Two of the great traditions of Springfield College—sports and social justice—are thread together each spring with the Sports and Social Justice Symposium. This year’s event will celebrate the College’s robust relationship with Team IMPACT: a nonprofit organization that pairs children with life-threatening illnesses with a college sports team. Springfield College has been a leading participant in this organization for more than a decade.

Speakers at this year’s program will include one of the organization’s co-founders, Kris Herman of Williams College; Amy VanRyn, G’05, a Springfield College graduate who is the organization’s national director of programs; and Springfield College student-athlete Chris Rouleau, Class of 2025, who has spearheaded a powerful partnership with a Team IMPACT child and the men’s volleyball team.

Following the panel discussion, a current Springfield College student-athlete will be recognized with the Tom Waddell Leveling the Playing Field Award. Waddell ’59, a Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame member, devoted his life to issues of social justice. This annual award goes to a student-athlete who has worked diligently to build a fairer and more just world.

This event, presented by the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement, is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.

For more information, please contact the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement staff at inclusion@springfield.edu.

Supported by the Dr. Tom Waddell ’59 Fund.

Springfield College is committed to hosting inclusive and accessible services, programs, and activities. To request an accommodation to participate in a college event, or inquire about accessibility, please contact the Academic Success Center Disability and Accessibility Services at ascdas@springfieldcollege.edu or (413) 748-3389.

A Wellness Passport Event