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Professor Marc Goldsmith Known for Dedication, Camaraderie

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor Marc Goldsmith. A much-beloved and admired educator, he dedicated himself to the service of thousands of Mitchell students over his 55-year tenure (1968–2023) at Mitchell College.

He once said about teaching: “For me, teaching is a chance to make a difference by promoting a love of lifelong learning and enthusiastically sharing that love with students as best I can.”

An associate professor of communication, he loved the “camaraderie of the faculty and the challenge of the classroom.” He taught numerous communication classes, as well as Holocaust education and music courses—two of things he counted among his personal interests, along with bird watching, social action, and being a practicing musician.

Marc held myriad roles during his tenure, including dean of students, associate dean for instruction and academic programs, assistant dean for special programs and interim vice president of academic affairs/dean of the college. He also founded the college radio station (WRMC) and coached golf.

When he reflected on his retirement in 2023, he said, “Mitchell has always been a special place, connected to the community. It’s created memories and improved people’s lives,” he said. With appreciation, he added, “I get messaged every once in a while thanking me for what I have done.”

One thankful student traveled from Texas to New London to attend Marc’s retirement party in 2023. John Russell ’73 expressed his gratitude for his professor in person, saying that the ‘B’ that Goldsmith gave Russell, who was valedictorian of his class, was the lowest grade (and only ‘B’) he ever received at Mitchell.

Russell wrote a note in appreciation of Marc: “…Mr. Goldsmith is an honest grader. As a consequence of this fact, his fall semester course was the first occasion in which I had ever practiced serious self-criticism in my own writing. My writing improved thereafter.…The practice of self-criticism in English composition proved to be a lifetime benefit for me and I am indebted to Mr. Goldsmith more than anyone else for this blessing.” He added that he regarded the first ‘A’ he received on a paper in Goldsmith’s class as “a particularly significant milestone in my academic career.” Russell went from Mitchell to MIT, where he earned degrees in the fields of mathematics, aeronautics, and astronautics, including a doctorate.

Marc Goldsmith was an inspiration to countless students at Mitchell, helping them find their purpose and achieve their goals. He also inspired the faculty with whom he worked to continue to provide a student-centered learning environment that builds confidence and prepares students to make their mark in the world.

Read his obituary here.

A memorial and celebration of life will take place on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. (EST) via Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81728183975?pwd=G1csOyjGvMdqa5Id3UpSO2NeqU9YP9.1

Meeting ID: 817 2818 3975

Passcode: 973129

Good Vibes at Orientation and Move-In

Orientation and Move-In marked the exciting start of our students’ journey as Mariners. Student leaders, faculty, and staff greeted families, unloaded cars packed with campus living essentials, and helped make the transition smooth. New students jumped into getting to know each other through fun campus activities and community service.

See highlights below from Orientation Weekend. These videos capture the energy, excitement, and sense of belonging that define a Mariner’s first days on campus.

Mitchell College Receives Grant to Launch Healthcare Academy

Mitchell College has received funding from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut to launch the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy (HCA).

The HCA is an early college, on-campus program that expands healthcare career pathways for New London County middle and high school students. It combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and address local workforce needs.

Inspiring Future Healthcare Leaders

President Tracy Y. Espy said:

“Mitchell College is proud to offer the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy to middle and high school students in our region, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and helping to address local workforce shortages. Thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, we can begin this initiative to empower students, promote economic mobility, and advance health equity in the region.”

Program Highlights

Middle School Program – HCA Rising

  • For grades 6–9

  • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) exploration phase

  • Fun, engaging activities to build interest in healthcare

  • Launches July 2025

High School Pathway

  • For grades 10–12

  • Career education, leadership, and soft-skills development

  • Shadow days, hands-on labs, research and writing skill-building, summer experiences

  • Opportunity to earn college credit through dual enrollment

Community Support

Maryam Elahi, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, said:

“The Community Foundation is pleased to support Mitchell College’s program which aligns closely with our priorities: health equity, early career development and educating a diverse group of students. Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to make grants to support area youth, meet the basic needs of our residents and protect the environment.”

Learn More

For details about the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy, contact:
Dr. Alicia Martinez
Dean of Student Experience and Belonging
martinez_a@mitchell.edu | 860-701-7708

Applications Available for CT Student Loan Reimbursement Program

Applications for the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) through the Connecticut Office of Higher Education are available beginning August 15, 2025. They will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2025 until funds are exhausted.

An eligible applicant:

  • Must be a current Connecticut resident who has lived in the state for at least 5 consecutive years.
  • Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024.
  • Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate.
  • Income limits apply: $125,000 for individuals or $175,000 for married applicants.
  • 50 hours of verified volunteer service since January 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service.
  • A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion.

 

Find more information at the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

In Remembrance

It is with deepest gratitude and sincerest fondness that we remember Mitchell College Trustee George White, who passed away last week.

In addition to serving on the Mitchell College Board of Trustees since 2019, he founded the renowned Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Conn., serving as its chairman for 37 years. In 2022 he was awarded the O’Neill’s Monte Cristo Award, given annually to an individual whose body of work has made an indelible impact on the arts. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, he served many years as co-chair of its Theater Management Program.

His work and service were far-reaching, and his accomplishments were many.

George White loved Mitchell College, our students, and our mission. We are grateful for his longtime support and friendship.