9th Annual Executive Leadership Breakfast | |
Elms College hosted its ninth annual Executive Leadership Breakfast, bringing together leaders from higher education, business, nonprofit organizations, and local, county, and state government to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Western Massachusetts.
This year’s keynote speaker, Peter D. Banko, President & CEO of Baystate Health, delivered a presentation titled, "The Compassionate Life," sharing insights from his leadership journey and emphasizing the role of compassion in effective leadership and decision-making.
The event provided a meaningful opportunity for connection and collaboration among regional leaders committed to strengthening communities across Western Massachusetts.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and impactful morning. We are especially grateful to our sponsors, whose generous support helped make this event possible:
Antonacci Family Foundation, Baystate Health/Health New England, Big Y Supermarkets, Bulkley Richardson, Checkwriters, Inc., Colebrook Realty, Collins Electric, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Eastern States Exposition, Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, Fortier Painting, Inc., Freedom Credit Union, Gandara Center, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Hinkley Allen, Holyoke Medical Center, Keiter, MassMutual, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, Polish National Credit Union, Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, St. Germain Investment Management, T.J. Conway Co., Western Mass Economic Development Council, Westfield Bank, and Whittlesey.
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From June 5–7, Elms College was once again filled with laughter, reconnections, and Blazer spirit as alumni from the classes ending in ‘6s and ‘1s returned to campus for Alumni Reunion Weekend.
The celebration began Friday evening with a festive dinner at the Boathouse, followed by a scenic river cruise aboard the Lady Bea in South Hadley, offering alumni a chance to reconnect while enjoying one of the region’s most beautiful summer settings.
Saturday opened with a State of the College address by President Harry Dumay, who shared reflections on Elms College's continued momentum and vision for the future. The Class of 1976 was honored and inducted into the Golden Blazers, receiving their traditional Blazer scarf in recognition of their 50th Reunion milestone. Later, during the Presidential Luncheon, Cidalia Vital ’03, BSN, MSN, Ph.D. in Nursing and Nurse Scientist and Director of Nursing Research & Holistic Nursing at Baystate Health was presented with the Sr. Margaret James McGrath Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her outstanding service and lasting impact on the Elms community.
The afternoon brought campus to life with opportunities to explore, reminisce, and enjoy a variety of activities, including campus tours, a smoothie station, paint and sip, Elms trivia, and lawn games. As the day continued, alumni gathered for dinner and the Class of 2001 Silver Celebration Pinning Ceremony, honoring their 25th Reunion milestone. The evening concluded with the high-energy Blazer Bash, closing out the day in true Elms fashion.
Reunion Weekend wrapped up on Sunday with a relaxed brunch, giving alumni one final opportunity to reconnect before heading home.
We are deeply grateful to all who returned to campus and helped make this year’s Reunion a meaningful celebration of tradition, connection, and Elms pride. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
| | Leanese Ramos '12 turned her passion for helping others into a career dedicated to leadership, collaboration, and community impact. Please view the video below that highlights why Leanese was chosen for BusinessWest's 40 Under Forty Class of 2026. | | A Week of Celebration: Commencement 2026 | | |
The Elms College community came together in May to celebrate the achievements and milestones of the Class of 2026 during a memorable week of Commencement festivities.
The celebration began with the annual Senior Class Toast, where members of the graduating class gathered to reflect on their time at the Elms and look ahead to the future. The week continued with the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and Hooding Ceremonies, recognizing students for their hard work, dedication, and academic accomplishments.
On the eve of Commencement, students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered for the annual Baccalaureate Mass, a meaningful tradition that offered an opportunity for reflection and gratitude before graduation.
Commencement exercises brought the week to a fitting close as graduates crossed the stage and officially joined the ranks of Elms College alumni. Keynote speaker Jim Keyes inspired the Class of 2026 with reflections on leadership and embracing new opportunities. During the ceremony, Elms College conferred honorary degrees upon Jim Keyes and Sr. Annette McDermott in recognition of their outstanding leadership and service. The College also presented the Via Veritatis Medal to Regina Hitchery '71, honoring her enduring support of Elms College and its students.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and welcome to the Elms College alumni family!
| | Maguire Center Pool Reopens For Public Use | | |
We are excited to share that, after being closed for repairs, the Partyka Natatorium swimming pool in the Maguire Center is open for public use.
The 6-lane, 25-meter pool is available for Elms College alumni and the community, as well as for practice rentals, youth programming, and collaborative aquatic initiatives. It will be staffed by a lifeguard at all times during public hours.
The facility offers individual memberships for alumni interested in wellness, recreation, and continued engagement with the campus community. The pool offers lap swim lanes, warm-water programming opportunities, and space for clinics, team practices, and specialty groups. Whether you're looking to swim laps, host a program, or partner on initiatives, the pool is available as a welcoming, versatile space.
For more information, go to the Athletics Department website at ecblazers.com or reach out to Athletic Director Rob Southall at southallr@elms.edu or 413-265-2328.
We hope to see you at the pool soon!
| | Elms Swimming Makes Waves At GNAC Championships | | |
Members of the Elms College Men’s & Women's Swimming and Diving teams won both individual accolades and team honors at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference championships.
In all, eight members of the two teams received individual honors, and the men’s and women’s teams each won Institutional Sportsmanship awards.
Sophomore Daniel Hneen was named to the All-Conference Team in the Men's 50-Yard Butterfly competition after placing third in the event. First-year student Jose Avila was also named to the 2025-26 Men’s All-Sportsmanship Team.
Senior Joni McGillis, junior Sasha Plotniak, sophomore Alissa Schettini, and first-year student Rachel McNally finished 2nd in the Women’s 200-yard Freestyle Relay, and third in the 800-yard Freestyle Relay, which earned them places on the All-Conference team for each event.
McGillis also earned a spot on the All-Conference in the Women's 50-Yard Freestyle, after placing third in the event. She was also named to the Women's Swimming All-Sportsmanship Team.
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Save the Date
Summer Events!
| | It's not too late to make your annual fund gift! | | |
Gifts made to the Founders Fund will honor the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph by providing financial assistance for students.
Time is running out! Please make a gift before our fiscal year deadline of Tuesday, June 30.
Your gift of any size matters. Thank you!
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Now Hiring: Gift Processor (Part-Time)
Elms College’s Institutional Advancement team is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-driven professional to join us as a part-time Gift Processor. This role supports the heart of our fundraising and alumni engagement work by ensuring gifts, pledges, and donor records are accurately processed and maintained in our advancement database.
If you thrive in a detail-focused environment, enjoy behind-the-scenes work that directly supports student success, and want to be part of a collaborative campus community, this could be a great fit.
Interested applicants can view the full position and apply below.
We appreciate you sharing this opportunity with your networks!
| | Check Out the Spring 2026 Elms Magazine! | | |
Jill Perry '21 '23, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
Email: Perryj@elms.edu
Phone: (413) 265- 2388
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