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Irish Daily Mirror
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Superwomen! Maguire, Thornton, McFerran, Brosnan Adeleke, now rugby's Kiripati.
Ireland's Ivana Kiripati will tell you she is from Dysart in Roscommon, proud of it, but that she was mainly brought up in flanker's rugby career began at Buccaneers but hit lift-off with the American International College in Springfield - no, not the Simpsons one, the Massachusetts remarkable here is that while Irish soccer (i.e. Courtney Brosnan), golf (Leona Maguire at Wake University no less), basketball (Edel Thornton), hockey (Ayeisha McFerran), athletics (Rhasidat Adeleke) mine this US who is of Samoan descent, only earned his first Irish cap as a 21 year-old, against Scotland last week, and will earn her second today against Canada as a 22 year-old having had her birthday yesterday."Ivana has been slightly under the radar because she went to college in America," says Ireland Head Coach Scott Bemand of her, to now, absence."So she's now finished up, finished up her college qualifications over in America. "When she was back over here, she was involved in Celtic Challenge last year over the Christmas period so Ivana has been part of our pathway, even though not on the shores of Ireland because she's been over in America doing her college course. Ireland's Ivana Kiripati and Siobhán McCarthy come up against Alex Stewart of Scotland (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) "So when she's been back in Ireland, we've had touch-points and kept in contact both through coaching, S&C, physio, all that stuff."So Ivana doesn't come in as an unknown for us, we've had tabs on her for a good while."Kiripati was an AIC Yellowjackets starter in each of her four years (2021-25) in the US, won two National Div II championships, and was an all-NIRA XV selection in 2023."We have watched her growth in the first Celtic Challenge from a young player having touch points in senior rugby to actually getting on the ball, creating go forward, and developing a new sense of on-pitch confidence within that Celtic Challenge space."So then we got a chance to work with her again last year over the last season's Celtic Challenge and she's gone from strength to strength."We weren't able to have her involved over the Six Nations because she was finishing up with her course over in America. Now that's done and dusted she comes back online but we've always knew that she'd come back online for this point."Strange too that the IRFU are not monitoring US colleges/scholarships opportunities as for instance Eddie O'Sullivan is Technical Advisor to prestigious Ivy League college Brown University which is an NIRA Div I Bemand of being 'away' in the US: "New players now probably have more support in terms of the island of Ireland. "So do I see it as a good thing going over to America? It has its challenges because, being honest. "It's slightly disconnected to the rugby programme over here, they probably wouldn't have that strong sense of the importance of a Six Nations, which is why she had to finish off her qualifications."We couldn't bring her over. She takes an extended break because she wouldn't have got the qualifications that she was over there to achieve. "There's a much stronger foundation, a lot stronger pathway in place now in Ireland so I would say probably it's the best place as it sits now for youngsters to be better supported, to be in Ireland. READ MORE: A Star is Born: Ireland's rugby no8 Aoife Wafer is about to set our sports world on fire - One F in Foley "But look, she's done what she needed to do, she's finished, she's awaiting the results of her qualifications and now she can crack on with rugby in Ireland."So it's great for us. We knew we would be able to have her involved in a World Cup pre-season and for her to be able to put her hand up for selection."And I suspect people will be surprised because she is a bit under the radar but I think they will be delighted to see what levels of performance she can add to the team." Kiripati was a recognised open-side in the US but Bemand believes she is versatile enough to play any of the positions across the back-row."So in terms of back-row specialism and capability of where she can play, she can actually play across the back-row. In terms of her ball carry and dominant, dominance in the face of collisions within close spaces, she's been outstanding."She's been outstanding over the whole preparation piece and I thought she got herself on the ball, started getting more into the game as it went on the other day and that's what you see with these young players."I think at the start, she put one down but we've seen her catches all pre-season, she's been absolutely fine, so look, she gets to go again this weekend."She'll certainly be somebody that I imagine people will talk about over the coming eight weeks for the levels of performance."America, university, has been good for the player, would Bemand recommend it for others with their eye on playing for Ireland?"Three or four years ago when she