Anna Quindlen to Deliver Springfield College Commencement Address
SPRINGFIELD — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Anna Quindlen will deliver the commencement address at the 132nd Springfield College undergraduate commencement exercises on Sunday, May 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
Philanthropist and business executive Greg Toczydlowski will speak at the Springfield College graduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. on the College’s main campus.
Quindlen balances the political with the personal and has been followed by millions of readers for her perspectives on today’s issues, from family, work, and education to healthcare, philanthropy, and social justice.
“We are honored to welcome Anna Quindlen to Springfield as our 2018 undergraduate commencement speaker,” said Mary-Beth Cooper, Springfield College president. “Her life’s work not only serves as a shining example of the possibilities for our graduates who seek to build a socially and economically resilient society, it also aligns with our Springfield College mission of leadership in service to others.”
Twelve of Quindlen’s books, including seven of her novels, have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. Her latest novel, Alternate Side, was released in March. It is a provocative look at what it means to be a mother, a wife, and a woman at a moment of reckoning.
Quindlen serves on the board of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and is an American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow. The Child Welfare League of America established the Anna Quindlen Award for Excellence in Journalism on Behalf of Children and Families.
Toczydlowski is president of Business Insurance. He is a member of the company’s operating committee and management committee. Since joining Travelers in 1990, he has had diverse management assignments, including leading operations across captive, direct, and independent-agent distribution outlets. Previously, he was president of Small Commercial Business Insurance.
“As an alumnus and now trustee of the college, Greg is the perfect speaker for the college during these exciting times that are upon us,” Cooper said. “His multifaceted roles as a business executive, philanthropist, proud father of two college students, and a weekend farmer make him a natural choice to speak to our graduate students on this special day.”
Toczydlowski is the current chair of the Springfield College board of trustees, serving as a trustee since 2011. He has a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and an MBA from the University of Hartford. He is a member of the board of directors for the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
The ceremonies are open to the public. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in this event, contact the Office of Communications at (413) 748-3171 to discuss your accessibility needs. Springfield College is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.
