September 2024 Newsletter
In this edition:
- President's Message
- Online Enrichment Committee
- 2024 JASPA Innovation Grant Recipients
- 2024 JASPA Awards Recipients
- Save the Date: 5-Year Institute
-
Professional Development Series (Boston College)
President's Message
Dear JASPA Colleagues,
Greetings from beautiful, sunny Worcester, MA! As a student reminded me this morning, it won't be long before the sunshine and warmth of September gives way to snow and cold. As for today's weather, "I'll take it!" he exclaimed enthusiastically before heading off to class.
I think this student has it right. The calendar is chock-full, we're being pulled in a million directions, AND each day offers us something that sparks gratitude and joy. In the midst of everything we are busy about doing or that preoccupies us with worry, it's worth lingering over the unexpected gifts of things like good weather, a long walk with a good friend, a child's laughter.
My morning encounter with a random student who happened to be walking in my same direction reminded me of the Mary Oliver poem "Don't Hesitate." In it she writes: "If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate... don't be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb."
In his open-heartedness, this student taught me something important about relishing the small gifts and sharing them with others. For sure the year ahead will feature moments of real hardship. It will also offer sudden and expected moments of joy. Let us not hesitate to bask in its abundance. We need it, and our students do, too.
With gratitude,
Michele
President, JASPA
Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission
College of the Holy Cross
Online Enrichment Committee
While we are excitedly preparing for the next time JASPA can gather in person in March and for next summer's 5-Year Institute, JASPA is seeking volunteers to join our Online Enrichment Committee. The committee will be working on expanding opportunities for JASPA memberships to connect with one another, engage with professional development opportunities outside of our in-person events, and create opportunities for mentorship across the network.
If you are interested in contributing to the committee, please fill out our Google Interest Form. Please contact Brian Regan at brian.regan@bc.edu (JASPA for Vice President for Online Enrichment, Boston College) if you have any questions.
2024 JASPA Innovation Grant Recipients
For the 2024-2025 academic year, we will be highlighting the recipients of the 2024 JASPA Innovation Grants. In subsequent editions of this email newsletter, we will highlight one of the following recipients:
- "Mental Health First Aid" at Loyola University Maryland
- "Exploring What Factors Influence How Female Undergraduate Students Make Meaning of Their Personal Boundaries for Consent" at Loyola Marymount University
- "First-Gen Forward" at Saint Joseph's University
- "SPEAR Program" at Gonzaga University
- "Building a Restorative Culture" at Saint Louis University
View full details about these grants on our website.
Please contact Patrick Rogers at progers@holycross.edu (JASPA Innovation Grants Chair, College of the Holy Cross) if you have any questions.
2024 JASPA Awards Recipients
For the 2024-2025 academic year, we will be highlighting the recipients of the 2024 JASPA Awards. In subsequent editions of this email newsletter, we will highlight one of the following recipients:
- "Freedom, Controversy, Respect on Campus" at College of the Holy Cross for earning the 2024 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership.
- Paige Gardner at Seattle University for earning the 2024 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice.
- "BIPOC New Student Mixer" at Fordham University for earning the 2024 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Campus Program or Initiative.
- Elizabeth Perez from Gonzaga University for earning the 2024 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student in Jesuit Student Affairs.
- Jean Griffin from Xavier University for earning the 2024 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jesuit Student Affairs.
- Tori Harwood from Saint Louis University for earning the 2024 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding New Professional in Jesuit Student Affairs
- Beth Ford McNamee from Saint Joseph's University for earning the 2024 JASPA Scholarship Award
- Tanya Winegard from Creighton University for earning 2024 Tanya Winegard Lifetime Achievement Award
View full award descriptions on our website.
Please contact Alyse Hudock at hudocka@bc.edu (JASPA Awards & Recognition Chair, Boston College) if you have any questions.
Save the Date
Boston College | Division of Student Affairs:
Professional Development Series
Looking for a creative, cost-free way to expand professional development for your student affairs team?
The Boston College Division of Student Affairs offers a virtual series exploring key topics in higher education and Student Affairs. This monthly Zoom series features expert insights on navigating change, fostering community, and promoting well-being within a Jesuit framework.
Join us on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 12 pm ET for "Balancing Act: Working as Educators in a Polarizing World" with Professor Kent Greenfield, JD. Professor Greenfield will explore how students’ free speech rights, especially on college campuses, intersect with institutional responsibilities to foster an inclusive, safe environment.
Register via the QR code or use this link to access the online form. See image flyers below for more details.
Feel free to share with others! Questions? Email bcsa@bc.edu.


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