Celebrating Westfield State 185th | Westfield State University

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

185 years ago, Westfield State University was born from an idea for an equal, just, educated society built on participatory democracy. Horace Mann believed in the possibility of a better future for Massachusetts because he saw the power of education. His ideas – his belief in the power of possibility – changed the Commonwealth and changed the world.

Today, Westfield State University remains a space for big ideas, for learning new things and rethinking what we already think we know. We ask questions. We seek answers. We are curious and accepting.

We celebrate those who look to the future with bravery and hope. We honor those who strive to be a positive light for others. We uplift those who dream big dreams, answer the call to service, and build resilient, inclusive communities for tomorrow.

Westfield State University celebrates 185 years of excellence and welcomes the infinite possibilities of our future.

Keeper of the Dream Dinner

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 at 5:30 p.m.

To recognize and celebrate Black History Month, and commemorate Westfield State’s 185th anniversary, we held an evening of inspiration and reflection as we paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honored those who continue to carry on his legacy.

Image of Dr. Martin Luther King in various shades of blue for Keeper of the Dream Dinner.

"My Rise to the Stars: How a Sharecropper’s Daughter Became an Army General”: Presentation and Book Signing by General Clara Adams-Ender

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 from 5–6:30 p.m.
Location: Multi-Purpose Room in University Hall

U.S. Army General Clara Mae Leach Adams-Ender, a nursing graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1961. She notably became the first female officer awarded an Expert Medical Field Badge. Adams-Ender then earned her M.S. from the University of Minnesota and was the first woman to achieve a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Her career highlights include leadership roles at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and as Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Promoted to Brigadier-General, she later served as Commanding General at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

General Clara Adams-Ender smiling in military uniform.

Supporting Our Superwomen - The Inaugural Dora Robinson Speaker Series

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 from 4–6 p.m.
Location: Westfield State University's Dever Stage
Reception to follow at Scanlon Banquet Hall

The symposium discussed the impact on women who chose to serve our community and explored the relationships between personal well-being and health, Superwomen Syndrome, and professional expectations, focusing on the challenges of working for a more equitable world. This free, public lecture welcomed individuals from all backgrounds to participate in an enlightening and inspiring evening.

Going Global: Internationalizing the Westfield State Experience

FEATURING MARY LOU MCDONALD, PRESIDENT, SINN FÉIN PARTY WESTFIELD STATE’S 2024 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

RECEPTION AND FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT STUDENT STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 | 6–9 P.M.
Westfield State University
Tim & Jeanne’s Dining Commons
577 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA

Join us in honoring Mary Lou McDonald, our 2024 Commencement speaker and the first female president of Ireland's Sinn Fein party. Known for addressing Ireland's challenges, from housing and economic crises to healthcare and climate change, she inspires positive change. Support our global initiatives for expanded study abroad and academic exchanges.

All proceeds benefit our students as we internationalize the Westfield State experience.

Purchase Tickets Here

Blue Diamond Ball

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
MGM Springfield

Join us for a night of celebration at the Blue Diamond Ball! As we commemorate Westfield State University's 185th Anniversary, your participation will support initiatives aimed at enhancing access and removing economic barriers to education for our students and empowering them with "Infinite Possibilities" for their future endeavors.