J. Christopher “Chris” Kervick, an instructor of local history at Mitchell College, was recently awarded the 2025 Literary Award by The Connecticut Society of Genealogists for his book “The Windsor Locks Canal: Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle.” The award recognizes the most outstanding genealogical resource of the year.

Since 2022 Kervick has brought his love of history to students in the Thames at Mitchell College program through his “New London Stories” course. Together they have researched and written numerous articles about New London history, some of which have been published by The Day and its imprint The Times newspapers.

The result of over 20 years of research, Kervick’s book tells the story of the creation of the 19th-century Windsor Locks Canal, which served as the backbone of a water-powered industrial center.

The historically detailed book is of interest to genealogists because it humanizes the 400 Irish laborers who built the canal. Kervick introduces the reader to many of the remarkable men by name and identifies laborers who remained in the area and raised families following completion of the canal.

“The Windsor Locks Canal, Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle” (Madison, CT: The Connecticut Press, 2025) is available for checkout at the Mitchell College Library. It is also available for purchase in both softcover and hardcover editions online from Amazon Books, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark.

Kervick recently completed three terms as First Selectman of his hometown of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and, prior to that, served as a Connecticut Judge of Probate. He has been practicing law for over 37 years. A 1984 graduate of Fordham University, he is a 1987 graduate of Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.

Mitchell College faculty are taking their knowledge and expertise from the classroom to the street (Bank Street, New London, that is!), giving back to and engaging with the local community.

“Pints & Professors,” a free speaker series for the public, kicks off on Monday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at The Social Bar + Kitchen, 208 Bank Street, New London. (Watch for announcements about additional talks.)

Professor Luke Walden, M.F.A., who teaches digital communication at Mitchell, will share his perspective as an “accidental historian,” filmmaker, educator, and co-director of the documentary “The Narcotic Farm” (2009). The film, which aired nationally on public television, explores the story of America’s first federal narcotics prison-hospital in Lexington, KY. The institution became both a treatment center and a research hub and is considered the “Ground Zero for American’s first war on drugs.”

Professor Elyse Gessler, Ph.D., event organizer, said, “Knowledge and education are two things that everyone should have access to. I wanted to create an intentional event where we leave campus, meet the public in a relaxing and approachable space, and have some engaging discussions. In my experience, there is nothing that brings people together like good food and drink. Giving our faculty an opportunity to share their research, practitioner, and education experiences over a pint make for a fabulous event to showcase the depth of knowledge and expertise across the Mitchell College faculty.”

Watch “The Narcotic Farm” here: https://vimeo.com/91392115
Read about the researchers’ experiences here: https://lnkd.in/g_hYPDAS
Read more from The Social and reserve a table here.

Mitchell College recently welcomed Jim Tweed as dean of enrollment management. Tweed brings over 25 years of higher education experience to Mitchell. In his current role he oversees all aspects of enrollment for the institution, including strategic outreach efforts, admissions, and financial aid.

Most recently Tweed provided a broad range of admission, financial aid, marketing, and enrollment services to independent secondary schools and institutions of higher education. As an enrollment management consultant, he advised institutions with enrollment analysis, model building, strategy development, and project management. Previously, Tweed served as dean of enrollment management for Rhode Island College. There he was instrumental in modernizing enrollment strategies, using data analysis and student-centered outcomes to grow enrollment and improve student success. Before joining RIC, he had a long tenure at Lasell University (formerly Lasell College), where he rose in the ranks from director of undergraduate admission to assistant vice president for enrollment management. Tweed began his career in higher education administration at Roger Williams University.

He holds a Master of Education from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College.

Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, Mitchell College president, said, “We are excited to welcome Jim to Mitchell College. His expertise in enrollment management will ensure that we continue to provide exceptional service to our students, from prospect to graduate. As a seasoned and savvy higher education leader, Jim understands the complexities of enrollment in today’s higher education landscape. He brings creative and analytical skills, ranging from mentorship to market analysis, and uses them all to optimize enrollment outcomes.”

Tweed said, “I’m thrilled to join Mitchell College, where every student’s potential is truly celebrated. I look forward to working with our incredible enrollment team, faculty, and staff to expand access, foster belonging, and advance Mitchell’s bold, student-centered mission.”

