A Springfield College Blog | Springfield Stories
Blueberry salad

This fall, everything is going to change as far as how food will be presented, but that does not put any limits on creativity. It will just make us change how we serve, not what we serve. Springfield College is proud to introduce the Harvest Table experience at The Table @ Cheney Hall. 

sunglare near sign

by James Kaishian G'19

Aug. 06, 2020

Graduate Student Organization President and Ph.D. student James Kashian '19 reflects on the impact of the Springfield College mission in influencing his school choice, navigating the pandemic, and shaping the community he joined. 

Dan Smith school photo

Dan Smith `60 has lived the American racial story. He is the son of a slave. He was chased to within inches of his life by the Klan on a haunting night in Alabama. He marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. He attended the inaugurations of Barack Obama. He was screamed at by a white cop as he tried to save a white girl’s life.

Black lives matter artwork

"As the Student Trustee, my role is to represent the student body, but I understand that I don’t speak for everyone. Instead of just hearing from me, I talked to students about the Black and people of color experience at Springfield College, what they want to see change, and their current feelings."

 

gymnastics with rainbow overlay

by Jeffrey Monseau

Jun. 15, 2020

An Olympic athlete, a doctor specializing in infectious diseases, a paratrooper in the US army, an LGBTQ activist. Tom Waddell `59 was many things, including the founder of the Gay Games. 

 a blank notebook and pen on a desk

Calvin Hill, PhD, Vice President for Inclusion and Community Engagement, reflects on this important moment in history as a Black man, parent, and professional. 

 

Aerial view of Springfield College

by Gabby Guerard '20

May. 29, 2020

Gabby Guerard '20 interviews some of her recent fellow graduates on what motivated them to choose a College close to home. 

A group of students birds eye view.

by Natalia Arroyo '21

Feb. 25, 2020

Springfield College Giving Day 2020 will be held on Wednesday, March 4. Current student Natalie Arroyo explains why she chooses to donate each year. 

black and white image of a magnolia flower

by Sabrina Williams '22

Feb. 03, 2020

"Black History Month is a time of reflection for me, but it is also a time of celebration. "

Sabrina Williams, a student at Springfield College, shares what Black History Month means to her and how being biracial shaped the way she learned about herself and her roots. 

Students gathered on the carpet learning, bird's eye view

by John Cipora

Jan. 29, 2020

I hold the view, popular in commentators across the political spectrum, that improving early learning is a vitally important topic at present…” John Cipora, a professor at the Springfield College St.

A cartoon of an individual engaging in online learning

Ed Lizotte, Director of Enrollment Management at Springfield College, has had experience as both an online learner and an online educator. He shares his experience with online programs and important things to consider when deciding on what type of continuing education is best for you. 

Outlines of the state of NY and MA

by Graciela Garcia '20

Dec. 10, 2019

For many, distance from home plays a major role in the college decision. Going out of state may seem daunting, and certainly, there are obstacles to overcome, but it also opens you up to new possibilities and new adventures. Graciela Garcia ('20) is from New York City and discusses finding her freedom at Springfield College and the learning curves along the way. 

Jess Ashe and coworkers

by Jess Ashe '19

Oct. 25, 2019

The schoolyear may be underway but it's not too late to get involved! Jess Ashe ('19) offers advice on how to be active on campus. 

Rachel and friend on the Senior Walk.

by Rachel Brown '20

Oct. 18, 2019

Sometimes the first college you go to isn't the right fit-- and that's okay! Rachel Brown ('20) talks about her experience transferring to Springfield College for her sophomore year. 

Rainbow paint

by Danielle Clough G'06

Oct. 10, 2019

"There were two major events in my first year and half of college that set me on my path of living my life out and honestly." Today, Danielle Clough (G'06) works as the Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at Springfield College and nothing stops her from "throwing love out into the world."

Graduation cap and degree

by Katerina T. Valentin G'19

Oct. 02, 2019

Katerina T. Valentin (G'19) is not new to Springfield College, but she recently began in her new role as Program Liaison with the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement. Katerina talks about her journey, including how her Puerto Rican background shaped her academic drive and why being hearing-impaired and "a little different" has never stopped her from achieving her goals. 

