collegian 2011

Collegian

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The Newsletter of The New England College Council Summer 2011

In a recent Norwalk Community College class on unsung heroes of history, a student typed notes into her laptap with the intensity of a graduate student.

Her classmates were equally engaged, lobbing questions to the Professor about the nuances of constitutional law.

It wasn’t a senior level course, but rather a course for senior citizens. And the class wasn’t held on campus, but onsite at a senior retirement community.

Norwalk Community College (Norwalk, Conn.) has launched an innovative new partnership with Meadow Ridge, a continuing care community in Redding, Conn., to provide onsite courses for residents taught by NCC faculty.

NCC Off-Campus at Meadow Ridge was launched in February 2011. It provides an opportunity for stimulating learning in small classes for residents ranging in age from 60s through 90s.

Courses are non-credit and meet for two hours on a Friday or Saturday morning, for eight weekly sessions. There are no homework assignments or tests, just lectures leading to discussion and group participation. The only concession to mature learners is the occasional use of a podium microphone.

Norwalk Community College is believed to be the first community college in Connecticut to offer a program of this kind.

“The Meadow Ridge students are intellectually curious individuals who want to pursue new fields of interests,” said NCC President David L. Levinson, Ph.D. “Many of them were high achievers during their careers; that drive to learn doesn’t switch off when you retire.”

Nationwide, as 78 million baby boomers enter their retirement years, college programs geared to older learners are proliferating. Many are taught on campus. Some retirement communities have even been built on college campuses, to foster a greater connection between town and gown.

“NCC has long had a strong commitment to serving the adult and senior population of the community by offering residents 62 years and older free tuition for onsite credit courses and by supporting and encouraging a Lifetime Learners Institute,” said Dean of College Advancement Barbara Drotman. “Now, NCC has developed an exemplary partnership with Meadow Ridge that brings the college to them.”

Norwalk Community College Partnership with Assisted Living CenterPresident

Dr. Lucille JordanPresidentNashua Community College505 Amherst St.Nashua, NH 03063Tel: (603) 882-6923www.nashuacc.edu

Vice-PresidentDr. Terrence GomesPresidentRoxbury Community College1234 Columbus AvenueRoxbury Crossing, MA 02120Tel: (617) 541-5301www.rcc.mass.edu

TreasurerDr. Daniel M. AsquinoPresidentMount Wachusett Community College444 Green St.Gardner, MA 01440www.mwcc.edu

SecretaryDr. Barbara DouglassPresidentNorthwestern ConnecticutCommunity CollegePark Place EastWinsted, CT 06098www.nwcc.commnet.edu

Executive DirectorRobert Ross(617) 426-1920

The Collegian Edited by Robert RossThe Collegian Newsletter Design by Dana ArmstrongThe Collegian is available online at: www.newenglandcollegecouncil.org

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The American Association for Community Colleges notes that most baby boomers can expect to spend three decades in retirement and that thanks to advances in healthcare, the traditional “third stage” of life has expanded. Older adults wish to stay actively engaged in educational opportunities—whether it’s mastering conversational French or studying the Romance Poets.

Lea Mintz, a member of the Norwalk Community College Foundation Board of Directors who has been involved with NCC since its inception, developed the idea for the NCC Off-Campus program after moving to Meadow Ridge in November.

“I thought it natural to bring these two special places together,” she said. “With tremendous enthusiasm and support from both communities, as well as a wonderful committee, I am happy to report that we are now midway in our first semester with two classes held weekly at Meadow Ridge.”

At the first registration session for the new program, classes filled up in less than an hour and those turned away were put on a long waiting list.

The program kicked off on February 17 with a lecture by NCC President David L. Levinson, Ph.D. at Meadow Ridge on the rising cost of a college education and the value of community colleges.

Ed Grippe, Ph.D., NCC professor of philosophy and religion, is teaching a course on “Ethics and Literature” on Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. The course is a Socratic dialogue about short stories, poems and novels that deal with ethical dilemmas and their meaning for contemporary society.

Elliot Kalner, an NCC instructor of American History, is teaching “Special Topics in American History: Controversial American Historical Figures” on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.

Two new courses will be scheduled for the fall and the Meadow Ridge residents have requested a lecture series featuring one-hour talks on various topics by NCC faculty.

In June, Meadow Ridge is throwing a birthday party for NCC to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the college’s founding.

As a result of the partnership, Meadow Ridge is interested in providing clinical experiences for nursing and physical therapist assistant students in its Nursing home unit, and hiring culinary arts graduates to work in its upscale dining room.

“Teaching the people at Meadow Ridge is a treat. They are receptive, keen observers, and fun! I enjoy their comments and company,” said Professor Grippe. “I will be sorry when the semester ends.”