started a college degree, the WNTS (Women's National Team Squad) was at the stage of forming."So over the last two and a half years, I think it is, the WNTS is up and running so, Ivana actually went over there."Now the pathway has a process in place. We have a formed WNTS so she has been in touch all the way through."Ireland (v Canada, Ravenhill, Belfast 12 noon): Stacey Flood (Railway U/Leins); Beibhinn Parsons (Blackrock/Conn), Aoife Dalton (Belvedere/Leins), Enya Breen (Blackrock/Munster), Anna McGann (Railway U/Conn); Dannah O'Brien (Belvedere/Leins), Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock/Conn)Niamh O'Dowd (Belvedere/Leins), Neve Jones (Glou-Hart) capt, Linda Djougang (Belvedere/Leins), Ruth Campbell (Belvedere/Leins), Fiona Tuite (Belvedere/Ulster), Grace Moore (Trailfinders/IQ Rugby), Ivana Kiripati (Creggs/Connacht), Brittany Hogan (Belvedere/Ulster) Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter), Ellena Perry (Glou-Hart/IQ Rugby)**, Sadhbh McGrath (Cooke/Ulster), Eimear Corri Fallon (Blackrock/Leins), Sam Monaghan, (Glou-Hart/IQ Rugby), Claire Boles (Railway U/Ulster), Emily Lane (Blackrock/Ulster), Eve Higgins (Railway U/Leins) Canada: Julia Schell; Alysha Corrigan, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier, Paige Farries; Claire Gallagher, Justine Pelletier; McKinley Hunt, Gillian Boag, DaLeaka Menin, Sophie de Goede, Tyson Beukeboom, Karen Paquin, Caroline Crossley, Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC). Replacements: Emily Tuttosi, Brittany Kassil, Olivia DeMerchant, Courtney O'Donnell, Pamphinette Buisa, Olivia Apps, Shoshanah Seumanutafa Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Upper Hill Council opens new community space in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – There's a new community space in the city of Springfield, and its grand opening was Tuesday. Taylor Swift-themed planetarium show 'Reputation: Under the Stars,' coming to Springfield Museums The space, located at 935 State Street, is on the American International College campus and across the street from the MLK Church. The Upper Hill Neighborhood Council says it is open to all residents, stakeholders, and community partners. The goal of the space is to better help address the needs of the surrounding area. Hours of operation for the new community space are yet to be determined. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump administration policies creating ‘chilling effect' on smaller colleges
SPRINGFIELD — The new president of American International College wants to increase enrollment by touting the school's benefits, but she is watching what she says, careful not to anger President Donald Trump. That's because AIC is in no position to antagonize or resist Trump, said AIC's new president, Nicolle Cestero, in an interview with The Republican. 'We are a small, private institution without a large endowment. If the (Trump) administration said, 'You can no longer have a program focused on (DEI), or you can no longer have international students, we aren't in a position to fight the federal government. We don't have the resources that a school like Harvard does,' she said. 'That means we want to stay under the radar and not be a target.' The college's board recently — and unanimously — selected Cestero as the 13th president of the 140-year-old institution. Her appointment is historic, as she is the first woman to lead the college. Cestero is taking the helm at a time of declining student enrollment at AIC, which is mirrored at colleges and universities across the country. She said a diminishing number of students are attending high school and going on to college, because families are having fewer children. There is also a trend toward the trades, as those who do graduate from high school wave off higher education for jobs that don't require an advanced degree. Cestero is tackling the problem by directing faculty and staff to create modern courses relevant to younger students and adult learners. 'We are so relevant to students and the Springfield area. We need to ensure we're here long term,' said Cestero. Along with traditional means of marketing to potential students, Cestero is leveraging modern online platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram — but she is cautiously avoiding Trump's hot button topics like diversity, equity and inclusion. 'The (Trump) administration doesn't necessarily like the term DEI,' said Cestero. Trump is an admitted DEI foe, wiping out any mention of it from federal websites. He is also attacking many colleges and universities with a DEI focus, freezing their federal funding. Cestero said AIC is committed to DEI values but is not going public with its approach. She admits Trump's threats to colleges and universities are having a chilling effect on higher ed. 