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Mitchell Gala Celebrates 85 Years of Radical Possibilities

The Mitchell College community and supporters came together Saturday, October 5, to celebrate “85 Years of Creating Radical Possibilities” at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Approximately 200 guests—friends of the college, sponsors, alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff—attended the gala in support of scholarships for Mitchell College students.

While the evening included an elegant cocktail reception and plated dinner, the highlight of the program was the speakers and their stories. Mitchell College faculty member Kevin Booker, Jr. served as emcee, introducing President Tracy Y. Espy and Richard D’Avino, chair of the board of trustees, along with four Mitchell College students and special guest Maya Moore.

An amputee, model, and disability advocate, Moore spoke about her personal journey as a cancer survivor who lost her arm to the disease as a teenager. She shared about her struggles with mental health and self-esteem, navigating life as a young disabled person, and her decision to forgo using a prosthetic arm in her 20s to be her authentic self. She also advocated for disability rights.

There are approximately 61 million adults living with a disability in the United States,” she said.

“This represents about 26% of the adult population, or roughly 1 in 4 Americans. Everyone will become familiar with disability at some point, whether by accident, illness, or old age. Radical possibility in the context of disability acknowledges this reality and sees an opportunity to make accessibility a standard…Radical possibility means a mass overhaul.”

Student speakers junior Caleb Cobb, senior Kyrsten Lucas, senior Duneshka Vazquez, and sophomore Inonda Peterson all shared what “radical possibilities” at Mitchell College means to them.

Caleb Cobb talked about how Mitchell College has helped him “improve his confidence, professionalism, and communication skills,” allowing him to dream of other goals and move past “basketball player” as his sole identity.

As a high-achieving student-athlete who has been challenged with a medical condition and dyslexia, Kyrsten Lucas shared how the staff and faculty at Mitchell College equip students to have an “I can” story, not an “I cannot.”

Duneshka Vazquez revealed how Mitchell College helped her overcome her nervousness as a first-generation college student who is a little older than her peers. As a Mitchell student she has become empowered to pursue “an endless pool of opportunities.”

Inonda Peterson said that Mitchell College has helped her explore the radical possibilities within her through “access to things that once seemed impossible,” and credited faculty and staff for giving “a safe place to express my many ideas and make brave moves on campus.”

The event included a tabletop display of Mitchell College’s history through the decades from the Mitchell College library archives and a celebration video featuring current student, faculty, and staff voices.

Mitchell College thanks the following generous event sponsors: Rick D’Avino (Gold Sponsor); Foxwoods Resort Casino and Wondr Nation (Silver Sponsors); Alpern-Kuhn Family, Laurel and Stephen Lyle, Thomas and Kim Ruffing, Jean P. Walden ’73, Charter Oak Credit Union, Chelsea Groton, CorePlus Credit Union, Ellucian, Marin Espy Gallery of Fine Art, Secor Subaru, USI, and Yale NewHaven Health/Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (Bronze Sponsors); and Bliss Old Fashioned Ice Cream, CBIZ, Heather Viola, The Local: Art Gallery and Event Space, The Laundry Room of Waterford, Rihani Family, and Wahab Advisors (Patrons).

To make a donation that directly supports Mitchell College students please go to https://mitchell.edu/giving-donation-form/.

Mitchell College Welcomes New Trustees

The Mitchell College Board of Trustees and Mitchell College President Tracy Y. Espy, Ph.D., are delighted to announce the addition of three new exceptional board members. New trustees include Yulanda Harris, Ed.D., CNP, CEO of the Neurodiversity Inclusion Institute in Detroit, Michigan; Shannon Christian, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president for Patient Care Services at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Westerly Hospital; and Johnathan Atkinson ‘16, M.Ed., president of the Mitchell College Alumni Association.

Board of Trustees Chair Richard D’Avino said, “As Mitchell College advances through its strategic plan and continues to develop its future, the expertise of these individuals will be invaluable additions to the board. Along with my fellow trustees, I could not be more thrilled to welcome them. The experience, knowledge, and commitment to the mission that each of these new trustees brings will serve the college, the students, and the region significantly, as we continue to expand programs to meet industry demand and the needs of society.”

Espy said, “Mitchell College is rapidly transforming. Whether through an expanded business program with business learning labs, the construction of a simulation lab for healthcare programs, or continued partnerships with area employers for job upskilling and training opportunities, the college is meeting the most in-demand workforce needs in business, healthcare, manufacturing, and workforce readiness. Mitchell is fortunate to have an extremely dedicated, forward-looking board of trustees supporting these initiatives. The insights and contributions of the newest board members will add incredible value. As Mitchell College rises to its future, the very best of its foundation remains at its center—serving students and the community to the highest degree so that they may achieve their personal, educational, and career.” 

