Event Calendar

Being a Beacon: Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusivity within the Health Professions and Beyond
2026-03-09 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Harold C. Smith Presentation Room, Stitzer Welcome Center at Judd Gymnasia
Presented by David Shapiro, MD, MHCM, FACS, FCCM
Trauma Surgeon, Physician Executive, and Educator
Join us for a meaningful presentation by David Shapiro, MD, MHCM, FACS, FCCM, a thought leader in trauma, injury prevention, and in advocacy, who also helps to lead LGBT2SQI+ inclusion in the health professions and beyond. Upon his entrance to the medical field, Shapiro recognized that it was neither a diverse nor a welcoming place for providers or patients. Stereotypes and tradition were impediments to him – an aspiring surgeon who was also empowered to not hide his membership in the gay community. He made a commitment to self: in addition to advancing his surgical career and the care of injured people, he was also going to advocate for his own community within the health professions and professional schools.
In the ensuing decades, Shapiro has become a national leader in the campaign for inclusion within the health sciences. In this realm, he introduced the concept of the beacon to the milieu of mentorship and sponsorship within the health professions. This event will focus on his experience as a breaker of barriers, opener of doors, but also as a beacon to let folks know the path. Attendees will learn how emerging professionals can become beacons in their chosen fields.
A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture.
David S. Shapiro is a well-known trauma surgeon, physician executive, and educator. He was the chief medical officer and vice president for medical affairs at a Level I urban trauma center and is a leader within multiple organizations. Shapiro was the founding advisory chair of the Association of Out Surgeons and Allies, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ surgeons and trainees to pursue their careers and engage allies. He currently is the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma chair for the state of Connecticut, served as president of the American College of Surgeons Connecticut chapter, and was the Society of Critical Care Medicine Northeast chapter president. He spent seven years as the editor‑in‑chief of Connecticut Medicine. He has also published a book, titled After the ICU, a multiprofessional perspective on recovery from critical illness.
This event, co-sponsored by the Social Work and Social Justice Club and the Honors Program, is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.
If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to take part in this event, please contact Andrew Schoolnik at aschoolnik@springfield.edu as soon as possible to discuss your accessibility needs.

The 11th Annual Tom Waddell Symposium for Sports and Values at Springfield College
2026-04-10 13:30 - 14:30 | Cleveland E. and Phyllis B. Dodge Room, Flynn Campus Union, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
It’s No Joke
How athletes and teams need to support each other to build community

Springfield College alumnus and former U.S. Olympian Tom Waddell ’59 was a champion of inclusion. He believed that sports—for all its inherently competitive nature—could be a unifying force. Indeed, he lived his brief life with a conviction that sports could, and should, help to build community.
Of course, it doesn’t always work that way. Oftentimes, sports serve as a wedge, rather than as a bridge. Even at moments of triumph, such as the recent gold medal victories by the U.S. women’s and men’s hockey teams in Italy, we have seen where the sports culture can be used to divide, rather than to unite.
At Springfield College, competitive athletics are part of who we are—but through our Humanics philosophy, we strive to make sport a powerful driver of connection and community. This year’s symposium brings that vision to life, featuring a dynamic conversation with Women’s Basketball Head Coach Naomi Graves and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike McClendon. Also, student-athletes from both teams will share how they are building a culture of mutual support. The event will also spotlight innovative efforts across the Department of Athletics that are strengthening community and redefining what it means to compete—together.
At the conclusion of the program, one current Springfield College student-athlete will be recognized as the recipient of the Tom Waddell Leveling the Playing Field Award, given annually to someone whose off-the-field commitments have helped build a more just society.
This event, presented by the Division of Campus Life and Community Engagement and the Department of Athletics, is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.
For more information, please contact the Division of Campus Life and Community Engagement at campuslife@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3101.
Supported by the Dr. Tom Waddell ’59 Fund.
Find Out More About the Fund or Make Your Gift
