Springfield College 2024 Alumni Awards Celebration | Springfield College

Springfield College 2024 Alumni Awards Celebration

Watch the full video of the 2024 Springfield College Alumni Awards celebration. 

 

As part of Homecoming 2024, the Springfield College Office of Alumni Relations hosted its 2024 Alumni Awards celebration. Recipients included: Young Alumna Award - Lindsay Hutchinson '13, Distinguished Alumna Award - Shawn Ladda, G'85, Distinguished Alumnus Award - Robert Gialloreto, G'93, (represented by Betty Mann, G'74, DPE '84), Hall of Alumni of Color Achievers - Family of Daniel Smith '60, 2024 Tarbell Medallion - Pam Green Pearson '68, G'99, and 2023 Tarbell Medallion - Kurt Aschermann '71. Master of Ceremonies - Charisse Duroure '80.

Lindsay Hutchinson '13 - Young Alumna Award

As a student at Springfield College, Lindsay Hutchinson ’13 learned the value of living our Humanics philosophy. It’s a lesson that she uses on a daily basis in her mission to provide healthy food for all citizens of Perry County, Pennsylvania. Utilizing her background in youth development and leadership, she has built a business rooted in agriculture and togetherness.

Building community through food, Hutchinson is the founder and owner of People’s Provisions, a grocery store with a mission of growing food, preparing food, and sharing food with local community members. The store’s focus is to intentionally bring people together to create space for connections, intimate moments, and growth. It has proven to be more than a business, it’s a bridge that brings farm-fresh food to individuals who don’t always have the resources to receive locally grown organic foods.

Through Hutchinson’s leadership, People’s Provisions operates with the following focuses in mind: food access for all, farmer partnership, and maintaining sustainable food systems. As part of her dedication to connecting farmers to eaters, she ensures that farmers are paid equitably, with more than $184,000 in spending going directly to regional farm partners. In addition, Hutchinson has led fundraising efforts that total more $10,000 that directly support local families who are in need. Through this special bond with her community members, Hutchinson has seen sales rise from $5,000 in 2020 to $250,000 in gross sales in 2023.

Active in her community, Hutchinson is constantly making sure that People’s Provisions is using local ingredients in all of the prepared foods. They also donate produce to local schools, having recipes and cooking suggestions for new products. Hutchinson and her staff offer free delivery, and they provide free food boxes for anyone at any time. The People’s Provisions team uses all platforms and networks to get more nutritious and sustainable food to more people.

Dedicated to working with her neighbors, Hutchinson is the vice president of the Board of Directors for the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank. In addition, she is on the Perry County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors. In recognition of her dedication to helping others, Hutchinson earned the Barbara Kohutiak Community Leadership Award in 2023.

As a student on Alden Street, Hutchinson had a dual major in Elementary and Special Education, in addition to Math and Computer Technology. In 2013, she earned the Springfield College Class of ’57 Outstanding Senior Leadership Chair. This award honors a Springfield College senior who has demonstrated the ability to work as an effective group member and group leader, has made significant contributions to the community, and has an understanding and appreciation of the opportunities and challenges in a world that is increasingly diverse, multicultural, and international.

For the past 10 years, Hutchinson and her senior year roommates and families have gotten together for a “Red House Reunion.”

Hutchinson currently resides in Landisburg, Pa., with her partner, musician Zach King. They enjoy their leisure time surrounded by beautiful music.

The Young Alumnus/Alumna Award was established by the Class of 1966 in 1974, and is presented to a graduate from the 10th-15th reunion class in recognition of professional excellence and outstanding service to the College, community, state, and/or nation. 

Shawn Ladda, G'85 - Distinguished Alumna Award

Since completing a master’s degree in Physical Education at Springfield College, Shawn Ladda, G’85, has led a successful career while maintaining her connection to the College. Ladda has been a faculty member at Manhattan College since 1994, serving as Department of Kinesiology chair for 11 years of her tenure.

Throughout her career, Ladda has been well-respected by her peers as a result of dedicating herself to research in pedagogy, physical education, sport history, Title IX, and coaching. Ladda has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, and delivered more than 50 presentations at professional conferences.

