elmsnews

FEBRUARY 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Colleagues,

The spring semester continues to be full of progress and activity! This is all thanks to the work that all faculty and staff are doing to continue to serve our students. Thank you for everything that you do.

Effective and transparent communication keeps us connected as a community and a team, particularly when we face challenging times. In this vein, I would like to thank everyone who was able to attend this morning’s Town Hall. It was chock-full of information, which I hope you found useful. For those unable to attend, please take the opportunity to watch the Town Hall video included in this newsletter at your convenience. I would like to highlight a few of the items shared this morning:

The Board of Trustees meeting took place virtually on February 17 and the Master in Social Work program was approved! A very special thank you to Maureen Holland, Director of Social Work, for her informative and insightful presentation to the Board.

Allow me once again to welcome Rebecca Eckstein who is serving as the College’s Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing. Rebecca comes to Elms College through the Registry, a firm specialized in placing executives in interim positions in higher education. She is a seasoned Enrollment Management and Student Success Professional with extensive leadership experience and a proven track record of maximizing enrollment. Rebecca will be on campus once a month and will work remotely for the remainder of her appointment. Let us all make Rebecca feel welcome as she assists the College during this transitional period.
The Black Experience Summit took place last Friday and was an informative, enlightening, and thought-provoking event. I want to express our gratitude to the Sisters of St. Joseph for co-sponsoring and supporting the summit, consistent with the Sisters' ideal of uniting neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God without distinction as well as their social justice mission. This year’s theme, “Embodying Faith, Seeking Racial Justice” explored the impact of racism in the life and mission of religious institutions. Thank you to all the speakers, students, staff, faculty, and the Black Experience Summit planning committee for your tireless efforts in executing an event that provided a collaborative, safe space to discuss these very sensitive topics. I am very much looking forward to next year’s summit!
The College continues to prepare for our 10-year accreditation and site visit from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Many thanks to everyone who has been involved in writing the College's self-study. The visiting team will be on campus from Sunday, March 26-Wednesday, March 29, and will have the opportunity to meet with many of you. Those scheduled to meet with members of the NECHE visiting team will be notified prior to the visit and will be provided with more information on what will be reviewed and expected from the team. I thank you in advance for helping to extend our warm, Elms College hospitality to our NECHE visiting team.

As you can see, we have had a very busy month and will remain busy throughout the remainder of the spring semester. I want to wish the faculty a restful spring break. Thank you to the entire Elms Community for all that you do for the College.

Harry E. Dumay, Ph.D., MBA

President

Dr.Harry Dumay greets participants in the 2023 Black Experience Summit. From left are writer Olga Marina Segura, Sr. Elizabeth T. Johnson, president of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfied, Dumay, and author and historian Shannen Dee Williams. / Nate Jasper photo

TOWN HALL

For those who were unable to attend the March 2 Staff Town Hall, you may access the recording here. Advance to 18 minutes for the start of the meeting.

FUTURE ELMSNEWS

Submission pieces can be shared with the following department contacts:

Academic Affairs - Deb Methe

Admissions - Jenna Stolarik

Athletics - Sean Milbier

Finance - Katie Longley

HR - Cheryl Smith

Marketing - Megan Eischen

Student Affairs - Liz Newland

Institutional Advancement - Lynn Korza

The deadline for submissions is the third Friday of each month.

UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS

March 3 Coffee Drop-in Q & A
March 6-10 Spring Break
March 17 Coffee Drop-in Q & A
March 23 Blazer Blitz

Check the Master Calendar for exact locations of each event.

SPRING SOCIAL!

You are invited to attend the Elms College Spring Social on Friday, April 21st, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Munich Haus Backroom. There will be a server dedicated to the gathering for cocktails and food can be ordered from the regular menu.

Caroline Murray needs a headcount by April 14. If you are planning to attend, please email Caroline at murrayc@elms.edu.

MARKETING

On Friday, February 3rd over 100 people from the Elms community joined us for Elms Night at the Thunderbirds. A lot happened that night: Sr. Carol dropped the ceremonial first puck, students Marlene Kabeya and Joshua Fernandez sang the national anthem, students threw t-shirts to the crowd, and the dance team performed!

