Thames at Mitchell College students in the New London Stories class recently presented original historical research at New London Maritime Society’s (NLMS) annual meeting. The meeting was held at the Custom House Maritime Museum on Bank Street in New London. Prior to their presentation, students toured the museum to deepen their understanding of the region’s maritime history.

The mission of NLMS is to protect and preserve the Custom House, three area lighthouses, and Long Island Sound, and to promote, interpret, and celebrate the rich maritime life and history of the port of New London and the surrounding region.

Led by instructor Chris Kervick, the class presented “The Wreck of the Atlantic: The Journey of a Young Survivor.”  The research paper examines the 1846 steamship disaster off the coast of New London. It follows the experience of a young survivor through extensive archival research and narrative storytelling.

The Times Community Newspapers also featured the paper as a cover story, highlighting the quality and depth of the students’ work and the real-world impact of the course.

Read the research paper:
The Wreck of the Atlantic: The Journey of a Young Survivor – Thames at Mitchell Blog

Explore more student research:
The Coles Family: A Glimpse into the Lives of a 19th Century New London Family of Color – Thames at Mitchell Blog

Frank T. Cable: New London Submarine Pioneer – Thames at Mitchell Blog

A Bohemian In New London – Thames at Mitchell Blog

History of Michael’s Dairy / History of New London – Thames at Mitchell Blog

About New London Stories

A research- and writing-focused course, New London Stories immerses students in local history while building critical academic skills. Through primary sources, archival materials, and collaboration with community partners, students produce publishable work that connects the past to the present. Over the years, the class has generated numerous research papers and articles. Works are shared with the broader community through public presentations, newspapers, and online publications.

First-Year Mitchell College students also study the rich history of the area in their New London: Then and Now course.

Thames at Mitchell Blog

Past and current student work from the course is featured on the Thames at Mitchell Blog, which showcases research papers in addition to program highlights.

Visit the Thames Blog:
https://thamesatmitchell.org/

About Thames at Mitchell College

The Thames at Mitchell College pre-college transition program helps students build academic, social, and independent living skills while experiencing college life. The program offers personalized support, small classes, and opportunities to engage in hands-on learning — including college-level coursework such as New London Stories — in a supportive campus environment.

Learn more about Thames at Mitchell College:
/thames/

(Left) As part of their research, students in the New London Stories course visit the Walton family memorial at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London.

(Above) The class, seated and facing the audience, presents its research at the New London Maritime Society annual meeting.

A Mitchell baseball player and Honors Program student, senior business major Savier Paige balances schoolwork, practice, and an internship.

He is grateful to use the technology, communication, and problem-solving abilities gained through Mitchell’s Ability Model, woven throughout the curriculum. Savier applies the skills at his internship with Quinn, Hary & Gellar, a New London marketing and communications firm.

Mitchell College requires every student to complete an internship.

“I found my internship by working with Paul Dunn in the Integrative Career Development office. I was looking for an opportunity that would align with what I want to do long-term for a career.”

During his semester-long internship, he works two to three days each week in the office.

“My days vary, posting calendar listings for clients on various websites and platforms. I also search for visual assets in the public domain that can be used in design. Then I keep track of the details on an Excel spreadsheet—whether they are videos or photos, horizontal or vertical—and do other tasks. Sometimes I figure out how to get information on my own, thinking of different ways to get it, working down the ladder,” he said.

“I had the opportunity to sit in a meeting for the firm’s biggest client, helping plan a 60th anniversary celebration. We talked about costs, food, promotional levels for sponsors, a silent auction, and other things. I was able to give input on the design of a brochure, sharing my ideas on what I thought was visually appealing.”

The thing he likes best about his internship is building connections with the people who work at the firm.

“My favorite part of my internship is the people. Everyone is high energy and conversations are exciting. It’s a small group that feels like a family. I love to come to the office every chance I get, and I am comfortable enough that I can ask for help from anyone.”

Looking Toward the Future

When he graduates, Savier said he will probably seek opportunities in marketing and sales. He also has an interest in gaining experience in public relations, graphic design, and web design.

“As I am exposed to more, I can figure out exactly what I would like to pursue.”

Back on campus, Savier said that sometimes it’s challenging to balance everything. He attributes his success to his favorite Mitchell traits: a calm and beautiful location on the water and a strong, close-knit community that feels like a family.

“Everybody cares about each other in our school whether they know someone or not. And that creates a family within the school.”

Looking toward the future, Savier said, “Mitchell has prepared me in a great way for after graduation. I get one-on-one interaction with professors, and the opportunities outside of school are better, in my opinion, than at a bigger school. I enjoy focusing on what I need to get done to prepare myself for the future and look forward to looking back and thanking Mitchell.” 