Mitchell College embraces neurodiversity and is committed to expanding higher education opportunities for all types of learners through a variety of delivery options, adding to its traditional bachelor and associate degree programs. Programs include an online degree completion program in Professional Studies for adult learners; the Mitchell Hub, an online learning platform providing industry-focused credentials and professional skill building for those seeking career entry or advancement; a post-graduate residential-to-independent living and learning program, focused on career or continuing education; and dual enrollment giving high school students the opportunity to earn college credit.

Head of Connecticut Health Foundation to Speak at Convocation

Tiffany Donelson, president and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation, will deliver greetings to the Mitchell College Class of 2028 at Convocation on Wednesday, September 4.

A special rite of passage at the start of each academic year, Convocation welcomes new students into the Mitchell College community and marks the start of the next step on their education journey.

The Class of 2028 joins Mitchell College at a time of great transformation. As Mitchell College explores programming to meet workforce needs, one of its top initiatives is educating a culturally competent, highly skilled healthcare workforce. By the time this class reaches its Commencement, the College expects to have added several such programs that meet Connecticut workforce needs including healthcare, light manufacturing, and more. As these new programs come to fruition, the College is building new partnerships with local entities to provide hands-on learning and work opportunities for students pursuing these industries.

As it builds new programs to serve the needs of a diverse community, Mitchell College continues to be a champion of education equity, as it has been since its founding in 1938. The college strives to provide opportunities and possibilities for every student—regardless of race, gender, class, age, ethnicity, and learning style.

Similarly, the Connecticut Health Foundation is a champion of healthcare equity. Led by Donelson, it focuses on healthcare for all—regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The foundation aims to fund work that can lead to systemic change—through awarding grants to find new ways to solve problems, advocating for policy change, or supporting the growth of innovative programs into sustainable models.

In her role, Donelson oversees the independent health philanthropy’s work in grantmaking, policy advancement, strategic communications, and leadership development. She has a deep commitment to healthcare systems and strives to make systemic changes for health equity. She holds a Master of Public Health in health policy management from Emory University.

New Director of Thames at Mitchell College Shares Program Vision

Mitchell College is pleased to announce that it has named Ron Samul ‘91 director of Thames at Mitchell College. Samul has worked with the college transition program for 16 years in many roles, most recently as assistant director. The program serves students who have learning differences or need additional preparation before college, providing a highly individualized learning environment focused on independence and leadership skills.

In his new role, Samul offers a vision for the innovative Thames program to “throw its doors open” and use it as a resource for community collaboration and program expansion on Mitchell’s New London campus and beyond.

Thames offers ‘power of change’ to students

“Thames at Mitchell College is a starting point for many students and the transformative nature of the program should be shared. Our students are the very definition of what is radically possible. The professional experience of the staff, collaborations, and vision for neurodiverse learning embodied in the program are a great resource. I plan to start a faculty and staff fellowship program that allows collaboration with interested professionals on and off campus to come and work with us, expanding our mission of community, connections, and service learning,” Samul said.

“I am very lucky to have a dynamic team of educators working in the program, using their expertise and dedicating themselves to the student experience every day. We want to advocate for student independence and student equity and bring students forward as hard-working leaders on campus. The whole team knows the power of change that happens in the Thames program.”

“Our students typically do not have a traditional learning path in primary and secondary education; they often have a complicated journey. Their stories of change, adversity, setbacks, and perseverance can be harrowing. It takes time for them to tell those stories, but, when they do, we are lucky to help them begin a path to independent learning. Sometimes we do not have to empower them but give names to their struggles, give hope to their difficulties, and allow them the freedom to move forward. Some students are taking charge of their mental health, their friendships, and fostering their goals by themselves for the first time. It’s a huge step forward,” he said.

Throughout his tenure at Thames, from writing advisor to assistant director, Samul worked to expand and strengthen the program academically and administratively. He worked with adjunct faculty and tutors and built interest in writing, thinking, and learning within the program. He also improved communication, parent outreach, and student support and student conduct procedures.

While there have been changes to the program over the years, he noted that two important key features have emerged.

“The first element is our executive functioning program that teaches the vital skills of time management, study skills, and self-regulated learning. The second one that has grown into a focused area is social-emotional learning, where students learn to make the most out of their social experience including clubs, events, making friends, and stepping into the role of a leader.”

Another recent focus is on mental health.

“Giving educational, social, and residential focus on mental health has been critical in these last few years,” he said. “In our post-COVID experience, students are coming to higher education with a variety of disconnected experiences. Workshops and wellness support have aimed to help students who need resources around mental health and independent living.”

Parent connection shifts from advocate to support team

As a holistic transitional program, Thames builds connections with both students and their parents, long-time advocates for their students who find themselves in a new role as part of the support team.

“Parents help forge a new independent model where their student is building toward a new independence. They move from being their student’s day-to-day person to seeing their independent adult college student moving forward. It is a shift new to both the parent and the student. Typically around Thanksgiving parents notice a difference in their student, shifting the role of parenting to beginning a new adult relationship.”

