Built on Possibility. Empowered by Potential.
For twenty years, Thames at Mitchell College has helped students discover their strengths, build confidence and independence, and prepare for success in college and beyond.
What began as an innovative idea has grown into an important part of the Mitchell College story. Since welcoming its first class in 2006, Thames has created opportunities for hundreds of students to grow, discover what is possible, and prepare for their next chapter.
During the 2026–27 academic year, we invite Thames alumni, families, faculty, staff, friends, and supporters to join us as we celebrate 20 years of Thames—and look ahead to all that is still to come.
The celebration starts here
Come back to campus and reconnect with the Thames community as we honor the people and vision that shaped Thames, celebrate 20 years of impact, and help create opportunities for the students who will shape its future.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Proceeds from the evening will support the future of Thames at Mitchell College.
Please respond by September 25
A Message from the President
What began in 2006 as a bold belief—that students can thrive when we recognize their strengths, meet them where they are, and provide the right support and opportunities—has become an important part of Mitchell College’s story.
Over the past two decades, hundreds of students have come to Thames to discover more about themselves, build confidence, develop independence, and prepare for what comes next. For many, Thames has been a bridge: a place to grow, to gain the skills and confidence needed for college, and to begin imagining a future filled with greater possibility.
The Thames Story
The story of Thames began before its doors officially opened in 2006. From an idea for a new kind of college-based transition program to the Thames of today, its history has been shaped by people who believed in what students could achieve when given the right opportunities and support.
2000–2004
Vice President Kevin Mayne leads the research and development of a college-based post-graduate transition program, building support for the concept and helping develop and advocate for the proposal that would ultimately be presented to the Board of Trustees.
2004
With the endorsement of President Mary Ellen Jukoski and Dean Jane Friederichs, Mayne presents the proposal at the Board of Trustees’ October meeting, where it is unanimously approved. The proposal describes Thames as the first co-ed post-graduate program offered in a college-based environment.
Fall 2006
Thames Academy launches with 33 inaugural students representing nine states and Hong Kong. Tammy Vuksinic (now Byron) serves as the inaugural director and remains in the role until 2015.
September 19, 2006
A ribbon cutting celebrates the newly renovated Thames Academy building at 11 Gardner Avenue, also known as East Winds.
2007
Thames Academy expands its reach by offering a commuter program.
2015
Thames marks its 10-year anniversary with education law expert Susan Yellin, parent of a former Thames student and director of advocacy and transition services at the Yellin Center for Mind, Brain, and Education in New York.
2016
Jacqueline Jewett becomes the second director of Thames.
Approximately 2017
As the program grows beyond East Winds, it relocates to the waterfront houses on Pequot Avenue—Fairhaven, Harbor House, and Moorings. Thames Academy becomes Thames at Mitchell around this time.
2017
Tracy Geary becomes the third director of Thames.
2018
Rebecca Amanti becomes interim director. Thames staff relocate to Umbrella House for tutoring and other student support.
2019
Beverly Scully becomes the fourth director of Thames.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic changes the course of education. For a period of time, Thames remains the only in-person program at Mitchell College.
2024
Ron Samul becomes the fifth director of Thames.
2025
Thames students become eligible to participate in Mitchell College athletics for the first time. Jumpstart, a two-week summer program for high school juniors and seniors, is offered for the first time.
2026
Thames celebrates its 20th anniversary and launches the Thames Online pilot program.
2026
The Mitchell College Board of Trustees endorses the Institute for Neurodivergent Leadership. The Institute includes Thames, STAIRS, and SAILS, as well as the development of a living-learning environment for young adults age 23 and older.
Thames is more than a timeline. Its story belongs to the students, families, faculty, staff, and friends who have been part of it.
Were you part of Thames? We invite you to share a favorite memory, photo, reflection, or update and help us tell the story of the past 20 years.
Share Your Story
October 2 is just the beginning. Additional stories, events, and opportunities to reconnect will be added throughout the 2026–27 academic year.
The Red Barn at Mitchell College
Voices and memories from across the Thames community.
New ways to celebrate will be added throughout the year.
For twenty years, Thames has been built on possibility and powered by the potential of its students.
As we celebrate all that has been accomplished, we are also looking forward—to new students, new opportunities, and new ways for Thames to continue making a difference.
Your support helps ensure that future students have the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence, and imagine what’s possible.
Support the Future of Thames