Embedded Files
august 2024
august 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Colleagues,
I hope that you all had a relaxing summer and are refreshed for the start of the academic year!
The campus has already come to life the last couple of week. Student Affairs has been busy with the return of student athletes, resident advisors, and the arrival of the First Year Encounter/Dorothy Day students. This weekend we will be welcoming new and returning students as they move into the residence halls and participate in orientation activities and Elms Essentials. I am looking forward to welcoming the new Blazers and their families on Sunday along with our Student Affairs team and all volunteers!
The higher education landscape has become even more challenging for small, private higher education institutions during the past year, especially in Massachusetts. Added The ongoing FAFSA debacle, free community colleges, and the expansion of the Pell Grant for students attending public four-year colleges have created added pressure to an already competitive environment. After spending the summer planning and reflecting on this evolving landscape, the leadership team is hitting the ground running, as we head into September. Many of the updates below were included in my message to the community last week:
On Tuesday August 6 and Wednesday August 7, the Board of Trustees were on campus for its annual Retreat that included a workshop on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Trustees received updates on the FY24 preliminary budget results, an update on the FY25 budget, and a presentation on Enrollment from the firm EAB. They engaged in conversations on steps to maintain the College on a healthy financial footing in the current context for Massachusetts higher education. They also provided feedback on the drafted priorities of the PRISM draft strategic plan. It was a very fruitful and productive Board Retreat.
Elms has been no exception in feeling the effects of the FAFSA changes. Adding to that, the turnover and personnel challenges experienced within the Enrollment Management and Marketing team, the College will see one of our lowest first-time freshman class. However, this shortfall in the freshmen class is offset by gains in the other three segments - transfers, continuing education, and graduate students- where deposits are exceeding expectations. I want, once again, to thank the Enrollment Management and Marketing team, faculty, and staff, for their ongoing efforts in ensuring that the College has another successful year in the midst of an ever-changing environment.
The Finance team is continuing to work on closing fiscal year 2024 and on finalizing the budget for fiscal year 2025. Preliminary results for fiscal year 2024 remain more favorable than the original budget. The goal for fiscal year 2025 remains to achieve a positive result. As many of you know, the prudent practice for small, tuition-dependent institutions like Elms College, is to finalize the budget when enrollment numbers can be safely ascertained. For us, that happens at Census Day. Our goal, as always, is to communicate more updated information to the College community as soon as we have it.
As many of you are aware, the College has engaged the search firm Hyatt Fennell to assist us in the search for the critical positions of Vice President of Finance and Administration and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing. I would like to thank VP of Institutional Advancement, Bernadette Nowakowski, and Professor Damien Murray, Interim Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Professional Programs, and Director of Faculty Development, for co-chairing the VPFA search. We are planning to bring the finalists for the VPFA position to campus in the next couple of weeks. Please keep an eye out for an invitation to attend the open community session for each of the candidates. My thanks as well to Dr. Andrew Coston, VP of Student Affairs, and Dr. Laurie Downes, Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Institutional Review Board, for co-chairing the VPEMM search. It is our intent to bring finalists for the VPEMM to campus in November.
The summer months have been busy with capital improvement projects including the renovation of the Maguire Center! The complete overhaul of the Fitness Center resulted in a state-of-the-art facility which will be a strong recruitment and retention asset for the College. Student Affairs and Athletics are in the midst of planning a Ribbon Cutting ceremony and a tailgate for the afternoon of September 11. Please keep your eyes peeled for communication regarding this exciting and fun-filled event. Many thanks to the Facilities team for overseeing the completion of that important project.
During the summer months, the School of Nursing received authorization and funding from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to plan for a continuation of our Nursing Continuing Education program in Haiti. We are working with the Kellogg Foundation on a grant for two new cohorts of Nurse Educators. In the meantime, I plan to travel to Haiti to participate in the graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of Nurse Educators at the end of the month.
The Social Work program received notification this week that Elms College was granted pre-candidacy status for our MSW program. Congratulations to Professor Autumn Mathias, Professor Maureen Holland, and the entire Social Work team for achieving this milestone and continuing the effort to obtain full MSW accreditation.
There are many other exciting initiatives that faculty and staff are taking throughout the College to ensure that the Elms is a vibrant and nurturing learning environment for all our students in AY25 and beyond. This message would be too long to include all of them. Nonetheless, I do want to express, once again, my sincere appreciation for all that each and everyone of you do to support our students and one another. I wish all faculty and staff a great, exciting, and fun start of the academic year!
