Humanics Triathlon (Spirit, Mind, Body)
Distinguished Professors of Humanics
This event is presented as part of this year's Distinguished Professor of Humanics program. Since 1967, the College annually has appointed a Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics to continue the preservation of Springfield College's guiding philosophy and to examine its implications of pedagogy, curriculum, management, recruitment, campus life, and community impact.
Learn more about Humanics Lectures and Writing at Springfield College
Spirit
Show your spirit around the Springfield College campus. Download the app "SuperFan-Loyalty Rewards" to show your support at athletic, community-based, spiritual, and other events. When you attend designated events, you earn points that can later be redeemed for prizes!
To download the app, search "SuperFan-Loyalty Rewards" in your app store (blue and white icon), then select "Springfield Squad." By creating an account with your Springfield College email address, you will earn points when you "check in" at sport events, lectures, and other campus activities. Be sure to enable push notifications so you receive the latest news and information. At the end of the semester, you can cash in your points for prizes at the SuperFan U prize store!
Mind
The mind component of the Humanics Triathlon involves a speaker series to challenge the community with relevant ideas on diverse topics. This year, we will invite 3 speakers addressing topics related to: (a) spirit, mind, and body, (b) leadership, and (c) service to humanity.
Our Speakers
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William Parham, PhD
Spirit, Mind, and Body
The Ink Used to Indelibly Etch Lasting Impressions: Invisible Tattoos of Trauma within Athletic Communities
September 24, 2019 | 7:30 p.m.
Fuller Arts Center -
Janice Hilliard, PhD
LEadership
Athletes, leadership, and social responsibility: Where we came from, where we are, and where we are going
December 3, 2019 | 7:30 P.M.
Marsh Memorial Chapel -
Derek Nesland
Service to Humanity
Who says there's no traveling in basketball? Community development through court building around the globe
January 28, 2020 | 7:30 p.m.
Fuller arts Center
Body
The body component of the Humanics Triathlon involves the Humanics Challenge, which encourages community members to become active in creating their own Humanics projects. This is a “challenge by choice” activity, allowing people to get involved as much or as little as they would like.
HUMANICS CHALLENGE
What is this about?
The Humanics Challenge is designed to engage/connect the Springfield College community with the Humanics philosophy at each individual’s level of interest and commitment and to encourage people to participate in, design, and/or create Humanics Challenge projects. Possible ideas for Humanics Challenge projects range from basic/simple “one-time” activities to more involved and ongoing Humanics service projects:
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Story/essay/poem/description of Humanics (this could be part of a class assignment)
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Video/song/rap with Humanics content or theme
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Painting, photograph, sculpture, poster, t-shirt, stickers or other Humanics-related artwork
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Humanics in Action service project (volunteering in schools, raising funds for a charitable cause, serving the community, helping children and elders, etc.)
Where can I find information about Humanics and Humanics in Action?
Humanics information is available online here. You can also talk to a Springfield College librarian or a Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics on campus.
What if I need money to support my Humanics Challenge project?
Humanics in Action Service Projects mini-grants of up to $500 are available upon review of applications. For questions about mini-grants contact, Charlene Elvers in the Center for Service and Leadership at celvers@springfield.edu. Applications are available here.
Do I have to do this on my own?
You can work alone or in groups. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and friends of the college all are invited to participate in this challenge.
How do I submit my Humanics Challenge project? Can I share information before I've completed the project?
We want to hear about your Humanics Challenge project, whether it's been completed or still in the planning stages! Fill out this form and let us know what great work you are doing. We will promote your work on this page, on our social media, and, if applicable, on the college calendar.
What if I have more questions?
For funding questions, contact Charlene Elvers in the Center for Service and Leadership at celvers@springfield.edu.
For Humanics questions: Visit our Humanics page
For Humanics Challenge questions: Dr. Judy L. Van Raalte, Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics, jvanraal@springfield.edu
Humanics Challenge Projects
Want to see your project featured here? Tell us more about it!
Success Primary School in Malawi
Last August, adjunct faculty members Fides Ushe and Beth Evans ran a program in Malawi for teachers and students at a school that includes 40 children who have a disability. At the time they offered to do it, they were told that the major problem was “mobility”. They thought that referred to physical movement problems along the lines of the headmaster who had polio as a child. When they got a list of the different problems, it turned out that “mobility problems” meant that often children live too far away to be able to walk to school! They altered the program to reinforce math, spelling and reading with in all activities because the majority of those 40 students had a learning disability. Although they had planned for 40 participants, the headmaster wanted them to include all 240 students so they would be demonstrating inclusion. As they said, "We did it!!!"
Because there always is “hungry season” before new crops are harvested, they brought bales of fortified maize flour for the community's staple food. For the child who was unable to walk and had to be carried everywhere, they provided a stroller. They also brought medical supplies and drugs for two hospitals.
