Latest news with #WestfieldStateUniversity
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Portion of Elm Street in Westfield closing for Fast 5K Road Race Saturday
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A portion of Elm Street in downtown Westfield will be closed for the Fast 5K Road Race on Saturday. The Westfield Police Department says Elm Street will be closed from Franklin to Court Street between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beginning on Friday afternoon, this area of Elm Street will be posted with no parking signs in preparation for the event. Vehicles are not permitted in the event space by 7 a.m. on Saturday. City of Springfield will celebrate its 389th birthday with the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast on Saturday The race will kick off at Westfield State University on Western Ave and end on Elm Street. Access to Granville Road from Western Ave will be inaccessible during this time. Drivers are asked to seek an alternative route and plan accordingly. 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawsuit accuses Westfield State University of discriminatory scholarships
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A new lawsuit is accusing Westfield State University of discrimination. A federal civil rights complaint was filed by the Equal Protection Project. The complaint says that a number of scholarships at the school that quote 'celebrate diverse experiences' are discriminatory. Westfield State University offers a variety of scholarships to help minority students wanting to achieve their dream of getting a college education. They could be coming from local public schools or a community college. But the Equal Protection Project says that amounts to discrimination. Hampden DA responds to new trial granted in 1984 homicide case 'When we looked, there were six scholarships that are their face, that are discriminatory,' said William Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project. 'Right in the description: '4. On the basis of race or ethnicity,' which violates title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and '2. On the basis of sex,' which violates Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.' The lawsuit states that six scholarships through their 'Westfield State Foundation' listed on their website violate both Title VI and Title IX. The filing includes scholarships that directly go towards helping Latinos, African Americans, and women. The foundation argues that the scholarships are unfair to students who don't fit into those categories. Also, since Westfield State is a public university, the foundation states that these scholarships also violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 'If you only take third-year students, it should be open to all third-year students,' Jacobson said. 'If you only take first-year students, it should be open to all first-year students. Our goal is not to end the scholarships. We want the students to get the money, but we think every student should have an equal shot.' Jacobson said they did not reach out to the institution, since the applications for these scholarships closed on March 23. Instead, they filed a complaint with the Department of Education in hopes of a formal investigation. 22News reached out to Westfield State University but did not hear back yet. Jacobson also said that over 30 schools with similar cases have chosen not to fight this complaint. They're now asking the office for civil rights to investigate. 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
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hampden County Sheriff's Office staff trains year-round with dive team
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Despite the winter season, members of the Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team, including staff from the Hampden County Sheriff's Office, continue to train to ensure they are prepared for water-related emergencies. Rep. Carlos González named Division Leader in Massachusetts House This month, the team conducted training sessions at the Westfield State University pool, refining essential dive techniques. With assistance from Myra Ahern of Westfield State University, the team practiced fundamental skills such as donning and doffing gear and mask clearing. They also tackled more advanced scenarios, including handling entanglements and performing self-rescue maneuvers. Off-season training is a crucial component of the dive team's readiness, allowing them to maintain their expertise and stay prepared for emergency situations throughout the year. The Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, often responding to incidents involving bodies of water across the region. By continuing their training year-round, the team reinforces its commitment to keeping communities safe, ensuring that its members are always ready to respond when needed. 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
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Senators push for answers on State Police recruit's death
BOSTON (WWLP) – Five months after the death of a Massachusetts State Police recruit, a group of state senators are requesting a status update on the investigation into his death. Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a Westfield State University graduate, was 25 years old when he died following a boxing training exercise at the State Police Academy. His injuries included a neck fracture, a damaged skull, and missing teeth. Worcester Senators Michael Moore, Robyn Kennedy, and Peter Durant penned a letter to the attorney general asking for updates on the investigation into what happened. They say an estimate of how long the investigation will take, and any preliminary findings would provide comfort to the family. 'Trooper Delgado Garcia's family has patiently waited for answers to some of the hardest questions they will ever have to ask,' said the senators in their letter. Western Massachusetts Senator John Velis is not one of the letter signers, but he has a unique perspective on the importance of investigating training incidents as a military member. 'I think it's incumbent on all of us, for the individual who lost their lives, as well as their family members, as well as whatever institution you are talking about, to make it better, to find out what happened,' said Velis. He says finding closure for the family and ensuring similar incidents do not occur again is an essential part of honoring the fallen. The attorney general's office says they are not able to comment on ongoing investigations. 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
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Second annual ‘Keeper of the Dream' Dinner honors those who carry out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. legacy
