Campus News

Introducing the 2024 Criterion

Mon, Jul 15 2024 at 11:54 AM

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

Thu, May 23 2024 at 11:46 AM

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

Thu, May 2 2024 at 3:54 PM

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

Fri, Apr 26 2024 at 1:01 PM

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!

Food and Society Art Show Opening Celebration

Tue, Apr 23 2024 at 3:53 PM

Food and Society Art Show Opening Celebration on Wednesday, April 24

You're invited to join us for an Art Show Opening Celebration on Wednesday, April 24, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the West Wing Gallery of the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center. Food will be served.

This semester, midterm projects in the Digital Photography 1 and 2, Graphic Design 2, and Cultivating Creativity courses focused on Food and Society. Students responded to the following assignment prompt:

What we eat, how food is produced, and the conditions of the workers who farm, prepare, and serve food have huge implications for our lives. Absorb the provided resources. Or, you may have your own personal connection to Food and Society. Find an issue relating to Food and Society that resonates with you. Then, imagine how you would visually portray this issue. Finally, create the artwork to express your ideas.

See more in this Arts, Media, and Design at AIC blog post by clicking HERE.