“We want our students to succeed in independence, but the program is based on the diverse support that they bring with them including families, caregivers, advocates, and school liaisons. We always want the student to take the lead and facilitate a conversation. That is usually something that they must learn. We know that a student’s advocate, no matter who they are, has been fighting for their student for a long time. This switch in dynamics can take some time and practice. Still, communication with everyone is essential. Over the past couple of years, we have enhanced our communication initiatives—introducing a blog, open office hours, and a parent and advocate book club. We have also added social events at orientation and Fall Weekend for parents to meet and talk with one another. We want to allow parents to see what happens when they step back from their student and shift their focus to helping the program and sharing their experiences as life-long advocates for their student.”

Similar ‘lived experience’ helps Samul connect with students

Just as Thames at Mitchell College can change the way students see themselves, it has changed the way Samul, a Mitchell College alumnus, sees himself. His own lived experience helps him understand and connect with his students in a profound way.

“When I came to Mitchell in 1989 as a dyslexic writer, I was under-prepared for the college experience. By the time I left I had been nominated for The Day Journalist Award. I went on to Eastern Connecticut State University and earned a bachelor’s degree, and then earned an MFA from Western Connecticut State University. Now I am completing my doctorate in educational leadership.”

Samul knows how the power of connection to a college—its people, purpose, and practice—can “bring everything together for someone,” like it did for him.

“I want to give students who come through the program that same sense of purpose. I want to talk about their doubts, share their vision, and see those first steps into their adult lives. I see it every graduation when students walk across the stage—so much hard work all captured in a moment in time.”

Remembering Faculty and Staff

Mitchell College recently lost four longtime faculty and staff, who dedicated themselves to decades of service, connecting with and shaping countless students into who they are today.

Theodore “Ted” Hargrove, 92, passed away on July 17, 2024, in Sanford, ME. Ted joined Mitchell College in 1960 and served multiple generations of Mitchell students until his retirement in 1994. He was an instructor and faculty advisor to the school newspaper, “Thamesana,” and the Alumni Association, and was the director of public relations and development for Mitchell’s Athletics department and was inducted into the Mitchell College Athletics Hall of Fame for his work there. Pre-deceased by his wife, Barbara, his sister, a son, and a daughter, he is survived by two daughters, two sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his beloved Red Sox.

David Harvey, 96, passed away on May 4, 2024. He joined Mitchell College in 1956 and was dean of students from 1958 to 1969 and subsequently named dean of the faculty and then dean of the college from 1976 until 1991. David remained active with many of the retirees from Mitchell College for most of his life. He received his bachelor’s degree from Colby College in 1953, then served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War. He went on to receive his master’s degree in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1956 and his doctorate in education from the University of Connecticut in 1971. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Joan, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Irving Hopkins, 93, passed away on March 10, 2024. He spent much of his working life at Mitchell College, joining the life sciences faculty in 1966 and becoming chair of the department in 1993 until his retirement in 2017. He taught biology, microbiology, anatomy/physiology, and chemistry. Irving earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Connecticut State College in 1960 and a master’s degree in marine zoology from the University of Connecticut in 1967. He was pre-deceased by his husband, Donald B. Reid, and is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Doug Yarnall, 84, passed away on July 22, 2022. Doug began his career at Mitchell College in 1964 in the Athletics department, where he served until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure he was a teacher, athletics director, and men’s basketball coach. Doug was an inductee into the Mitchell College Athletics Hall of Fame and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Yarnall Athletic Center at Mitchell College is named in his honor. He is survived by his wife, Heather, his children, and grandchildren.

State Funding to Expand Accessibility to Mitchell Woods

Mitchell College was recently awarded a $396,960 grant for Mitchell Woods: Accessibility in Action by the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The project will expand accessibility of Mitchell Woods to a broad range of users, including college students, seniors, preschool and school-age children, hearing- and sight-impaired individuals, and the greater community. Improvements will include universally accessible trails, multiple respite areas with benches, interpretive signage, and wayfinding improvements for people with visual and sensory impairments. When complete, Mitchell Woods will offer one mile of fully accessible recreational trails in the heart of New London. The project is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, president of Mitchell College, said, “Since initial improvements were made to Mitchell Woods almost 10 years ago, we have received many requests to increase accessibility even more. We are excited to create the best experience possible for all trail users, including visitors from the New London area and greater Southeastern Connecticut community.”

Several community organizations, including the New London Senior Center, the LEARN Regional Educational Service Center, and the South East CT Community Center of the Blind, participated in a needs assessment for the project, helping to ensure that Mitchell Woods will be universally accessible. The USDA Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails will also be utilized in the trail design.

Mitchell Woods is a 26-acre public park that includes wooded trails and a pond, in addition to a basketball court, two Little League fields, and the Children’s Learning Center at Mitchell College. The project includes the completion of a concrete promenade, addition of stone dust to natural surface trails, stone curbing on the trail-side edge of the pond, boardwalk railings, signage, and wayfinding elements using auditory, tactile, and textural cues to enrich experiences for all.