I hope that spring is in the air as you read this column, after a stormy March in the Northeast.
This spring issue of Focus once again underscores all the great things happening at Westfield State through our students, faculty, and outreach initiatives. Included are stories highlighting some of our incredible alumni that are as rich and varied as the individuals themselves, along with articles spotlighting the amazing accomplishments of today’s students.
To quote Larry Gwozdz ’69, “My professors—each of them—taught me how to succeed, to proceed forward. I learned how to be disciplined, to channel and focus my intelligence and abilities.” I think after reading this issue, you will agree that these tenets continue to guide and define Westfield State.
We celebrate the distinguished faculty who support this valued culture on campus. In November, four faculty members were selected for recognition. We are extremely grateful to each for their commitment to their work and their contributions to the University. Our retired faculty and staff cannot be forgotten, for they too have impacted student success. In fact, they continue to participate and contribute, and we welcome and celebrate their time, talents, and institutional knowledge.
Current students are accomplishing great things in athletics, and in and out of the classroom, the pride of the campus community is palpable. You’ll read in detail about history-making athleticism and impressive research presentations, journal publication, and trail mapping.
Alumni continue to make their alma mater proud. In this issue, we focus on a few graduates and discover how they give back. You’ll read stories of three alumni of the Criminal Justice program who are police officers in the city of Westfield; a teacher who makes her classroom outdoors; a legacy family who continues to produce Owls; and the full article about Larry, whose passion and commitment to his alma mater sparked his desire to give back to this institution.
Larry has established a planned gift to the University and created a virtual endowment that will support critical programs on campus for years to come. His gifts, along with yours, are transforming the educational experience for our deserving students.
It is indeed an incredible time to be an Owl!
