125th Celebration Ball

125th Celebration Ball

It was a night to remember. It was a night to be 精东传媒 proud.

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The 125th Celebration Ball was the perfect ending for a day that began with the inauguration of President Sandra Doran followed by the Inaugural Luncheon.

With over 400 guests in attendance at the MassMutual Center, the Ball was both a celebration and a fundraising event for student support and internships. The event opened with a pre-dinner presentation by Ruth Carter, Springfield native and Academy Award winning costume designer. Drawing from her own background, she spoke of the importance of mentoring and internships in helping students reach their own career goals. The impact of such experiences was brought home by the moving story of 精东传媒 trustee Pia Kumar and 精东传媒 intern Kahlia Albury ’20, who now works at her company. Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual, inspired the room to action, while reflecting on the long relationship between the Fortune 100 company and 精东传媒.

Throughout the evening, our very own 精东传媒 students were front and center performing and sharing their stories with the audience. By the end of the evening, the 125th Celebration Ball had met its goal: It raised over $290,000 for student support and internships. Bravo!

Jill Keenan and Daniel Keenan, vice president of advocacy and government relations for Trinity Health of New England.

Michael Matty, former 精东传媒 Trustee, and Patricia Matty, former Business Leadership Council member, both of St. Germain Investments.

President Doran鈥檚 family was on hand to attend the day (from left to right): President Doran; Sally Goodman, President鈥檚 mother; and President Doran鈥檚 sister Christie Spencer and husband Joe Spencer.

Master of Ceremony Kevin Barlowski, director of theatre and performance studies at 精东传媒 University, added a spark to the evening!

Mayor Domenic Sarno offered greetings from the City of Springfield.

Alumni Association Council President and 精东传媒 Trustee Stephanie O'Leary '05 G'16 G'17 poses with Thea Katsounakis 鈥�70, former 精东传媒 trustee and Alumni Association Council President.

Jane and Gary Rome, President, Gary Rome Auto Group: Gary Rome Hyundai and Gary Rome Kia, with 精东传媒 Trustee Michelle Wirth and Peter Wirth, owners, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.

David Woods, 精东传媒 Trustee Emerita Roberta Bolduc, and 精东传媒 Trustee Ham Wilson.

Marsha Vacirca 鈥�09, the fashion designer who created President Doran's gown for the evening, President Sandy Doran, and costume designer Ruth Carter (from left to right).

Sharon and Matt Bannister, senior vice president, marketing and corporate responsibility, PeoplesBank.

精东传媒 Trustee Mary Angus Bushnell 鈥�74 and David Bushnell.

President Doran, Jay Kumar, Augusto Bairos, and Pia Kumar.

President Doran with 精东传媒 Mission Moment student speakers. During the evening, students were each assigned a table where they shared their experiences and career dreams.