Towne Scholars

Towne Scholarship

Margaret "Peg" D. Towne '84 Endowed Scholarship

Mr. Richard Towne has created an Endowed Scholarship to Springfield College in honor of his late wife, Peg. In 1984 at the age of 44, Peg Towne graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS Degree in Psychology from Springfield College, an achievement she treasured throughout her life.  Peg had a disability and had challenges to face because she learned differently. Mr. Towne would like to celebrate Peg’s grit to overcome the difficulties she faced in earning her degree and he through this endowed scholarship wants to help students who learn differently. 

This money would not be additional money given to a student, but built in as part of your Springfield College Grant money. Of course, the ASC does not disclose any names of students with documented disabilities, so we will periodically solicit our students registered for Disability & Accessibility Services to find those students, who wish to be considered to be a Towne Scholar.  

In the Academic Success Center, we celebrate diversity of ability and student success, so if you are interested in being considered for this scholarship, please contact us. You would need to:

  • Be an undergraduate student
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Be a person who receives SC Grant monies
  • Be willing to be identified as someone who learns differently or as a person with a disability and as having the fortitude to overcome challenges!

Towne Scholars 2023-24

2022-2023 Towne Scholars

Bella Bruns  

I am a senior from New Lebanon, New York.  I am a History major with a minor in Public History/Museum Studies and a second minor in Art.  After SC, I plan to work in a museum in either exhibit designing or graphic design.  I am the Co-President of Student Society for Bridging Diversity (SSBD), and a Global Mentor supporting international students.  I am extremely thankful for being chosen for this scholarship. As a person with an invisible disability, schooling has never been easy. I am so appreciative that I am able to carry on the amazing legacy of Ms. Peg Towne. It truly is an honor to be chosen. Thank you to everyone!

 

Alana Edwards

I am a sophomore from Francestown, NH.  I am a Psychology major, who wants to work with kids after I graduate.  On campus, I am a part of the Black Student Union (BSU).  I am very thankful to have received this scholarship. 

 

 

 

 

 

Imran Lamhader  

I am a junior from Hamden, Connecticut.  My major is Art & Design.  After I graduate, I want to go into either the animation industry or Character Design, Story-Boarding, etc. This scholarship helps out a lot.

 

 

 

 

Haydn Wells 

I am a first-year student from Kennebunk Maine studying Athletic Training.  My goal after I graduate is to be an Athletic trainer for a pro baseball team in the minors or majors.  I am on the Men’s Club Rugby Team. I would like to thank Mr. Towne for providing this scholarship. I have struggled with having to learn how to make myself successful using many different learning styles. I have discovered with the help of my parents and teachers what works best. However, I am continuing to learn how to approach my education with each new class I take. I am honored to carry on the success of his wife’s achievement and hard work. I hope that I can continue to learn and become the best professional I can with his monetary support and Springfield College’s acceptance and promotion of various learning styles. 

 

Towne Scholars 2022-23

2022-2023 Towne Scholars

Dylan Colangelo  

I am a Junior from Youngstown, Ohio. I am a Criminal Justice major. I aspire to pursue a career related to federal law enforcement.  I am on the Gymnastics Team.  I am the Vice President of the Delta Alpha Pi honor society that recognizes high-achieving college students with disabilities. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a Towne scholar. It's nice to know that people who think like me can be appreciated for their differences. Thank you very much for the scholarship. 

 

 

Joanna Medeiros  

I am a Sophomore from Whitman, MA, who is studying Art Therapy.  After I graduate, I would love to become an art therapist! I would also like to attend a graduate school as well, hopefully in Springfield. I am in the Best of Broadway club! I enjoy making art in my spare time.  I am incredibly grateful. Springfield College has always been there for me. This award could not have come at a better time. Thank you very much! 

 

 

 

Mackenzie Ritchie 

I am a Sophomore from Agawam, MA.  I am a Psychology major with a Pre-Med track.  After I complete my undergraduate degree at Springfield College, I want to continue my education on the clinical track of psychology, or even become a psychiatrist.  I substitute teach in the Agawam Public Schools District and I have worked at Casa di Lisa in Agawam for the past 6 years.  On campus, I have been a part of New Student Orientation during my sophomore year, and I am a student representative of the Academic Support Services strategic work group.  I want to say thank you for selecting me as a Towne Scholar. Coming into college was stressful, but with the help of the ASC, I have been able to thrive here at Springfield College.

