Sports and Social Justice Symposium, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards, and more
- Student Engagement - supports educational trips for small groups of students, including spring break social justice travel, the Men of Color National Summit, on-campus film screenings and interactive lectures, and other opportunities for students to get involved, explore history, and experience unforgettable moments that help shape them as responsible citizens
- Employee Engagement - provides support for book discussion groups, the Diversity Luncheon Series, PRIDE talks, the Reception for Employees of Color, and academic and departmental programming initiatives.
“To me, receiving the John Wilson Book Scholarship means that the hard work on campus that I do in regards to striving for change on campus and being an advocate for social justice isn’t being unnoticed and that others appreciate me being a student leader. I look at it as a thank you for doing what you’re doing and to keep up the great work.”
Ja’Naya Ashley, Class of 2021
Have an ongoing impact
You can also make a gift to a fund that supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in perpetuity through the establishment of an endowment:
- Marian L. Heard Emergency Support Fund
- This fund was established by Liberty Mutual in 2013 in recognition of Marian Langston Heard, Class of 1978, for her service on their Board of Directors. The fund supports African-American students who have a demonstrated need for emergency support to assist them with reaching their educational goals.
- The Moffat Family Diversity in Coach Fellowship
- Through the generosity of Roger, class of 1971, and Linda, class of 1973, Moffat and Kurt Aschermann, class of 1971, Springfield College launched The Moffat Family Diversity in Coach Fellowship in 2020. One graduate assistant coaching position is made available to the Department of Athletics to enhance the diversity of the College’s coaching staff and to build a diverse pipeline of coaches throughout intercollegiate athletics.
- Dr. Tom Waddell ’59 Fund
- Tom Waddell, class of 1959, was a physician, an Olympic athlete, a civil rights pioneer, and the founder of the Gay Games, an international festival of sports and arts that is open to all. This fund was established by alumni, family, and friends of Dr. Waddell in 2015 to provide financial support to promote diversity education programs at Springfield College.
- Oliver U. Wilson Sr. Emergency Assistance Fund
- Established in 2016 by retired NFL running-back coach Oliver U. Wilson Jr., class of 1974, to honor his father, this fund provides emergency financial assistance to students approaching completion of their degree to support achieving their Springfield College degree.
“Giving back to others has always been a part of my life, and when I arrived at Springfield College in 2015, I immediately became invested in the college and its mission, specifically the ideal of “service to others.” I chose to target my giving to the John C. Wilson Book Scholarship. I did so to honor, and do my part in keeping the legacy of John Wilson alive here on campus. As I speak to alumni who were impacted by Mr. Wilson, his legacy of service to others (specifically our campus BIPOC students) is always discussed. Further, I know the importance and value that this scholarship can have on its recipients.”
Calvin R. Hill, PhD, vice president for inclusion and community engagement
Provide access to a Springfield College education
Or you can support a student scholarship that helps provide key financial resources for deserving students over the course of their academic experience:
- Sean M. Allen ‘06 Scholarship Fund
- Established in 2016 by Sean’s parents, Nicholas and Melida Allen, this scholarship honors his memory through the generosity of funding from the Sean M. Allen Courage and Hope Challenge, Inc., a nonprofit assisting persons with physical disabilities. As a student at Springfield College, Sean participated in life with determination, courage, and a kind spirit. This fund provides financial aid for a deserving student entering their sophomore, junior or senior year with financial need who is challenged with a physical disability that impairs mobility. Graduate students are also eligible.
- Deighton Alleyne III Class of 1979 Scholarship Fund
- Honoring their brother and son, College Trustee Denisie Alleyne, Class of 1973 and her mother, Dolores Alleyne, established this scholarship in 2018 in memory of Deighton Alleyne, Class of 1979. The fund is an emergency award for upper-class students, sophomores through seniors, who need financial assistance due to unforeseen circumstances, to stay at Springfield College and achieve their education.
- Harold R. Amos and Iola Johnson Amos Scholarship Fund
- Established in 2003 through a bequest from Trustee Emeriti, Dr. Harold R. Amos, class of 1941, the scholarship is awarded to two African-American students in their junior year on the basis of academic excellence. A microbiologist, Dr. Amos was Harvard Medical School’s first Black department chair and advocate for underrepresented minorities. This scholarship has a preference for supporting students majoring in mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics.
- L.G. Balfour Endowed Scholarship Fund
- This scholarship was established in 1993 through a grant from the L.G. Balfour Foundation to support deserving minority students at Springfield College. Balfour Foundation awarded this grant to aid in providing access to education.
- Berkshire Bank Scholarship
- Originally established by the Hampden Savings Bank in 2011, now part of Berkshire Bank, with the intention of supporting underrepresented students from Springfield, Mass. who have demonstrated financial need to attend Springfield College.
- Hearst Foundation Scholarship Fund
- Established in 1996 with a grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the fund provides scholarships for minority students interested in careers as YMCA leaders.
- Edwin C. Johnson Award
- Established in 1991 by T. George Silcott, class of 1952, this fund honors Edwin C. Johnson, class of 1928, for his inclusiveness and kindness shown to Mr. Silcott when he was working as one of the few Black staff members in the Boston YMCA. This scholarship supports minority students with financial need preparing for careers in service to humanity and with an interest in working with today’s youth.
- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship
- Initiated and led by students, funding for this scholarship was given by students, faculty, and friends of Springfield College as well as invested by the College, honoring the legacy of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. The scholarship supports Black students with demonstrated financial need.
- Minority Scholarship Fund
- Established in 1988 through grants from Digital Equipment Corporation and Aetna Life Insurance Company, along with The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation and gifts from additional corporate and individual donors, this scholarship supports minority students.
- Bertha Perry Scholarship Fund
- Funded through a bequest received in 2008 by Bertha Perry, a resident of the city of Springfield, this scholarship provides funds for an African American who has maintained a high standard in his or her junior or senior year.
- Redmond Family Scholarship
- In 2017, Jennifer Redmond Hunter and her family established this fund in memory of her father, Mr. John Redmond, Class of 1963. The Fund honors him and the family’s ties with Springfield College as his wife, Judyth Rogers Redmond, Class of 1967, and brothers James H. Redmond, class of 1962, and Peter D. Redmond, Class of 1977 also attended. The scholarship is awarded to an African American student in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (now called Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership).
- Joseph Williams Therapeutic Recreation Scholarship
- Created in 2013 by Joseph Williams, class of 1966, this scholarship promotes diversity within the field of Therapeutic Recreation at the undergraduate or graduate level, through providing an opportunity for African American students with financial assistance. It is awarded to a rising junior or first-year graduate student.
- John M. Wilson Book Scholarship
- Honoring his 38 years at Springfield College, most notably as Director of the Multicultural Affairs Center, this fund was established in 2015 by alumni, family and friends of Mr. Wilson. This fund recognizes students who have contributed to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or to a culture of inclusive excellence around issues of diversity and inclusion with an award toward academic supplies and textbooks.
“The John Wilson Book Scholarship reduces the financial burden of the cost of course text, which helps me attain my goals for academic excellence. The scholarship allows me to have the materials needed to reach my full potential. With the reduced burden of paying for materials for my academic courses, I can be more productive and have the time needed to focus on getting good grades.”
Mikaili Charlemagne, Class of 2023
