Humanics is the Guiding Light for Peter and Claire Polito

By: Damon Markiewicz

For Springfield College Emeritus Professor Peter Polito and his wife Claire, their connection to Springfield College and the Humanics philosophy is a natural fit because in the words of both Peter and Claire, it highlights their guiding principles.

Both Peter and Claire have been connected to Springfield College for more than five decades, but it was during the academic year of 1998-99 when the Polito name and the Humanics definition would be linked forever. In the spring of 1999, Peter wrapped up his year-long initiative of serving as the 1998-99 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics with his lecture titled, “Principles of Humanics.” During this discussion with the campus community, he reinforced that both he and his wife view Humanics as the following: In having respect for one's self and others, taking responsibility to be in charge of one's life, have reverence for life, provide service to humanity, promote community and unity in diversity, believe in the education of the freed mind, and always altruistic professionalism.

It was also during Peter’s Humanics lecture where he introduced a scholarship that would continue to connect current students with faculty, staff, and alumni. The Friends in Humanics Scholarship was unveiled, and it has remained a resource that supports students during their journey of achieving their educational dreams.

“I always felt very connected to our students, and I wanted to introduce a way to make sure we were helping our students financially,” explained Peter. “Even though my year of Distinguished Professor was concluding, a group of professors who also served in that role, wanted to find a way to keep promoting Humanics on campus and keep that momentum going.”

Led by Peter and Claire, the former Distinguished Springfield Professors of Humanics support the scholarship through two major fundraisers each year, one in the fall at East Campus, and one in the spring in the Springfield College Museum. The scholarship is completely funded by current and retired faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Annual distributions from the Peter and Claire Polito Friends in Humanics Scholarship Endowed Fund also contribute to this scholarship.

“Overall, Claire and I have always been determined to help students who have demonstrated financial need. We find ways to reward them for their campus leadership, care and concern for the community, and showcase how they really embody our Humanics philosophy,” explained Peter.

Supporting the student body has always been very important to both Peter and Claire. Peter arrived on Alden Street in the fall of 1970 to begin what would be a long-standing career as professor of Computer Science and Physics. In the late months of 1973, Peter and Claire would meet through a family friend, and that would be the beginning of their joint connection to the College.

On June 9, 1974, Peter and Claire got married, and because of their constant feeling of community while on campus together, the couple decided to have their wedding ceremony and reception on the Springfield College campus. It was a perfect setting for a couple that truly loved each other, and the campus.

“We both really felt that Springfield College is a special place, so it was only fitting to have our special ceremony at a place we felt so much love,” explained Peter. “I always felt very close to my students, so we thought it was ideal for us to have some of my students be a part of the ceremony. It’s that close connection I always felt with the students that I always really appreciated.”

Peter was involved with many aspects of campus life as a faculty member, and Claire was always right there by his side. Peter loved working with his students in teaching physics. He started physics clinics in the evening as an attempt to allow time during the semester to meet with all of his students in smaller group settings. By 1983, computer science started to become popular. Never backing away from the opportunity to learn more, Peter embraced the challenge of introducing computer science to the College.

“I was a computer programmer and I was asked if I thought we could introduce the computer science opportunity to our students,” explained Peter. “I said I think we could with some training, and through the College’s support, I was able to take some courses and help start the computer science program.”

Claire was also very committed to her studies, taking classes at the College during her journey of completing her degree with the Baystate School of Nursing at the Springfield Hospital, which would become the current Baystate Medical Center.

“Springfield College has always felt like home for both of us,” described Claire. “The faculty members and their spouses really became extended family, and it always remained that way. Both Peter and I both had careers that had guiding principles of helping others, and that’s always been a part of our DNA.”

In the spring of 1998, Peter received a call from the Academic Affairs office that would end up shaping the history of Humanics in Action on the Springfield College campus. It was during this call that Peter was asked to serve as the Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics for the 1998-99 academic year.

“It was a huge honor to receive that phone call,” explained Peter. “As I started to think about what exactly I wanted to do, it really came back to the fact that I wanted to build our sense of community through programming. I really felt like it was a great opportunity to have our entire campus community build connections with our surrounding community. It was an idea that stemmed from looking at the College’s history and seeing how our campus had been involved in community outreach in the past. I just thought the timing was right to really showcase what Humanics is all about.”

Starting in the summer of 1998, Peter began meeting with neighborhood councils, faculty, staff, and administration, to plan out what was possible as part of a Humanics in Action program. When students returned in the fall of 1998, Peter also spent extra time meeting with students, getting their feedback on the Humanics in Action concepts.

“My year serving as Distinguished Professor was very rewarding because not only did we have our first Humanics in Action Day, but we were able to follow up with a community winter carnival, and a spring festival,” explained Peter. “All of the events were centered around building community, and I am very proud of the work the entire campus community was able to do during that year.”

Peter and Claire’s commitment to building community and helping students would continue well beyond Peter’s impact as the Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics. He would serve as the chair of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science for 31 years.

Despite Peter’s retirement in 2015, the couple’s dedication and love for the College has never wavered. They have always constantly found ways to give back to the College, and they are proud members of The 1885 Society, which consists of members of the College community who have listed the College as part of their planned giving.

“I always really enjoyed teaching, and staying connected to the College is an easy decision for both of us,” explained Peter. “It’s always been like family for us. More than 50 years, Springfield College has always given us so much.”

And what both Peter and Claire have given the College is a bridge for all generations of Springfield College alumni to feel connected through the emphasis of Humanics.

“Humanics remains our guiding principles,” explained Claire. “It remains who we are as a couple, and our love for the College.”