East Campus is the Perfect Setting for a Taste of Humanics Fundraiser
By: Damon Markiewicz
The Distinguished Springfield Professors of Humanics, both past and present, once again came together with currently faculty and staff to raise funds that directly benefit deserving Springfield College students as part of the annual “A Taste of Humanics” fundraiser, hosted on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
More than 50 members of the campus community came together on a beautiful night at East Campus, thanks to Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Ben Taylor '99, G'16 and Associate Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Angela Veatch G'07.
"East Campus is a such a special place, and it's honor to speak to everyone and express my sincere gratitude for assisting myself and all students through the Friends in Humanics Scholarship," expressed Class of 2024 Physical Education and Health Education major MJ McGillicuddy. "The Taste of Humanics event was such a special night for me, and I enjoyed spending time with all of our faculty and staff, while enjoying the beautiful outdoor patio at East Campus."
Attendees enjoyed delicious wines and tasty foods courtesy of Dave Boyle '83, Harvest Table, and the Office of Development. As always, the goal was for the faculty and staff to raise funds for the Friends in Humanics Scholarship, which directly benefits deserving Springfield College students, who also demonstrates Humanics in Action.
As part of the evening, current and former faculty/staff donated $5,000, which President Mary-Beth Cooper generously matched, for a grand total of $10,000!
“This scholarship is all about helping students, they are the constant on our campus,” said Emeritus Professor Peter Polito, who initiated the Friends in Humanics Scholarship while serving as the 1998-99 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics. “This scholarship is about the employees of Springfield College making sure we take care of our students."
This fall's celebration was the first of two annual Distinguished Springfield Professors of Humanics fundraisers planned this academic year, where 100 percent of funds donated are awarded in April to student recipients. The spring gathering is planned for March 28, 2024 in the Springfield College Museum.
Since 1999, employees of Springfield College have had the opportunity to support this scholarship, with more than 120 students receiving awards. Since fall 2011, present and past Distinguished Springfield Professors of Humanics have helped Professor Polito sponsor fundraisers, through which current and retired faculty and staff have contributed. Annual distributions from the Peter and Claire Polito Friends in Humanics Scholarship Endowed Fund are added to this scholarship. Each spring, the Office of Financial Aid and a committee comprised of Distinguished Professors, faculty, and staff, solicit nominations from the campus community and select deserving students for this prestigious award.
