Embedded Files
SEPTEMBER 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Colleagues,
The month of September is already over and the academic year 2022-2023 is well under way. As I have seen the faces of all the students, faculty, and staff back on campus during the past month, the positive energy of the community has been infectious. It encourages us all to move forward in completing another successful year for the institution. Yes, there will be challenges. But we will be united in facing and overcoming them.
Let me take a moment to thank everyone who has been involved in welcoming new and returning students to campus. It was a team effort led jointly by Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. The First-Year Welcome and Elms Essentials were held over a course of two days to ensure students get off to a smooth start as they begin their college career. This was our new students’ first impression of our community in action, and it all went very well!
Enrollment is still settling in, but not quite at the target that we had set for first-time students for this fall. Resident students were also lower than our target. Elms College is not alone in experiencing the enrollment challenges faced by most higher education institutions, including our local peers. Lower enrollment means a tighter budget; nonetheless, the College will have a budget with a positive margin for Fiscal Year 2023 as we have done for more than a decade. Thank you to every budget manager who has worked collaboratively with Finance to make that possible. Vice President of Finance and Administration, Katie Longley, has provided some updates on the Fiscal Year 2023 budget in this newsletter. More information will be shared and discussed at the next Town Hall meeting scheduled for October 28. Please keep an eye out for that invitation.
Initiatives related to enrollment- recruiting new and retaining existing students- will continue to be key priorities for the coming years. Growing current programs, fostering existing partnerships, and creating new programs and partnerships are examples of some of these initiatives .
With this in mind, I want to congratulate Dr. Beryl Hoffman, professor of Computer Science, and Dr. Nina Theis, professor of Biology, for securing a $1.5 million grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through an NSF-STEM grant. The grant will provide need-based scholarships to at least 40 high-achieving First Year and Community College Transfer students in the STEM majors of Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Information Technology and Security, and Mathematics. Kudos to Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Theis for this prestigious award and for their passion for our students!
It takes the entire Elms College community to ensure that we continue to grow stronger in carrying out our founding mission and providing our students with the best Elms experience. Thank you to each and every one of you for your contributions to that effort on a daily basis.
I am grateful to you, our faculty and staff, for all you do for the institution. Our resilience comes from our ability to face obstacles with both realism and optimism, in the tradition of our founders. United, we will have another successful 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 - 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
October 3 : Hispanic Lay Ministry
5:30-9:30pm
October 10: Hispanic Lay Ministry
5:30-9:30pm
October 12: Fresh Check Day
8:30am-2:00pm
October 14: Coffee Drop In/ Q&A
Faculty Dining Room , 9:00-10:00am
October 15: President's Evening of Appreciation
6:00-9:00pm
October 17: Hispanic Lay Ministry
5:30-9:30pm
October 18: Along the Way Book Launch &
Panel Discussion, Veritas Auditorium
4:00pm-5:00pm
October 22: Fall Open House
10:00am-2:00pm
October 24: Hispanic Lay Ministry Dinner
5:00-9:00pm
October 27: Polish Genealogical Society
6:30-9:30pm
October 28: Coffee Drop In/Q&A
Faculty Dining Room, 9:00-10:00am
YOU ARE INVITED!
Elms College's St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture is hosting a book launch and panel discussion on Tuesday, October 18 at 4 p.m. in Veritas Auditorium for Along the Way: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Father Hugh F. Crean. If you plan to attend the event, please register here. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and other online bookdealers and will also be available for purchase at the event.
Father Hugh’s homilies and talks included in the publication are accompanied by six essays reflecting on his life and ministry. The six contributors who will be our panelists for the evening are:
Reverend Mark Stelzer, S.Th.D., College Chaplain, Associate Professor of Humanities, Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity
Dr. David O’Brien, Prof. Emeritus and Loyola Prof. of Roman Catholic Studies at College of the Holy Cross
Sr. Mary Johnson, Community Leader of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Sr. Jane Morrissey, Site Supervisor and is Co-founder of the Homework House
Dr. Peter DePergola, Executive Director and Fellow, St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture
Dr. Michael McGravey, Director of the Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies (ITPS), Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
Below is a summary of the publication:
A collection of essays and meditations by the people who have been most influenced by the life and ministry of Father Hugh F. Crean, who was often described as a “priest’s priest.” With more than twenty of Crean’s original homilies, the book affords parishioners and friends who knew him an opportunity to find comfort in a voice that uplifted and sustained them week after week.
