Mitchell College looks forward to welcoming our returning and incoming students to campus for Fall 2021 with:
Learn more at mitchell.edu/fall-2021.
Mitchell College recently announced the new 2021 North Star Scholarship Fund, providing a way for Mitchell College alumni, donors and friends to be a part of closing the higher education equity gap. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to directly impact students with a scholarship gift, this is it. Learn more and give at mitchell.edu/north-star.
Mitchell College is delighted to announce Dr. Christopher Parker, president and chief executive officer of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), as commencement speaker for our 77th Commencement exercises. He will be addressing the Class of 2021 as part of Mitchell’s virtual commencement ceremony, on Saturday, May 8, at 6 p.m., accessed from the College’s Commencement webpage.
Dr. Parker has led the NJCAA, comprised of more than 500 colleges, since 2017, and is deeply committed to access to higher education for all students through a variety of pathways – including through athletics. He has deep experience in higher education leadership and not-for-profit management in both the Virginia Community College System and Pfeiffer University and also serves on the boards of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the United States International Federation. Ensuring students have access and encouragement to realize their fullest potential is at the heart of all that Dr. Parker does.
Read more about Dr. Parker and Mitchell’s 77th Commencement events here.
Nearly one year ago, following the killing of George Floyd, the country and the world erupted in demonstrations and protests demanding change to our systems and a more equitable democracy.
The April 20 verdict of guilty on all counts in the trial of Derek Chauvin is a step in the right direction; after weeks and months of holding a collective breath, a collective exhale can be breathed. Still, there is much more work to be done to ensure equity and inclusion of all marginalized people.
How can we keep moving forward?
We must consistently call out hate, racism and injustice whenever we see it. We must expose the plight of the individuals and groups who are on the receiving end of these acts and share their burden through empathy and compassion.
Our students understand this and recently organized several excellent, thought-provoking and timely programs to bring these issues to light – events for Black History month, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Social Justice Week, and the forum Standing Against Asian Hate.
There is momentum in the Mitchell College community to make a positive difference in society. We all play a part in creating a better tomorrow, working toward equity and diversity.
If not you, who?
Michell College held its Virtual Academic and Student Affairs Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 via Zoom. If you missed it, or would like to view the slideshow again, please visit mitchell.edu/awards-ceremony-2021. Congratulations to all award recipients on your academic and leadership achievements in 2020/2021!
Mitchell College stands as an ally with the Asian and Pacific Islander community and denounces the growing number of unjust and often violent attacks – in both words and actions – against this group. Hate is not welcome in our community, which celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion and values empathy. We know that everyone has the ability to model a more just world by understanding and embracing the power of our differences.
How do we do we make the world better? We listen to learn, reflect on each other’s experiences and stand up for one another. It’s our collective responsibility.
Sophomore Catherine (Cate) Burnett, with support from the Mitchell College Multicultural Student Union (MSU), put these ideals into practice by organizing a powerful program, “Standing Against Asian Hate,” which took place virtually on April 10. Through its panel of distinguished guests, the event sought to bring awareness of the increasing incidents of harassment and hate against the Asian community and present ways for the Mitchell community to show solidarity. Cate and sophomore Katie Kosky moderated the panel.
We thank the following state and local leaders for generously sharing their time and wisdom with our campus community: Karen Lau, Robertsine Duncan NAACP Youth Council; state Senator Saud Anwar, representing East Hartford, Ellington, East Windsor and South Windsor; New London Mayor Michael Passero; state Representative Anthony Nolan, representing New London; and state Representative Kimberly Fiorello, representing Greenwich and Stamford. We also thank Connecticut Attorney General William Tong for his special video message.
As we approach Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in May, let us join together in respect and celebrate the beauty in all our differences.
View recorded panel presentation here.
View special message by Connecticut Attorney General William Tong here.