'We are going out there and saying, 'Come to AIC,' and we are selling the institution and our programs and athletics, but we are not going out there and saying, 'Come to AIC, because we have this awesome center for diversity, equity and inclusion,' because something like that could easily become a target,' she said. Cestero said more than half of AIC's students are at or below the federal poverty level and need financial assistance. In 2022 school year, 96% of undergraduates received some form of financial aid, with none of AIC's students paying full tuition, because they are unable to cover the full amount, according to Cestero. Without a large endowment and wealthy donors, AIC relies on federal funding to run the school and help students. Kevin Saremi chairs the college's board of trustees. He told The Republican he supports Cestero's low-key approach to controversial matters. 'It is frustrating where the federal government wants to impose their belief system on higher ed. It's not just us. It's across the board,' said Saremi. 'Over the next three years, there's going to be a lot of challenges as we look for more funding. We rely on grants.' The Republican obtained a copy of a letter that the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges just sent to members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation. The presidents of all 15 colleges signed the correspondence, which outlines the group's 'significant concerns' with the budget from the House's Committee on Education and the Workforce, which is being discussed in Washington. In a number of ways, the bill makes it difficult for students to be eligible for and receive the popular Pell Grants that help pay tuition, according to the letter, which was signed by the presidents of Springfield Technical Community College along with Greenfield, Holyoke and Berkshire Community colleges. The letter states, 'These policies disproportionately target community college students. In light of the devastating consequences, we ask you to fight for the continued Pell eligibility.' The letter urges Bay State representatives to oppose measures that make it harder for students to get loans and for colleges to accept students on assistance. 'Community colleges have not faced as big a potential threat to our very existence and that of our students as we are right now,' said Nate Mackinnon, executive director of the association. 'This is as big a threat as it comes. This is a nine-alarm fire. We would be devastated if the changes to the Pell Grant go forward. They will cripple community colleges and our students,' he said. According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 'While the administration wrote that (another program) is 'less targeted' than the federal Pell Grant program, this budget proposal did not include prospective funding levels for the Pell Grant program.' While each of the community college presidents is not individually and directly taking on Trump policies, they are using the collective strength. The safety-in-numbers approach allows them to amplify their collective voices. 'If we sit here and be silent on removing federal financial aid, I don't think we'd be doing our job. Every president takes an oath to serve the commonwealth and the best interests of their constituencies. It would be reckless to say nothing. We have to stand up and call attention to what these cuts mean,' said Mackinnon. HCC President George Timmons was one of the signers of the letter, 'because (cuts) would have a severe negative impact on the students we serve,' he said. 'We're concerned about our students being able to continue their education, and the impact these actions will have on their ability to access higher education,' Timmons said. When asked about the threat of federal cuts, STCC issued a statement: 'While federal funding remains uncertain, STCC leadership has joined with all of (the) other Massachusetts community colleges in raising concerns with the legislative delegation.' While President Trump has gone on the offensive against those who oppose his agenda — including schools and law firms — Timmons said he was not concerned about signing the letter. 'I'm committed to doing the work and the mission of community colleges, regardless of who's in office,' he said. Trump has largely focused his ire on Ivy League schools, freezing or threatening to withhold billions of dollars earmarked for Harvard, Cornell, Columbia and Princeton universities, along with the University of Pennsylvania. Some college presidents have agreed to Trump's demands — others, like Harvard, are fighting him. As Trump cracks down on immigration, his administration also is focusing on international students by revoking hundreds of student visas. The Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges is so concerned about the president's posture toward immigrants and students from other nations, its executive director is issuing a clarifying statement. 'U.S. citizens — that's who gets Pell Grants. I want to be clear. These are legal. These are not undocumented individuals getting Pell Grants. These are people who live here and are from here and have legal status here,' said Mackinnon. As colleges and universities fight for a decreasing number of students, officials are under no illusion they will get much help from the president, unless they toe the line. 'We have to continue on our mission,' said Cestero. 'Keep our heads down and move forward.' Wastewater overflow in Connecticut River falls to 543 million gallons in 2024 PVPC working on two-decade plan for bikers and pedestrians Big Y recalls made-to-order sandwiches for salmonella concerns Police, Fire Dept. contend with explosive munition at Memorial Hall in Northampton Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AIC to offer Computer Science, IT programs in fall 2025 semester
