Archbishop Desmond Tutu Inspires

The City of Springfield was recently honored with a visit by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Reverend Tutu was here at the invitation of American International College, where I also serve as a Trustee to the college in giving back to the community. The purpose of Reverend Tutu’s visit was in support of the inaugural launch of the Desmond Tutu Public Health Awareness Series, founded by American International College and the Medical Knowledge Institute.

The Medical Knowledge Institute is an international non-profit organization based in the Netherlands supporting healthcare prevention through education and information. They believe that basic medical education is a human right and one of their strategies is to provide access to medical training using a trainer of trainer’s model to build capacity in local healthcare workers, residents of townships and rural communities, particularly in developing countries.

Part of Reverend Tutu’s activities while in Springfield included an interactive session with secondary and college students on the campus of American International College. He also received an honorary degree at the inaugural lecture and convocation held at Symphony Hall that was open to the public. The culminating event was a reception and dinner program in his honor. His remarks throughout the day were awe inspiring, offered hope and encouragement, and affirmed the potential of the human spirit.

Both American International College and the Medical Knowledge Institute were founded on the principle of education as a tool to empowerment while sharing a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need help the most. For our students and the community at large to have had an opportunity to interact and engage with an inspirational leader of Reverend Tutu’s world renowned stature was powerful and certainly has the potential to transform lives.

I’m honored and proud to serve in Springfield!

April 1st is U.S. Census Day

Today is U.S. Census Day, the official day for sending completed Census Forms back. I urge everyone who hasn't turned theirs in yet, to fill it out and return it today. It's important for us here in Springfield to make sure we are all counted to help ensure that our community receives the largest possible amount of federal dollars – dollars that can help bridge a gap during these difficult economic times. We need as much financial support as we can have in order to keep upcoming cuts as far away from the classroom as possible. Something as simple as filling out your census form and sending it in can help us do that.