Celebrating Westfield State 185th
Infinite Possibilities

Campus globe at night lit up with snow surrounding it and dark clouds in the sky.

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

185 years ago, Westfield State University was born from an idea for an equal, just, educated society built on participatory democracy. Horace Mann believed in the possibility of a better future for Massachusetts because he saw the power of education. His ideas ā€“ his belief in the power of possibility ā€“ changed the Commonwealth and changed the world.

Today, Westfield State University remains a space for big ideas, for learning new things and rethinking what we already think we know. We ask questions. We seek answers. We are curious and accepting.

We celebrate those who look to the future with bravery and hope. We honor those who strive to be a positive light for others. We uplift those who dream big dreams, answer the call to service, and build resilient, inclusive communities for tomorrow.

Westfield State University celebrates 185 years of excellence and welcomes the infinite possibilities of our future.

Upcoming Events & Celebrations

Three blue stars.
Blue Diamond Ball

Blue Diamond Ball

As we commemorate Westfield State University's 185th Anniversary, your participation will support initiatives aimed at enhancing access and removing economic barriers to education for our students and empowering them with "Infinite Possibilities" for their future endeavors.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 
6:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour
7:00 p.m. Dinner, Program, and Dancing
MGM Springfield, Aria Ballroom
One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
James Jackson, Jr. ā€™97
Westfield State alumni and Obie Award winner

2024 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS

TICKETS
$225 each | $400 couple
$2,500 for a table sponsorship which includes 8 tickets and recognition at the event



For more event details, purchasing tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and booking a hotel room call 413-572-8631.

Blue diamond image for Blue Diamond Ball.

Celebrate 185 Years of Infinite Possibilities with 4 Days of Unforgettable Entertainment! October 17ā€”20, 2024

Past Events & Celebrations

Three blue stars.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 at 5:30 p.m.

To recognize and celebrate Black History Month, and commemorate Westfield Stateā€™s 185th anniversary, we held an evening of inspiration and reflection as we paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honored those who continue to carry on his legacy.

Image of Dr. Martin Luther King in various shades of blue for Keeper of the Dream Dinner.

"My Rise to the Stars: How a Sharecropperā€™s Daughter Became an Army Generalā€: Presentation and Book Signing by General Clara Adams-Ender

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 from 5ā€“6:30 p.m.
Location: Multi-Purpose Room in University Hall

U.S. Army General Clara Mae Leach Adams-Ender, a nursing graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1961. She notably became the first female officer awarded an Expert Medical Field Badge. Adams-Ender then earned her M.S. from the University of Minnesota and was the first woman to achieve a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Her career highlights include leadership roles at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and as Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Promoted to Brigadier-General, she later served as Commanding General at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

General Clara Adams-Ender smiling in military uniform.

Supporting Our Superwomen - The Inaugural Dora Robinson Speaker Series

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 from 4ā€“6 p.m.
Location:
Westfield State University's Dever Stage
Reception to follow at Scanlon Banquet Hall

The symposium discussed the impact on women who chose to serve our community and explored the relationships between personal well-being and health, Superwomen Syndrome, and professional expectations, focusing on the challenges of working for a more equitable world. This free, public lecture welcomed individuals from all backgrounds to participate in an enlightening and inspiring evening.

Supporting our Superwomen graphic featuring a silhouette of three female profile images in dark and light blue.

Going Global: Internationalizing the Westfield State Experience

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 | 6ā€“9 P.M.
Westfield State University
Tim & Jeanneā€™s Dining Commons

Westfield State University hosted a reception and fundraiser at Tim & Jeanneā€™s Dining Commons to support student study abroad opportunities. The event featured Mary Lou McDonald, the President of Sinn FĆ©in Party, who served as the commencement speaker for the University's 2024 graduation ceremony.

McDonald, recognized as the first female president of Sinn FĆ©in Party in Ireland, was honored for her remarkable contributions in addressing various challenges facing Ireland, including housing and economic crises, healthcare, and climate change. Her inspiring efforts toward positive change served as a beacon for many.

Attendees had the opportunity to show their support for global initiatives aimed at expanding study abroad programs and academic exchanges. All proceeds from the fundraiser went towards enhancing the international experience for students at Westfield State, reflecting the University's commitment to providing diverse and enriching educational opportunities.

Going Global

Ready to be part of our 185th celebration?

Stay in the loop by joining our mailing list and explore sponsorship opportunities today!