Signature Programs | Springfield College

Students attend the annual Leadership Luncheon.

Signature Programs

The Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement generates campus programming to enhance the lives of the Springfield College community.

Some of our programs include:

Calvin R. Hill, Alexandra (Allie) Pisano-Stratton, Kristina Wong, Mary-Beth A. Cooper photo — **2022–**Kristina Wong, performance artist, comedian, author, and cultural commentator, used her biting humor and satirical lens to bring attention to the violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander community during the coronavirus pandemic and discussed what was next for that community. From left to right: Calvin R. Hill, PhD, vice president for inclusion and community engagement; Alexandra (Allie) Pisano-Stratton, Class of 2022, psychology major and YMCA professional studies minor, and founder and co-president of the Asian Culture Club; Kristina Wong; and President Mary-Beth A. Cooper, PhD, DM.

**2021–**The first session in this new series featured Ernest Owens, award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. In this virtual presentation, Owens, a media advocacy leader, provided best practices and tips on social justice consumption and how you can be more than just a bystander, but an actual change agent.

Courageous Conversations – Members of the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement and title sponsor, Berkshire Bank, created the Courageous Conversation Series. The goal of the Series is to bring increased awareness to dismantling and interrupting bias, racism, xenophobia, and the like, as we strive to be a campus where all feel and know that they belong regardless of our differences.

Craig Poisson, Grace Dzindolet and Aaron Kelton photo — **2022–"**The Black Coach as a Social Justice Figure” featured Aaron Kelton ’91, defensive backs and recruiting coordinator at Howard University, who discussed the dearth of Black coaches in sport and what institutions and organizations could do to address the issue. Kelton is a former Springfield College football player who has been coaching football at the collegiate level for many years. Before Howard University, Kelton was the head coach at Williams College for five years. He was the first African American head football coach in both the New England Small College Athletic Conference and Gulf South Conference. Following Kelton’s presentation, current Springfield College student-athlete Grace Dzindolet was recognized with the Tom Waddell Leveling the Playing Field Award. From left to right: Craig Poisson, DPE, director of athletics; Grace Dzindolet; and Aaron Kelton.

Jessica Waddell-Lewinstein Kopp as a child with her father Tom Waddell — **2021 –** “Living My Father’s Legacy Out Loud” was presented virtually by Jessica Waddell-Lewinstein Kopp. She is the daughter of Dr. Tom F. Waddell ’59, arguably the greatest Springfield College athlete, and certainly one of its true giants of social justice. Though Waddell died when Jessica was just 3, she has taken the torch from both of her remarkable parents—co-founders of the Gay Games—to continue promoting a level playing field for all. Following her presentation, Springfield College student-athlete Kristian Rhim was recognized with the Tom Waddell Leveling the Playing Field Award. This award goes to a student-athlete who has worked diligently to build a fairer and more just world. Christopher Tringali also was recognized for receiving the 2020 award as last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Mimi Murray stands with student winners. — **2019 –** The fourth annual Sports and Social Justice symposium featured a keynote conversation with Professor Mimi Murray, '61, G '67, Ph.D., legendary educator, coach, and crusader for gender equity. Murray began the presentation remembering Springfield College graduate Tom Waddell, '59, who was an accomplished athlete, a medical doctor, an army paratrooper, the founder of the Gay Games, and a major proponent for social justice. Following the presentation, student-athletes Emmalie Drake and Jannik Haas were awarded the annual Tom Waddell Leveling the Playing Field Award.

**2018 –** Muslim Girls Hoop Too – Springfield native Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir is a basketball superstar and an eloquent voice for inclusion. She averaged over 40 points per game as a high school senior. She broke Rebecca Lobo’s career scoring record for high school players in Massachusetts and became a Division I college star. She shot hoops with President Barack Obama. And she did it while wearing a hijab. Abdul-Qaadir shared some of her personal experiences, challenging both top-flight opponents and intolerance on her way to the hoop.

**2017 –** Baseball for All! – Justine Siegal, PhD’13, is the first woman to coach for a Major League Baseball organization (Oakland Athletics). Siegal spoke about her extraordinary experiences in making our national pastime an iconic place for inclusion. Through her nonprofit organization, Baseball for All, she provides opportunities through a number of initiatives for girls to play, coach, and lead in baseball. She received her PhD in sport and exercise psychology from Springfield College, where she served as an assistant coach from 2006-09 for the baseball team. She went on to serve as the mental skills coach for team Israel in the 2017 World Baseball Classic qualifier, and was the first woman to throw batting practice for multiple MLB teams.