STUDENT AFFAIRS

The Division of Student Affairs is looking for nominations for three different awards that will be presented to students during Honors Convocation:

St. Catherine Award
The Sisters of Joseph Award
Cheryl R. Condon Leadership Award

Please visit the following google form to read a brief summary of each award and nominate a student who fits the criteria: Student Affairs- Honors Convocation Awards

Nominations and any letters of recommendation for nominees are due on Wednesday, March 8. Letters of recommendation can be emailed to StudentAffairs@elms.edu.

Summer Starbucks Survey

Should Starbucks on campus remain open during the summer months? Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and share your thoughts. The survey will be available until Friday, March 17. If you have any problems completing the survey or have any questions, please contact Liz Newland at newlande@elms.edu.

Please click on the Starbucks survey below:

https://forms.gle/8C7cjV4n7dkth6UNA

Elms’ 2nd Annual Women Self-Defense Program

In honor of Women's History Month, Grace Onwuchekwa, Assistant Residence Director, is holding Elms’ 2nd Annual Women's Self-Defense Course! Once again, this program will be featuring Chicopee Police Officers who are also Certified R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Instructors. For more information regarding class dates, class times, and how to sign up, please click on this link for the Women's Self-Defense Course Sign Up Form or use the flyer to scan the QR Code. Please note that the application deadline is Thursday, March 9th, 2023 @ 11:59PM. There are limited spots available and this is on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Grace at reslifeard1@elms.edu with any questions.

YOGA & WELLNESS EVENT!

Come join us on March 14 for a yoga and wellness event hosted in Berchmans Gym. All students and staff are welcome. This is the perfect way to start back up after spring break. Doors open @ 5:30 pm and Yoga starts at 6 pm. There will be over 10 vendors & freebies after the FREE 1-hour yoga session! This is going to be an event you don’t want to miss! Below is the link to sign up. We hope to see you there!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YZ2HA9i25qHncfno70-UYOm0LAgErKluBDEv2tXRtok/edit

YOU'RE INVITED

Addiction in a Post-COVID World: A Pastoral Response

You are invited to attend a co-sponsored event on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Along with the Diocese of Springfield, Elms College will host a symposium on addiction and care next month. Keynote speakers and panelists will discuss local and national statistics, struggles with addiction, as well as ways to care for those battling addiction.

To register, please use this link.

https://www.elms.edu/events/addiction-in-a-post-covid-world-a-pastoral-response/

Further details can be found on the two flyers included with this news brief.

Please email Michael McGravey at mcgraveym@elms.edu with questions.

SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY

Dr. Yeukai Chiroodza - Imeh attended the opening reception for the Something Extraordinary exhibition at Westfield State University on Thursday February 9th. The exhibition offers a gaze into the lives, thoughts, and imaginings of eight visual artists, whose works embody the creative process of visual storytelling.

Dr. Chiroodza - Imeh’s has several pieces of work featured in the exhibition. Her work illustrates her multiple identities as a creative, a researcher, and an educator whose sense of home and belonging are transfixed between Zimbabwe and the United States. One of her pieces, “Chihera” is inspired by her cultural identity as a Zimbabwean woman from the Shona tribe. As per Shona cumulative tradition, a woman descending from the Mhofu (Eland) lineage/totem is known as a Chihera. Chihera is the concept of a fiercely independent, creative, bold woman. The artwork is created using mixed media (Oil, Acrylic, Sand, Pastel, Charcoal and Modeling Paste).

The Something Extraordinary exhibition is on view at Arno Maris Gallery, Westfield State University until March 31st.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

On Wednesday, February 1st Irish Language Students celebrated the feast day of St. Brigid by helping the campus community learn how to make St. Brigid crosses outside of Starbucks in the College Center. Campus Ministry teamed up with them by giving out St. Brigid prayer cards.

Commuter Coffee was once again a great success on Thursday, February 2nd! Campus Ministry provided commuters walking to their 8:00 a.m. and 9:25 a.m. classes with coffee, cocoa, and donuts from Dunkin'. Two lucky students even won a special critter in celebration of Groundhog Day! Interested in sponsoring a Commuter Coffee (which are typically held on the last Thursday of the month)? Contact campusministry@elms.edu

Campus Ministry sponsored three students to attend a weekend retreat for college students at The Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT from Friday evening, February 10th-Sunday, February 12th. The retreat was "a special opportunity to step away from the craze of student life, and lean on God and one another." Students reported that the retreat was an excellent opportunity for them to unwind and connect with their faith.