To meet demand for affordable and convenient ways for students to keep on track with their academic progress, Mitchell College has launched a new Intersession offering with compressed, full-credit online courses. Mitchell students—and learners from the public—can earn 3 credits in just four weeks through flexible, fully online courses taught by full-time faculty experts.

Designed for flexibility and academic momentum, courses are delivered either asynchronously (work on your own schedule) or in a hybrid online format that includes one real-time virtual meeting per week.

The four-week Intersessions—offered in Winter and Summer—replace the Mitchell MiniMester, which ran for just two weeks. While the new timeframe is still compressed, extending the Intersession by two weeks provides greater convenience and flexibility for student schedules.

“Intersession is one of the most effective and economical ways for students to advance their academic goals in a short period of time,” said Amy Rumrill, registrar at Mitchell College. “If a student takes advantage of both the Winter and Summer Intersessions, they can earn an additional 6 credits over an academic year. Mitchell offers the courses at a significantly reduced cost, the lowest Intersession tuition of any four-year college or university in Connecticut.”

“We recognize that many students are balancing jobs and other responsibilities at home, and flexibility is key. Fully online courses allow them to take a course while managing life. Through Intersession courses, students can focus, stay on track, and earn meaningful credit to make real progress toward their degree. Intersessions also support academic recovery for students at risk,” she said.

Register Now for Winter Intersession

Registration is now open through December 19 for the Winter Intersession, which runs December 17–January 16. The summers session runs May 13–June 12. Intersession tuition is $990 per course ($330 per credit, 3 credits).

Winter Intersession courses include:

• Disney Villains: A Criminological Perspective
• The Invisible Trade of Human Beings: Unmasking Global Human Trafficking Networks
• Writing for College and Beyond
• Entrepreneurship I: The Search for Customer Value
• Advertising
• The Psychology of Wellbeing

New students—those not currently enrolled at Mitchell or Thames at Mitchell—can complete a simple enrollment process to participate. Current Mitchell and Thames students are encouraged to consult with their Academic Advisor before registering.

To learn more or register, go to mitchell.edu/intersession.

When AJ Marini ’24 enrolled at Mitchell College as a transfer student, he intended to play baseball for the Mariners and major in sport management.

“From the very beginning I wanted to stay involved in athletics long after my own career would finish,” he said.

Little did he know that his collegiate baseball career would be cut short by injury and that he would later pursue a career helping and guiding other athletes.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced as a student-athlete was tearing my shoulder twice. That ultimately forced me to stop playing baseball, a sport I loved. I had always identified as an athlete and suddenly that part of my life was taken away.”

Finding Purpose

After the initial shock of his life change, he focused on “finding purpose beyond the field.”

“I suddenly realized there was more to life than just sports. My injury pushed me to grow as a student and as a person, and the experience taught me resilience and adaptability. I focused more on my academics and developed stronger leadership and communication skills. I also found new ways to stay connected to teammates through my coursework and campus involvement.”

AJ credits the Mitchell faculty and staff with helping him transition out of baseball.

“The incredible faculty and staff went above and beyond. They taught me in the classroom and guided, mentored, and supported me through every challenge, both on and off the field. Their encouragement helped me find new purpose. It pushed me to reach my full potential as a student, leader, and a person. Looking back, I was drawn to Mitchell for its close-knit, supportive community. From the start it felt like a place where I could truly belong and grow. Growing is just what I did.”

After graduating from Mitchell (and delivering the student address at his commencement ceremony), he enrolled in a master’s program in sport management at the State University of New York at Cortland.

As a graduate student, he interned with STEER for Student Athletes. The community-based nonprofit organization provides mentorship and support services to student-athletes, helping them graduate from high school, prepare for further education, or enter the workforce.

AJ plans to use this experience to pursue career opportunities in advising, student-athlete development, mentorship, or possibly college athletic administration.

Thanks to his unexpected turn at Mitchell, AJ is now poised and excited to pay forward the support he received.

“It’s important to help others see the same opportunities and support that made such a difference in my own journey.”

Todd Peretz, head coach of Mitchell College men’s basketball, led his team to its first win of the season and his 300th career victory. He is currently in his 27th season at the helm of the program. The team defeated Purchase College 81-69 in a non-conference showdown.

Purchase controlled the first half and took a 48–39 lead into the break, but the Mariners responded with a dominant second half. Mitchell outscored the Panthers 42–21 over the final 20 minutes, using strong defense and timely scoring to take over the game.

Mitchell grabbed the lead for good midway through the second half when junior Troy Butler (Manchester, Conn.) knocked down a three to put the Mariners ahead 59–58. From that point on, Mitchell controlled the pace on both ends, never surrendering the lead again on its way to the comeback win.