Appealing to both the person in the pew and professional minister, Along the Way: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Father Hugh F. Crean explores the legacy of Vatican II (1962-1965) and its unfinished agenda. Written by a diverse group of contributors, including noted Church historian David O’Brien and sociologist Mary Johnson, SNDdeN, the essays included in Along the Way challenge readers to reconsider the essence and form of priesthood, religious life, and ministry while pointing to themes Crean delivered throughout his 53 years of ministry.
The book was prepared under the auspices of the Saint Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where Crean served as a faculty member.
About the Author
Father Hugh F. Crean (1937-2015) was a native of Westfield, Massachusetts. Ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Springfield in 1962, Crean was deeply committed to the process of renewal and reform to which Vatican II (1962-1965) had invited the Church. Upon completion of doctoral studies at the University of Louvain in 1973, Crean taught at the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, Massachusetts. It was during his years at Elms College that Crean emerged as a popular director of retreats for priests living throughout the United States and Canada. In the Diocese of Springfield, Crean served in many leadership positions, including director of continuing education for priests and vicar for clergy. First and foremost a parish priest, Crean found great joy in serving as pastor of three parishes. It was through the lens of a parish priest that Crean sought to understand a rapidly changing Church and world. Following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in 2005, Crean retired from active ministry. He died in 2015 while living at Providence Place in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10, Student and Engagement and Leadership hosted their very first Student Leader Training for Clubs and Organizations. We had 24 students and 3 advisors in attendance with guest presenter Jason LeVassuer and the Rock Start Project. Students learned everything from college and office policy to who they are as student leaders. We are looking forward to continuous work and development with these students throughout the year.
The office also hosted the Student Involvement Expo on September 15 with a combination of 25 student clubs and organizations and offices in attendance. We had a showing of around 200 people come to the event and many of those students signed up to get involved with various groups.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Hispanic Heritage Month
We are super excited to begin celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th -October 15th). Please Join us at our upcoming events!
Introducing equiTEA-Community Conversations
We are thrilled to announce the (re)launch of equiTEA-Community Conversations--a monthly, open dialogue around a student-selected topic related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. All are welcome to join us for afternoon tea and dessert the third Tuesday of each month from 3-4pm in the MAC Lounge (111 College Center). Our student planning committee may also reach out to specific faculty, staff or students with a special invitation to join us to add some deeper perspective on a topic we think you can really speak to.
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Sweet Summer Social
Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college came together for a Sweet Summer Social on August 30. From delicious food to great conversation, it was the perfect way to end summer! The Keating Quadrangle was filled with the sound of fun tunes (provided by DJ Tom Vanzandt), laughter, games, and "sweet" reminders of Elms College memories and the warm, glorious days of summer in New England.
Alumni Association Board
The Alumni Association Board met on September 18 in person in Berchmans Hall. It was wonderful having everyone back together again. They discussed upcoming events, welcomed new board members, reviewed other business. This year’s upcoming meetings will take place on 11/6/22, 2/12/23, and 4/16/23.
We are blessed to have a full board although we are always looking for outside volunteers from campus during special events. If you are interested in helping, please contact Lynn Korza at korzal@elms.edu.
MARKETING
The Marketing Department has secured a sponsorship with the Springfield Thunderbirds – our logo will be in the ice for the whole season! It’ll provide great visibility for the college to all the regional fans that support the team. Also, Elms will have an info table at a few games throughout the season. If you see us at a game, stop by and say "Hi!"