Committed to a “student first” mentality that was inspired from her mentor, Mimi Murray, PhD, ’61, G’67, Ladda has leveraged her excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills in supporting students who seek their teaching licensure in the state of New York. Through her leadership, students have maintained a level of excellence, establishing a 90% pass rate on required state teacher certification exams. In addition, Ladda has regularly mentored more than 20 students per year in assisting with graduate school programs and/or job placement.

Ladda has always maintained a high level of commitment in giving back to the College.  In addition to being a proud member of the David Allen Reed Society and supporter of the Dr. Mimi Murray ’61, G’67, Scholarship Fund, Ladda served on the Alumni Council from 2016 to 2022. She also has been a long-time participant and volunteer at the Springfield College Athletics Golf Classic, and has been a regular participant in alumni and student career networking events, both on campus and in New York City.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX in 2022, Ladda served as the moderator for the airing of "The Voices of the Academy," a national webcast that featured multi-generational Springfield College women, who examined the legislation and described how it impacted their academic, athletic, and professional lives.

A well-respected figure in the field of physical education and coaching, Ladda has a strong background in coaching, having served as the head coach for the Columbia University women’s soccer team from 1988 to 1994. In addition, she coached women’s soccer, basketball, and lacrosse at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1985 to 1988. Ladda received her introduction into the collegiate coaching world as a graduate assistant coach with the Springfield College women’s soccer team.

Ladda earned her bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Penn State University. Following her time at Springfield College, Ladda earned both a Master of Education degree and Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Columbia University.

Maintaining a strong passion for social justice and increasing opportunities for all in the world of sport, Ladda has served as the National Academy for Health and Physical Literacy Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion co-chair since 2021. She was recognized by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYSAHPERD) in 2014 with the Amazing People Award. In 2012, Ladda was named the NYSAHPERD Professional of the Year. In 2013, she received the Presidential Award from the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports.

Ladda, along with her wife Chandelle Schulte, share their time residing in the Bronx, N.Y., and in Hull, Mass.

The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award was established by the Class of 1940 in 1966 to annually recognize professional excellence and outstanding service to community, state, and/or nation. 

Rob Gialloreto, G'93 - Distinguished Alumnus Award

Over the last 11 years, Rob Gialloreto, G’93, has been the president and CEO of Consumer Protection BC, a non-profit regulator that administers British Columbia’s consumer protection laws.

His current profession is the continuation of a career that has been driven by helping create positive change in communities, assisting the most vulnerable populations, and a passion to mentor others to reach their full potential. He also has lived a mission of fostering organizations with ethos rooted in inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Gialloreto’s current work is geared towards inspiring and empowering employees, while developing strong corporate cultures. Gialloreto serves his community by directing the day-to-day application of regulation for specific sectors in British Columbia including: home inspectors, payday lenders, travel agents, funeral service operators, debt collectors, telemarketers, high-cost credit generators, and video retailers and distributors. Gialloreto’s work is focused on creating a positive change in communities at local, provincial, and national levels.

Gialloreto’s journey has included roles in marketing and communications, business strategy, and human resources. Following a decade of experience in the professional sports industry, he transitioned to 10 years of service within the tourism sector, including serving as president and CEO of Tourism Victoria, and CEO of Travel Alberta International, where he led global marketing activities to promote tourism for the province of Alberta.

A senior executive with more than 20 years of experience serving on local, provincial, and federal boards, Gialloreto has been recognized with multiple awards and honors, including Globee Business Awards CEO of the Year, Canada, in 2021; Best in Biz International Awards HR Executive of the Year in 2019; and Business Worldwide Magazine Best CEO in a non-profit Organization and Visionary CEO of the Year in 2017. In addition, during Gialloreto’s tenure, Consumer Protection BC received Great Place to Work Certification for the last eight-consecutive years, and the organization was honored with the CLEAR Investigative Excellence Award from the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation in 2018.

