September 2024 Edition

On Campus News

Elms College and Square One Expand Education Partnership

Square One President and CEO Dawn DiStefano and President Harry Dumay signed a Memo of Understanding in which Elms early education students will gain valuable fieldwork experience, while Square One employees will have access to courses and professional development offerings at the Elms.

Students Move in to Start the School Year

Dr. Harry Dumay welcomed new students and gave them advice, "the people you meet today might be friends that you have for the rest of your lives."

Elms College Appoints Two New Members to Board of Trustees

Elms College announced that two regional leaders have joined the College's Board of Trustees, Lydia Martinez-Alvarez, former assistant superintendent for the Springfield Public Schools and Pedro Sanchez Jr., president of BlueX Solutions.

Janet Williams, Professor of Biology, to be Honored as One of BusinessWest's 2024 Healthcare Heroes

“During her tenure at Elms College, Janet has embodied the health-sciences program at Elms,” said Julie Beck, dean of the School of Nursing. “She teaches biology, which extends itself to other health-related fields, such as pre-med, physician assistant, pre-PT/OT, and pre-chiropractic studies. Janet is innovative, always reaching out to our local healthcare industries to see how Elms can better serve the community.”

As a professor with impact — three decades worth — Williams certainly merits being chosen as this year’s Healthcare Hero in the category of Education.

Dr. Terry Reske Retires After 10 Years

In August, Dr. Terry Reske retired after being a part of the Elms College family for 10 years. Dr. Reske made several contributions to the College during her tenure including creating the DNP program in collaboration with Dean Emeritus, Dr. Kathleen Scoble.

Elms Welcomes 2024-2025, Fulbright Édith de Faoite

Modern Irish scholar Édith de Faoite has received a prestigious Fulbright Award for 2024-2025 to study and work in the U.S. In September 2024, Édith joined the College, to teach Irish, research, study, and collaborate with experts.

Alumni in the News

Jaines Andrades '14 '20 Testifies on Boosting Minority Healthcare Providers

Jaines Andrades, CNP. testified before a U.S. Senate committee hearing on the lack of minority healthcare workers and the U.S.'s high maternal mortality rate.

Katherine Anderson '01, Writes Murder at the Alma Mater

Elms College is featured in a cozy mystery novel published by local author--and Elms Alum--Katherine Anderson.

Anderson, who graduated from Elms in 2001 with a double major in English and Elementary Education and, later, a Master’s in Teaching Mild/Moderate Special Needs in 2007, was excited to feature her alma mater in the book.

Alumni Spotlight

Noah Salmon '20, was awarded Pediatric Trauma Nurse of the Year at the 1st Annual Trauma Survivor Day celebration at Baystate Children's Hospital. 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. Pediatric staff also attended a trauma boot camp to become familiarized with lifesaving treatments.

Noah was recognized by pediatric 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 in 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."

Event Recap

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.

Alumni Engagement

Mass of Remembrance

Wednesday, October 30

Christmas Tree Lighting

Monday, December 2

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 7

New York City Trip

Sunday, December 15

Registration for Christmas events will open soon. Questions? Contact Jill Perry at (413) 265-2388 or perryj@elms.edu.

Mary Dooley Lecture

Please join the Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies for this year's Mary Dooley Lecture, "The Spiritual Lives of Marian Shrines in the U.S.," by Katherine Dugan, PhD.

Save The Date

Tuesday, October 15

2:00 PM

Elms College, Veritas Auditorium

Book Launch of An Uncommon Love - The Life, Legacy, and Lessons of Sisters Mary and Eleanor Dooley

Please save the date of Tuesday, October 15 for the celebration of Founders' Day, and the book launch of An Uncommon Love--The Life, Legacy, and Lessons of Sisters Mary and Eleanor Dooley.

Each year on October 15, Founders' Day celebrates the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1650 in LePuy, France. On this date, we honor the first six sisters and Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ, who founded a community in LePuy, France, giving way to the formation of congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph around the world.

Fr. Mark Stelzer has edited a book honoring the legacy of Sr. Mary Dooley and Sr. Eleanor Dooley. Contributors to the book include Dr. Peter DePergola, Dr. Michael McGravey, Tony Fonseca, Debbie Gomes, Fr. Mark Stelzer, and others well-known in the Elms community.

Sister Mary Dooley, the sixth president of Elms College, and Sister Eleanor Dooley, a longtime professor at Elms, served the college for many years and left an imprint on countless alums, Elms College faculty and staff, and friends all over the world.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Compassionate Hearts Fund, which subsidizes college service learning trips during the semester break.

Athletic Updates

Maguire Center Renovations

Over the summer, renovations to the Maguire Center were completed including a newly designed weight room and entryway. Upon students returning to campus, a grand reopening was celebrated.