By Erica Broman, Ed.D.
While the campus may have looked quiet in the summer, it is anything but. Collectively, we were hard at work, laying the foundation for another incredible year for Westfield State students.
We spent much of this past year convening, discussing, and constructing a strategic plan that will carry us forward in these evolving educational times. Westfield State is not immune to the changes taking place in the higher education landscape, and we understand well our role in providing an exceptional and accessible education for all who attend.
We also understand that education goes far beyond the classroom. Our Westfield State Experience brings that philosophy to the forefront with its emphasis on diving deeper, exploring further and pushing our students out of their comfort zones (albeit gently). It also calls attention to the much bigger world out there and encourages students to explore where they might find the best career fit.
You will recognize the ways in which we provide real-life opportunities for students in many of the articles in this issue of Focus. Internships, research projects, study abroad trips with impacts that extend far beyond the week or two spent in another country—each occasion plays a unique role in the development of our students.
Speaking from an advancement perspective, we are enormously grateful to all of our alumni who have helped make these opportunities possible. Your support for scholarships, internships, student initiatives, and travel continues to have a profound impact on our students. We are deeply appreciative of your support.
This spring, your gifts put us over the top with our #Giveahoot campaign, and we have a few tricks up our sleeves for next year. Additionally, each donation helped the University earn a 2019 Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. It’s the first time we have been fortunate enough to receive such an honor.
Please remember to save the weekend of September 27–29 for our Homecoming and Family Weekend. Register soon at westfield.ma.edu/homecoming-family-weekend. Come back to the nest, and enjoy seeing faculty, students, staff, and numerous academic and athletic events. Visit with other alumni and take part in an ever-growing number of activities on campus. We’d love to see you!
Happy reading!