Always committed to service, Gialloreto has been a leader on the Board of Directors for the Real Estate Council of British Columbia, serving as vice chair of the council, and chair of the Governance Committee and Finance and Audit Committee. In addition, he has been an important member of several boards, including the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, the BC Destination Marketing Organization Association, and the Greater Victoria Development Agency.

Gialloreto earned his MEd at Springfield College in 1993, and he received his bachelor’s degree in 1990 from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

Since his time on Alden Street, Gialloreto has found multiple ways to stay connected with the College, both financially, and also mentoring the next generation of students.

Gialloreto resides in Victoria, BC, Canada. He is married to Dominique Alford, and has a daughter Megan.

The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award was established by the Class of 1940 in 1966 to annually recognize professional excellence and outstanding service to community, state, and/or nation. 

Daniel (Dan) R. Smith, Sr. ’60 - Hall of Alumni of Color Achievers

Daniel (Dan) R. Smith, Sr. ’60 was an American and Springfield College hero. He lived a remarkable life, grounded in our Humanics philosophy and dedicated to social justice, health care, and education.

Dan is known as the last person born enslaved during the Civil War. Dan’s father, Abram Smith, was 70 years old when Dan was born in 1932. In the nearly all-white town of Winsted, Conn., Dan was the only Black student in his high school. After graduation, he was drafted into the newly desegregated Army during the Korean War, where he served as a medical technician in the surgical ward of an evacuation hospital. He received his honorable discharge in 1954.

In 1956, Dan enrolled at Springfield College, where he majored in general studies with minors in sociology and psychology. He was a proud student-athlete, competing on the wrestling team, while also being elected student body president. Dan was mentored by Springfield President Glen Olds, who gave him many leadership lessons and experiences.

Following graduation from Springfield College, Dan became a social worker in Connecticut. In 1963, he attended Martin Luther King’s March on Washington and heard up close King’s “I have a dream” speech. Two years later, Dan moved to Alabama, and attended Tuskegee Institute’s Veterinary School. During his time in Alabama, he directed a federally funded Civil Rights program, and was with King on the third Selma to Montgomery march. In addition, he married Sandra Hawkins, with whom he had two children, April and Daniel R. (Rob) Smith, Jr.

In 1968, Dan and his family moved to Washington D.C., where he worked for the Office of Economic Opportunity to establish neighborhood health centers throughout the United States. Facing acute racial discrimination, he successfully led a major program at the National Institutes of Health – Area Health Education Centers. He also directed international health programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Following retirement, Dan coordinated events for dedication of the Korean War Memorial, and served as the head usher for the Washington National Cathedral.

Dan is survived by his widow Loretta Neumann. Dan and Loretta met in 2002, and were married in the National Cathedral in 2006. Dan passed away on October 19, 2022, and is buried in the historic Congressional Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Washington D.C. During Homecoming 2023, the campus community welcomed Loretta to share Dan’s memoir, Son of a Slave, A Black Man’s Journey in White America.

Throughout his life, Smith stayed loyal to his alma mater attending multiple Springfield College Reunion events, while serving as an executive committee member for local alumni associations. He was also a former Springfield College Trustee, as well as a proud member of the 1885 Giving Society. 

The Hall of Alumni of Color Achievers was established in 2021 to annually recognize the outstanding achievements of Springfield College alumni of color who reflect and express a commitment to Humanics and the Springfield College ideals through professional excellence and outstanding service to others. 

Pamela “Pam” Green Pearson ’68, G’99, - 2024 Tarbell Medallion

Pamela “Pam” Green Pearson ’68, G’99, is a retired educator, who spent more than five decades teaching physical education in the Wilbraham Public Schools and Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District. During that time, she also stayed committed to paying it forward by supporting her alma mater on multiple levels.

Pearson’s level of dedication in staying true to our Humanics philosophy is inspirational. She has stayed connected with the College through annual gifts, volunteer and mentoring opportunities, alumni planning committees, and assisting with field observations for Springfield College students within the Physical Education major. She has been a proud member of the Alumni Council, and she has served on her class reunion committee multiple times.

