The University’s Urban Education Program will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding with an event on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. in Scanlon Banquet Hall.
The event will kick off at 5 p.m. with a social hour and cash bar, followed by opening remarks at 6:30 p.m. from University President Ramon S. Torrecilha, Ph.D. Other activities include raffles, an art auction, t-shirt sales and dinner. Music from Kashawn “DJ Boogy” Harris ’13, an alumnus of the Urban Education Program, will conclude the evening.
A portion of the nights’ proceeds will support UEP students and the Urban Education Program/Joan E. Fuller and Kamal H. Ali scholarships.
Founded in 1968, the Urban Education Program was created to provide collegiate opportunities to first generation students, students of color, and students who are financially struggling. Seven students enrolled in 1968 and some 1,500 alumni have completed the program.
The UEP’s Summer Bridge Program starts the summer before the students’ first fall semester. First-year students enroll in a 3–6 credit program over a five-week period. The Program allows these students an easy transition into college life through support from student leaders and staff.
Gus Chrisanthopolous, the visionary who founded the Urban Education Program will attend the event. Distinguished UEP alumni include:
- Marlina Duncan ’97, associate dean of diversity initiatives, and assistant vice president for academic diversity, Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, Brown University
- Joan Fuller ’76, Westfield State emerita of 36 years and former UEP director who helped launch the Urban Education Alumni Network
- Westfield State University Trustee Terrell M. Hill, Ph.D. ’82, superintendent for Human Resources, Windsor Public Schools, and adjunct faculty member, University of Connecticut
- Zachery Medera ’14, Capitol Police Officer
- Westfield State University Trustee Lydia E. Martinez-Alvarez ’86, first Latina to serve as assistant superintendent, Springfield Public Schools
- Jimmy Pereira ’13, healthy design coordinator at MassBike and former Brockton mayoral candidate
- Hector Zavala ’05, assistant clerk magistrate, Springfield District CourtTickets are $40 each and can be purchased online here