CAMPUS MINISTRY
From August 29-September 2, Elms College students and leaders participated in the FYE-First Year Encounter Program. With a theme of "Community and Solidarity in the spirit of Dorothy Day," twenty-two first year students and leaders spent the week meeting the "dear neighbor" in the local community, and creating spaces of welcome and hospitality in partner agencies. We were blessed to partner with Homework House, Providence Ministries, Chicopee Cupboard, Genesis Spiritual Life Center, and Holy Name Parish of Springfield. Days were spent volunteering, and each evening was spent with time set aside for reflection on the day and a community building activity. Many thanks to our site service placements for welcoming our students, and huge thanks to our students for spending their time volunteering in the community!
In August, Sophomore Clement Kimani was the guest of Pax Christi Western Massachusetts and Sr. Jane Morrissey, SSJ, at the National Conference in Washington, D.C. Sr. Jane was commissioned as one of 20 Ambassadors of Peace nationwide, and was chosen for her contributions in practicing gospel nonviolence, peacemaking, anti-racism, reconciliation, and justice. She and Clement met last year when Clement was one of the 2021 participants in the First Year Dorothy Day Program, and Clement volunteered at Homework House in Holyoke. Congratulations to Sr. Jane Morrissey, and kudos to Clement for his commitment to social justice!
PUBLICE SAFETY
Elms Public Safety Lieutenant Jeffrey Bedard has successfully completed the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee/ Bridge Academy Training Program. Lt. Bedard is a sworn Hampden County Sheriff's Deputy. His accomplishment certifies Lt. Bedard to perform the duties as Hampden County Sheriff's Deputy. Congratulations Jeffrey!
ATHLETICS
Root for our Blazers!
You can find all team schedules, livestream and live-stats on our updated website ecblazers.com
MENTAL HEALTH
It's that time of year again!!! Elms College will be hosting its 5th annual Fresh Check Day on Wednesday October 12th from 9AM-2PM in the Quad (rain date October 19th).
This is an excellent event that aims to increase awareness of mental health resources and to reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health and suicide that often deter individuals from seeking help.
If you are interested in volunteering (Social Work, Psychology, and Nursing students *hint hint this is an excellent resume builder*) just sign up for a time that would work best for you by clicking the link below. Mental Health impacts everyone- so anyone can volunteer! We would need your help with setting up/breaking down, handing out resources, and most importantly supporting your peers.
If you already agreed to volunteer at a specific booth please report directly to your booth leader to coordinate your volunteer time slot. This is a general volunteer sheet for the greater campus community.
Also, this event is always much more fun when we're able to raffle off goodies. If you or your department are willing to make a donation (gift basket, gift card, etc.) to be raffled off at the end of the event - please reach out to Nicole Sacco directly at saccon@elms.edu or 413-265-2275. Thank you!!!
HUMAN RESOURCES
Around the beginning of September every year, salary increases typically go into effect. You may have noticed that salary increases have not taken place yet. The raise pool that is planned for FY23 will not go into effect until the budget is finalized and approved. This is because, in a very tight budget and enrollment environment, the Finance Office is closely monitoring enrollment and wrapping up meetings with budget managers over the next couple of weeks. Once the information from those meetings is compiled and the budget is finalized and approved by the Board of Trustees at its October 14 meeting, the raise pool will be communicated and implemented retroactively to 9/1.
Some may wonder how the College can pay a 3% bonus for FY22 when we are in the midst of reviewing and assessing the FY23 budgeted expenses and FY23 raises are being delayed.
That's a great question. Each fiscal year, a financially healthy organization produces enough revenue during that particular time frame to cover the expenses they incur during that same time frame. Every year starts new and is measured separately from other fiscal years.
The 3% bonus was paid for work that was performed in FY22 with revenue earned in FY22.
In the same way, wages earned in FY23 must be paid from FY23 revenue. Because the FY23 revenue projection is still being finalized at this time as we watch how enrollment numbers shake out, the financially responsible decision is to delay the raise pool until we feel certain we can comfortably implement it. Please know that it is a top priority to ensure you know how much we value the hard work and dedication you put into Elms every single day. As opportunities present themselves where we can show that monetarily (like the bonus and the raise pool) we make every effort to do so.