With gratitude,
Harry E. Dumay, Ph.D., MBA
President
FUTURE ELMSNEWS
Submission pieces can be shared with the following department contacts:
Academic Affairs - Deb Methe
Admissions - Michelle Proulx
Athletics - Sean Milbier
Finance - Nicki Goncalves
HR - Cheryl Smith
Marketing - Patrick Johnson
Student Affairs - Anna Stabile
Institutional Advancement - Lynn Korza
The deadline for submissions is the third Friday of each month.
UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS
September 1 & 2 Move-In and Orientation
September 3 Elms Essentials
September 5 Work Study and Community Fair
September 9 Latino Ministry Series
September 10 Student Engagement Expo
September 11 Maguire Center Ribbon Cutting
September 16 Commuter Coffee
September 16 Latino Ministry Series
September 18 International Student and Fulbright Welcome Reception
September 19 Borgia Gallery Exhibit Opening- Diverse Cultural Heritage of Chicopee
September 20 Coffee Q & A- Hosted by the Marketing Department
September 23 Latino Ministry Series
September 25 Opening Convocation
September 29- October 5 Sand Mandala Painting
September 30 Latino Ministry Series
Check the Master Calendar for exact locations of each event.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
CONVOCATION FALL 2024
Opening Convocation will take place on September 25 at 4 p.m. in Veritas Auditorium. Famiies and friends are invited to attend. The Opening Convocation speaker will be Rev. Mariama White- Hammond, the Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the City of Boston.
Born and raised in Boston, Rev. Mariama's activism began during her high school years, notably through her involvement with Project HIP-HOP, a youth organization dedicated to educating about the Civil Rights Movement and inspiring activism among young people. After college, she became the Executive Director at Project HIP-HOP, a position she held for 13 years. In 2014, she left the nonprofit field to pursue her call to ministry particularly focused on those who feel alienated from traditional church structures and theology. In 2017 she graduated with a Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology and was ordained as an elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2018, she established the New Roots AME Church in Dorchester, where she serves as pastor.
In 2021, Rev. Mariama White-Hammond was appointed the Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the City of Boston. In this capacity, she led climate and energy policy, historic preservation, food justice and open space efforts. Throughout her tenure with the City, she was instrumental in embedding equity into her work, leading initiatives such as amending the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) to establish carbon targets for existing large buildings, spearheading a city-led green jobs program for young people from environmental justice communities and overseeing a surge in historic landmark designations particular in communities of color. In April 2024 she stepped down from this position to dedicate more time to her church and community engagement work.
Rev. Mariama's approach to ecological work is deeply intersectional, urging individuals to recognize the interconnectedness between issues such as immigration and climate change or the nexus between energy policy and economic justice. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the Barr Fellowship, the Celtics Heroes Among Us award, The Roxbury Founders Day Award, and the Boston NAACP Image award. Furthermore, she has been recognized as one of the Grist 50 Fixers for 2019 and one of Sojourners' 11 Women Shaping the Church.
ELMS NURSING ALUM HONORED
A big congrats to Noah Salmon, awarded Pediatric Trauma Nurse of the Year at the 1st Annual Trauma Survivor Day celebration!
Earlier this year, the Sadowsky Family Pediatric Emergency Department at Baystate Children's Hospital redesigned their pediatric trauma training orientation. The training allowed the nurses to be assigned with an adult trauma trained nurse to respond to adult and pediatric traumas as well as adult resuscitations. Pedi staff also attended a trauma bootcamp to become familiarized with lifesaving treatments.
Noah was recognized by pedi and adult charge nurses for his great work in the trauma bay. The nomination read: "Noah has been a nurse in the Pediatric Emergency Department for 5 years and recently completed his advanced trauma training. He has a willingness to learn and grow which has been instrumental taking on this new role as trauma nurse. Noah has been recognized by the adult and pediatric team members for pushing himself out of his comfort zone, advocating for patients in their most critical time, and being an effective team communicator. These are all the key components needed to be successful in the trauma role. Noah is an incredible new trauma nurse and a wonderful addition to the trauma team."
Congrats, Noah!
ELMS COLLEGE PARTICPIATES IN THE NASN CONFERNCE!
Dr. Emily Cabrera, director of the RN-BSN & MSN programs attended the National Association of School Nurses Conference in Chicago this summer, along with a few of our current students, to advocate and recruit prospective students!
