A Newsletter Celebrating Mitchell College Alumni | Spring 2024 | |
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President's Corner
Johnathan Atkinson ‘16
President, Mitchell College Alumni Association
president@alumni.mitchell.edu
My Fellow Alumni,
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I address you today as the newly elected president of the Mitchell College Alumni Association. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this important role, and I am eager to work alongside each and every one of you to propel our alma mater to new heights.
As a proud graduate of Mitchell College with a degree in communication, I am deeply committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for all alumni. My experiences during my time at Mitchell have equipped me with a profound understanding of our community and a deep commitment to serving our alumni with passion and dedication.
My vision for the future of our association is one of unity, connectivity, and support. I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of our alumni, ensuring that our diverse needs are not only heard but also addressed. Together, we will create a network that fosters personal and professional growth, where mentorship, networking opportunities, and continued engagement are at the core of our efforts.
I am honored to have your support and your trust, and I am eager to collaborate with each of you to realize our shared aspirations. I believe that, together, we can drive meaningful change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your ongoing support and belief in our shared vision. I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you, and I am committed to serving our alumni community with dedication and integrity.
Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to the opportunity to work together to shape a brighter future for our beloved Mitchell College.
Sincerely,
Johnathan Atkinson ‘16
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The Learning Continues
We invite our alumni to unlock new opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive! Mitchell College is committed to supporting powerful ideas with unique learning opportunities. Come and explore ways to continue your learning journey with us. Please share these opportunities with family and friends looking for their next learning adventure. We'll be with you every step of the way.
Check out Mitchell College's learning options
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Launching Our Learn Online BA in Professional Studies
Our newest accelerated program in professional studies is tailored for students with some college credits but no credentials (SCNC)—perfect for adult learners aiming to complete their degree.
Program Highlights:
- Develop soft skills like leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration.
- Hone hard skills including writing, communication, and tech readiness.
- Choose a pathway fitting your personal and professional goals.
Learn from Where You Are:
- Our program is now 100% online, approved by NECHE as of December 12, 2023.
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Mitchell Hub: Your Gateway to Professional Growth
Looking to boost your skills at work? Need training for your staff? The Mitchell Hub is here for you! Tailored for busy professionals, it embodies accessibility, connectedness, and flexibility, bringing Mitchell's personalized approach to the workplace.
Exciting Updates:
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Mitchell Hub Seminars are a blend of self-paced online learning and group seminars led by industry mentors. Our inaugural course, "Being a Manager," is perfect for new managers, focusing on essential skills and mindsets.
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Neuroequity courses foster inclusivity with courses exploring neurodiversity. Whether taken individually or as part of a group, these courses shed light on equitable practices and workplace strategies. Courses include:
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Defining Neurodiversity: Get familiar with key terms and reflect on inclusive practices. (3 hours)
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Neuroequity in the Workplace: Understand neurodiversity's strengths and learn to create an inclusive workplace. (25 hours)
Spread the Word...Other Mitchell Hub Opportunities:
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WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Eligibility: Mitchell College offers 11 programs eligible for financial assistance through WIOA, aiding unemployed and underemployed residents in gaining training and support.
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Mentorship Opportunities: If you are an experienced manager interested in mentoring others, we need you!
Contact Karen Bellnier, director of digital innovation, for more details about anything Mitchell Hub-related. Stay connected and keep learning with Mitchell College!
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Mitchell Athletics: Excellence On and Off the Field
As proud alumni of Mitchell College, we invite you to reconnect with our thriving athletic community. Whether it's attending games, supporting our teams from afar, or sharing your own experiences, your involvement fuels the spirit of our Mariners.
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Basketball:
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Our men's basketball team celebrated Senior Day on February 17, honoring lone senior Dontae Pollard '24 (Fort Walton Beach, Fla.). It was a heartfelt moment as we recognized Pollard's contributions to the team.
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The women's basketball seniors were also honored as the crowd celebrated the careers of Yasmine Santos ‘24 (Pawtucket, R.I.), Lyliana Daly ‘24 (Englewood, N.J.), Lexi Watson ‘24 (Stamford, Conn.), and Jermia Dumas ‘24 (Bridgeport, Conn.), with Yasmine Santos '24 leading the charge by scoring an incredible career-high of 40 points, including her 1,000th career point. This remarkable achievement marks a milestone in our program's history.
