Viewpoint: Advancing wellness in the post-COVID workplace

(Lorraine Martinelle ghostwrote this column on behalf of UMass Chan Medical School Office of Well-Being Director Valerie Wedge.) As organizations strive to foster productivity, creativity, and a positive culture in a post-COVID world, prioritizing employee well-being is not only a moral obligation but a strategic investment. Employers who have invested in a comprehensive, holistic mental and physical wellness program find this approach has helped foster a positive work culture, a diverse workforce, and an inclusive environment valuing the organization’s greatest asset: its employees.

UMass Chan Celebrates Employee Milestones

A celebration was held June 5, 2023, at UMass Chan Medical School to recognize employees who achieved milestones in 2020, 2021, and 2022. “It is especially heartwarming, and a great honor for me, to host this celebration at a time when colleagues can finally come together in person and celebrate, following such a long hiatus of in- person events during the pandemic," said Carolyn Brownawell, deputy vice chancellor for Human Resources and chief people strategy officer at UMass Chan.

For Amanda Gonzalez, Feb. Heart Month Holds Special Meaning

When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the football field during a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals, he had experienced cardiac arrest. One week later, on Jan. 11, Hamlin was discharged from the hospital and returned home. Alive. For Amanda Gonzalez, a senior talent associate in UMass Chan Medical School’s Office of Human Resources since 2019, Hamlin’s was a moment she could—unfortunately—relate to, having experienced cardiac arrest eight times— the first happening at the young age of 17, three days before her high school senior prom.

UMass Chan Medical School looking to fill 600 positions in Worcester

(This story includes quotes and information that I drafted for a press release I wrote. -- LUM)

At a presentation about Worcester’s growth Tuesday, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins made it clear that his school is part of that growth.

“If you look at the economic multiplier of the medical school, you know, it’s close to, it approximates $2 billion...we’re building a 350,000 square foot research building now right outside the door, and there are so many construction workers out there right now putting up the steel,” Collins said.

UMass Chan looks to fill hundreds of jobs through March 30 Career Fair

UMass Chan Medical School has approximately 600 job opportunities, most of the new positions were added due to growth throughout the institution. To help fill these positions, the Human Resources Department will host a Career Fair on Wednesday, March 30, from 1-5 pm at the Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation Street, across from the School of Medicine. Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register and bring their resumes. Free parking available.

Linda Thompson: Westfield State University’s commitment to diversity continues (Viewpoint)

(I ghostwrote this column on behalf of Westfield State University President Linda Thompson for The Republican of Springfield, Mass., and MassLive.com. It was translated into Spanish for sister newspaper El Pueblo Latino. — LUM)

As the new president of Westfield State University, I am pleased to continue the tradition of my predecessors in writing this monthly column for The Republican. I also thank the newspaper’s leadership for granting me the opportunity to connect with you, the reader, and all the people and organizations that make the Pioneer Valley sing.

Nuevas iniciativas brindan más oportunidades para los hispanos en Westfield State Universiry

(I ghostwrote this column on behalf of Westfield State University President Linda Thompson. The column was translated into Spanish by Westfield State Faculty Dean Enrique Morales-Diaz.)

A través del proceso de ser seleccionada como presidenta de Westfield State, me asesoré acerca de la región al igual que con la historia de la universidad. Una de las cosas que me llamó la atención fueron los comienzos de Westfield State. Horace Mann estableció la universidad en 1839, 63 años después de que se estableciera los Estados Unidos como nación.

WSU president will draw from public health, leadership experience | |August 18, 2021

WESTFIELD — Linda Thompson said she was drawn to Westfield State because of its origins as an inclusive school founded by Horace Mann.

“Their interest in developing people to live in civil society and how to get engaged in democracy is such a wonderful legacy in relation to how it started,” said Thompson, who recently took office as Westfield State University’s 21st president.

WSU’s Enrique Morales-Diaz Wins Latino Scholarship Fund’s Antonia Pantoja Award

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University (WSU) interim Dean of Faculty Enrique Morales-Díaz is the recipient of the Latino Scholarship Fund (LSF) of Western Massachusetts’ Antonia Pantoja Award, which honors people who contribute to the Latinx community through research and education. It was presented in June, during the organization’s 30th annual awards ceremony, held virtually.

Westfield State Dean Enrique Morales-Diaz recipient of LSF’s Antonia Pantoja Award

Westfield State University Interim Dean of Faculty Enrique Morales-Díaz, Ph.D., is the recipient of the Latino Scholarship Fund (LSF) of Western Massachusetts’ Antonia Pantoja Award, which honors people who contribute to the Latinx community through research and education. It was presented in June, during the organization’s 30th annual awards ceremony, held virtually.

Westfield State University receives $1.5M grant to increase healthcare access

Westfield State University’s Department of Social Work has received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Integrative Behavioral Health (IBH) Equity Project. The project builds a specialized workforce within rural, medically underserved areas as well as among diverse and historically marginalized populations to address the barriers identified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the “Social Determinants of Health.”

'There was no time for anger' says interim University president about anti-Asian experience | |April 10, 2021

WESTFIELD – Roy H. Saigo, a Japanese American from California, experienced Asian hate crimes from a young age. From being sent to an internment camp to being denied food at the local market, Saigo, Westfield State University’s interim president, has experienced racism his entire life.

At a time when hate crimes against Asian Americans have ramped up and continue to remain high, Saigo offered his perspective April 5 during a virtual dialogue.

Westfield State’s Interim President to Speak at University’s AAPI Heritage Month Event

Westfield State University Interim President Roy H. Saigo, Ph.D.—a Japanese American internment camp survivor during World War II—will deliver a talk Monday, April 5, as part of the University’s Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month.

The Westfield State University Education Department (WE) Anti-Racism Education (ARE) Project will host the event, during which President Saigo will reflect on his experiences as a Japanese American and an internment camp survivor—and how his co
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