Elms College Celebrates Opening of the D'Amour Center for Faculty Teaching Excellence | | |
Elms College celebrated the opening of the D’Amour Center for Faculty Teaching Excellence, made possible through the generosity of Michele and Donald D’Amour. The new space gives faculty a dedicated place to collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen teaching across academic disciplines.
The Center grew out of the College’s core curriculum revision and will support faculty in its continued implementation, helping preserve and strengthen the distinctive Elms undergraduate experience.
The D’Amour family’s commitment to Elms includes a historic $1.5 million gift to the Building Bridges Capital Campaign, the largest single contribution in College history at the time. A portion of that gift established the Center’s endowment, while another supported the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Haiti Nursing Continuing Education program. The Center’s renovated physical space was made possible through additional contributions from the D’Amour family, alumni Lisa Wills '88 and Darlene Willey Sliwa '69, and Board of Trustees members Jack Dill and his wife Collette, and Larry Eagan and his wife Mary Anne.
Under the leadership of Professor Tom Cerasulo, Director of the Center, and Dr. Joyce Hampton, Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Center supports faculty development through lectures, workshops, symposia, and interdisciplinary conversations.
As Elms College approaches its centennial in 2028, the Center represents a continued investment in faculty, students, and the future of an Elms education. The College is grateful to the D’Amour family and the additional benefactors whose generosity made the space possible.
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October was a busy month at Elms College, with plenty of opportunities to celebrate our traditions, recognize our community, and highlight the great things happening on campus.
We kicked off the academic year with Opening Convocation and celebrated culture and community at Latino Fest. First-Year Seminar students put their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to the test during Pitch Madness, while Founders’ Day gave us an opportunity to reflect on our history and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph. We were also happy to welcome the Sisters back to campus for Mass and a celebratory luncheon.
President’s Evening of Appreciation brought donors together to celebrate their generosity and the lasting impact they make on the Elms community. Fresh Check Day brought attention to student mental health and well-being. Beyond campus, Elms College STEM Scholars had the exciting opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., and take their learning beyond the classroom.
From longtime traditions to new experiences, October was a great reminder of everything that makes the Elms community special. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable month!
| | Elms College Alumna Elizabeth Dineen Reappointed to Massachusetts Governor’s Council | | | | Elms College proudly celebrates alumna Elizabeth Dineen '77, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, on her reappointment to a fifth term on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking. She will also serve on the newly formed Campus Violence and Safety Committee, continuing her advocacy for survivor support, prevention, and campus safety. | | | |
Mass of Remembrance
Join us for the Mass of Remembrance, a special service honoring deceased alumni and loved ones, free and open to the community. All are welcomed to join us for lunch following Mass.
Wednesday, November 4
12:15 PM
St. Joseph's Chapel, Elms College
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Alumni-Student Networking Event
Join the Business Division for an evening of networking with fellow Blazers! Connect with Elms alumni and students, build professional relationships, and expand your network in a relaxed setting.
Tuesday, November 10
5-7 PM
Rumbleseat Bar & Grille
Chicopee, MA 01013
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New York City Bus Trip
Grab your friends and spend the day in New York City! We'll take care of the ride there and back, and you can make the day your own once you arrive. Shop, explore, grab lunch, see a show, visit a museum, or simply wander the city. The day is yours!
Saturday, December 5
Bus Leaves 7 AM
Departs from Elms College
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Breakfast with Santa
Bring the family back to Elms for a festive morning with breakfast, Santa, and plenty of holiday fun! It's a favorite Elms tradition for alumni and families of all ages.
Sunday, December 13
10 AM
Mary Dooley College Center, Elms College
| | Welcoming Our New Coaches to the Elms College Blazer Family | | Sean Tabb: Head Men's Basketball Coach | | Megan Logan: Head Softball Coach | | Elms College is excited to welcome our new coaches to the Blazer family! These talented leaders bring valuable experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to helping our student-athletes grow both on and off the field. As they join the Elms athletics community, we look forward to the leadership, energy, and dedication they will bring to their respective teams. Please join us in welcoming our newest coaches and wishing them and our Blazer student-athletes a successful season! | | Prospect Day — Saturday, November 7 | | Elms College invites prospective student-athletes to campus on Saturday, November 7, for Athletics Prospect Day! This event offers an exciting opportunity to explore Elms College athletics programs, meet coaches and future teammates, participate in a media day photoshoot, and learn more about the Blazer student-athlete experience. Prospective students will have the chance to discover what it means to be part of the Blazer family and learn more about competing at the collegiate level. Attendees can also learn about a $1,000 campus visit scholarship opportunity. | | You're invited: Elms College Holiday Marketplace and Christmas Tree Lighting | | |
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Elms College on Monday, November 30! Stop by the Holiday Marketplace to shop local vendors and find unique gifts, then join us for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting, complete with caroling, a special visit from Santa, and more.
Holiday Marketplace
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dooley Center Dining Hall
Christmas Tree Lighting
4 p.m.
Keating Quadrangle
The evening will feature a welcome from Dean of Students Teresa Winters, a blessing of the tree by Sr. Carol Allan, the countdown and tree lighting with President Harry Dumay, and Christmas caroling led by Freddie Marion. Santa will also be stopping by. We hope to see you there!
| | Stay connected to your Elms College roots while taking the next step in your education! Elms College alumni who earned their undergraduate degree are eligible for 20% off graduate programs. It’s a great opportunity to continue your educational journey and invest in your future. | | |
Join the Alumni Association Board today
Every Elms College alumna/us is a member of the Alumni Association and is eligible to participate in alumni events and continue playing an important role in the future of the college. Alumni interested in getting involved can volunteer to help plan events, serve on committees, and mentor students.
The Alumni Association Board (AAB) is a group of dedicated volunteers, who support the goals and mission of the college and serve as the voice of our alumni. The AAB works closely with the college to organize traditional alumni gatherings and events.
Interested in getting involved?
Apply to the Alumni Association Board (AAB) today. Applications will be submitted to the Nominating Committee for review and outreach. The Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and the Nominating Committee will begin outreach later this fall for open positions on the AAB and alumni volunteer opportunities for the 2026-2027 academic year.
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Jill Perry '21 '23, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
Email: Perryj@elms.edu
Phone: (413) 265- 2388
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