Skip to Main Content

Bay Path University Recognizes Springfield Jewish Community Center with First-Ever Community Partnership Spirit Award

Share This Story

Longmeadow, MA— Springfield Jewish Community Center was recognized with Bay Path University’s first-ever Community Partnership Spirit Award last week. This award, established in December 2017, is bestowed upon an individual, team, or organization that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Bay Path community, students, and mission by playing an integral role in student success through mentorship, leadership, and fostering career development.

“Our students have benefitted tremendously from the variety of opportunities they have had in working with the Springfield JCC,” President Carol A. Leary, PhD, said. “The JCC is an incredible community partner and valuable resource. We’re proud to recognize the organization and its stellar staff for their hard work and the rich, supportive experience they offer to members of all ages.” 

The Springfield JCC was selected as this year’s award recipient from a pool of nominations submitted by faculty and staff at Bay Path throughout the spring. The process was thorough, requiring that nominations include narrative explaining the impact of the partner on Bay Path’s mission and, above all, on its students. A selection committee reviewed submissions and made the final decision.

“Students from our occupational therapy, psychology, and education programs have held internships, volunteered, and engaged in service learning projects with the organization. Most recently, our master’s in occupational therapy faculty and students collaborated with the JCC Kehillah Program for Individuals with Special Needs to develop a “SensiPlay” program for children with various disabilities,” Leary said. 

Michael Paysnick, Executive Director of the Springfield JCC; Bethany Young,Director of the Kehillah Program for Individuals with Special Needs; and Deb Cohen, Director, Early Childhood Services, were presented the award at Bay Path University’s State of the University Address.

“The JCC has partnered with Bay Path University for more than 30 years. During that time, we have had the opportunity to help in the education and training of hundreds of students, and together, create programs and services that benefit our wider community,” Paysnick said. “It’s been a win-win for all involved.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bay Path providing real-world work experience for their students.”

 

Photo: Pictured with Bay Path University President Carol A. Leary are Executive Director of the Springfield Jewish Community Center Michael Paysnick; Early Childhood Director Deb Cohen; and Kehillah Program Director Bethany Young.

# # #

About Bay Path University

Bay Path University was founded in 1897. With locations in Longmeadow (main), East Longmeadow (Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center), Sturbridge (MA), and Concord (MA), Bay Path’s innovative program offerings include traditional undergraduate degrees for women, The American Women's College on-ground and online, the first all-women, all-online accredited bachelor’s degree programs in the country; over 25 graduate programs for women and men; and Strategic Alliances, offering professional development courses for individuals and organizations. Bay Path’s goal is to give students confidence in the fundamentals of their chosen field, the curiosity to question the ordinary, the leadership to show initiative, and the desire to make a difference.

 

About Springfield Jewish Community Center

The Springfield JCC nurtures wellness through physical, intellectual, social and spiritual means in an inclusive environment defined by Jewish values and culture. Our facility houses a health and wellness center, early learning center, a cafe, lounge with art gallery, and classrooms for after school programming, as well as arts, culture, and adult programs. Outdoor facilities include playgrounds, field, basketball/tennis courts, pavilion, ropes course, and picnic grove. Take a tour of the Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, or visit www.SpringfieldJCC.orgto learn more about programs. All are welcome.