Montage of photos of Stephanie Logan

As part of our Faces of Diversity series with the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, Stephanie Logan, associate professor and education department chair, describes her journey to Springfield College and how she continues to keep social justice teaching, learning, and leadership at the forefront of her work. 

Students at an Open House

Seeing is believing. One way to know Springfield College is right for you is to experience a day on campus. Here are just 10 of the many reasons why you should attend Open House. 

Springfield College soccer team
"The life of a Graduate Assistant for a sports team isn't always glamourous..."

Ronan O'Rourke G'11, CAGS '13 reminisces about what made his years at Springfield College some of the most important in his life.

women's softball team on the field

by Tessa Rickart

Aug. 15, 2019

You've heard of Title IX but what is it? And how will it affect you as a student at Springfield College?

Mary Simeoli, Esq., the Title IX Coordinator on campus, answers all your questions (and more). Know your rights, know your resources, know more about Title IX.

Sunrise over Lake Massasoit

by Natasha Corbin G'19

Aug. 09, 2019

Graduate study can be very different than your time as an undergraduate. Life gets busy as you try to balance all of your responsibilities in addition to your studies. Natasha "Tash" Corbin, a second-year student in the Therapeutic Recreation program at Springfield College, shares one of the most important lessons she's learned during her graduate study: self-care is important!

Looking through the Gulick triangle image on the fence.

by Graciela Garcia '20

Aug. 01, 2019

Now a rising senior, Graciela Garcia shares the lessons she wished she knew before she entered college—from making friends to losing them, getting involved on campus, and the importance of sometimes being alone. 

Campus view with clock

by Meghan Godfrey '19

Jul. 16, 2019

​​​​​Starting college can be a time of mixed emotions: excitement, uncertainty, fear of the unknown. While the experience is different for everyone, Meg Godfrey ('19) shares the seven things she thinks everyone should know before entering their first year of college. 

Girl works on laptop outside

Summer is a time to relax, but it doesn't mean you should forget your professional goals. Career Center Director, Scott Dranka, gives advice on how you can stay active and professional even when school is out for the summer. 

Graduation caps

With graduation quickly approaching, Springfield College Director of Career Services Scott Dranka offers advice on how to transition from college student to young professional. 

A group of graduates celebrating .

by Meghan Godfrey '19

May. 06, 2019

As a senior at Springfield College, Meghan Godfrey looks back on her four years and lists what she believes are the top ten things to do before you graduate college.

mental health in scrabble letters

Sarah Launderville has found success as the executive director for the Vermont Center for Independent Living, an adjunct faculty member for Springfield College St. Johnsbury, and alumna of Springfield College, but the journey wasn’t always a smooth one.

Dancers leap across the stage

Alexandra MacPherson has her hands full as a double major in Dance and Physical Therapy, but she loves how the two programs complement one another. Alexandra talks about what sets Dance at Springfield College apart from other schools and how the experiences will impact her future.

Group photo of those who went to Trinidad.

For the third consecutive year, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Kim Nowakowski took students to the island of Trinidad to participate in the National Fall Prevention Program. The trip is filled with numerous educational and cultural experiences that leave students reflecting both professionally and personally long after the visit is over.

A monument to African American foot soldiers in St. Augustine, FL.

by Nicholas Perenick '20

Apr. 09, 2019

Through the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, Nicholas Perenick joined fellow students on an educational Spring Break trip that followed the paths of the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine, Florida.

Bookshelves

by Anthony Hill '92, CAS '03

Mar. 26, 2019

As part of our Faces of Diversity series with the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, Anthony Hill, associate professor social work, shares a bit about his background, how he overcame adversity to get to #SpringfieldCollege, and how he strives to continue making this world a better place for all.

Soldiers feet in uniform.

Many Springfield College graduates go on to pursue careers where they can actively exercise the philosophy of humanics, which is why it should come as no surprise when two alumni find themselves working together.