Justin Took — **2016 –** As Good as Gold: The Justin Zook Story – Justin Zook '08, a standout performer on the men’s swimming team, delivered a powerful speech about social justice. Born without growth plates in his right leg, Zook endured 30 surgeries over the years. When he was just a few weeks old, he had to have half of his right foot amputated. Zook is a three-time gold medalist in swimming at the Paralympic Games, touching the wall first in the 100-meter backstroke in 2004 in Athens, 2008 in Beijing, and 2012 in London.

Sports and Social Justice Symposium – The unofficial kickoff to the Springfield College Athletics Hall of Fame induction weekend, the Sports and Social Justice Symposium is the marriage of social justice and sport. Each year we feature a social justice pioneer or diversity and inclusion advocate. During the symposium, a current Springfield College student-athlete is recognized with the Tom Wadell Leveling the Playing Field Award. Wadell ‘59 is a Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame member who devoted his life to issues of social justice. This award is given annually to an athlete who has worked diligently to build a world that is more fair and just. This annual event is held in April and is free and open to the public. It is supported by the Dr. Tom Waddell ’59 Fund. For more information on the fund, or to make a gift, visit springfield.edu/giving.

Participants and attendees of second annual Day to Confront Racism — **2022**–Our second annual A Day to Confront Racism morning kicked off with a State of the College Address on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion led by President Mary-Beth A. Cooper, PhD, DM, and Vice President for Inclusion and Community Engagement Calvin R. Hill, PhD. Three other sessions followed throughout the day: “The Racial Awakening of Springfield Over the Last 25 Years” with State Rep. Bud L. Williams, D-Hampden; “Diversity Dialogue Series on Policing: Navigating Differences” with Interim Springfield College Police Chief Joseph Tiraboschi; and “A Legacy: Student Activism on the Springfield College Campus” with Sabrina Williams ’21 and Sabrina Moore, Class of 2023. President Cooper along with Hill and Vice President of Student Affairs Slandie Dieujuste hosted a reception with students and community leaders at the conclusion of the day.

A Day to Confront Racism graphic with relevant words — **2021 –** During the first year of acknowledgment, sessions were well attended and included: "The Past is Present: How the historical legacies revealed by the 1619 Project impact our professions and communities;" "John Brown: The city of Springfield connection to this abolitionist and accomplice;" "A Moderated Dialogue with Members of the Legacy Alumni: Moving the needle;" and "Campus Climate: A moderated conversation with students."

A Day to Confront Racism – In conjunction with members of the Springfield College Legacy Alumni of Color, the Springfield College community set aside March 25 for A Day to Confront Racism, which featured workshops and conversations to confront racism, power, privilege, and prejudice. This date also is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade, the impetus for this daylong event.

Andrea Kane and Jonathan Friedman — **2022–**The ninth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture focused on the backlash related to critical race theory and its politicization. The lecture featured panelists Andrea M. Kane, PhD, professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and Jonathan Friedman, PhD, director of free expression and education at PEN America.

Timmie Smith book cover — **2021–**This year’s lecture, “Power of a Dream. Unity Wins,” took place virtually on Feb. 18, featuring Tommie Smith, 1968 Olympic gold medalist, social justice activist, and author of *Silent Gesture: The Autobiography of Tommie Smith*.

Massachusetts Rep. Nika Elugardo with Dr. Calvin Hill — **2020–**Springfield College welcomed Massachusetts Rep. Nika Elugardo as the keynote speaker at the seventh annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture in the Marsh Memorial Chapel. Elugardo reflected on the impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech to the Massachusetts House of Representatives on April 22, 1965. Elugardo highlighted some of her favorite quotes from King’s speech. She discussed how far we have come and how far we have to go in pursuit of racial and economic justice, including the role of Massachusetts citizens and elected officials in those efforts.

Gilbert King speaking at a lecture. — **2019–**Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gilbert King served as keynote speaker at the sixth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. King has written about race, civil rights, and the death penalty for the *New York Times*, *Washington Post*, and *The Atlantic*, in addition to authoring a number of nonfiction books. King discussed his latest book, *Beneath a Ruthless Sun*, which focuses on the injustices in the state of Florida at the start of the civil rights movement.

Marc Williams speaks at a podium — **2018 –** This year’s lecture featured sports marketing pioneer, educator, author, and advocate for cancer patients Marc Williams. Williams provided self-examination of his life in the spirit of King, and challenged people to pursue their passions the same way King would want everyone to.

From left, Kellynette Gomez, Ravi K. Parry, PhD, President Cooper, and Calvin R. Hill, PhD, vice president for inclusion and community engagement at Springfield College. — **2017 –** As part of our fourth lecture series, Ravi K. Parry, PhD, associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, discussed the history of organized activism in the spirit of King. Juxtaposing rhetoric and action, Perry chronicled the action steps necessary for sustained movement work in 2017—and beyond.

