Dance History

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.

 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. 

 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.