Baseball:
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Our baseball season kicked off with a strong start, winning two out of three games against William Peace University in North Carolina.
- Led by first-year head coach Shawn Gilblair, the Mariners secured a decisive 7-2 victory against Brandeis University in a home opener on March 3.
- The team showcased their talent and determination with an eight-game lineup against formidable opponents in Florida over spring break.
- The Mariners (16-6, 6-0 GNAC) head into April eager to extend their 8-game winning streak.
Softball:
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Our softball team commenced their season in Florida getting ten games under their belt.
- Returning north, they faced Rhode Island College in their home opening doubleheader on March 19, and head into April ready to demonstrate their remarkable skills.
Lacrosse:
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While the women's lacrosse team faced a tough start with a loss to Wells College, they're gearing up to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.
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Our men's lacrosse team is off to a challenging start, but with determination and grit, they're poised for a comeback. They were back in action after a well-deserved spring break pause and look forward to a promising rest of the season.
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Nominations Being Accepted for Hall of Fame Class of 2024
The Mitchell College Athletic Department is accepting applications for the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The new group is the first Hall of Fame class to be inducted at Mitchell since 2006, with an induction ceremony at the Red Bard scheduled for Fall Weekend, October 11–13.
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Of Thee I Sing
A musical about politics and love,
written by George and Ira Gershwin
Tired of politics in the 21st Century? Come join the Mitchell College Players for the spring musical as we turn back the time machine to an imaginary presidential election in the 1930s. The old adage is true: the more things change, the more they stay the same!
Venue: Clarke Center Stage
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Performance Dates and Times:
Thursday, April 11 — 7:00pm
Friday, April 12 — 7:00pm
Saturday, April 13 — 2:00pm
Saturday, April 13 — 7:00pm
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Ticket Prices:
Students/Alumni: $5
Faculty/Staff $10
Public General Admission $15
Purchase tickets online
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"Letting OUR Voices Be Heard," a joyous celebration of Black culture and heritage, was held on February 25 in the Clarke and Weller Centers at Mitchell College. The several hundred community members, students, staff, faculty, and other guests in attendance were inspired, entertained, and educated thanks to the vision of first-year student-athlete/author, Inonda Peterson's '27 (Houston, Texas). This was an amazing display of unity and community spirit for all who spent time enjoying the art, performers, businesses, and more.
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Future Leaders at Mitchell (FLM) kicked off their program with an opening dinner to celebrate the students who had been selected for the newest cohort. These students were nominated by faculty and staff that recognized the potential in the students; they then went through an interview process and were selected to participate.
The FLM program is a comprehensive leadership development initiative at Mitchell College designed to empower students to become ethical, resilient, and visionary leaders poised to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
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Save the Dates
Campus Honors and Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Commencement: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Mitchell College Night at the CT Sun: Friday, Sept 6, 2024
Fall Weekend: October 11–13, 2024
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Can you help us? The Mitchell College Archives is missing the 1977 Thames Log yearbook. If you have an extra copy to donate, please contact Jen Welsh at welsh_j@mitchell.edu. | |
A 'Must Add' for Your Playlist
Former Radio Mitchell pioneers and personalities Megan Roche '13 and John McGowan '14 are creating a Mitchell College podcast called "Mitchell Made."
The two are excited to bring their talents back to the school, where they were known for broadcasting basketball games, launching the Radio Mitchell Evening News, and helping the station become a presence in the greater New London community.
Their new podcast will feature interviews with alumni, provide updates on what is happening on campus now, and share ways fellow alumni can get involved. There might even be a few surprise guests from time to time.
Follow @mitchell_made_podcast on Instagram to learn more and get excited about the official launch!
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A Reimagined Alumni Association Takes Shape
You may have noticed that the Mitchell College Alumni Association has been a bit quiet for a while. Thankfully, a recent burst of energy has brought support and guidance from many who are committed to reviving this important organization.
