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9/11 Survivor Named Commencement Speaker

Apr 15, 2024 | News

Mitchell College marks its 80th Commencement Exercises on Sat., May 11, with 9/11 survivor Dan Holdridge delivering the keynote address to the Class of 2024. The ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on the Mitchell College Green.

On September 11, 2001, Holdridge was at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building, killing 184 people. Suffering from serious injuries, he was just 10 feet away from others who did not survive. Since 2002 he has used his experience that day to work to inspire audiences with a powerful message of appreciation and leadership.

Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, Mitchell College president, said, “We are truly honored to welcome Connecticut native Dan Holdridge to deliver the keynote address to our graduating class. As a survivor of one of our country’s most tragic events, he will share a message of gratitude and resiliency that will inspire and empower our students. We look forward to learning from the wisdom and insight he gained through his powerful and life-changing experience.”

The historic day’s events were also captured in Holdridge’s best-selling book, “Surviving September 11th,” and his story has been featured on the BBC, NBC, Fox, and radio shows throughout the world.

In addition to being a keynote speaker, Holdridge is CEO of Eagle Electric Engineering Enterprise, based in Ashaway, RI. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and an Executive Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of New Haven.

Walk for Suicide Prevention

Apr 12, 2024 | News

Mitchell College invites the community to participate in A Story Unfinished: Walk for Suicide Prevention on Sunday, April 14, 2024, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Hosted by the Mitchell College Mental Health Club and the Mitchell College Commuter Association, the event raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Participation is free, but the fundraising goal for the walk is $5,000. The event takes place rain or shine.

Participants can register online or on the day of the event as an individual or part of a new or existing team. Registration and check-in begin at 11:30 a.m. on the Mitchell College Green. For more information and to register online go to: https://forms.gle/YwDu6ZLHVoBfB2iNA

The community is welcome to join in the walk, remember loved ones lost to suicide, and support suicide prevention. “In our Community, Campus, and Overnight Walks, those affected by suicide – and those who support them – raise awareness and much-needed funds, strongly sending the message that suicide can be preventable and that no one is alone” (afsp.org). Together we can change the conversation and end the stigma behind suicide and mental health.

Sponsors: American Foundation of Suicide Prevention

For questions, please contact:

Kayla Vargas, Walk Coordinator
Mitchell College Mental Health Club

Kayla.vargasestevez@my.mitchell.edu

Sabrina Bloise, Walk Coordinator
Mitchell College Commuter Association

sabrina.bloise@my.mitchell.edu

Pedro Santiago, Director of Student Engagement and Orientation

santiago_p@mitchell.edu

Black History Month Event Draws Hundreds

Mar 19, 2024 | News

Several hundred attendees converged on the Mitchell College campus on Feb. 25 during Black History Month for a community celebration of Black heritage and culture called “Letting OUR Voices Be Heard.” Conceived and organized by first-year student-athlete Inonda Christine Peterson, the event featured dozens of Black performers, artists, businesses,, and organizations. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.

“Mitchell College was honored to host this phenomenal event for the community and couldn’t be more proud of the amazing leadership of Inonda Peterson,” said Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, president of Mitchell College. “Within just a few months of arriving in New London, she shared her vision throughout the campus and greater New London communities and harnessed the good in everyone. She has made meaningful connections for possible future collaboration, especially with the other institutions of higher education that call the city home.”

Peterson enlisted help within and outside of the Mitchell College community to facilitate the event, including State Rep. Anthony Nolan, New London Police Chief Brian Wright, community partner Lisa Ann Curtis, Mitchell College professor Kevin Booker, Mitchell College staff and faculty, and groups such as Connecticut Sun WNBA, Hearing Youth Voices, and Waterford Rise.

The Connecticut College Black Student Union was an event sponsor, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Genesis Council also attended and performed at the event.

