A photo of Alfred University faculty and staff high-fiving each other after a softball game

Contribute

Have an idea for a post on our blog? We'd love to hear from you!

About the Spark

The Spark is the official blog of Alfred University, created to illuminate the dynamic experiences, creative achievements, and unique perspectives of our student community. The Spark captures the essence of what it means to be a Saxon. Whether you're a prospective student dreaming of your next chapter, or a current Saxon shaping your journey, let The Spark guide you.

Back to Blog Home

What a Summer Softball League Says About Alfred's Community

Posted By Alfred University

Aug 06, 2026 | Campus Life & Culture Clubs & Organizations Faculty General Blogs Parents & Families

When people think about college life, they often focus on academics, residence halls, and student activities. But the strength of a university community is also shaped by the relationships people build outside of work and the classroom. This summer, Alfred University faculty and staff found a new way to connect: through a friendly softball league that has brought together employees from across campus for competition, camaraderie, and plenty of fun.

Share this Post

Building Connections Across Campus

The summer softball league began shortly after Alfred University's 2026 Commencement and was organized through the Alfred University Teaching and Learning Center (AUTLC). Associate Professor of Mathematics Elizabeth Matson and Assistant Professor of Geology Michaela Fendrock helped launch the initiative as a way for faculty and staff members to connect outside of their regular roles.

"It's a great way for people who work in different areas of the university to meet and get to know each other," Matson said.

Employees who might otherwise interact only through meetings or emails now find themselves on the same team, building relationships that strengthen the broader campus community.

More Than Just a Game

The inaugural season features five teams and has attracted between 50 and 70 faculty and staff participants. Games are held on Alfred University's softball field, giving employees an opportunity to gather after the workday for some friendly competition.

The league is intentionally designed to be welcoming and accessible. Rules have been modified to emphasize fun over fierce competition, with unique guidelines such as no strikeouts, no base stealing, and inning limits that help keep games moving and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

That spirit reflects a broader campus culture that values participation, inclusion, and community engagement.

A Family Friendly Tradition in the Making

Perhaps the most telling detail about the league is who shows up beyond the players.

Families, children, colleagues, and friends are all welcome at games. According to the organizers, children have become regular participants in the experience, helping retrieve balls, cheering from the sidelines, and even running the bases after games conclude. One memorable moment came when Matson's eight-year-old son, Arius, threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season.

These moments reinforce the sense that Alfred is more than a workplace or a campus. It's a community where people support one another both professionally and personally.

Why It Matters

Prospective students often ask what sets one university apart from another. Part of the answer can be found in stories like this.

The faculty and staff who teach, mentor, advise, and support students are also invested in creating a welcoming campus environment. When employees enjoy spending time together and building relationships outside of work, that sense of connection often extends into the student experience as well.

A strong campus culture doesn't happen by accident. It's built through shared experiences, traditions, and opportunities for people to connect.

The Alfred Difference

Whether it's cheering on a softball game, attending a campus event, collaborating on research, or participating in student organizations, Alfred University is a place where community matters.

The summer softball league may seem like a simple pastime, but it offers a window into the culture that makes Alfred special: a place where people come together, support one another, and find ways to have fun along the way.

For students and families exploring college options, that's the kind of community that can make a university feel like home.

Summer Softball League