News Archives

Baseball Heads to NCAA Regional Championship Game

May 19, 2024 | News

Senior Camren Varney (Manchester, N.H.) tossed a complete game one-hitter, leading the Mitchell College baseball team past No. 9/11 Salisbury University 5-1 in NCAA Tournament action on Saturday afternoon in the Babson Park Regional at Govoni Field. They play Salisbury again Sunday at 11 a.m. in the championship game.

With an overall record of 34-11, the Mariners have matched the program’s all-time win total and will need just one victory on Sunday to advance to the Super Regional Round for the first time in program history.

The hard throwing right hander went the distance for the second consecutive outing, surrendering one run and two walks, while striking out six. Varney also hit three batters, but allowed only two batters to reach third base all game.

Senior third baseman Jack Hayes (New Milford, Conn.) led the Mariners at the plate, finishing 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Playing in his first game since April 23rd, sophomore Savier Paige (Wethersfield, Conn.) delivered a run scoring base hit to snap a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth inning, while Cole Lalli (Coventry, Conn.), Michael Ficocelli (North Providence, R.I.), Chas Terni Jr. (Montville, Conn.), Michael Gajda (New Britain, Conn.), and Thai-ler Sestokas (Danbury, Conn.) finished with one hit apiece for Mitchell in the win.

After Varney retired the side in order in the top of the first, the Sea Gulls threatened the following inning and got runners on first and second after two batters were hit by pitches. The hard throwing righty escaped the jam, however, inducing a fly out to centerfield and recording a strikeout to keep the game scoreless.

The Sea Gulls again got a man to second base in the top of the third after Andrew Kell drew a walk and stole second, but again Varney worked his way out of trouble by getting the next two batters to fly out. The first batter to advance past second base came in the top of the fifth when Max Ehrhardt walked with two outs, stole second, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Varney stranded the runner 90 feet from home by punching out Kell, who watched an outside fastball get called for a strike.

The Mariners led off the bottom of the fifth with three straights singles by Jack Hayes, Chas Terni Jr., and Michael Gajda, setting up a bases loaded situation with no outs. Savier Paige then opened the scoring by lacing a run scoring single to centerfield, and Thai-ler Sestokas followed that up with an RBI groundout to give the Mariners a 2-0 edge.

Mitchell grew their lead in the sixth when Jack Hayes ripped a two-run bases loaded single up the middle off Salisbury relief pitcher Shawn Rosemond, and an error by the Sea Gulls followed which allowed the fifth run to cross home for the Mariners.

Following two more scoreless frames, Varney’s no-hit bid was spoiled when Danny Sheeler led off the inning with a single, and eventually came around to score on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Dom Frigola. Salisbury starter Garrett Beaver was charged with his third loss of the spring after surrendering two runs in four innings of work.

To watch the livestream: https://babsonsportsnetwork.com/

To view the Regional Tournament homepage: https://babsonathletics.com/feature/2024baseballregional

For information on Mitchell Athletics, check out the Mitchell College Athletics website anytime.

Baseball Will Open NCAA Tournament on Friday at Babson Regional

May 15, 2024 | News

After capturing the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) championship during their inaugural season in the conference, the Mitchell College baseball team earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament. On Monday afternoon, the Mariners learned their fate in the Regional Round, and will travel to Babson College, which was selected as one of 6 regional hosts. They will play on Friday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Under first-year head coach Shawn Gilblair, the Mariners (32-11) swept a best-of-three championship series against Johnson & Wales University to win the GNAC Championship on Friday, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season and ninth time overall.

Mitchell, who surpassed the 30-win mark for the sixth time in the Division III era of the program, have never advanced out of the Regional Round. In 2023, the Mariners hosted a Regional Round for the first time in program history, and entered the final day of play in the driver’s seat, needing just one victory over Wheaton (Mass.) to advance. However, the Lyons upended the Mariners twice, ending Mitchell’s season on their home diamond.

The Mariners will face the host Beavers (30-11) in one of two games on Friday, while No. 7 Salisbury University (28-9) faces UMass Dartmouth (24-18-1) in the other opening round contest at Govoni Field.

Babson claimed their first New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) championship since 2018 on Sunday when they defeated Wheaton College twice to secure their sixth NCAA Tournament berth and first since 2019.

The Seagulls, who earned an at-large bid will be playing in their 24th consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament and will compete for a national championship for the 29th time in program history. Salisbury has played in every national tournament since 2000, qualifying for the College World Series on eight occasions.

The Corsairs earned the automatic qualifier after winning the Little East Championship on Saturday. They will be making their eighth trip in program history to the NCAA Tournament and the first since the 2000 season.

To watch the livestream: https://babsonsportsnetwork.com/

To view the Regional Tournament homepage: https://babsonathletics.com/feature/2024baseballregional

For information on Mitchell Athletics, check out the Mitchell College Athletics website anytime.

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).