Springfield College Hosts International Alumni College | Springfield College

Springfield College Hosts International Alumni College

 

Springfield College hosted an International Alumni College titled, “Springfield College, Building Bridges Around the World,” on Friday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. in the Fuller Arts Center. Keynote speakers for the event were alumni Makis Asimakopoulos, G’89, Siu Yin Cheung, G’85, DPE’92, and Jose Moncada-Jimenez, G’98.

In Asimakopoulos’ presentation titled, “Keys and Secrets of International Mega Events,” he shared his experiences working as an event operational manager for Mega Multisport International events including the Olympics, Paralympics, and Special Olympics. He also served as a senior consultant of International Mega events including European Games, and the FIFA World Cup. Asimakopoulos recapped his experience as general manager in the mass sport international market for the Hellenic Athletics Federation’s “Athens Marathon. The Authentic.”

Monacada-Jimenez collaborated professionally with universities in the United States, Mexico, and Switzerland. His presentation, “Person+SC+Compass Equals a Formula for Success” focused on how the College has helped him prepare to serve in his current role of director for the University of Costa Rica Human Sciences Research Center, and member of the university’s Institutional Ethics Committee.

Cheung, who is coordinator of graduate studies for the Hong Kong Baptisit University Department of Physical Education, will present “A Bridge from East to West,” shared her vast international educational experiences. She is a prolific researcher, having written more than 40 referred articles and 15 books and book chapters.

Getting the day started was former director of the Doggett International Center and Professor Dr. Ken Wall, G’73, DPE’75, who assisted in welcoming attendees to the event and introduced the keynote speakers. During lunch, there were roundtable discussions following a presentation by associate professor of sport management and recreation Robert Accorsi’s, G’80, about the College’s connection to the Paralympics.

For more than a century, Springfield College presidents, students, alumni, and athletic teams have traveled the globe building relationships, conducting educational and sports programs, and receiving governmental and humanitarian awards. Today, more than 600 Springfield College alumni reside in 65 countries outside the United States.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Springfield College Doggett International Center assists international students and hosts international scholars, coaches, and guests. The College also conducts student missions to economically disadvantaged countries to provide needed human services.

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 2016 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News & 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 Professional and Continuing Studies across the country.