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor Marc Goldsmith. A much-beloved and admired educator, he dedicated himself to the service of thousands of Mitchell students over his 55-year tenure (1968–2023) at Mitchell College.

He once said about teaching: “For me, teaching is a chance to make a difference by promoting a love of lifelong learning and enthusiastically sharing that love with students as best I can.”

An associate professor of communication, he loved the “camaraderie of the faculty and the challenge of the classroom.” He taught numerous communication classes, as well as Holocaust education and music courses—two of things he counted among his personal interests, along with bird watching, social action, and being a practicing musician.

Marc held myriad roles during his tenure, including dean of students, associate dean for instruction and academic programs, assistant dean for special programs and interim vice president of academic affairs/dean of the college. He also founded the college radio station (WRMC) and coached golf.

When he reflected on his retirement in 2023, he said, “Mitchell has always been a special place, connected to the community. It’s created memories and improved people’s lives,” he said. With appreciation, he added, “I get messaged every once in a while thanking me for what I have done.”

One thankful student traveled from Texas to New London to attend Marc’s retirement party in 2023. John Russell ’73 expressed his gratitude for his professor in person, saying that the ‘B’ that Goldsmith gave Russell, who was valedictorian of his class, was the lowest grade (and only ‘B’) he ever received at Mitchell.

Russell wrote a note in appreciation of Marc: “…Mr. Goldsmith is an honest grader. As a consequence of this fact, his fall semester course was the first occasion in which I had ever practiced serious self-criticism in my own writing. My writing improved thereafter.…The practice of self-criticism in English composition proved to be a lifetime benefit for me and I am indebted to Mr. Goldsmith more than anyone else for this blessing.” He added that he regarded the first ‘A’ he received on a paper in Goldsmith’s class as “a particularly significant milestone in my academic career.” Russell went from Mitchell to MIT, where he earned degrees in the fields of mathematics, aeronautics, and astronautics, including a doctorate.

Marc Goldsmith was an inspiration to countless students at Mitchell, helping them find their purpose and achieve their goals. He also inspired the faculty with whom he worked to continue to provide a student-centered learning environment that builds confidence and prepares students to make their mark in the world.

Read his obituary here.

A memorial and celebration of life will take place on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. (EST) via Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81728183975?pwd=G1csOyjGvMdqa5Id3UpSO2NeqU9YP9.1

Meeting ID: 817 2818 3975

Passcode: 973129

Orientation and Move-In marked the exciting start of our students’ journey as Mariners. Student leaders, faculty, and staff greeted families, unloaded cars packed with campus living essentials, and helped make the transition smooth. New students jumped into getting to know each other through fun campus activities and community service.

See highlights below from Orientation Weekend. These videos capture the energy, excitement, and sense of belonging that define a Mariner’s first days on campus.

Mitchell College has received funding from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut to launch the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy (HCA).

The HCA is an early college, on-campus program that expands healthcare career pathways for New London County middle and high school students. It combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and address local workforce needs.

Inspiring Future Healthcare Leaders

President Tracy Y. Espy said:

“Mitchell College is proud to offer the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy to middle and high school students in our region, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and helping to address local workforce shortages. Thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, we can begin this initiative to empower students, promote economic mobility, and advance health equity in the region.”

Program Highlights

Middle School Program – HCA Rising

• For grades 6–9

• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) exploration phase

• Fun, engaging activities to build interest in healthcare

• Launches July 2025

High School Pathway

• For grades 10–12

• Career education, leadership, and soft-skills development

• Shadow days, hands-on labs, research and writing skill-building, summer experiences

• Opportunity to earn college credit through dual enrollment

Community Support

Maryam Elahi, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, said:

“The Community Foundation is pleased to support Mitchell College’s program which aligns closely with our priorities: health equity, early career development and educating a diverse group of students. Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to make grants to support area youth, meet the basic needs of our residents and protect the environment.”