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
2024 ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND
From June 7th to 9th, we had the pleasure of hosting over 180 alumni from the classes ending in '4s and '9s for our Alumni Reunion. It was a wonderful weekend full of reconnecting and reminiscing. On Friday evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Boathouse followed by a river cruise on the Lady Bea in South Hadley.
Saturday began with Dr. Dumay delivering a State of the College address. The Class of 1974 was then inducted into the Golden Blazers and received the traditional Blazer scarf. The Presidential Luncheon honored Dr. Margaret Frieswyk '69 with the 2024 Sr. Margaret James McGrath Distinguished Alumni Award. The afternoon was packed with campus tours, a smoothie station, paint and sip, and Elms trivia and games. The day continued with dinner and the Class of 1999 being inducted in the Silver Celebration Pinning Ceremony. The evening concluded with the lively Blazer Bash with DJ Tom. Reunion weekend wrapped up on Sunday with a delightful brunch.
RED SOX GAME
The Red Sox Bus Trip on July 14 was a perfect way to kick off our summer events! We had a great time cheering on the Red Sox and ending the day with a win.
ESCAPE TO THE CAPE LUNCHEON
On July 31, the Office of Alumni Engagement traveled to Cape Cod for the annual "Escape to the Cape" luncheon event. Over 40 alumni gathered together for a wonderful day at the Popponesset Inn in Mashpee. Alumni from the classes of 1957 to 2021 enjoyed lively conversation, dined on a delicious four-course meal, received updates from President Dumay, and entered a drawing to win some fun raffle baskets. We also had current and previous faculty/staff members join us as well as a few current students including two senior nursing majors who are currently doing an internship in Martha's Vineyard!
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST
On June 11, 2024, Jim E. Rooney, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, delivered the keynote address during the 7th annual Elms College Executive Leadership Breakfast entitled, "Our Competitive Edge: Stronger Together". Over 150 people were present at the breakfast including business and community leaders of western Massachusetts, local politicians, educators, and students. The Executive Leadership Breakfast is an annual event that features discussions by the region's leaders on topics of relevance to area businesses and the economy of western Massachusetts.
SWEET SUMMER SOCIAL
On August 28 over 60 alums, faculty, and staff enjoyed sangria, appetizers, and good company on the Keating Quadrangle. We recognized our amazing Institutional Advancement volunteers for all the help they have provided us throughout this past year. It was the perfect way to end summer.
CAMPUS MINISTRY & THE COUNSELING CENTER
It's Christmas in August!
We know, we know. It's a bit early to start thinking about the holidays. Hear us out! The Counseling Center and the Office of Campus Ministry are excited to announce a new event for students: The Merry Markdown Market.
The goal of the Merry Markdown Market is to help relieve some of the financial stress students feel during the holiday season. Buying gifts for loved ones is often a challenge for college students, but collectively, we can help make holiday shopping more accessible.
Our ask? If you have new, unused items at home or in your office with tags still attached, perhaps items you forgot to return or gifts you didn't end up using (including gift cards), consider donating them for merchandise at the Merry Markdown Market. Donations will be used to create a marketplace for students, where all items will cost between $1-5. All proceeds raised will support the Gray House, a Springfield non-profit founded by our very own Sisters of St. Joseph.
Donations will be accepted now through Friday, November 22nd. Please bring all donations to either the Counseling Center or the Office of Campus Ministry. The Merry Markdown Market will take place in the Dining Hall Annex on Wednesday, December 4th from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This event is for current Elms College students only.
Questions or concerns? Please contact Nicole Fregeau at fregeaun@elms.edu or Nicole Sacco at saccon@elms.edu, or stop by our offices. We appreciate your consideration and support!
CENTER FOR EQUITY IN URBAN EDUCATION
We were delighted to welcome Dr. Sakinah Harrison, WK Kellogg Foundation Program Officer for Education and Learning and Family Economic Security at Elms College today. We had a great discussion about Elms College's Center for Equity in Urban Education. Many thanks to the WKKF for partnering with us around so many important causes.
Western Mass Literacy Collaborative: Learn & Earn End of Summer Celebration
The Western MA Literacy Collaborative honored 36 students from Elms College, AIC, and Westfield State University for their work teaching reading to children over the summer. They led summer reading classes at 21 schools in the Springfield Public School system, two schools in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, and one school in East Longmeadow.