Welcome to new employees:
Alyssa Mercardo- Admissions Counselor
Tyler Hesselton- Admissions Counselor
Lorin Field- Women’s Head Lacrosse Coach
Neset Karaarslan- Public Safety Officer
Codi Alberti- Graphic Designer (Oct. 3rd)
Andrew Coston- Vice President of Student Affairs (Oct.3rd)
Best wishes to departing employees:
Shelby Murley (student Accounts)
Donna Kowalewski (multimedia writer)
Stephanie Nieves (custodian)
Ronald Rickey (Facilities)
Cynthia Dakin (Professor of Nursing & Director of MSN Program)
Congratulations to all those starting new roles:
Emily Cabrera- Interim Director MSN Program & Director of RN to BSN Program
Tara Loos- Enrollment Data and Software Manager
Anne Medina- Assistant Director of Admissions
Rebecca Lescarbeau- Educational Technology Specialist
Paulina Lisheness- Director of Enrollment Communication and Events
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Keep your financial goals on track with TIAA’s live webinars. Reserve your spot today. Register Here
TECH TIPS
Multi-Factor Authentication and What You Need to Know!
Passwords are no longer safe enough to prevent accounts from being compromised. As a result, in an effort to further strengthen our network access safeguards, Elms College is implementing security measures on our instance of Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc.) and partnering with DUO Security to implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on various software systems.
With the implementation of MFA, when you enter your Elms username and password into one of these systems, Duo/Google Workspace will send a message to your smartphone or device prompting a response in order to gain access.
To best support the Elms community with this rollout, the IT department will be sending out informative emails and hosting both in person and virtual drop-in sessions.
The IT Department has also created a Duo & Google Workspace MFA Resources page available on ElmsConnect.
Please consider visiting the resource page here! If you need further assistance, attend one of our drop-in sessions or email helpdesk@elms.edu. Thank you!
Drop-in Session Schedule:
In-person held outside of the helpdesk BH011 outside of the helpdesk:
Tuesday, October 4th between 10AM-1PM
BORGIA GALLERY EHIBITION
Please join us in the Borgia Gallery, October 6th, from 4-6 pm for the opening reception of Paul Lindale's exhibition " The Human Error. Landscape in the Anthropocene". Refreshments will be served. The artist will be present and he will answer questions.
ELMS IN THE NEWS:
August 19, 2022: The Reformer in Vermont published an article that two Elms students from the Brattleboro area made the spring 2022 Dean's List.
August 29, 2022: The Framingham Source in Framingham published an article that an Elms student from Framingham made the spring 2022 Dean's List.
September 5, 2022: Western Mass News aired a story on returning students moving in and first-year orientation.
September 5, 2022: WWLP Channel 22 aired a story on returning students moving in and first-year orientation.
September 5, 2022: Masslive and The Republican published a story on returning students moving in and first-year orientation.
September 8, 2022: iObserve.org published the press release that Hosffman Ospino, a Boston College theologian, will be the guest speaker at the college's Sr. Mary Dooley lecture on Sept. 12.
September 8, 2022: The Deerfield Valley News in southern Vermont published an article that an Elms student from West Townsend made the spring 2022 Dean's List.
September 12, 2022: WWLP Channel 22 aired a story regarding the Sr. Mary Dooley lecture given by Hosffman Ospino from Boston College. The lecture was organized by the Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies and the Diocese of Springfield.
September 14, 2022: WWLP Channel 22 aired a story that Elms has been awarded a $1.5 million STEM grant from the National Science Foundation.
September 14, 2022: masslive.com published a story that Elms has been awarded a $1.5 million STEM grant from the National Science Foundation.
September 15, 2022: BusinessWest Daily Blog published the press release that Elms has been awarded a $1.5 million STEM grant from the National Science Foundation.
September 15, 2022: Healthcare News & Notes Blog published the press release that Elms has been awarded a $1.5 million STEM grant from the National Science Foundation.
September 16, 2022: iObserve.org published the press release that Elms has been awarded a $1.5 million STEM grant from the National Science Foundation.
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