On Monday, February 13th, Campus Ministry teamed up with RAs Joy and Nadia to host a Valentine's Day evening event in Rose William Hall. Students made Valentine's Day crafts, ate lots of themed treats, and sent goodie bags and Crush sodas to loved ones on campus.

Campus Ministry celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th! Students chose a random act of kindness to do for someone and were gifted two for one gift cards. One to keep for themselves, and one to give to someone else as an act of kindness!

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

BLOOM Submissions are Open!

If you have photographs, art, poetry, or some stories lingering around, submit them to the Elms-exclusive literary magazine! Everyone is eligible to submit!

Submissions are open until March 10th, and can be accessed at this link!

(https://elmsbloommagazine.submittable.com/submit/251759/bloom-2023)

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Seeking Nominations: Sr. Margaret James McGrath Distinguished Alumni Award

You are invited to nominate an alumna/us who exemplifies the core values of Faith, Community, Excellence, and Justice, by March 17.

Our award recipient will be recognized at Reunion on June 3, 2023.

For more information: https://www.elms.edu/alumni/distinguished-alumni-award/

To nominate an alumna/us:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef_8wErD66QMhxuSPykDrr5ZdESICFgKDmaA93iBd7XecuhA/viewform

Please contact Jill Perry at perryj@elms.edu with any questions.

Count Down to Blazer Blitz 3.23.23

What is so striking about Blazer Blitz?

It's Elms College's annual day of giving, and it is approaching at lightning speed!

We have received challenge gifts totaling $30,000!
Your contribution of any size will help us reach the 300 donors needed to unlock these funds.
In honor of Elms College's anniversary, help us to reach our goal of $95,000 this year.

STRIKE NOW

No need to wait until 3/23/23...

Give now: https://www.elms.edu/events/blazer-blitz/

Stay tuned to learn more about special on-campus-only prizes and incentives!

PUBLIC SAFETY

New PSD Officer Poster & Elms Emergency Response Action Plan (digital pocket manual)

The new poster has an updated roster of officers along with a set of new digital QR scans at the bottom that allow for immediate access to a Campus Map, Student Parking Permit Registration Form, Parking Ticket Appeal Form, Code Red Emergency Notification Registration Form, and the new Elms Emergency Response Guide (digital pocket manual). The new emergency response pocket manual allows its user to select the type of emergency being encountered, which then moves them to a section of the manual that provides basic steps on how to respond to the emergency. It is designed along best practices in personal response to a critical incident no matter where they find themselves. Many thanks to the Marketing Department and their team for their support on these new publications!

SAVE THE DATE!

Friday, April 28 is the 2023 Spring Experiential Learning Showcase: Experiential Learning in Action

On Friday, April 28th our students will celebrate their discovery and learned knowledge at our expanded Spring Experiential Learning Showcase. Answer the call for proposals by submitting plans for your students’ presentations. For this event, we consider presentations to include: oral presentations, self-guided presentations, round table discussions, open classrooms, panels, poster sessions, and more. Students can present as a class, in groups, solo, or with their organization. Presentation media will be stored on Google, giving your students the ability to access their presentations to use for resume building and e-portfolios. Presentations might include, but are not limited to:

Online (live or recorded)
On-Campus
Curricular or Co-Curricular
Groups with combined members of the Elms Community (UG, Grad, Alumni, Student Organizations/Teams, Staff/Faculty, Departments, Campus Partners, etc.)

Priority deadline to submit proposals is Friday, March 24th. Submit your application here. Note: This includes tentative Proposals and Creative Ideas. Visit the Experiential Learning page on Elms Connect for links and more information on the Showcase, including the Showcase Planning Guide.

Do you have a presentation idea and are not sure how to proceed? … or have other questions? Please contact Dr. Jennifer L. Granger Sullivan at grangersullivanj@elms.edu.

ATHLETICS

Women's and Men's basketball wrapped up their seasons on Saturday, February 18 at Saint Joseph's of Maine College.

Women's basketball first year Kayla Jackson (Saugus, MA) was named GNAC rookie of the week 3 times during the season. Mikayler Patch (North Attleboro, MA) was also named GNAC rookie of the week during the season. Head Coach Michelle Proulx reached her 100th win during the 2022-23 season.

