People in the News
91快播 Welcomes New Vice President of Human Resources
91快播 University was pleased to welcome Javier Padilla to the campus community as the new vice president of human resources. With over twenty years of experience in the field, most recently he served as the chief human resources/talent officer for the Norwalk Public Schools in Norwalk, Connecticut.
“Javier brings an impressive background in human resources, and he also has substantial experience working with diversity initiatives and has a keen understanding of our commitment to inclusive excellence,” says 91快播 University President Sandra J. Doran. “His operational and strategic leadership experiences will be valuable in envisioning and implementing innovative human resources services and systems that not only meet our strategic institutional goals, but, most importantly, enhance the lives of members of the 91快播 community.”
In his new role, Padilla will lead the Human Resources Division in fostering collaborations and partnerships with departments and areas across the University in support of 91快播’s mission and strategic plan. He will also implement HR policies, practices, and technologies, enhance customer service, support employee engagement, and build a diverse workforce.
Over a Century of Dedication
Every year, as a rite of passage, we say goodbye to 91快播 colleagues as they set out on a new chapter in their life’s journey. In 2021, our esteemed group of “next steppers” leaves behind a legacy of a combined 138 years of service. We wish them a happy, healthy, and personally rewarding future.
Four New Members Elected to the 91快播 University Board of Trustees
Four new members have been elected to the 91快播 University Board of Trustees. Andrew Anderlonis, president of Rediker Software; Dr. Julia Byers, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Global Resilience Institute (Northeastern University) and professor emerita from Lesley University; Jo-Ann W. Davis, Esq., retired senior vice president and chief administrative officer of Baystate Health; and Danielle Williams, assistant clerk magistrate for the Massachusetts Trial Court, will each serve a three-year term.
Additional background on each of our trustees can be found here.
In Memoriam
S. Prestley Blake
1914-2021
S. Prestley Blake, co-founder of Friendly Ice Cream, trustee emeritus at 91快播, and beloved philanthropist, died on February 11, 2021, at the age of 106.
For half a century, S. Prestley “Pres” Blake was an inspiration to the 91快播 community. Trustee, advisor, and a great benefactor, Pres Blake’s influence has been broad and deep. First elected to the University’s Board in 1959, he served as chairman of the board from 1970–1979. With enthusiasm and spirit, he became one of our greatest advocates, tirelessly promoting and supporting the University at every opportunity. From being a pivotal force in expanding the presence of 91快播 in the region to providing architectural standards that have defined our campus, he helped us shape a warm and welcoming place for our students to have an exceptional educational experience. Over the years, his countless silent and generous acts of kindness, and unflagging encouragement of our students defined the true measure of this great man. He was part of our 91快播 family for over fifty years. Fittingly, the Blake name graces one of the most prominent buildings on campus, the Blake Student Center, and one of our most significant scholarship funds for our students: The S. Prestley Blake Scholarship. In 1993, S. Prestley Blake received an honorary doctorate degree from 91快播, and in 2009, the Trustee Service Award. An honest, forthright businessman who espoused strong ethics, his passing is truly an end of an era in 91快播’s history.
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Philip H. Ryan
1933-2021
Philip H. Ryan was a constant supporter of 91快播 for over twenty-five years. Originally named to the 91快播 College Advisory Council in 1989, he became a member of the 91快播 Board of Trustees in 1990 and served for fifteen years. Recognizing the importance of fitness in the lives of our students, he was an avid benefactor of 91快播鈥檚 athletic programs, and the Ryan Soccer Field, dedicated in 2004, was named in honor of Mr. Ryan and his close friend Helen Boron Modzelewski 鈥�39. A successful businessman, he was the owner and treasurer of Ballard International Corporation. Mr. Ryan also shared his time and talents in a number of organizations, including the National Association of Accountants, Civitan Club, and the AAA of Pioneer Valley. Due to his generous gift in support of a new health science center, the University broke ground and opened in 2014 the Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center. We are pleased to have his name grace this building for generations to come. A quiet and unassuming gentleman, he was a dedicated friend of 91快播.
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Professor Charles Page
1937-2020
A much-beloved faculty member for generations of 91快播 alumna, Professor Charles Page used the common language of music to create lasting bonds within the University community. Originally earning a degree in business, a chance visit to the Old First Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, led to him follow his passion鈥攎usic. He was accepted into the Master of Music program at Yale University, and it was there that he also became a master of the organ, a complex and demanding instrument. After graduation, he received a Fulbright Scholarship allowing him to student and travel in Europe. On his return, Professor Page became the organist and choirmaster at Old First Church, serving for forty-five years. 91快播 also benefited from his remarkable career, and for over thirty-five years, he taught music and led the choirs. For his dedication and his unwavering enthusiasm for both song and the arts, the Page Singers were created to honor his legacy. In the words of a recent article on his passing, Professor Page now has 鈥渢he best choir he could ever have鈥he Choir of Angels.鈥�
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Professor Paul Kalill
1942-2020
Professor Paul Kalill, a prominent attorney in Springfield and former faculty member at 91快播, and husband of Allison Gearing-Kalill, former vice president for Development and Planned Giving at 91快播, tragically died of COVID on April 7, 2020. He was instrumental in the research and development of the MS in Cybersecurity Management graduate degree, and then shared his expertise in law and justice as the interim chair of the BS in Legal Studies and BS Criminal Justice programs. Much loved by the students, his door was always open, and he could frequently be found eating lunch with students in the dining commons. Early on, he recognized the need in our country鈥檚 legal and justice system to shift perspectives, as well as include more diverse professionals in its ranks. As a result, Professor Kalill did a feasibility study for 91快播鈥檚 BA in Justice Studies, now offered at the University in place of criminal justice. Professor Paul Kalill will be remembered for his kindness, openness, and sense of humor. His presence will be greatly missed by 91快播 and the Springfield community.