On December 16, 57 nursing students marked the completion of their program at a pinning ceremony. The emotional ceremony, which packed the Goodwin auditorium with family and friends, marked the culmination of years of hard work and personal sacrifice. The Goodwin community congratulates these nurses-to-be!

Goodwin College alumni joined employees and students for a bus trip to New York City early this month. And in November, the alumni department teamed up with Nursing faculty to host a nursing reunion marking the first five years of the Nursing Program at Goodwin.

On December 8, Goodwin College's growing tradition, the Feast of Many Lands, was held for the fifth year. The grassroots international potluck was coordinated by the Student Council and Joy Castello Butler.

Goodwin College students have headed up several successful fundraisers and drives over the past few weeks, including the Thanksgiving Food Drive and Holiday Toy Drive, both coordinated by the Student Council, a fundraiser for the Hospital for Special Care headed by nursing student Lori Tripp (look for an update in the January eNews), and the Early Childhood Education Club book fair, which raised $2,500 for CT Children’s Medical Center and other causes. Thank you to both the coordinators and participants in these efforts — your commitment and generosity make us all proud.

It's the holiday season. It’s the end of the year. You want to help others but you have one million things to do. Here are some creative ways to do both!

Psychology Professor Joseph Gillen, a member of the General Education Faculty, recently became an affiliate member of The Institute of Coaching. The Institute is housed in McLean Hospital, Harvard University. Dr. Gillen will be engaging in training to become an Executive Coach/Life Coach.

Goodwin English instructor Gregory Feeley has a new book out, Kentauros, published by New Haven Review Books. Feeley's previous novels include The Oxygen Barons, which was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award, and Arabian Wine.

The College marked the retirement of longtime Math instructor T. Patrick Burke, who is leaving the College after ten years of outstanding service.