Men's basketball senior Tahquell Cadle (Bridgport, CT) was named player of the week for January 9th.

Men's volleyball is 8 games into the season and will look to make a strong push towards the GNAC playoffs

Swimming competed in 4 meets and the GNAC championships.

Baseball, Softball, and Women's Lacrosse are all getting ready for the start of their 2023 seasons.

You can find all athletic team schedules at ecblazers.com and stay informed by following our athletic department Instagram @elmsblazers

NURSING LAB COMMITTEE DIAPER DRIVE

The School of Nursing is once again honored to sponsor a community donation event during this season of Lent, a Diaper Drive. Your donation of one package of diapers can ease the burden on a family trying to meet the basic physical needs of their young child. A donation can be as small as getting together with a few friends or skipping a week of coffee to help fund a package of diapers.

Did you know that diapers could cost over $100 per child per month, reflecting 10% or more of some low-income families’ budgets? One in three American families report experiencing diaper needs. Infants can use up to twelve diapers a day, and toddlers up to eight diapers a day. Often families will wash and reuse disposable diapers, thus increasing the risk of urinary tract infections, exterior yeast infections, or extreme excoriation. Currently no federal programs will cover the cost of diapers or diaper supplies for families in need.

Diaper Banks collect, store and help distribute free diapers to families suffering from financial difficulty. They obtain diapers through local diaper drives, from in-kind donations by manufacturers and retailers, and by purchasing diapers directly with donated funds. Square One partners with Springfield Family Support Programs to provide “Baby Bottoms”, the Springfield areas’ diaper bank to those families in need. Your donation will go directly to the “Baby Bottoms” diaper bank at the end of this campaign.

Thank you for your support,

Nursing Skills Lab Committee Members

HUMAN RESOURCES

Elms College Employment Opportunities as of February 17, 2023

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

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.

TIAA CREF- MARCH WEBINARS

Please see the March calendar of events listed below. These webinars are open to all and are available now for registration in the Live Webinar Lounge (www.tiaa.org/webinars).

Invest for success: 5 principles you need to know

No matter where you are in your career journey, this webinar can help you understand the key principles of investing for retirement. REGISTER March 7

Opening doors to the future—Save in a 529 college savings plan

You can learn how 529 college savings plans work and how to invest in one for a child, grandchild, yourself or another loved one.REGISTER March 9

Cyber: Help protect you, your family, and your money

Are you concerned about identity theft and your family’s security online? TIAA’s Information Security team will discuss how you can protect yourself and your family from cybercriminal social engineering.REGISTER March 15

Charting your courseWomen can face unique financial challenges. You can discover tailored approaches to saving for retirement and tips to make your money work hard. REGISTER March 22

IMPORTANT: To avoid technical issues, you must only use this vanity url www.tiaa.org/webinars to promote the Live Webinar Lounge. Many clients are sharing the URL after they have signed in or clicked on it. This will result in an error message as the post-SSO URL is unique to each user.

Welcome to new employees:

Julie Horowitz – Program Coordinator at BCC (2/18/23)

Best wishes to departing employees:

Trudy Laramee – Executive Administrative Coordinator (retired 2/24/23)

ELMS IN THE NEWS:

January 25, 2023: The Reminder published an article about U.S. Congressman Richard Neal's $3 million federal earmark for the Cyber Center at Springfield's Union Station. The article mentions that Dr. Dumay was at the event along with presidents from other colleges involved in the project.

January 25, 2023: NationalCyberSecurity.com republished the article in The Reminder about U.S. Congressman Richard Neal's $3 million federal earmark for the Cyber Center at Springfield's Union Station. The article mentions that Dr. Dumay was at the event along with presidents from other colleges involved in the project.

February 1, 2023: iObserve.org, website of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, published the press release announcing that Elms College is holding the 6th Annual Black Experience Summit on Feb. 24.

February 6, 2023: BusinessWest published an article regarding the enrollment challenges in today's higher education environment. Dr. Dumay is quoted throughout the article.

February 16, 2023: Chicopee Herald published the press release announcing that Elms College is holding the 6th Annual Black Experience Summit on Feb. 24.

(see attached PDF)

February 17, 2023: Chicopee Register published the press release announcing that Elms College is holding the 6th Annual Black Experience Summit on Feb. 24.

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