A girls sits in the dark, looking at her phone with concern.

by Timothy Manzke, Ph.D.

Mar. 07, 2019

Timothy Manzke, Ph.D., worked in the Milwaukee Police and public school system for years before becoming an Associate Faculty Member for Springfield College. His experience provided him with a unique insight and invaluable knowledge into the modern phenomenon of cyberbullying.

Giving Day promo picture.

28 years later and Jay Andronaco (‘91) is still grateful for his time at Springfield College. Now serving as the Senior Director of Annual Giving, Jay describes why it’s so important for alumni and supporters to reach out during Springfield College’s annual Giving Day (March 6-7, 2019).

Thought bubble balloons made of paper.

Jayna Punturiero, a clinician at the Counseling Center on campus, breaks down some common misconceptions around mental health and explains how the Counseling Center can help you during your years as a Springfield College student.

Students with their hands together.

by Daryl Wright

Feb. 13, 2019

Daryl Wright has witnessed, first-hand, the positive effects that youth development programs can have on children and our society as a whole. Wright discusses his experiences as a youth worker and the importance of leadership development. 

A microphone

by Graciela Garcia '20

Feb. 05, 2019

For the last few years, Springfield College Communications/Sports Journalism (COSJ) professor Kyle Belanger has worked Radio Row at the Super Bowl. While this is a tremendous opportunity for his own freelance career, Belanger focuses on turning his own opportunities into those for his students.

Red glitter background

by Tyler Polansky '20

Jan. 29, 2019

In 2019, Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues celebrates its 21st anniversary. The show also has a long history on the Springfield College campus, where multiple generations of young women have been able to perform in a theater piece with such a significant cultural impact.

Handshake

Scott Dranka, Director of the Career Center at Springfield College, shares information about this valuable resource and how he and his colleagues can help prepare you for the next step in your journey, whether it’s graduate school or pursuing your career.

A pattern of cartoon clocks.

by David J. Renza

Jan. 24, 2019

Classes. Sports. Clubs. Jobs. Family. Friends. College students today are busier than ever. So how do you juggle it all? Academic Success Coach David J. Renza offers time management advice to the busy college student on how to balance school and life.

Sunsetting over the marsh in Costa Rica.

by Melinda Fowler

Jan. 14, 2019

In part II and III of the Biol: 320 International Tropical Field Research, the students and faculty travel through Costa Rica to La Selva Biological Station, followed by Palo Verde National Park. The group wraps up their research and takes in some sights before heading back to the United States. 

A football field.

by Tessa Rickart

Jan. 11, 2019

The Springfield College Office of Communications recently got a chance to catch up with our own Charley Casserly (‘71, G’72), TV sportscaster and former NFL executive with the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans. Casserly has made a name for himself in the sports world and credits the lessons learned at Springfield College, as well as raw determination, for his success.

Soccer team huddled on the field.

by Eric Stalsburg

Jan. 08, 2019

From NEWMAC championships to his career in sports and event management, Eric Stalsburg (‘12) credits Springfield College and its supportive faculty and coaches for instilling in him the qualities he needed in order to get where he is today: General Manager of a state-of-the-art indoor soccer facility in the heart of NYC.

La Selva rainforest in Costa Rica.

by Melinda Fowler

Jan. 07, 2019

Led by Assistant Professor of Biology Melinda Fowler and Associate Professor Environmental Biology Justin Compton, Biol 320: International Tropical Field Research is an upper division biology course where students travel to Costa Rica and carry out independent research.

New students sit in the bleachers wearing beanies for their convocation.

by Samantha Morris-Avery G'14

Dec. 18, 2018

Sometimes alumni find their way back “home.” Samantha Morris-Avery describes how, after graduating with her masters in 2014, she managed to come “full triangle” and find herself as an employee at Springfield College.

The wing of an airplane midflight.

by Meghan Godfrey '19

Dec. 12, 2018

Before I experienced my once-in-a-lifetime adventure of studying abroad in Australia, I was absolutely terrified to go. I didn’t know what to expect. Would I make new friends? What was I getting myself into? I just knew that going abroad would change my life and here’s what happened when it did.