Continued from page 1

Sixteen students from Southington High School presented family literacy bags they created to Tunxis Community College’s Early Childhood Professional Educators’ Consortium meeting on February 24 as part of an early childhood education course they are enrolled in through Tunxis.

Two groups of students created 19 bags for the course, part of an early childhood education concentration offered through the College Career Pathways (CCP) program at Tunxis. The program enables juniors and seniors to enroll in courses in a number of subjects at their participating high school and receive college credit upon their successful completion.

High School Students Create Literacy Bags for Tunxis Course

NCC Adjunct History Instructor Elliot Kalner, left, is shown with

Lea Mintz, an NCC Foundation Board Member who helped orga-

nize the Meadow Ridge partnership with the college.

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Tunxis Instructor Receives Recognition for Excellence in Teaching

The bags, which were funded in part through a small grant from the Tunxis CCP program, contain a book, an audiotape of one of the students reading the book, a small cassette player, a stuffed animal, and information on how to extend reading through other activities. The bags were donated to William Wrinn Center at Hatton Elementary School in Southington.

The students also met with Tunxis Early Childhood Education faculty and toured the campus during their visit.

The College Career Pathways (CCP) program links business, industry, secondary and post-secondary schools through a consortium whose goal is to prepare students to eventually enter the workforce. The program is designed to encourage and prepare high school students to pursue college degrees through a planned sequence of academic and technical courses. Students in 10th grade apply to the program by submitting a special application available through their guidance counselor, and have the opportunity to earn up to 14 college credits in high school. These credits may be used to continue post-secondary studies at Tunxis and other designated community colleges, or may be transferred to public and private colleges and universities. For more information on the College Career Pathways program at Tunxis, call 860.255.3737, e-mail: [email protected].

Tunxis offers an associate’s degree in early childhood education, and certificates in early childhood education and early childhood administration, as well as 56 other associate’s degree and certificate programs. Visit Tunxis at tunxis.commnet.edu.

Literacy bags were presented by (front to back, left to

right) Meghan Diorio, Lisa Cookley, Kiah Devona,

Hyla Costello, and Rachelle Marquis, who represented

the group of 16 Southington High School students

in attendance.


Jessica Somers, instructor in photography at Tunxis Community College and resident of Bristol, recently received Honorable Mention for the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award from Center, formerly the Santa Fe Center for Photography.

The annual award recognizes and rewards a college, post-graduate, or high school educator for their dedication and passion for photographic teaching.

“Jessica Somers was one of the best teachers I have ever had, and I have two graduate degrees in other areas,” said Diane McMillin, an alumna of the Tunxis photography program who was among several current and former students to nominate the instructor. “She is not only technically skillful and experienced, but deeply committed to her students and what they take from her instruction,” she added. “Her enthusiasm for photography and the creative process inspired us to keep learning and advancing.”

As part of the recognition, Somers received complimentary participation in Center’s photographic event Review LA and web publication.

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The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded $98, 645 over two years to Capital Community College. Spearheaded by Capital’s Chair of Humanities, Dr. Jeffrey Partridge, the grant will provide the college’s Humanities faculty with the opportunity to study Hartford’s history, literature, communities and culture by interacting with scholars at area institutions to ultimately stimulate course content that will engage students. “The goal,” said Partridge, “is to make Hartford an extension of our classrooms.”

Capital is the only public under-graduate college in Hartford, and the only college in Connecticut designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the federal government. Many Capital students have lived in Hartford their entire lives, and most remain in Hartford after graduation and further education. Despite this, many are unfamiliar with Hartford’s history. By bringing students face-to-face with this city’s remarkable past, it is anticipated they will become active participants in Hartford’s present and future.

“ By connecting our students with the cultural institutions at our doorstep – by engaging them with Hartford’s rich and diverse arts and culture – we hope to see our students get excited about the place they call home,” said Partridge. “ We want them to be catalysts for change and believe this grant will have an enormous impact on our Humanities department, our college, and most importantly, our students.”

The broad theme for the courses is “Hartford’s Heritage,” and they will be designed to engage students through writing and a combination of Humanities disciplines: art, music, history, literature, theatre, and philosophy. Research suggests that when students are engaged in themed courses, writing becomes purposeful and interesting. Also, pairing writing courses with other disciplines creates a deeper learning experience.

During this two-year project, twelve members of Capital’s Humanities Department will take part in a series of eighteen seminars and workshops that will prepare them to design and implement new courses to connect their students with Hartford’s heritage. Seminars will be taught by invited speakers on themed writing courses, learning communities, Hartford history, ethnic/immigrant communities in Hartford, and artists and authors of Hartford. Workshops on Hartford will be held at sites of interest, and include The Mark Twain House, The Wadsworth Atheneum, The Old State House, Hartford Stage, The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, The Hartford Public Library, Center for Urban Research, Education and Training (CURET), Asylum Hill Congregational Church, St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, and Leadership Greater Hartford. Participants will read books and other materials in advance of each seminar.