 

Ella Williams  

I am a Junior from North Scituate, Rhode Island majoring in Psychology.  Once I complete my BA in Psychology, I hope to attend graduate school for my PsyD in either Athletic Counseling or Sports Psychology. I am eager to promote mental health support and athletic enhancement to maximize athlete's experiences on and off the field! I grew up riding on the equestrian circuit throughout New England. I continue to pursue the sport both for work and for competition! I currently am involved in the production of Vagina Monologues to advocate for ending violence against women. I intern at New Way Services, a branch of Mental Health Association that works on the rehabilitation of adults with Traumatic Brain Injuries. This has given me many opportunities to volunteer and benefit the greater Springfield community!  It is an honor to receive the Towne Scholarship. As a student who has navigated through many obstacles to be in the position I am today, it is reassuring to know that people recognize these challenges and give back to those who they feel deserve it. Thank you so much to those who were involved in the selection of myself and the other Towne Scholars for this scholarship opportunity!

Towne Scholars 2021-22

2021-2022 Towne Scholars

Madeline Hernandez  

I am a Senior and home for me is Chicopee, Massachusetts.  I am a Communication and Science Disorders major. After I complete my degree at Springfield College, I aspire to continue my journey to becoming a Speech Language Pathologist and furthering my career to help those in need of my service.  I volunteered for Holy Name Hospital in New Jersey, worked as a certified nursing assistant and volunteered for Habitat For Humanity. I would like to say thank you to the Academic Success Center for offering me an opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. After a very hard and stressful moment, I really needed to see light at the end of the tunnel and this truly impacted me in a positive way. I am very honored to be receiving this award and to use this accomplishment as a positive asset to furthering my education. I would like to say thank you for this opportunity, and that I am honored to be a Towne Scholar.

 

Nemo Thomas  

I am a Junior from Stratford, CT, who is a Rehabilitation Studies and Art Therapy dual major.  In the future, I plan to be a rehabilitation counselor.  I am a member of the Art Club and I intern at the Mason Wright Senior Living Center in Springfield.  I really appreciate being selected as a Towne Scholar.  It really makes my day to know that there are opportunities like this for the differing-ability individuals on this campus.

 

 

 

Dylan Colangelo 

I am a Sophomore from Youngstown, Ohio, who is majoring in Criminal Justice.  I aspire to reach a career in federal law enforcement.  I am a member of Mens Gymnastics.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be awarded the Towne scholarship. I am encouraged as a person who learns differently, who struggles from time to time, and honored to be recognized in this way. I would like to thank, the Towne family for this scholarship.

 

 

 

Emily Januszewski 

I am a Senior from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, who is a Digital, Web & Multimedia Design major.  After Springfield College, I hope to be creating logos, flyers and advertising for companies as a freelancer.  I am the president of the E-sports Club.  I wanted to say thank you for recognizing me as a Towne Scholar.  I worked really hard to be where I am today and I’m glad that I’m being recognized for my achievements. 

 

 

Hannah Cushing 

I am a First-Year student.  My home town is Dudley, Massachusetts.  My major is Physical Education. After I complete get my degree, I plan on becoming a gym teacher in an elementary school. I participate in intramural sports, both soccer and volleyball, and am a member of the Physical Education club.  I am very thankful for everything the Academic Success Center has done for me. Prior to Springfield College, I struggled to find support, but Springfield has been nothing but good to me. I'm honored to be chosen as a Towne Scholar! 

 

 

 

 

Heather Dloughy 

I am a First-Year student from Dumont, New Jersey majoring in Sports Biology. I aspire to be a pediatric physical therapist, allowing me to give back and help other children with disabilities and help them succeed.   I am so honored to be chosen as a Towne Scholar and for the support I have received from the Academic Success Center.  Growing up with a disability has been very challenging, but it feels great to know that all of my hard work has paid off.

 

Towne Scholars 2018-21

2018-2019 Towne Scholars

 

Jenny Brown

I am a rising senior at Springfield College and I am a Sociology major with a concentration in Social Work. I just entered the five-year Master's program at Springfield College and plan to graduate in 2021 with a Master's in Social Work. My hometown is Otter River, Massachusetts. I have enjoyed my time here at Springfield College. The mission and small family like atmosphere fits my personality. I am a member of the Women's Rugby team and love being able to represent the College as a scholar-athlete at both our home and away games. When I am not studying or playing Rugby, I find time to volunteer on and off campus. I am involved in the club Rachel's Challenge, the club focuses on spreading kindness. I also volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, and take great delight in following the College's mission of "Spirit, Mind and Body!" Helping others is in my blood and I have been lucky enough to have been involved in these opportunities that has helped me be a well-rounded individual. During my semester breaks, I make it a point to stay connected in my hometown by volunteering with our local animal shelter. Animals is another one of my passions! I also work at The Kitchen Garden and with Direct Developmental Support in Phillipston to help with my educational costs. After graduation it is my hope to find employment as a Social Worker, where I can put my skills and passion to work helping families making their homes and communities a better place.

