News

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) will celebrate its 141st Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. President Nicole Cestero will preside over the ceremony.

Springfield, MA — American International College (AIC) proudly announces the relaunch of its historic student publication, The Yellow Jacket, now redesigned in a digital magazine-style format with virtual newsroom that highlights student voices, campus life, and creative storytelling.

Photographs of Amanda Plasse filled the screen at the front of the classroom as her mother, Michelle Penna, began to speak. Students in Adjunct Professor John Delaney’s Victimology class at American International College listened closely as Penna shared the story of her daughter, a 20-year-old from Chicopee whose life ended in a vicious act of violence.

American International College is proud to announce a new partnership with Phoenix Charter Academy in Springfield, giving students the opportunity to earn free, fully transferable college credits while still in high school. This initiative marks AIC’s fourth collaboration with a local high school to help students get a head start on college.

Throughout March, American International College (AIC) will showcase the work of alumnus John Buonani, Class of 1972, in a special exhibit in the College’s West Wing Gallery. The exhibit celebrates the life and legacy of the accomplished artist, writer, musician, and dedicated supporter of the arts who passed away in October 2025.

The first time I heard about The College Tour at American International College (AIC), it was from a flyer hanging on one of the campus columns. I remember thinking, This looks interesting. I’m going to record a video and share a little of my story.

That same day, I walked into the green screen room in AIC’s Communications and Digital Media department. I set up a tripod, sat down, and recorded a two-minute application video. The truth is, I didn’t script anything. I didn’t rehearse. I just spoke from the bottom of my heart. And somehow, I was selected.

For many students, the transition from classroom to clinic can feel daunting. What does a professional interview really look like? What are employers listening for? And how do you begin to see yourself as a clinician rather than a student?

Those questions were front and center as American International College’s Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs marked the 10th annual OT and PT Professional Day. Held in the College Center Auditorium, the event brought together students, alumni, and employers for a day focused on professional readiness, giving students a clearer sense of what today’s healthcare employers are looking for and how to step into the field with confidence.

When we think about innovation in health and human services, we often focus on what’s new: new research, new technologies, new models of care. One of the most underused resources in professional education and practice, however, is history. In a recent article I co-authored in the Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, we explore why occupational therapy (OT) history matters today, and how intentional engagement with our professional past can strengthen education, identity, and practice for the future. At American International College (AIC), I integrate these principles into my teaching, helping students connect the profession’s origins to modern practice.

On November 19, 2025, the American International College (AIC) community paused to reflect on its past and speak directly to its future.

SPRINGFIELD, MA — Continuing a family legacy that spans generations, the Breck family has renewed its enduring commitment to American International College (AIC) through both scholarship support and campus renewal.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll visited AIC’s campus on Friday, November 14, for a conversation with President Nicolle Cestero and Provost Michael Dodge about the future of higher education in Massachusetts.

When Michael Dodge thinks about the 227 students from Duggan Academy in Springfield currently taking classes at American International College (AIC), he understands who benefits the most — and it’s not necessarily the academic high achievers who already have their eyes on college.

On a crisp Thursday evening, November 13, AIC’s Campus Center Auditorium offered a warm setting for academic engagement and experiential learning. Students from AIC and area colleges gathered for a conversation with professionals across the sports industry. Organized by student leaders in the Sports Management Club, with support from the Event and Facility Management class, the program featured a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and time for networking.

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) is helping students facing food insecurity with the launch of The Buzz Stop, a new campus food pantry. According to government data, approximately 3.8 million college students nationwide, or about 23 percent, face food insecurity. Many do not receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits due to application barriers or lack of awareness.

The College’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium on the upper level of the Schwartz Campus Center.

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) has promoted Michael Dodge to Provost and Michael Eriquezzo to Vice President for Marketing and Communications, building on the success of the College’s leadership team.

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings for leadership in advancing social mobility. This is the third consecutive year AIC has earned this distinction, reflecting the College’s commitment to providing students from all backgrounds with access to life-changing opportunities through higher education.

SPRINGFIELD, MA – The American International College (AIC) Department of Athletics will induct the 1975 Football Team into the AIC Athletics Hall of Fame during the College’s 2025 Homecoming, recognizing the squad that set a program-best 11-game winning streak—a record that still stands today. Widely considered “The Greatest Team Ever” at AIC, the honor comes on the fiftieth anniversary of their historic season.

Springfield, MA – The fall semester is officially underway at American International College (AIC). On the morning of September 2, the campus came alive as students returned for the start of classes, including more than 350 new first-year and transfer students joining the AIC community. This year’s incoming class was selected from more than 4,000 applications, reflecting strong interest in AIC’s academic programs and supportive learning environment.

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2025. The new trustees are Charlie Carroll, John Falcone, Stefania Raschilla, Rachel Romano, and Rebecca Thibault. These additions bring a wealth of experience in education, finance, law, and business leadership to the College’s governing board.