Humanics Literally in Action!

By Mike DeJoseph, Class of 2027

Sep. 21, 2026

There’s probably no better example of the Springfield College Humanics philosophy than the selfless work of our students participating in the Humanics in Action Club. The College’s Humanics philosophy calls for educating the whole person—in spirit, mind, and body—for leadership in service to others. According to senior Physical Therapy student Mike DeJoseph, the current leader of the Humanics in Action Club, the club’s mission is “to make an impact on the lives of others.” Learn from Mike about why he participates, the benefits to students who take part, and how you can join the club.

I have been involved with the Humanics in Action Club for three years, ever since my first year. When you step onto the Springfield campus, you are greeted with a sea of triangles. Spirit, mind, and body for leadership and service to others. No matter the major we study, the sport we play, or the endeavors we pursue, it is this mission statement that unites our community and reminds us of the collective purpose we all share.

However, words mean nothing without action. That is why in this club, we put Humanics in action. Everything we do is entirely student-driven, designed to make our motto of leadership and service into a reality. One week, we come together to plan, negotiate, assign roles, innovate with new ideas, and lead. The next week, we’re out there executing with boots on the ground, united by our common purpose, making a difference on campus and in the city of Springfield. Whether we are putting together thank-you bags for our Harvest Table workers or making sunbutter sandwiches for the Springfield Rescue Mission, we don’t just preach Humanics. We live it.

I joined Humanics in Action because of the deep sense of purpose I get through helping others. For me, those values are deeply rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ, and the Humanics in Action Club has been a meaningful way for me to live out that faith through service! I also joined because everyone has a story. We never really know the depth of what someone is battling. In this club, some of the things we do include writing a thank-you note to a friend/loved one to show how much we appreciate those in our lives. Other activities include putting together care packages for Springfield firefighters, veterans, campus facilities, and campus police. All of these people do incredible work to serve our campus and community, and they deserve a thank you for all that they do. From being involved with this club since my first year, I can speak to how much these small acts can go such a long way.

In addition, this club has helped me develop tremendously as a leader. Not only will you be helping to plan experiences that change the lives of others and actually doing these projects, but you will have the opportunity to innovate with new ideas and initiatives to better serve our surrounding community. Not only that, the networking opportunities that come along with this club are limitless. You’ll be able to meet new peers and work with different sectors of campus. These connections could potentially be lifelong friendships and lead to opportunities you never expected. From being a part of this club and the Food Recovery Network Club, I was able to get an on-campus job with Harvest Table, the College’s dining services, while I continue my studies. I didn’t plan for that or even expect that, but that’s the funny thing about getting involved: sometimes taking a chance on something new opens doors you never knew were there.

Here are a few of the projects that the Humanics in Action Club has undertaken in the past (and may do again!):

Competed in the “Stock the Shelves Showdown,” in which student clubs challenge each other to see which club donates the most amount of food to the Mary Ann Coughlin Pride Pantry to win a $1,000 prize
Made sunbutter and jelly sandwiches and hygiene bags for the Springfield Rescue Mission
Made thank you bags for Harvest Table workers, Springfield firefighters, campus facilities, and campus police
Cleaned up campus on Earth Day
Wrote thank you notes to loved ones/friends on Fresh Check Day
Packaged rice and beans kits for Rachel’s Table

If you’re looking for a way to serve others, grow as a leader, meet people outside your usual circle, and make a tangible difference on campus and in the Springfield community, give the Humanics in Action Club a try. You might be surprised by what you’re able to do—and by the people you meet along the way.

Students can join by joining our GroupMe.

About the author

Mike DeJoseph, Class of 2027

Mike is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Physical Therapy program at Springfield College. Mike chose Springfield College due to its Humanics mission statement and to pursue physical therapy in hopes of improving people’s lives. He has been involved in the Humanics in Action Club for the past three years and has seen its tangible impact thanks to the amazing group of people engaged in the mission.