Vocal performers included Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, Crystal Christie, Jordan Bostick, Krystakia Rose, Maya Sheppard, Elijah James, Johnny Sensei, Ysanne Marshall, Deion Kelly, 1213, and Tim Allen. Spoken word performers included Roodley Merilo, Otis Burton, Mikayla Kennedy, Sian Crespo, Yvie Germain, and Bishme Sheppard. Dance performers included Shiloh Youth Praise Dancers, Rose City Step team, James Hodge and Dr. Gizelle Tircuit, Mitchell College’s director of Health and Wellness. Other music included a piano performance by Osaretin Erhunmwunse.

The event also included motivational speakers Sheltric Peterson, Charli Lennon, and Eddie Rosado. African drummers Herman Frazier and Ray Stover welcomed the community.

Participating businesses and organizations included 3SistersBBB, Andre Rochester, Big Red Book Truck, Classic Jackson Arts, Exemplify to Edify, LLC, Goin Places WrldWide/Claws by Maddie, Haj Wellness, LLC, Hearing Youth Voices, InondaWrites, LLC, Lauren Simone Publishing House, Lonnie Braxton, Magnolia Wellness, Michael Watts Apparel, Mitchell College, New London NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, NO_ONE, Peterseines Place 19:23, Inc., Serena Prince, Sisters 2 Sisters, Sweet Lil Details, LLC, The Organic Afro Chic, The Samaritan House Inc., and the U.S. Navy.

Individuals or organizations wishing to support/sponsor or participate in the event next year should contact advancement@mitchell.edu.

Watch the day’s events here.

Children’s Songs Conference and Festival

Mar 13, 2024 | News

Celebrate children’s songs and learn about children’s music at the “Artists & Educators Children’s Songs Conference & Festival,” 9am–3pm, Saturday, April 6, in the Clarke Center at Mitchell College. The event features a conference geared toward musicians and educators and a Festival of Song that is open to the public.

Artists & Educators Conference (9am–noon)

The day kicks off with a conference featuring workshops on a variety of topics including Music in the Classroom, Contemporary Recording Techniques, The Business of Children’s Music, Teachers Making Music, and more. Workshop presenters Chris Clouet, Al DeCant, Steve Elci, and Greg Lato also perform at the afternoon Festival of Song. Conference attendance includes lunch and admission to the afternoon festival. Admission is free for teachers, as well as Mitchell College students and alumni. Other adults pay $15.

Register for the Conference Here (includes lunch and afternoon festival)

Children’s Songs Festival (1–3pm)

Families are invited to join conference participants for an energetic program of children’s songs from a variety of genres performed by the workshop presenters. Admission is free for children, teachers, and Mitchell College students and alumni. Other adults pay $10.

Register for the Children’s Song Festival Here

Questions? Email clouet_c@mitchell.edu.

About the Conference Presenters/Festival Performers

Chris Clouet, currently Head of the Education Department at Mitchell College, served as a bilingual elementary school teacher in Bridgeport. He has written and performed many children’s songs, typically paired with children’s books.

Al DeCant, also known as “The Singing Principal,” is a critically acclaimed performer and educator from Connecticut who has entertained and educated thousands of young people through his programs of music and storytelling.

Steve Elci is a singer/songwriter who says his vision for his work is “edutainment” or learning through music. Part of the fabric of the music and arts community in Southeastern Connecticut, he connects positively with his audience through original songs, educational messages, and creative dance steps.

Greg Lato is an award-winning family musician and songwriter from Providence, Rhode Island. He is a Family Music artist and a children’s book author.

The Artists & Educators Children’s Songs Conference & Festival is sponsored by the Aspiring Educators Club and the Department of Education of Mitchell College, and co-sponsored by the Alewife Cove Conservancy and Connecticut Education Association (CEA).

Mitchell College Welcomes Chief of Staff

Feb 29, 2024 | News

Mitchell College recently welcomed Dr. Kelly L. Hart as chief of staff. A key member of President Tracy Y. Espy’s senior team, Hart will support the president on a wide range of strategic issues and provide leadership and operational oversight to the college.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Hart on our team at this time in our college’s history. With 35 years of experience in higher education, including over two decades of executive leadership, she has honed skills as a results-oriented leader, strategic thinker, resourceful problem-solver, and excellent communicator. Dr. Hart has a sincere passion for Mitchell College’s mission, and her many talents will assist in moving forward the strategic priorities of Mitchell College in service to our amazing students,” Espy said.