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – In honor of Black History Month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was remembered in Springfield with a dinner, honoring those who carry out his vision. It was a night of reflection and inspiration, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and those who carry on his legacy. Westfield State University recognized 6 honorees for promoting 'the Dream' at their 2nd annual 'Keeper of the Dream' dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield. 'We are proud to to recognize people who really care about humanity and the importance of cultures trying to come together,' said Westfield State University President, Linda Thompson. This year's honoreees are community members who've dedicated themselves to promoting social change and upholding the legacy of Dr. King. Among the honorees is lead custodian at West Springfield Public Schools for over 20 years, Onix Cruz who has become a mentor, listener and friend to students. 'It's just a simple conversation and letting them be themselves and in respecting the point of view, respecting where they come from, respecting that culture, that's just me showing them that it's okay to be yourself. We accept that,' said Cruz. The following is a complete list of the 2025 honorees: Jon-Randel 'Randy' Quarles: Firefighter, Westfield Fire Department – Jon-Randel 'Randy' Quarles is a dedicated emergency services professional with the Westfield Fire Department. He has extensive experience in EMS, fire response, and hazardous materials management. He earned a B.S. in Emergency Medical Services Management from Springfield College and began his career as an EMT in 1996, becoming a Paramedic in 1997. Having been assigned to the Westfield Fire Department in 1999, he has been involved in labor-management committees on grievances and negotiations during his eight years as the union president and Advanced Life Support (ALS) Coordinator. He became a member of the Massachusetts Regional HazMat Response Team, District 4, in 2007 and is currently the Team Coordinator. He was chosen to join the prestigious Joint Hazards Incident Response Team (JHIRT) in 2018, working alongside the Clan Lab Enforcement Team and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad. Quarles remains committed to service – enhancing public safety, leadership, and emergency response. Juanita Mejias: Sergeant, Westfield Police Department – Juanita Mejias is the Traffic Bureau Sergeant for the Westfield Police Department, proudly serving the community since 2001. Over the course of her career, she has worked in every departmental bureau before becoming the first Latina Superior Officer in the history of the Westfield Police Department. Before returning to her hometown of Westfield, where she spent more than 20 years dedicated to community service and public safety, Juanita, a veteran of the United States Army, served overseas in Korea. A lifelong resident of Westfield, Juanita raised her daughters here and cares for her aging parents. Juanita's dedication to leadership and professional development is evidenced by her three degrees in criminal justice – associate's, bachelor's, and master's. She continues to make a lasting impact in Westfield. Onix Cruz: Lead Custodian, West Springfield Public Schools – Onix Cruz was born in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States in 1989. After struggling in high school, he joined Holyoke's YouthBuild program where he obtained his GED and gained confidence and leadership skills. For the past 20 years, Onix has worked as a custodian in West Springfield schools. Onix is more than a custodian—he is a mentor, a listener, and a friend to students and staff alike. Inspired by his own experiences, he launched the 'Bee Yourself' movement, encouraging self-acceptance and perseverance. He works to identify the gaps in youth support and guidance and he makes a meaningful impact on those who may be feeling lost or unsupported. Onix is dedicated to being the mentor he once needed during high school, going out of his way to encourage students, sharing his own story of perseverance and hard work to inspire them to dream big. Matt Griffin: IHD Supervisor & Girls Track and Field Coach, West Springfield Public Schools – As the In-House Detention Supervisor since 2016, Matt Griffin, also known as Coach Griff on the West Springfield High School campus, is about to begin his 27th year as an interscholastic sports coach. He has served as a coach who creates an atmosphere that encourages students to be disciplined, grow, and take on leadership roles. In football, basketball, cross country, and track & field, Coach Griff has influenced hundreds of student-athletes since 1998, helping them succeed on and off the field. In addition to winning three MIAA Team Sportsmanship Awards with his team, he contributes to those in the local community. A two sport 1998 graduate of Bridgewater State University, he was inducted into the Chicopee Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 and has won three MSTCA Coach of the Year awards. Along with his spouse, in West Springfield. Mirian, and their three children, Vanessa, Josiah, and Daesia, he lives in West Springfield. Marjorie Rodriguez: MSW Assistant Director for Student Access & Support for the Office of Belonging, Inclusion and Learning – Marjorie Rodríguez has worked at Westfield State University for nearly ten years and continues to serve, this learning community in multiple roles advocating for current and former foster youth and students experiencing housing insecurity to provide them with the unique tools and resources necessary to develop the skills needed to retain them and to guide them towards successful degree completion. She has been an Instructor in our Urban Education Program, an Advisor/Program Coordinator in our Trio Student Support Services Program; and an Assistant Director in the CARE Program. Currently she is Assistant Director of Student Access & Support for the Office of Belonging, Inclusion and Learning; is an Adjunct Professor in the Social Work Department; and most recently also serves as the coordinator of the campus food pantry, Common Goods. In May 2024, Marjorie received the prestigious Carlos Vega Community Champion Award for her exceptional dedication to social justice. Dr. Carlton Pickron, Staff Emeritus: Retired Vice President of Student Affairs – Dr. Carlton Pickron is a dedicated higher education leader with a distinguished career of over 35 years with Westfield State University. From 2012 until his retirement in 2019, he was the Vice President for Student Affairs, leading and supervising all aspects of Student Affairs, including Student Government, Athletics, Residential Life, Admissions, and Diversity and Inclusion. During his tenure as Dean of Diversity and Affirmative Action from 2008 to 2011, Dr. Pickron spearheaded university-wide efforts on Title IX, ADA compliance, and diversity. Additionally, he served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (1990-2005) and Dean of Academic Retention (2005-2008), where he focused on retention efforts, academic advising, and disability services. He has published and presented extensively on the experiences of Black scholars and students, especially student-athletes. Dr. Pickron has decades of experience advancing equity and justice and he continues to be dedicated to creating inclusive and life-changing learning environments. The great-great granddaughter of Federick Douglass and the great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington and keynote speaker of the event, Nettie Washington Douglass being a prime example for these honorees as she continues her families legacy in creating racial equity. 'I think it's so important that people get involved with their community. And you can tell by what's going on here that it works, the giving back, said Washington Douglass. Those at Westfied State University also being rewarded for their contributions with scholarships. 'I put so much time, dedication and passion into social justice, fighting for people with disabilities, fighting for people with ethnic backgrounds, fighting for people that are first I'm just so honored that the work and the passion that I put into this is now showing ,' said Westfield State University student, Catrina Casting. In total, $4,000 were given out to students recieveing scholarships. 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.