A photo showing both fall and winter on the Springfield College campus.

by Nate Landis '18

Dec. 07, 2018

Weather in New England is infamous for changing at the drop of a hat. Nate gives advice on how Springfield College students can be prepared for the four seasons on campus. Whether you're a newcomer to the area or a veteran New Englander, here is what you'll need to know.

Cover photo: Emma Fan
Banners on display as part of the stepping up day ceremony

Marianna Newman (‘85) knew from the moment she stepped on campus that her life was about to change forever. Newman describes how Springfield College empowered her to follow her dreams and how her “Springfield DNA” continues to be incorporated into every aspect of her life, including her work as a therapeutic recreation specialist and clinician.

Li Jin sits at a table during a conference meeting.

by Li Jin, Ph.D.

Nov. 27, 2018

As part of our Faces of Diversity series with the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, Li Jin, Ph.D. discusses her work as an Instructional Designer, the journey that brought her to Springfield College, and how she views diversity on campus.

Aerial view of hands using a clipboard and computer.

by Debra Salsi, MBA, DM

Nov. 19, 2018

Dr. Debra Salsi, an assistant professor at Springfield College PCS, discusses effective and efficient processes for maintaining a nonprofit business, as discussed in her courses for those pursuing an MBA with a concentration in nonprofit management.

A student walks across the Springfield College campus while lugging a large sports bag on her back.

by Madison Cox '22

Nov. 12, 2018

Despite first appearances and the amount of athletic gear one sees about the campus, Madison Cox, a first-year, describes how there is so much more to Springfield College than just sports, and so many ways to find people with similar interests as your own.

Collage of book covers from books featured in PBS' Great American Read 2018.

by Kerri Vautour

Nov. 01, 2018

This year, in an eight-part series, PBS investigated some of America’s best-loved novels on The Great American Read. In honor of the investigative and inspiring look into literature, Outreach Librarian Kerri Vautour launched The Great Springfield College Read, a social campaign that went viral within our community.

Gage Nutter and fellow student conducting an interview

by Gage Nutter '19

Oct. 29, 2018

Gage, a senior and the editor-in-chief of the Springfield College student newspaper, speaks about his experience in sports journalism and why Springfield College was the right school at which to pursue his study.

Rule-bending Geese on grass

by Meghan Godfrey '19

Oct. 17, 2018

As a college student, we face many different obstacles as we navigate our way through each semester. While every college is unique, I’ve developed a meme survival guide that relates specifically to the life of a Springfield College student. Enjoy!

Library books on the shelves

by Kerri Vautour

May. 30, 2018

Never fear, the library is here. School can be stressful but the library (and it's trusty librarians) are here to help. Here's how to negotiate the Learning Commons at Springfield College.

Chris Hakala teaching at Springfield College

by Tessa Rickart

May. 30, 2018

Tessa Rickart catches up with Chris Hakala, director of The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship.

Students Becoming Social Media Savvy

by Tessa Rickart

May. 30, 2018

When I began studying communications, way back in 2007, I walked into my first Public Relations class and was told “don’t post anything on Facebook that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.” With Facebook still in a very early incarnation, and without the now popular Instagram and Snapchat competing for your attention, this was a very powerful statement.

Financial Advice for a Broke College Student

by Nate Landis '18

May. 30, 2018

Attending college is a very exciting experience, but also a very expensive one. Take some advice from a college student about how to manage your budget.

The campus of Springfield College

by Nate Landis '18

May. 24, 2018

Entering into the first year of college, most students have some idea of what career path they want to take. However, for many of them, this completely changes within their first year or so. This was definitely the case for me.

The Learning Commons at Springfield College

by Lauren Buckley '19

May. 21, 2018

Part of Springfield College’s mission is to educate the spirit, mind, and body. When it comes to educating the mind, Springfield College provides the best spots on campus to study. Ranging from social atmospheres to outside spaces, Springfield College has it all!