 

Allison Hughes 

 

I am from Manchester, Connecticut. I am currently a first-year student and look forward to being a sophomore next year in the Health Science program. After I graduate with my Health Science degree, I plan to enter a Physician Assistant program for graduate school. Thinking ahead for my future career, I really want to specialize in pediatrics and work in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I have been a competitive gymnast since the age of five and I now continue to train and coach the little ones back at my local gym. I also love to volunteer with my dad helping the community through his police department like collecting food for the homeless shelters.  We also do a big Christmas Day toy collection for families who are less fortunate. This is such a wonderful event. I love to see the smiles on these family's faces as it puts a big smile on my face too!

 

Jesus Sanchez, Jr. 

I am currently a senior at Springfield College and will be graduating this May. I'll be graduating with a degree in Movement and Sports Studies with a minor in Business Management. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, so I'm definitely excited for that! My family is very proud of me. I am from Lawrence, Massachusetts, which is not too far from Springfield. Being so close to school allowed me to go back and forth to home when possible. This was great for me as my family and friends were a great support system. I have enjoyed my time here at Springfield College. It's a small school, so it's a place where you know just about everyone. Most importantly, I have made some great friends and connections that I hope will last a lifetime. I was a member of the football team for my first three years of college and then the rugby team for my senior year. When I'm not focused on my studies or sports, I find time to volunteer on campus. I've volunteered for numerous sports team events, Residence Hall events and helping other students with their studies.  I really enjoy volunteering and helping others. During my semester breaks, I volunteer at my church. I also work part-time in the summer doing landscaping. During winter break, I did snow plowing. To help out with my educational costs while on campus, I had a job driving the shuttle van on campus. After graduation, it is my hope to find employment as a personal trainer and / or a strength and conditioning coach. I would like to put my skills to work helping others chose a healthy lifestyle and help athletes reach their full potential!

 

2019-2020 Towne Scholars

 

Brittney Arseneau 

I was born and raised in Pittsfield, Mass. I am currently a sophomore and majoring in Health Science. I am aspiring to become a Physician Assistant. I absolutely love Springfield College. I have had some incredible experiences during my tenure at the College and I know there is more to come. All throughout high school, I never thought I would attend college. Growing up, I struggled with school with my learning disabilities but I did have the academic support from the school system. I thought once I reached the college level, those student support services would disappear. It wasn't until I visited Springfield College and meet the supportive academic team and learned about the academic accommodations. Everyone made me feel right at home. I knew right then and there that Springfield College was where I wanted to go to college. They made me feel that I truly had a chance at not only succeeding in college but enjoying it.  When I'm not focused on my academic studies or work, I find time to attend athletic games. I’ve always had the love for sports even though I currently do not play a sport. In high school, I played soccer and I wrestled. At the College, I enjoy keeping up with the basketball and volleyball teams. Also, I volunteer on campus with the ‘Best Buddies” program. I have volunteered my time in this program for 4 years. This allows me to work closely with other students with disabilities to help them succeed. During my semester breaks, I make it a point to stay connected in my hometown by volunteering at Berkshire Medical Center. Also, I make it a point to volunteer at my local high school and help out with the after school academic programs. To help out with my educational costs, I work as a full-time waitress at the Red Lion Inn and the Bistro Zinc in the Berkshires. After graduation, it is my hope to find employment as a surgical Physician Assistant where I can put my acquired skills to work. I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field. My passion for healthcare and medicine came from my grandmother. My grandmother was a general surgeon for many years. She is currently retired, but she can't stay away from the field. She now devotes her time to teaching and volunteering at the hospital. I've always looked up to my grandmother and hope to someday be just as great as her.