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – American International College (AIC) plans to introduce two new undergraduate programs to students beginning in the fall of 2025 in response to an increase in demand for careers in the technology field. AIC's School of Business Arts and Sciences is launching programs in Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) this fall, offered to students as both majors and minors. These programs were developed by the college in collaboration with Google, allowing students to build portfolios and learn vital skills to prepare them for careers beyond graduation. Students enrolled in the IT program will also be required to take two CompTIA certification exams before they graduate. American International College appoints Nicolle Cestero as first woman president 'I'm proud of the collaboration and work between our faculty and academic partners that brought these forward-looking programs to life,' said Dr. Susanne Swanker, Dean of the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences. 'With demand surging for professionals in data systems, cybersecurity, and software development, these programs offer our students a direct pathway into some of the fastest-growing and most impactful careers in the tech sector.' AIC stated that employment in technology-related fields is projected to grow 22% over the next decade, and this program has been developed to prepare students to become industry leaders in the coming years. Approximately 80% of the coursework in these programs will take place on the campus, with the remaining amount to be completed virtually. 'These new programs in Computer Science and Information Technology reflect AIC's commitment to staying ahead of workforce trends and equipping students with cutting-edge, career-ready skills,' said Dr. Michael Dodge, Chief Academic Officer. 'With direct input from industry leaders, these offerings combine technical training with real-world application. They will ensure our graduates are not just prepared for today's jobs, but for the innovation economy of tomorrow.' For more information, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American International College appoints Nicolle Cestero as first woman president
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The American International College (AIC) Board of Trustees announced the appointment of the school's 13th president on Monday. Nicolle Cestero, who has served as AIC's Interim President since March 2024, was unanimously selected as the first female president in the institution's 140-year history. Cestero joined AIC in 2011, serving as Chief of Staff, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President prior to her current role. American International College students graduate in 140th Commencement ceremony As Chief Operating Officer, Cestero worked as a senior advisor to the previous president, Hubert Benitez, and managed the school's legal affairs and day-to-day operations. She was a member of the President's Cabinet and all school board committees. 'Nicolle Cestero has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and strategic vision throughout her time at AIC,' said Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Saremi. 'The Board is confident that her knowledge of the College, along with her deep understanding of higher education and operational excellence, will continue to move AIC forward. Her appointment is a historic and well-earned milestone for the institution.' Following Benitez's resignation, Cestero was appointed interim president, expanding many of AIC's operations into a new era of growth. In November 2024, she led the launch of 'Pathway to Progress,' a business plan outlining updates to the college in the coming years. This included a revised academic portfolio, expanded degree offerings, and streamlined athletic programming. While Cestero is the first woman to be appointed president of AIC, she is the second woman to serve as interim president, with the first being Edith Scott Magna in 1946. Her new position will officially begin on July 1, 2025. 'It's truly an honor to serve as president of American International College, an institution that has had such a transformative impact on my life and the lives of so many others,' Cestero said. 'I'm grateful to the Board of Trustees for their confidence and support. I'm excited to work alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners to continue advancing AIC's mission of access, opportunity, and preparing students to achieve their goals.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
