On Sunday, April 27, students and faculty from Western New England University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences took part in the annual Keep Springfield Beautiful Cleanup Day, a citywide initiative that supports SCAN (Springfield Conservation and Nature Stewardship). The event reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to civic responsibility and meaningful community partnerships.
Led by Heather DeMar, Director of Experiential Education, a dedicated team of nine students from the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs joined faculty member Arianna Bonzagni and her children in making a tangible impact. Equipped with cleanup supplies and a shared sense of purpose, the group fanned out across Springfield to collect litter and help restore public green spaces.
Their efforts exemplify the College’s mission to promote health, well-being, and service beyond the classroom. By stepping up to support local beautification efforts, these students demonstrated the values at the heart of a WNE education: leadership, compassion, and active citizenship.
Community involvement is a core principle at WNE that guides how students learn and grow. Initiatives like Keep Springfield Beautiful are not only opportunities for service, but also for building stronger ties between the University and its surrounding neighborhoods.