Hart’s expertise in higher education encompasses strategic planning and execution, higher education enrollment optimization, and student affairs operations. Most recently, she served as VP of enrollment management at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W. Va. Prior to that, she directed admissions at Westfield State University in Westfield, Mass., and served as associate director of athletics at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. Other tenure includes serving as an academic professional and head field hockey and lacrosse coach at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Penn.

Hart holds a doctorate in physical education from The Florida State University, a master’s degree in physical education from The College of New Jersey, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, English, from Villanova University.

Hart said, “It is a tremendous honor to join the team at Mitchell College under President Espy’s tenure. I am moved by the level of dedication and commitment that our faculty and staff have towards our students, am inspired by the accessibility and inclusivity of the college, and eager to play a role in enhancing the college experience for the success of our students.”

Mitchell College Expands Accessible, Flexible Learning Options

Feb 20, 2024 | News

Mitchell College has its own definition of what a college education can be: radically inclusive and unapologetically accessible. From wherever they are on their education journey, students can choose a path that combines skills- and career-focused coursework in an abilities-based curriculum with Mitchell’s signature support network. For more than 85 years, Mitchell’s culture of acceptance has dramatically changed the lives of its students.

Based on a personalized education model, Mitchell’s specialized pathways help students reach their educational and professional goals. In addition to traditional 2- and 4-year degree programs, the college has added flexible new programs: degree completion for adult learners; training for companies and individuals seeking workforce development; living/learning for post-graduate success; and courses to accelerate a degree.

  • A 100% online degree completion program in Professional Studies (Business or Health and Human Services) helps adult learners who have started—but not completed—a degree. Students can enroll full- or part-time throughout the year and earn a bachelor’s degree in one of two high-demand career tracks. Student success is supported by advisors, faculty, and staff who are experienced in working with adult learners and understand the challenges they face. Questions? Contact Cathy Hurd, vice president of enrollment management, at 860-701-5036 or hurd_c@mitchell.edu, or visit https://mitchell.edu/2023/07/21/new-degree-completion-program-for-adult-learners/.

  • The Mitchell Hub provides courses designed for employers to train their teams, as well as badging and certificates for individuals working to upskill or accelerate their career growth. For employers looking for solutions to recruit, retain, and develop staff, The Hub offers a flexible and cost-effective way to integrate microcredentials into onboarding, upskilling, and retraining strategies. Individuals can also access an online learning platform with flexible access to certification and professional skills courses in numerous industries. Questions? Contact Karen Bellnier, director of digital innovation, at 860-701-5415 or hub@mitchell.edu, or visit https://hub.mitchell.edu/about/.

  • For recent college graduates, the STAIRs Program (Skills Training, Advancement, and Individual Readiness) builds on an inclusive education approach to provide additional guidance and support for success. This 2-year program was developed in response to an increasing demand to support students who need extra time to achieve emotional readiness and confidence, seek employment or start careers, and reach personal goals. Multiple levels of support accommodate the unique needs of each person, including those who are neurodivergent. Core components include independent living and career readiness; social, emotional, and interpersonal skills development; and holistic wellness. Questions? Contact Dr. Alicia Martinez, dean of student experience and belonging, at martinez_a@mitchell.edu, or visit https://mitchell.edu/home/stairs/.

  • MiniMesters offer accelerated 2-week online courses for quickly earning course credits. These courses offer our students the chance to catch up or get ahead in pursuing their degree. MiniMester sessions are held in January and May, between traditional college semesters. Questions? Contact the registrar at 860-701-5019 or registrar@mitchell.edu, or visit https://mitchell.edu/minimesters/.

Mitchell also offers pathways for high-school students and those seeking advanced degrees through partnerships with New London Public Schools, Fisher College, and the University of St. Joseph. Visit mitchell.edu/news to learn more.