Springfield College Communications/Sports Journalism Program Hosts 15th Anniversary Celebration
Women’s basketball legend Rebecca Lobo and Sports Illustrated senior writer Steve Rushin were the keynote speakers at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Springfield College Communications/Sports Journalism Program on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Cleveland E. and Phyllis B. Dodge Room.
“My first day at Springfield College was the first day of the Communications/Sports Journalism major, and it has been amazing to watch this program grow,” said Springfield College Associate Professor of Communications Marty Dobrow. “I have very talented colleagues in Dennis Gildea, Jody Santos, and Kyle Belanger. We are all so proud of the students and alumni in the program. They have made teaching here a joy. We are looking forward to celebrating a decade and a half of the journalistic journey at Springfield College with our students: past, present, and future. Steve Rushin and Rebecca Lobo will cap the day with what I'm sure will be a memorable presentation."
Lobo joined ESPN in 2004 as a WNBA and women’s college basketball analyst and reporter following an impressive collegiate and professional basketball career. The former WNBA All-Star and championship-winning college basketball player currently contributes to ESPN’s live women’s basketball events and studio shows. Prior to her time at ESPN, Lobo and her mother Ruth Ann worked together to write a book titled, The Home Team: Of Mothers, Daughters, and American Champions. The book covers Lobo’s career as well as her late mother’s battle with breast cancer. Lobo also contributed a short story to an anthology entitled 33 Things Every Girl Should Know.
Rushin was named the 2005 National Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association for his work at Sports Illustrated, and he is a four-time finalist for the National Magazine Award. His essays have appeared in Time magazine and The New York Times. Rushin’s first book, Road Swing, was published in 1998 and was named one of the “Best Books of the Year” by Publishers Weekly, and one of the “Top 100 Sports Books of All Time” by Sports Illustrated.
Lobo and Rushin brought more than 20 years of combined journalistic experience to Springfield College. Lobo and Rushin’s presentation concluded a day-long communications workshop for prospective students that allowed attendees an opportunity to tour the Springfield College campus, witness presentations from Springfield College faculty members and alumni, and talk to current students in the Communications/Sports Journalism Program.
Lobo and Rushin were married in 2003 during a ceremony at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. They have four children.
Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy—educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2015 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News and World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its School of Human Services campuses across the country.
