By Rebekah Sherman
Western New England University is comprised of dedicated and heartfelt faculty and staff who go over and beyond to serve others and who have created a welcoming environment for students. Although some people might view Western New England University as a small school by certain standards, the heartfelt gratitude and feelings of acceptance and kindness by students, faculty, and staff surpass expectations.
One remarkable person who has contributed to the community at Western New England University is H. Kolu Sharpe.
For those who do not know H. Kolu Sharpe, she is the Director of Cultural Education and Inclusion, DSO, and has been working at Western New England University for five years. Sharpe’s office is located on the second floor of the St. Germain Campus Center, Room 233. Sharpe is responsible for overseeing various clubs, programs, and resources, including advising United and Mutually Equal (U & ME), U & ME’s Connections Mentoring Program, America Reads club, BEAR Necessities Market, Spiritual Life, and International Students.
“My favorite part of my job is…seeing the growth that students experience from when they first get here as first-year students…[and] when I see them after they received their diplomas at graduation,” said Sharpe. “I have been to every graduation thus far I have been here …so I have been able to see the students that I work with from beginning to end and I love to see that growth that they experience… and I love the relationship that we develop… over that period of time.”
Sharpe works closely with Bridget Grim, the Director of Student Involvement, Sophia Rios, the Director of University Advising, Jeanne “JP” Powers, the Executive Director of the Student Hub, and the residential directors. Sharpe is also presently collaborating with Professor John Baick.
Sharpe shares her job responsibilities.
“So, on a day to day, my responsibilities can change… but my primary responsibilities are that I provide information to individuals… clubs, classrooms… basically anyone that requests it on various topics related to inclusivity and cultural awareness, things of that nature,” said Sharpe.
Sharpe advises and makes herself available to assist students as needed, whether it be for spiritual needs or helping international students organize celebrations.
“Right now, I am working with a group of Indian students to plan… an event… for Holi, a celebration of colors,” said Sharpe. “And I am the designated school official for international students.” Sharpe also collaborates with other colleges, like Springfield College, to create different events for international students.
Sharpe conducts presentations for classes, clubs, dorms, or training. Sharpe’s job is always “student-centered.”
Sharpe coordinates several programs, such as the Connections Mentoring Program, which pairs sophomores, juniors, and seniors with freshmen, who serve as mentors “for the duration of their first year here to help them get acclimated to life at the university.” She is in charge of pairing the upperclassmen with the freshmen.
Another club that Sharpe oversees is Cub Connections which allows college students to gain leadership experience by “providing tutoring and enrichment” services to selected sixth, seventh, and eighth graders at Duggan Middle School.
“Today [Tuesday, February 25] we had seven or eight students” from Duggan working with WNE students, said Sharpe.
The program occurs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. at the Campus Center. Sharpe serves as the disciplinarian.
During the month of March, Sharpe oversaw three events, including a Women’s History Month trivia on March 6, a sanitary product drive, and Asian Fusion, which “celebrates Asian cultures and food” on March 27.
Students who have worked with Sharpe have noted Sharpe’s qualities.
Kayla Holmes, an Elementary Education and Psychology major, and Trinity Bonaparte, a Criminal Justice major, expressed their opinions regarding Sharpe.
Sharpe is “always helpful, motherly, treats us like her children,” said Bonaparte. You can “talk to her about problems, and she can help provide resources to help you with your problems.”
Holmes said that Sharpe keeps “it professional, is someone you can learn from, teach you resources that you need for the world,” and “you know what to do because she gave you the proper resources.”
Sharpe is a remarkable person, leading by example and helping students throughout their academic journey.
