Western New England University

Driven by perseverance and loyalty, alumnus Josh Tullis '12 turned his Western New England experience into a lifelong connection by giving back to the community that helped shape his path on and off the field.

Tullis came to WNE from Long Island to play lacrosse for longtime coach John Klepacki, a man he still considers family. Now, as an account executive with Metro Team Sports, he's the one making sure WNE's student-athletes are properly outfitted and working to keep gear costs as low as possible for the athletes who need it.

"Being philanthropically connected to the school is meaningful to me," Tullis said.

Every year, he returns to WNE's alumni lacrosse game to mentor current students on careers and internships, staying connected to the community that shaped him.

Read the full story from the Summer Issue of WNE The Magazine: https://magazine.wne.edu/2026-summer/04-josh-tullis.cfm

Track captain. Theatre performer. Mechanical engineer. Meet the Golden Bear who helped build a program from scratch.

Josh Farrell ‘26 helped launch WNE’s track and field team, which grew to 81 athletes in its second season, while also performing with Stageless Players and earning the Grand Skookum Award before starting his engineering career this fall.

Read his full Cub Close-Up in the Summer issue of WNE The Magazine: magazine.wne.edu/2026-summer/06-cub-close-up.cfm

For 16 Western New England University students, this summer's lessons unfolded against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, centuries-old ruins, and bustling Italian city streets.

Through WNE's Summer in Sorrento study abroad program, students spent three weeks in Italy earning six academic credits while exploring Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the Palace of Caserta. The program blends coursework in international business communication and cultural understanding with hands-on experience navigating a different country and culture.

"The immersive experience is something unique to studying abroad because we continue learning outside of a traditional classroom," said student Dalton Cronin. "I truly think that this time in Italy has changed me for the better, and I mean for the rest of my life."

Read the full story at the link in the comments.

Fifty years of laughter, live radio, and lifelong friendships.

This year, Stageless Players and WNEK The Voice Radio celebrate 50 years. At the same time, Improv on the Rocks marks its 20th season, with generations of Golden Bears crediting these groups with shaping their college experience.

Read the full story from the Summer Issue of WNE The Magazine at the link in the comments.

Western New England University is proud to recognize Daniel R. Kennedy, PhD, for receiving the 2025-2026 George R. Spratto Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Biological Sciences Section. The award recognizes members whose vision and service have inspired a collective appreciation for the biological sciences and the role of science in pharmacy education.

Kennedy's research has involved over 70 WNE students, has been continuously funded by external sources since 2014, and has resulted in 46 manuscripts and seven licensed patents.

Congratulations, Dr. Kennedy.

Read the full story at the link in the comments.

The semiconductor workforce gap is growing. Western New England University is helping close it.

WNE has been selected as a subaward recipient under the National Network for Microelectronics Education, a national initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and aligned with the CHIPS and Science Act. The university's project will develop portable, AI-enhanced laboratory modules for microelectronics education, supporting associate- and bachelor-level learners with hands-on experience in the tools and skills needed for high-demand careers in the semiconductor field.

The anticipated Year 1 award is $66,000, with renewal potential of up to five years.

Read the full story at the link in the comments.

This summer, the Rockley Family Foundation is bringing its Musical Instrument Sale to WNE, and it's good news for our Music program on campus!

For the second year in a row, the Foundation is hosting a private, on-campus sale of pianos, digital pianos, and string instruments, in support of the arts at WNE.

Whether you're shopping for your student, a young musician, or yourself, you'll find a great selection at significant savings, with no-interest financing and delivery available.
📍 Rivers Memorial Hall

🗓️ July 9–11

📞 Appointment only: call 413-200-0288 to book