At left, Elsie Wallace Smalls and Calvin R. Hill, PhD, vice president for inclusion and community engagement at Springfield College. — **2016 –** As part of our third annual celebration of King, Elsie Smalls, PhD, then director of Springfield College Charleston, spoke about King’s dreams. Smalls also shared her life’s journey, which began as a child growing up in racially-divided South Carolina, in hopes that her story would inspire and support others to reach beyond the broken places in their lives.

Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture – In March, we come together to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., H’64, and the history of inclusion and diversity at Springfield College. The series was launched in 2014 on the 50th anniversary of King’s visit to Springfield. Students, faculty, staff, and the greater community are invited to attend.

DEI Award recipients David McMahon, Paris Lizana, and Ronn Johnson — **2022–**Congratulations to employee award recipient David McMahon, director of Spiritual Life; student award recipient Paris Lizana, a junior; and community award recipient Ronn Johnson (posthumously).

Charisse Del Vecchio, Dereck Webb, Camille Butterfield Elliot, and Stephanie Logan — **2021–**Congratulations to senior Dereck Webb and graduate student Charisse Del Vecchio; faculty member Stephanie Logan, EdD; and staff and community member Camille Butterfield Elliott. Special recognition also was given to members of student clubs who have worked tirelessly to make our community a better place: Black Student Union, Counselors for Social Justice, Cultural Connections Leadership Program, Men of Excellence, Scientists Embracing Equality and Diversity, Student Society for Bridging Diversity, and Women of Power. Donald Brown ‘69, EdD, accepted special recognition on behalf of the Legacy Alumni of Color.

At left, student recipient Kristian Rhim, staff recipient Renetta Robinson, and community member recipients Awilda Sanchez and Sophia Jeffrey. — **2020–**The second annual Springfield College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards were presented to (from left) student recipient Kristian Rhim, staff recipient Renetta Robinson, and community member recipients Awilda Sanchez and Sophia Jeffrey.

faculty member Laurel Davis-Delano, student Kathleen Morris, and Springfield community member Mr. Robert “Cee” Jackson with Dr. Calvin Hill — **2019–**The inaugural recipients of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards. The recipients this year were faculty member Laurel Davis-Delano, student Kathleen Morris, and Springfield community member Mr. Robert “Cee” Jackson.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards –The Springfield College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes an outstanding College student, staff or faculty member, and Springfield community member who demonstrates a dedication to leadership and the ability to create a setting in which the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount. This award is sponsored by New Valley Bank.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE

Donte "Hammer" Harrison posing with students and President Cooper — **2019–**At our fourth annual event, keynote speaker and inductee Sidney Moncrief was unable to attend last minute, but the event remained a fantastic and unique opportunity for all present. Attendees were mesmerized by members of the Harlem Globetrotters—both their words and their tricks. Dunking sensation Donte "Hammer" Harrison (pictured) shared his inspiring story of overcoming adversity and a late start to achieve a lofty goal. We also heard from Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer at National Basketball Association as well as basketball creator James Naismith's grandson, Jim Naismith, and Moncrief's wife, Kisha, who also had inspiring words for the youth present.

Grant Hill sitting next to the Naismith Statue — **2018–**Grant Hill was the keynote speaker at the third annual Education and Leadership Luncheon before later being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He shared many things, among them his thoughts on college: "The thing that college does is that it teaches you three things – it teaches you how to think, it teaches you how to problem solve, and it teaches you how to endure...Life is nothing but thinking, problem-solving, and enduring."

Hall of Fame Inductees Rebecca Lobo and Mannie Jackson — **2017–**Our second annual luncheon featured a roundtable with Rebecca Lobo and Mannie Jackson. Basketball Hall of Fame member guests included Spencer Haywood, Class of 2015, Artis Gilmore, Class of 2011, and Ann Meyers, Class of 1993.

Shaquille O’Neal at a podium — **2016–**At our inaugural event, Shaquille O’Neal served as the keynote speaker. What made him good, he says, were two things that his mother insisted on: “You’ve got to educate yourself and you’ve got to listen. If you can do those things, you can become anything you want.” Basketball Hall of Fame member guests included Earl Monroe, Class of 1989, and Lenny Wilkins, Class of 1989 and Class of 1998.

Education and Leadership Luncheon – Springfield College has teamed up in a big way with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Beta Sigma Boulé, the Springfield chapter of the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, to inspire and celebrate the excellence of Springfield’s youth. Basketball Hall of Fame inductees engage, inspire, and even take selfies with the audience, including Springfield College student-athletes and 50 Springfield high school students, who are chosen to attend based on their merit, grit, perseverance, and character. This annual event takes place at Springfield College, also known as the Birthplace of Basketball®, during enshrinement week in September.

Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement

Community Involvement and Events

Apply for a Student Scholarship

Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Staff