 

Sophie Grant

My name is Sophie Grant and I am from North Haven, CT. I am a senior in the Athletic Training Program. I have a great passion for helping others and am able to accomplish that through athletic training. Springfield College has definitely given me the necessary tools to be able to have a successful career. Without having the help that I have received from the Academic Success Center, I would not have been able to have been as successful as I have been and continue to be.  At Springfield College, I am apart of the Athletic Training Club. I have also worked with specific sports teams on an off campus as a student athletic trainer. At Springfield College, I have worked with the men's baseball team and the men's volleyball team. There is no greater joy than helping an athlete through a tough injury, helping them through rehabilitation, returning them to play, and watching them have a successful season know you had some part in that.  After graduating from Springfield College I hope to be a Graduate Assistant for athletic training at another institution and receive my master is Athletic/Sports administration. I hope to one day be able to be a professor of athletic training and be able to help inspire athletic training students as my professor did for me.   

 

2020-2021 Towne Scholars

 

Adrianna Boucher

I am a Junior from Somers, CT.  I’m a Psychology major with a minor in Health Sciences. I am also taking prerequisites for nursing as she plans to go into an accelerated nursing program after completing her degree.  After graduation here at Springfield College, I intend on going onto an accelerated nursing program. My end goal is to obtain a degree in nursing, and further my education more by going onto an Advanced Practice Registered Nursing program. I would like to specialize in the psychiatric department and open my own practice as an APRN.     

This year, Springfield College started a club ski team. Although we were not able to hold a formal season due to COVID, I went skiing a lot on my own. I have been skiing since I was in 5th grade and am very passionate about the sport. I enjoy skiing with my father as he was the one who taught me how to ski at a young age. Before COVID, I received my CNA license through the Red Cross. I worked in an assisted living facility, specifically with elderly residents who were diagnosed with dementia. Since I was a little girl, I have felt passionate about helping others. Being a CNA was an extremely rewarding experience as I was able to help and support elderly residents with who I had grown very close to. Although the job itself had its downsides, at the end of the day it was always very gratifying knowing that I made the resident's day a little brighter by helping them.     

I have struggled with a learning disability my whole life. Without the support I have received from the Academic Success Center and my academic coach, Hailey Walker, I would not be the student I am today. Just last semester, I reached out to the Academic Success Center for help. Prior to that, I never wanted to come to terms with the fact that I had my own struggles with learning and needed assistance. The staff in the Academic Success Center made me feel so welcomed and has helped me in so many different ways to succeed during my time here at Springfield College. COVID has impacted so many aspects of our lives, and for me, it impacted my learning experience the most. Online school is tough for everyone, and I personally had an extremely hard time adjusting to the "new normal." Thanks to the staff in the Academic Success Center, I can confidently say I have been able to transition to online learning much smoother than I anticipated and their continued support helps me every day.

 

Julian Ellington    

I am a First-Year student from Berlin, CT.  I am majoring in History / Secondary Education.  After graduating from Springfield College, I plan to teach History at the high school level. I've taken a liking to participating in the Middle School Mentors program. I am grateful to those who chose me for this award, and wish to continue living up to their expectations.  



 

Erin Muskatallo

I am a Senior from Portland, Connecticut. I am currently studying Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology. After I complete my degree, I wish to work with children with diverse learning abilities to help support their academic achievement. I believe occupational therapists can make a positive impact on a child's life by helping promote positive behaviors necessary for learning. I hope to help the children I work with by supporting them through their academic journey, finding new ways to problem solve obstacles that are preventing them from reaching their full potential. I have been a cheerleader my whole life and I am currently the Vice President of the Springfield College Cheerleading team. I also enjoy working for the Partner's Program!

I am grateful and honored to be awarded with this scholarship. It is reassuring to be acknowledged for my achievements up to this point, and to receive such amazing support. This scholarship opportunity has been much appreciated, and I am extremely thankful to be awarded this honor.

 

Quinn Sweeney 

I’m a Sophomore from Hanson, Massachusetts. I am a Criminal Justice. After I complete my degree, I am seeking a career in law enforcement and to become a high school coach for football. I am a member of the Springfield College Football Team I am honored to be considered for and receive the Towne Scholarship. I am so grateful to the Towne Family and Springfield College that they recognize that we all are unique and have different learning styles.

 

 

Tiffany Yago

I am a Junior from Las Vegas, Nevada. I am in the Physical Therapy program with a Major in Health Science and a minor in Rehabilitation & Disabilities. I aspire to be a physical therapist. I hope to work with athletes to help them recover and get them back to the sport they enjoy. I am a part of the Women's Springfield College Rugby Club team. I am currently Vice President of the club and play the scrum.

I appreciate and am honored to be awarded the scholarship. It goes to show all my hard work is truly paying off.