Springfield College Alumni and Families Notes

Stopping by Marsh Memorial for a visit was Jeff Yablon '91 and his daughter Liliana. Out came the '91 yearbook and Class of 1991 stein. Carpe Diem! 

We hope Liliana will be joining us on Alden Street in a few years. Jeff's son, Harry Yablon '27 is currently a Springfield College student and member of the men's cross country and track & field teams. We love visitors so please stop by Marsh Memorial to say hello when you are in the area!  

Springfield College alumni, students and faculty attending SHAPE America in Kansas City, Mo. gather for fellowship and food at Minsky's Pizza.

Springfield College faculty, students, and alumni are always actively involved in SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) conferences, presenting research and winning leadership awards. The college is heavily represented at these national events, showcasing expertise in physical education, health education, and sport leadership.

Jack Welch '57, DPE '74, right, proudly stands alongside swimmer Bob McClenahan at his induction into the New Mexico State University Athletic Hall of Fame.  

Welch served as McLenahan's collegiate swim coach and was inducted into the New Mexico State University Athletic Hall of Fame himself in 2019.

Welch won the 50-yard backstroke (90-94) age group at the New Mexico State Senior Olympics held in Las Cruces last summer. Welch was also honored by being selected to be the lead torch bearer of the Olympic flame at the opening ceremonies. 

The 1980's were the dominant decade for alumni attendees at a recent get together at Evviva Trattoria in Nashua, NH. Thank you to all who joined us, especially Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Lori Ciccomascolo and Alumni Council Vice President Stacey Hall '91 who provided important information on enrollment, academics, student affairs and ways for alumni to stay involved with our beloved alma mater. 

The group provided a very warm welcome to Garrett Hillard '24 who was attending his first event as Springfield College alumnus. An Applied Exercise Science major during his student days, Hillard is a Cardiothoracic Research Specialist for TransMedics. Photo Gallery...

Led by Steven W. Groccia '00, PhD '13, Associate Professor of Physical Education and Health Education; Michelle Moosbrugger '00, PhD '06, Chair, Physical Education and Health Education; Maria D'Agostino Crawford '91, P'24, Associate Director, Alumni & Family Relations; and Kyle J. Andolina '17, Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions, the annual Youth in Motion program welcomed back many alumni to campus.

Brian Miller '90, Karen Stowe '08, Nicole Hembrow '12, Joe McSpiritt '13, Julia Jacob '19, G'23, Tab Bassett '93, Jack Costa '22, and Cam Rivest '19 all helped bring prospective students to the spring program. Youth in Motion is designed to facilitate leadership development and exploration of careers in health, physical education, physical activity, and sport for high school sophomores and juniors while simultaneously providing professional development for high school physical educators, health educators, and school counselors. To date, more than 45 students who have attended Youth in Motion are currently enrolled or have graduated from Springfield College. Photo Gallery...

The Distinguished Springfield Professors of Humanics hosted its annual "Taste of Humanics" fundraiser on March 12. Attendees enjoyed delicious foods, desserts, and drink while supporting our students. Proceeds from the event go directly to the Friends in Humanics Scholarship, which benefit student recipients selected for their dedication to Humanics. 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. Photo Gallery...

The Friends in Humanics Scholarship was started by Emeritus Professor Peter Polito, PhD, the 1998-99 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics. Student awardees have demonstrated financial need, academic scholarship, campus leadership, care and concern for community, and embodiment of our Humanics philosophy.

When Bradley Deckel '19 was a Criminal Justice major in his junior year, he took a course called Civil Liberties. He found the class exciting as they read case law and engaged in discussions about big legal ideas. It was Deckel’s first dip into the legal profession, and his interest was piqued.  

“I enjoyed the challenge of addressing big and complex questions that have numerous answers to them. From there, I wanted to see what being a lawyer was all about,” he said.

During Deckel’s studies at Springfield College, another event brought him closer to a potential legal career. He learned about an internship opportunity at the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office in Springfield after Steve Breslow, assistant U.S. attorney, gave a lecture on campus in the fall of 2017. Deckel applied and interned at the United States Attorney’s Office in the spring of 2018. Full Story...