Butler led the comeback with 25 points, including several key baskets that helped shift the momentum early in the second half. Senior Brandon Lee (Stockton, Calif.) added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Abdul Mansaray (Jacksonville, Fla.) contributed 13 points as Mitchell steadily pulled away.

Purchase was led by Trey Skeete, who kept the Panthers in front early with 25 points, including five three-pointers. Desmond Ward and Chris Hunter added 10 points each.

Follow Mitchell Athletics at mitchellathletics.com.

Photo credit (header and inset): Purchase College Athletics

Mitchell College welcomes three new full-time faculty members, bringing expertise and energy to programs in the sciences and criminal justice. Joining the faculty are Dr. Laura Picraux, associate professor of chemistry; Dr. Madeline Kollegger, visiting assistant professor of marine and environmental science; and Sarbjeet Kaur, assistant professor of criminal justice.

Each brings unique experience and subject matter expertise that will enrich Mitchell’s distinctive, student-centered learning environment.

Dr. Laura Picraux brings extensive higher education and industry experience to her role as associate professor of chemistry. She joins Mitchell from the Community College of Rhode Island. There she taught both basic skills for chemistry and general chemistry and contributed to course and program assessment. Previously, she taught at Johnson & Wales University and Saddleback Community College. She earned her doctorate in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree from Bryn Mawr College.

Dr. Madeline Kollegger recently completed her doctorate in natural resources at the University of Connecticut. Her dissertation evaluated strategies for coastal marsh restoration. She received her master’s degree in earth and environmental science from Montclair State University, and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from UConn. Her research focuses on coastal resilience and climate change adaptation. An award-winning educator and mentor, Kollegger has taught environmental science at UConn and served as a scientist-in-residence at Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy. She has been recognized for her engaging, inclusive teaching style and her commitment to inspiring environmental stewardship among students.

Sarbjeet Kaur is completing her doctorate in criminal justice at the University of New Haven. Her dissertation explores human trafficking by violent non-state actors and the global legislative disparities affecting women and children. She holds master’s degrees in forensic technology from the University of New Haven and in anthropology from Panjab University in India, where she also earned a postgraduate diploma in forensic science and criminology and a bachelor’s degree. Kaur brings rich academic and field experience, including serving as practitioner-in-residence at the University of New Haven’s Department of Forensic Science and acting interim director of its Center for the Forensic Investigation of Human Trafficking. Earlier roles include the New Haven Police Department, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, and research projects in forensic science and human development.

“Mitchell College is excited to welcome these outstanding educators to our academic community,” said Mitchell College President Tracy Y. Espy. “Their collective expertise and passion for student success reflect our mission to empower every learner to discover their strengths and achieve meaningful impact in their chosen fields.”

Together, these new faculty members strengthen Mitchell’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic approach to learning.

J. Christopher “Chris” Kervick, an instructor of local history at Mitchell College, was recently awarded the 2025 Literary Award by The Connecticut Society of Genealogists for his book “The Windsor Locks Canal: Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle.” The award recognizes the most outstanding genealogical resource of the year.

Since 2022 Kervick has brought his love of history to students in the Thames at Mitchell College program through his “New London Stories” course. Together they have researched and written numerous articles about New London history, some of which have been published by The Day and its imprint The Times newspapers.

The result of over 20 years of research, Kervick’s book tells the story of the creation of the 19th-century Windsor Locks Canal, which served as the backbone of a water-powered industrial center.

The historically detailed book is of interest to genealogists because it humanizes the 400 Irish laborers who built the canal. Kervick introduces the reader to many of the remarkable men by name and identifies laborers who remained in the area and raised families following completion of the canal.

“The Windsor Locks Canal, Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle” (Madison, CT: The Connecticut Press, 2025) is available for checkout at the Mitchell College Library. It is also available for purchase in both softcover and hardcover editions online from Amazon Books, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark.

Kervick recently completed three terms as First Selectman of his hometown of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and, prior to that, served as a Connecticut Judge of Probate. He has been practicing law for over 37 years. A 1984 graduate of Fordham University, he is a 1987 graduate of Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.

Mitchell College faculty are taking their knowledge and expertise from the classroom to the street (Bank Street, New London, that is!), giving back to and engaging with the local community.

“Pints & Professors,” a free speaker series for the public, kicks off on Monday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at The Social Bar + Kitchen, 208 Bank Street, New London. (Watch for announcements about additional talks.)

Professor Luke Walden, M.F.A., who teaches digital communication at Mitchell, will share his perspective as an “accidental historian,” filmmaker, educator, and co-director of the documentary “The Narcotic Farm” (2009). The film, which aired nationally on public television, explores the story of America’s first federal narcotics prison-hospital in Lexington, KY. The institution became both a treatment center and a research hub and is considered the “Ground Zero for American’s first war on drugs.”

