Springfield College Hosts Fourth Annual Legislative Breakfast
Springfield College President Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper was pleased to have U.S. Congressman and chair of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal lead the virtual conversation Thursday morning (March 18, 2021) at our fourth annual Springfield College Legislative Breakfast. CLICK HERE to view the session.
Springfield College President Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper was pleased to have U.S. Congressman and chair of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal lead the virtual conversation Thursday morning (March 18, 2021) at our fourth annual Springfield College Legislative Breakfast.
This year’s breakfast theme was “Leadership in Turbulent Times.” Neal was joined by approximately a dozen local state representatives, senators, and aides. Dr. Cooper opened the event by thanking Congressman Neal for his leadership and work on the COVID-19 economic relief packages, a sentiment that was echoed by all on the video conference.
"Congressman Neal, on behalf of, and not just the people on this zoom, but the larger community, your work on the economic relief packages has been incredible," said Cooper in helping begin the session. "Your leadership has been unbelievable, and we can't thank you enough."
Neal was joining the meeting from Washington, D.C., and he has a long and storied association with Springfield College including former corporator and adjunct faculty. He was the College’s Commencement speaker twice - once in 1989 and again in 2003 - where he was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanics degree.
"Springfield College is a world-renowned institution, and has produced leaders for as long as I can remember," said Neal. "The College as emphasized in its mission statement, is committed to the idea of civic participation, civic engagement, and I have watched not just the individuals who have come through the doors at Springfield College, but I have worked with many of the past presidents, and they have all been committed to a wider representation in our democracy. Accepting an invitation from Springfield College, for me, is a universal opportunity."
Those on the call joining Cooper and Neal included: Sen. Adam Gomez (representing Hampden County), Rep. Brian Ashe (2nd Hampden district), Rep. Michael Finn (6th Hampden), Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (10th Hampden). Rep. Orlando Ramos (9th Hampden), and Rep. Bud Williams (Springfield College’s district representative, 11th Hampden).
"I commend you and your hard work at Springfield College madam president, I know it hasn't been easy," said Williams. "You managed to navigate during these challenging times in terms of making the educational opportunities very strong for students."
Jennifer Metsch, staff representative for Sen. Eric Lesser (Springfield College’s district senator, First Hampden and Hampshire), Caitlyn Letourneau, staff representative for Sen. John Velis (Second Hampden and Hampshire Counties), and Gia Varlotto, staff representative for Rep. Angelo Puppolo (12th Hampden) also participated in the virtual breakfast.
Highlighted below is a breakdown of the video segments from the virtual programming, with the attendees sharing many views of leadership they have relied on during the past year.
During the event, Dr. Cooper thanked Congressman Neal for his work and leadership on the COVID-19 relief packages.
Congressman Neal opened the legislative breakfasts with some comments about Springfield College and its place in the world.
Dr. Cooper talked about how many decisions needed to be made and quickly during the pandemic.
At the start of the Legislative Breakfast, during his opening remarks, Congressman Neal mentioned the national conversation is quite different than when he first joined and social media is playing a role in that – and not always for good. He suggests there are better ways to earn the respect of one’s peers.
During the breakfast, Dr. Cooper asked the group to share their greatest challenges during the past 12 months as a leader in the community. Rep. Williams thanked Neal for the chairman’s efforts and shared his continued and upcoming work on diversity and inclusion at the state house.
Rep. Williams acknowledged the work Dr. Cooper and Springfield College staff, faculty, and students have been doing to keep our community safe on Alden Street.
During the breakfast, Dr. Cooper asked the group to share their greatest challenges during the past 12 months as a leader in the community. Rep. Michael Finn echoed Williams’ thanks to Chairman Neal and shared that education is a top priority.
Sen. Adam Gomez shared comments about his work representing the area, working as a group leader at a YMCA, and remarked how we are surrounded by great leaders in the Springfield area.
Rep. Brian Ashe commented his biggest challenge was balancing how to calm the fear of his family and friends as well as members of the community.
Rep. Orlando Ramos talks about challenges during the pandemic and how he has continued to lead despite dealing with these challenging times.
Rep. Carlos Gonzalez talked about his guiding principles of being a leader during difficult times and they include passion, commitment and dedication.
Chairman Neal shared some advice he was given early in his career about governing.
Dr. Cooper reminded Chairman Neal about commencement remarks he made at Springfield College in 1989 where he talked about threats to democracy at that time and the need for the American people to unite as one. She asked him what he believes are the most important attributes of successful leaders today.
