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Doctor of Physical Therapy Students to Host Free Gross Motor Group Sessions for Children

Families in the Springfield area are invited to participate in Gross Motor Group Sessions hosted by third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at American International College (AIC) and their instructors. The sessions are designed to help improve children’s gross motor skills through a series of guided exercises and activities. 

 

AIC is seeking up to fifteen participants between the ages of three months and fifteen years whose families are interested in addressing gross motor skill development. The program will consist of four free 45-minute Wednesday sessions, taking place on October 23 and 30, as well as November 6 and 13, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sessions will be held at AIC’s Colaccino Center for Health Sciences at 1020 State Street in Springfield. 

 

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy MaryAnn Kniska, PT, DPT, encourages families to participate if they have concerns about their child's movement or gross motor development, which includes skills like crawling, walking, stairs, and jumping. “These sessions are ideal for families looking to support their child’s ability to perform large muscle movements essential for daily activities,” said Dr. Kniska." We ask that participants be available for all four sessions so we can assess the child’s function and offer activities that will help enhance their abilities." 

 

For more information or to register, please contact AIC’s Physical Therapy Department by calling 413-205-3046 or by emailing Kristin.cerasa@aic.edu. 

Introducing the 2024 Criterion

Greetings Campus Community, 
 
The 2024 edition of The Criterion is finally here! 
 
The Criterion is AIC’s annual literary publication and features artwork, photography, poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, and essays from AIC undergraduates. View this edition of The Criterion HERE
 
This year’s publication features student assignments from such courses as Creative Writing, Digital Photography, History of Art, History of Photojournalism, Composition, and Analytical Writing. It showcases the innovations and complex identities from some of our community’s most talented artists. 
 
The publication includes several provocative collages, colorful illustrations, and professional photographs. It also features personal essays written on the theme of “the self in contradiction,” and a handful of “braided essays” that bring two narrative threads together in a powerful juxtaposition. It showcases the challenges that students face before and during college, and it offers a space for narrative experimentation and risk-taking. This year’s publication also features some sample essays in MLA style.  
 
Please take some time to help us celebrate the artistic achievements of our students. You can view The Criterion by clicking HERE
 
This year’s cover was designed by Mar Busqueta. 
 
Thank you!
 
Will Steffen, PhD

AIC Faculty and Staff Honored for Distinction

This spring, AIC launched the REXcellent Service Award, recognizing outstanding full-time staff members who embody the core values of our institution and tirelessly contribute to our community's growth and success. The campus community was invited to nominate deserving staff members who exhibit excellence in those core values. Congratulations to the three staff members awarded in this inaugural year:

 

*Matthew Sykes  *Giavanna Worthy  *Lori Martin

 

Congratulations to the American International College Faculty Excellence Award winners for the 2023-2024 academic year. These awards were presented at our annual end-of-the-year reception to the following faculty members for their overall excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service:

 

*William Steffen  *Alina LeClaire  *Timothy Allen  *Robert Bardwell

Artwork Created by American International College Students Chosen for Juried Art Show

Artworks created by five American International College students were selected for the What’s on Your Plate? exhibit, on view May 5 - June 29 at The Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, MA.  The What’s on Your Plate? theme asks artists to investigate the entanglement of food, time, commitment, and ecology. Exploded View curated the exhibit in collaboration with the Discovery Center's 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
 
Opening reception will be held on May 5, 2024, from 2 - 4 p.m. at 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
 

Realizing the connections between the What’s On Your Plate? theme and the Food and Society focus of assignments in the Division of Arts, Media, and Design, Professor Nordell encouraged 17 select students to answer the call for entries. Here are the five accepted artworks created in Digital Photography 1 and 2, along with the General Education course Cultivating Creativity.  

 

Click HERE to see examples of the student artwork being featured.

 

 

An Invitation to Two Special Events

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

 

You are invited to join us for two special events taking place on campus on Monday, April 29.

 

YOUNG@HEART CHORUS OPEN REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Dining Commons Atrium

 

In celebration of the end of the semester, AIC’s Artist-in-Residence, the Young@Heart Chorus, will present a special open rehearsal and performance for the entire campus community. Normally rehearsing on Thursday mornings in the Griswold Theatre, they will bring their music directly to you. This is an event not to be missed!

 

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FUNDING OF NEW FINANCIAL LITERACY CENTER AT AIC

1:00 PM | Grassy Area Beside 935 State St./Parking Lot G

 

AIC is honored to welcome Congressman Richard Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Board of Trustees Chair Frank Colaccino to campus for a joint announcement regarding federal funding for the establishment of the Center for Financial Literacy and Economic Prosperity at American International College. The objective of this initiative is to address financial illiteracy and empower economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Springfield through comprehensive financial education, research, and outreach programs.

 

We sincerely hope you can join us for one or both events!