Learn More

For details about the Mitchell College Healthcare Academy, contact:
Dr. Alicia Martinez
Dean of Student Experience and Belonging
martinez_a@mitchell.edu | 860-701-7708

Applications for the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) through the Connecticut Office of Higher Education are available beginning August 15, 2025. They will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2025 until funds are exhausted.

An eligible applicant:

• Must be a current Connecticut resident who has lived in the state for at least 5 consecutive years.
• Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024.
• Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate.
• Income limits apply: $125,000 for individuals or $175,000 for married applicants.
• 50 hours of verified volunteer service since January 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service.
• A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion.

 

Find more information at the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

It is with deepest gratitude and sincerest fondness that we remember Mitchell College Trustee George White, who passed away last week.

In addition to serving on the Mitchell College Board of Trustees since 2019, he founded the renowned Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Conn., serving as its chairman for 37 years. In 2022 he was awarded the O’Neill’s Monte Cristo Award, given annually to an individual whose body of work has made an indelible impact on the arts. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, he served many years as co-chair of its Theater Management Program.

His work and service were far-reaching, and his accomplishments were many.

George White loved Mitchell College, our students, and our mission. We are grateful for his longtime support and friendship.

Longtime Connecticut Sun fan Kilian Okech ’25 joined the team for the summer as a community relations ambassador. In his internship role, he works with the organization that is part of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The sport management major, who played on the Mitchell men’s basketball team, said, “When it came time to find an internship, I already had the idea to work with the Connecticut Sun.”

Kilian worked with Paul Dunn in the Integrative Career Development Office to secure the internship.

“Thanks to his connections, I was able to apply and get a response quickly,” Kilian said.

Tasks on Game Day
Kilian attends every home game at Mohegan Sun and handles other aspects of his work remotely. On game day he arrives in the morning to work in the office and arena before the game. Pre-game tasks include helping to prospect leads for groups to attend games. He also assists with “seat notes,” envelopes containing special offers that are placed at seats around the arena.

In addition, Kilian observes office calls about ticket sales and other questions. At game time, he helps fans at a concessions table or booth. He said he uses the Mitchell Abilities, especially diversity/global perspectives and social interaction, to effectively interact with the broad mix of fans.

When he transferred as a sophomore to Mitchell, Kilian was drawn to the college for a variety of reasons. He liked the opportunity to play basketball, Mitchell’s waterfront location, and its campus and residence halls. He said his Mitchell advisor supported him in helping transfer past credits to be on track to graduate.

Future Plans
Through his internship Kilian has a close-up and behind-the-scenes look at a professional basketball organization.

Looking to the future, Kilian said, “My internship has inspired me to continue going after a career in the front office at a sports organization. Mitchell has good internship options for students. The great help I received from Paul Dunn and my peers at the Sun have prepared me and given me the valuable experience that I need to take the next step.”

Kilian plans to pursue a master’s degree in sport management.

Employers like General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) are taking advantage of the Mitchell Hub to provide professional skills training for their staff. The Mitchell Hub provides access to industry-relevant credentials and professional skills through a digital-first approach and robust learner support.

A second cohort of 21 learners recently completed the Hub’s Mastering Project Management (MPM) hybrid course with the support of the Electric Boat Management Association, a professional society within GDEB dedicated to fostering professional growth of personnel. This hybrid course combined an intensive online, self-paced course that prepared learners for the prestigious a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam with regular meetings with two facilitators with significant industry experience in project management:

• Brian Schweitzer, Project Manager, IT PMO, General Dynamics Electric Boat
• Rebecca Hodge, Senior Director, Finance Integration, Stanley Black & Decker

 

The project management credential is a high market-value skillset, helping “level up” employees in many disciplines and preparing them to practically apply project management tools, methods, and processes through the completion of a project life cycle.

Learners in the spring 2025 EB cohort represented diverse departments and disciplines throughout the company, including software, digital enterprise, mechanical engineering, and IT. Mastery of project management skills supports many areas including communications structure, time and money, and vendor management, among others.

Learners logged a combined 2053 learning hours online and completed more than 335 assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Organizations interested in providing upskilling and professional development opportunities to their employees can learn more by contacting Karen Bellnier, director of digital innovation, at hub@mitchell.edu or 860-701-5415.