Summer Reading Clinic
It brought a smile to President Dumay's face to welcome the group of third graders from the Summer Reading Clinic to his office for a photo during the last week of the program! Thank you Professor Suzanne Rene and the Summer Reading Clinic team for all that you do to share the love of reading with area students.
SCENES FROM BLAZER DAYS!
HUMAN RESOURCES
Elms College Employment Opportunities as of August 23, 2024
Applications are now being accepted for the positions listed below. Anyone interested in making a formal application should go to the Employment page on the Elms College website for a detailed job description and how to apply: www.elms.edu/employment
Open Positions
Accounts Payable Coordinator
Coordinator of Enrollment Communications
Administrative Coordinator in CEUE
Bursar
Head Athletic Trainer
Assistant Athletic Trainer (2)
Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
Head Swim Coach
Program Assistant Nursing Graduate Program
Director of Student Accommodations and Student Support
Assistant or Associate Director of Annual Giving
Instructional Designer
ESL/ELL Adjunct Coordinator
Communications and Public Relations Manager
Welcome to new employees:
Marie Labonte- PT Gift Processor
Carol Lucardi – Director of Marketing
Chris Piscioneri – Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Jose Sanchez – IT Multimedia Specialist II
Jeanne Tippett – Administrative Assistant – Education
Meghan Matthews – Administrative Assistant- Social Sciences
Brandon Hapgood – Head Volleyball Coach
Aaron Palko – Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing
Leanne Price – Assistant Professor of Psychology
Carly Cavanaugh – Assistant Professor of Finance
Best wishes to departing employees:
Morgan Church – Asst. Athletic Dir of Sports Medicine
Lorin Field – Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
Tiffani Ashline – Director of Student Accommodations and Student Support
Nicholas Critz – Assistant Athletic Trainer
Sharon Brown – Assistant Clinical Professor/FNP Track Coordinator
Stefany Scliopou – Director of Graduate /CE Admissions
Teresa Reske – Associate Dean of Graduate Studies/Dir of DNP
Jeanne Dubuque – Administrative Assistant – Education
Terry Kinsley – Coordinator, Nursing Skills Lab and Simulation
Jonathan Pignataro – Assistant Athletic Trainer
Amy Audibert – Program Assistant School of Nursing
Kevin Walker – Head Swim Coach
Jennifer Taczali- Assistant Clinical Professor/School of Nursing
Codi Alberti – Graphic Designer/Marketing
Laura Monette-Currie – Assistant Clinical Professor/ School of Nursing
Among the procedures which may be used to select personnel to fill vacant positions are a review of work experiences, qualifications, degrees/licensures/certifications, and employment interviews. This listing pertains to all current staff and faculty job vacancies at the College.
Elms College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment. It is the policy of Elms College to comply with applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity.
HAPPY RETIREMENT TO DR. TERRY RESKE!
Dr. Reske has been a part of the Elms College family for over 10 years. Drr. Reske made several contributions to the College during her tenure including creating the DNP program upon appointment in collaboration with Dean Emeritus, Dr. Kathleen Scoble, Dr. Reske will be missed and we wish her all the best on her retirement!
ELMS IN THE NEWS:
May 31, 2024: The Chicopee Register published an article regarding the redevelopment of the Holy Name of Jesus Christ property that is to be transferred to Elms College.
June 4, 2024: The Reminder published an article that the State Education Department is launching a new statewide literacy program and is using some of the ideas from the Western MA Literacy Collaborative (WMLC) as a basis for their program. The WMLC was established by Elms College in partnership with the Springfield Public School system and other local colleges.Tyra Good, Executive Director of Elms' Center for Equity in Urban Education, is mentioned in the article.
June 5, 2024: BusinessWest Daily blog published the press release announcing Joyce Hampton as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs.
June 5, 2024: iObserve.org, the website of the Diocese of Springfield, published the press release announcing Joyce Hampton as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs.
June 10, 2024; BusinessWest published an article that Elms alum, Jaines Andrades, CNP. testified before a U.S. Senate committee hearing on the lack of minority health care workers and the U.S.’s high maternal mortality rate.
June 11, 2024: wwlp.com aired a story that Elms hosted the Executive Leadership Breakfast at which James Rooney, president & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, was the guest speaker.
June 24, 2024: BusinessWest digital and print editions published the press release announcing Joyce Hampton as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs.
June 25, 2024: Leominster Champion published a news brief that an Elms student from Leominster, MA, graduated from Elms in May.
June 28, 2024: Chicopee Register published an article recapping the 7th Annual Executive Leadership Breakfast. Story is on page 15.