Our new Executive Board has taken the helm and is ready to steer us into a new and exciting chapter. The Alumni Leadership Council, a working group of dedicated Mitchell College graduates, has been helping to reimagine and elevate the concept of the Mitchell College Alumni Association. This new vision is intentionally designed to connect and engage our richly diverse alumni community. More information about our four main priorities—communication, engagement, benefits, and stewardship—will be coming soon.
PS. Speaking of FOUR...does your graduating class end in 4 (1954, ‘64, ‘74, ‘84, ‘94, ‘04, ‘14)? If so, THIS IS YOUR YEAR! Be sure to mark your calendar for Fall Weekend 2024 (October 11–13, 2024) when we will be celebrating YOU!
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For the Love of Mitchell
The love from our alums comes in all shapes and sizes. Everyone who cares about Mitchell College has a different reason and memory that captures a special place in their hearts. We recently put the call out to alumni to learn what LOVE they discovered while on campus. Here's a sample of what you said.
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Alumni Connections, Milestones, and Passages | |
WE MET AT MITCHELL...Bob Lembeck ’61 and classmate Harriet Rogers Wood ‘61 recently met for lunch in Naples, Fla., to catch up
on life’s journeys.
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James Mosley ’76, author of Life Under the Microscope as an African-American, will be doing a book signing at the Nautilus Museum in Groton, Conn., on April 6, 2024. Details can be found here.
Rob Zatta ‘11 is working as an EMT for the Robert Wood Johnson system in New Jersey.
Samantha Adler ‘15 started a new position as a special education teacher at Montville (Conn.) Public Schools.
Allison Horton '19 is employed as the human resources generalist and recruiter for LEARN Regional Educational Service Center in Old Lyme, Conn.
Francesca Pinard ‘19 earned a master's degree in biological sciences- biotechnology from the University of Massachusetts and obtained a new certification as a radiation safety officer from Radiation Safety Engineering.
Julia Reid ‘19 is employed as a special education teacher working with 3–5-year-olds at the Friendship School in Waterford, Conn.
Emil Cortorreal ‘22 is working as a social worker at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area in Washington, D.C.
Brian Martin ‘22 enjoys living in Winston-Salem, N.C., and is working for IFB Solutions, a company that hires and trains workers who are blind or visually impaired.
Tyler Peretz ‘22 serves his alma mater as an outstanding admissions counselor at Mitchell College and recently received certification in personal training from the International Sport Sciences Association (ISSA). He is currently working towards an additional certification in strength and conditioning and will begin an MBA through Wilmington University in Fall 2024.
Nia Gethers ‘23 will be attending Southern Connecticut State University in Fall 2024 to begin a master's program in counselor education/school counseling and guidance services.
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Do you have a milestone to share?
Share your milestones with us, such as births, graduations, marriages, moves, and new jobs!
Please include your contact information when you submit.
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Request a Banner for Your Special Event | |
Are you having a banner life event or marking a special occasion with your Mitchell College besties? We’d love to help you celebrate and spread the good news. Mitchell College banners are available to alumni upon request. Our only asks are that you send us some pictures with your crew with the banner so that we can share on social media and in our alumni publications and that you keep the banner to display proudly.
Send your request to alumni@mitchell.edu or welsh_j@mitchell.edu with a description of the event—wedding, girls’ weekend, welcoming a new baby, housewarming, etc. Please allow at least a month notice before the event so that we are sure to get the banner to you in time for the celebration.
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Help Create Mitchell Match Magic
For one week, April 1–8, we invite you to make a gift to the area of the college that means the most to you. Have an impact on the students who 'match' your interests. Thanks to some of our generous donors, a percentage of gifts will also be matched during this week. This match and your gift of any size will immediately help support students’ needs during their time at Mitchell College.
Donors have offered matching gift challenges in various interest areas, such as – athletics, scholarships, student activities, and drama, to name a few. Your gift will help us unlock those dollars, and your match/support will go even further.
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Annual Greetings for Grad Seating
Remember that amazing feeling on Commencement Day? You have a unique opportunity to be part of creating that same excitement this coming May as our newest alumni enter the fold.
Parents, alumni, and friends can send a personalized note and a special gift to graduates on their big day to provide members of the Class of 2024 with a warm welcome into this exciting new phase of life.
Support the Class of 2024
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