A proud member of a Springfield College legacy family of her own, Pearson regularly volunteers in welcoming all incoming students and their families to the campus. Pearson has served as a mentor to current students as part of the Evening of Alumni and Student Career Networking Events, she has provided hand-written letters to first-year students, and she has welcomed incoming families during accepted student open house events. Pearson has worked hard as a Pioneer Valley Alumni Association Excutive Committee officer, and she always willing to volunteer when needed.

Pearson is the proud mother of two daughters: Sarah ’03, G’04, and Robin. Sarah is a proud graduate of the Springfield College Physical Therapy program. In addition, Pearson’s beloved husband Doug, who passed away in 2009, was a former assistant coach for the Springfield College men’s basketball team.

Pearson is a proud double alumna of the College, having earned her bachelor’s degree in 1968 in Physical Education, while also earning her master’s degree in 1999 in Educational Administration. In 2010, she was recognized by her teaching peers with the Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award, in honor of her dedication to her students, and her community.

Pearson’s mission of supporting philanthropic initiatives has been evident. She has made a financial supporting gift to the College every year since 1968, and she is a proud member of the David Allen Reed Society. Pearson’s support has helped ensure that the College and its students will continue to have a profound impact on our communities. 

The Tarbell Medallion, a facsimile of R. Tate McKenzie’s “The Joy of Effort,” was first presented in 1935 as a gift from Edward Norris Tarbell, Class of 1889, and is given annually to an alumnus or alumna out of school at least 20 years who has demonstrated outstanding service to his or her alma mater. 

Kurt Aschermann '71 - 2023 Tarbell Medallion

When Kurt Aschermann ’71 was a student-athlete at Springfield College starting in 1967, and throughout his time on Alden Street and beyond, one could say he hit it out of the park. From a standout baseball player for the Pride, including playing in the Division II World Series in 1970, to helping facilitate a one-of-a-kind intercollegiate and adaptive baseball field on campus, Aschermann has made Springfield College proud.

Aschermann is the first to say that Springfield College taught him how to take on issues in life and deal with them successfully. That is why his connections to Springfield College since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education are many.

Perhaps his proudest Springfield College-connected achievement was serving as a catalyst for the partnership between the College and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation in the renovation of Archie Allen Baseball Field and construction of an adaptive field within the complex, named Aschermann Family Field, a tribute by which he is humbled.

One of Aschermann’s passions is service to others, which is rooted in his learning about the Humanics philosophy at his alma mater.

For six years, Aschermann served on the Springfield College Board of Trustees, and for two years as a member of the Alumni Council. At the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony from 2016-19, and in 2021, he served as emcee. In 2006, Aschermann was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the College for his professional excellence, outstanding achievement in his career, and for his service to others. He has enjoyed returning to campus as a guest lecturer for business classes and has volunteered with the Department of Athletics and Office of Development. Outside of Springfield College, Aschermann has provided pro bono consulting services to more than 50 nonprofits—from 2017 to present. In addition, he is the founder of the Community Table of Loudoun.

For more than 25 years, Aschermann has displayed his philanthropic side by contributing to Springfield College, including becoming a member of The 1885 Society. He also helped establish and donated to the Endowed Scholarship for Diversity in Coaching Fellowship, along with Linda Cruse Moffat ’73 and Roger Moffat ’71, G’74.

Aschermann put his love of sports and coaching to paper, having co-authored two published books on those subjects, including Coaching Kids to Play Baseball and Softball and Coaching Kids to Play Soccer. He also penned three other books.

His career has spanned working in the nonprofit sector for many years. He is currently executive director of Loudoun Community Media/Loudoun Now, a weekly newspaper, website, and newsletter in Louduon County, Va.

Aschermann is married to Anna Louise Aschermann, and has three children, Jennifer Kaywork, Kurt Aschermann, and Kristin Aschermann. He also has three grandchildren, Eli and Max Kaywork, and Lennon Smith.

The Tarbell Medallion, a facsimile of R. Tate McKenzie’s “The Joy of Effort,” was first presented in 1935 as a gift from Edward Norris Tarbell, Class of 1889, and is given annually to an alumnus or alumna out of school at least 20 years who has demonstrated outstanding service to his or her alma mater.