June 28, 2024: Chicopee Register published an article listing the Elms students from Chicopee who graduated in May. Story is on page 16.
June 30, 2024: The Valley News published a list of graduates and mentioned that an Elms student from Lebanon, NH, graduated from Elms in May.
July 2, 2024: The Desert Review published a news brief that an Elms student from El Centro, CA, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 3, 2024: The Stanly News and Press published a news brief that an Elms student from New London, NC, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 4, 2024: The Rutland Herald published an article that mentioned an Elms student from Rutland, VT, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 5, 2024: Chicopee Register published the press release announcing Joyce Hampton as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs. Story is on page 12.
July 7, 2024: The Valley News published a list of residents who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Lebanon, NH, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 8, 2024: BusinessWest published their annual "Salute to Nurses" edition and featured an Elms nurse who never let go of her dream to become a nurse. Roxana Toledo graduated in May at the age of 39.
July 8, 2024: Patch.com published a list of Suffield, CT residents who recently earned collegiate accomplishments. They mentioned that an Elms student graduated in May and that three residents made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 8, 2024: Patch.com published a list of residents from Somers, CT, and Ellington, CT, who recently earned collegiate accomplishments. They mentioned that three Elms students from Somers and one from Ellington graduated in May. In the same article, they mention that four Elms students from Somers and one from Ellington made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 9, 2024: Casper Star-Tribune published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Big Piney, WY, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 9, 2024: Patch.com published a list of South Windsor, CT residents who recently earned collegiate accomplishments. They mentioned that an Elms student graduated in May and the same student made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 9, 2024: Patch.com published a list of Windsor, CT residents who recently earned collegiate accomplishments. They mentioned that an Elms student graduated in May and that another student made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 9, 2024: Patch.com published a list of Enfield, CT residents who recently earned collegiate accomplishments. They mentioned that three Elms students graduated in May and that five students made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 10, 2024: The Clarence Bee published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Clarence, NY, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 10, 2024: Patch.com published a list of residents from Windsor Locks, CT, and East Windsor, CT, who recently earned collegiate accomplishments. They mentioned that three Elms students from Windsor Locks and one from Broad Brook, CT graduated in May. In the same article, they mention that one Elms student from Windsor Locks made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 11, 2024: The Town Times News published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Oakville, CT, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 11, 2024: The Millbury Sutton Chronicle published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Millbury, MA, and one from Sutton, MA, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 12, 2024: Chicopee Register published the list of Elms students who made the 2024 Spring semester Dean's List. Story is on page 11.
July 17, 2024: VoicesNews.com published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that two Elms students from CT graduated in May. One student is from Seymour, CT, and the other is from Newtown, CT.
July 17, 2024: Leominster Champion published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Leominster, MA, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 18, 2024: University College in Cork, Ireland announced that Edith de Faoite was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach Irish at Elms for the 2024-25 academic year.
July 21, 2024: Patch.com published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Salem, MA, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 24, 2024: BusinessWest Daily News Blog published the press release announcing that Elms received two grants totaling over $567K.
July 25, 2024: iObserve.org, the website of the Diocese of Springfield, published the press release announcing that Elms received two grants totaling over $567K.
July 26, 2024: Chicopee Register published a front page story on Elms Alum Katherine Anderson and her book "Murder at the Alma Mater."
July 26, 2024: Chicopee Register published the press release announcing that Elms received two grants totaling over $567K. Story is on page 15.
July 28, 2024: Westerly Sun published a list of students who earned collegiate accomplishments and mentioned that an Elms student from Westerly, RI, made the Spring 2024 semester Dean's List.
July 30, 2024: Wwlp.com aired a story featuring the celebration of the Western MA Literacy Collaborative students who taught reading in area schools over the summer.
July 30, 2024: Masslive.com published a story featuring the celebration of the Western MA Literacy Collaborative students who taught reading in area schools over the summer. Note: a subscription is needed to view this article.
August 2, 2024: Chicopee Register published a front page story featuring the celebration of the Western MA Literacy Collaborative students who taught reading in area schools over the summer.
August 12, 2024: Western MA News aired a story regarding the recurrence of the FAFSA delay and its impact on local colleges. Patrick Quinn was interviewed for the story.
August 13, 2024: Masslive.com published an article regarding the recurrence of the FAFSA delay and its impact on local colleges. Patrick Quinn is quoted in the article. (Note: this article requires a subscription to read.)
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