Raising Funds for Friends in Humanics at East Campus

By: Damon Markiewicz

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Springfield College East Campus Outdoor Learning Center, the annual “A Taste of Humanics” fundraiser finds its ideal home where nature and community intersect.

The Distinguished Springfield Professors of Humanics, both past and present, once again came together with currently faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, to raise funds that directly benefit deserving Springfield College students. More than 75 attendees came together on a beautiful night at East Campus on October 1, 2026, to raise funds for the Friends in Humanics Scholarship.

The Friends in Humanics Scholarship was founded by Emeritus Professor Peter Polito, PhD, the 1998-99 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics. The scholarship is completely funded by current and retired faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, with matching gifts from President Mary-Beth and Dave Cooper. Annual distributions from the Peter and Claire Polito Friends in Humanics Scholarship Endowed Fund also contributes to this scholarship.

Friends in Humanics Scholarship recipient Logan Briggs has been inspired by the generosity of Peter and Claire during his time at the College. A member of the Class of 2028, Briggs is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Adventure Education. Briggs is so appreciative of how Peter and Claire continue to always help current students, and he appreciates how much they both mean to Springfield College.

“Mr. and Mrs. Polito are such special people,” explained Briggs. “I am so thankful for how much they have supported students over the years. This scholarship means a lot to me, and it opens a lot of doors. More than that, it has given me the ability to be present and make the most of my time here at Springfield College. Thank you for investing in students like me and for helping make this experience possible.”

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 11, 2027 in the Springfield College Museum.

The fall event is hosted at East Campus thanks to Executive Director of the East Campus Outdoor Learning Center Ben Taylor '99, G'16, and Director of Operations Angela Veatch, G'07. Attendees enjoyed delicious wines and tasty foods courtesy of Dave Boyle '83 and Harvest Table. They were also treated to the sweet sounds of live music from retired Springfield College YMCA Director and proud donor, Harry Rock, and they enjoyed the heartfelt comments from our student speaker.

“As a first-generation college student who is paying for my own education, the Friends in Humanics Scholarship has made a huge difference in my ability to stay at Springfield,” explained Briggs. “I work three jobs during the summer, and while I have support at home, I don’t have parents helping me pay for college. Receiving this scholarship for the past two years has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.”

Briggs went on to explain, “I actually chose Springfield College because of East Campus and the community service opportunities. Since coming here, I’ve really tried to take advantage of everything the College has to offer. I’m a resident sssistant, I work at East Campus as a challenge course facilitator, and I’m heavily involved in community service.”

As always, the goal is to raise funds for the Friends in Humanics Scholarship, which directly benefits deserving Springfield College students, who also demonstrate Humanics in Action.

“A lot of my Springfield College experiences have helped me grow in different ways,” explained Briggs, who received his Friends in Humanics Scholarship award in April 2026. “Working at East Campus has allowed me to take what I learned as a facilitator in high school and grow into someone who can plan and execute my own programs. Being a residence assistant on campus and being involved in community service have given me opportunities to make a real impact on other people.”