Professor Elyse Gessler, Ph.D., event organizer, said, “Knowledge and education are two things that everyone should have access to. I wanted to create an intentional event where we leave campus, meet the public in a relaxing and approachable space, and have some engaging discussions. In my experience, there is nothing that brings people together like good food and drink. Giving our faculty an opportunity to share their research, practitioner, and education experiences over a pint make for a fabulous event to showcase the depth of knowledge and expertise across the Mitchell College faculty.”

Watch “The Narcotic Farm” here: https://vimeo.com/91392115
Read about the researchers’ experiences here: https://lnkd.in/g_hYPDAS
Read more from The Social and reserve a table here.

Mitchell College recently welcomed Jim Tweed as dean of enrollment management. Tweed brings over 25 years of higher education experience to Mitchell. In his current role he oversees all aspects of enrollment for the institution, including strategic outreach efforts, admissions, and financial aid.

Most recently Tweed provided a broad range of admission, financial aid, marketing, and enrollment services to independent secondary schools and institutions of higher education. As an enrollment management consultant, he advised institutions with enrollment analysis, model building, strategy development, and project management. Previously, Tweed served as dean of enrollment management for Rhode Island College. There he was instrumental in modernizing enrollment strategies, using data analysis and student-centered outcomes to grow enrollment and improve student success. Before joining RIC, he had a long tenure at Lasell University (formerly Lasell College), where he rose in the ranks from director of undergraduate admission to assistant vice president for enrollment management. Tweed began his career in higher education administration at Roger Williams University.

He holds a Master of Education from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College.

Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, Mitchell College president, said, “We are excited to welcome Jim to Mitchell College. His expertise in enrollment management will ensure that we continue to provide exceptional service to our students, from prospect to graduate. As a seasoned and savvy higher education leader, Jim understands the complexities of enrollment in today’s higher education landscape. He brings creative and analytical skills, ranging from mentorship to market analysis, and uses them all to optimize enrollment outcomes.”

Tweed said, “I’m thrilled to join Mitchell College, where every student’s potential is truly celebrated. I look forward to working with our incredible enrollment team, faculty, and staff to expand access, foster belonging, and advance Mitchell’s bold, student-centered mission.”

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor Marc Goldsmith. A much-beloved and admired educator, he dedicated himself to the service of thousands of Mitchell students over his 55-year tenure (1968–2023) at Mitchell College.

He once said about teaching: “For me, teaching is a chance to make a difference by promoting a love of lifelong learning and enthusiastically sharing that love with students as best I can.”

An associate professor of communication, he loved the “camaraderie of the faculty and the challenge of the classroom.” He taught numerous communication classes, as well as Holocaust education and music courses—two of things he counted among his personal interests, along with bird watching, social action, and being a practicing musician.

Marc held myriad roles during his tenure, including dean of students, associate dean for instruction and academic programs, assistant dean for special programs and interim vice president of academic affairs/dean of the college. He also founded the college radio station (WRMC) and coached golf.

When he reflected on his retirement in 2023, he said, “Mitchell has always been a special place, connected to the community. It’s created memories and improved people’s lives,” he said. With appreciation, he added, “I get messaged every once in a while thanking me for what I have done.”

One thankful student traveled from Texas to New London to attend Marc’s retirement party in 2023. John Russell ’73 expressed his gratitude for his professor in person, saying that the ‘B’ that Goldsmith gave Russell, who was valedictorian of his class, was the lowest grade (and only ‘B’) he ever received at Mitchell.

Russell wrote a note in appreciation of Marc: “…Mr. Goldsmith is an honest grader. As a consequence of this fact, his fall semester course was the first occasion in which I had ever practiced serious self-criticism in my own writing. My writing improved thereafter.…The practice of self-criticism in English composition proved to be a lifetime benefit for me and I am indebted to Mr. Goldsmith more than anyone else for this blessing.” He added that he regarded the first ‘A’ he received on a paper in Goldsmith’s class as “a particularly significant milestone in my academic career.” Russell went from Mitchell to MIT, where he earned degrees in the fields of mathematics, aeronautics, and astronautics, including a doctorate.

Marc Goldsmith was an inspiration to countless students at Mitchell, helping them find their purpose and achieve their goals. He also inspired the faculty with whom he worked to continue to provide a student-centered learning environment that builds confidence and prepares students to make their mark in the world.

Read his obituary here.

A memorial and celebration of life will take place on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. (EST) via Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81728183975?pwd=G1csOyjGvMdqa5Id3UpSO2NeqU9YP9.1

Meeting ID: 817 2818 3975

Passcode: 973129