“This is an outstanding initiative that will have a tremendous impact on student learning, the college and Hartford,” said Dr. Wilfredo Nieves, Capital’s president. “We are fortunate to be surrounded by rich cultural institutions that are ideal for humanistic study and experience, and this grant will allow us to establish relationships with these institutions that will enhance the college’s writing courses, and transform our humanities curriculum, and the lives of our students.”

Capital Community College Awarded Grant to Study Hartford’s Heritage

Somers holds an M.F.A. in photography and has taught at Tunxis for the past 11 years. She is currently teaching “Studio Photography I” and “Photographic Image Development.” Her work has been exhibited nationally and appears in “The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes” by Christopher James.

Tunxis Community College offers almost 60 associate’s degree and certificate programs, including program emphases in photography, visual fine arts, graphic design, and interactive media. For more information on these and other Tunxis programs, call 860.255.3500, or visit Tunxis on the Internet at tunxis.commnet.edu.

“...by engaging them with Hartford’s rich

and diverse arts and culture – we hope to see our students get

excited about the place they call home”


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When A.I. Prince Technical High School principal, William Chaffin, called a meeting of community leaders 3 years ago about creative ways to handle the spike in teen pregnancy on his campus little did he know that one solution to the problem would be leadership development. As a result of a partnership with Capital Community College that grew out of that first meeting, this Thursday students from Prince Tech will become the first high school students in the country to be inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), a nationwide organization with 243 college chapters.

With a mission that states “We Build Leaders Who Make a Better World,” the NSLS is an organization that helps young people discover and achieve their goals, offering members inspiring lectures, both live and on video, from the nation’s leading presenters. Each chapter becomes a community of like-minded success oriented individuals who come together and assist one another in succeeding.

Capital Community College students, under the guidance of the college’s Career Center, spearheaded the joint venture, immediately connecting with Prince Tech high school students and their parents. College students mentored the high school students, guiding them through the process of various team-building exercises and personal projects.

“Working with Capital staff and students on the NSLS project has been a life-changing experience for both our male and female students,” Principal Chaffin stated. “They now have an alternative vision with a plan leading them to college and employment instead of parenthood.” An additional advantage, Chaffin said, is that many of these students have also earned college credits at Capital while working toward high school graduation.

The other unexpected benefit was the large role the Capital chapter played in engaging more parents of the high school students. Through the creation of a Prince Tech Parent Center with programming that has attracted mothers, fathers and guardians to the school, they are now more plugged in with their children, and everyone is feeling more optimistic about their future.

Capital Community College and Prince Tech Celebrate Induction of High School Students Into Leadership Society

Capital Community College Selected for Carnegie-Funded Initiative to Improve Math Achievement of StudentsHartford, CT – Capital Community College is one of four Connecticut community colleges and 19 institutions nationally selected to receive support from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to improve student achievement in developmental math and statistics.

Grant funds totaling $190,000 for Connecticut community colleges will be used in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin to eliminate barriers that many students face in taking developmental math courses and transitioning successfully into degree programs. The $14 million three-year initiative is supporting the re-design of developmental math and statistic courses and building a networked improvement community comprised of faculty, staff, and administrators from participating institutions.

Known as the Statistics Pathway (aka Statway), an accelerated pathway for developmental math students at Capital will be created so that students will be able to complete transfer-level statistics in a single year. Currently, these developmental math students need three semesters. They must take one developmental math class and one college-level math class prior to

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Statistics. Not only does that create a logjam of students in those courses, but the extended cycle of classes presents too many opportunities for students to become discouraged and opt out – of a particular course - and of college altogether. Studies show that when students experience unexpected success in math, their confidence grows and their ambitions expand.

Statway courses are being designed to support not only students’ quantitative learning but also their learning how to “do college.” The courses integrate strategies for learning about college resources and will support student growth in self-reliance, motivation and persistence. Statway draws on learning theory and cognitive science, as well as practical, real-life situations, and will be taught in a learning environment where students learn by doing, communicate mathematical and statistical thinking, and employ technology to explore and strengthen their understanding of key concepts.

Statway courses are scheduled for Fall 2011, with a goal of moving developmental math students to and through transferable college statistics in one year. Participating students will include those interested in careers such as social service and public safety, as well as students planning to transfer to four-year institutions with a non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) major in the social sciences or humanities.


For the fourth consecutive summer, the Maine Criminal Justice Academy held its Law Enforcement Pre-Service Academy (LEP) at York County Community College in Wells. The 53 men and 2 women invited family and friends to the College Drive campus to celebrate the completion and graduation from the 120 hour course.

The ceremony included opening remarks and introductions by Lt. Charles Szeniawski, Training Chairman District 1 Council, of York Police Department. Both Attorney General, William Schneider and Keynote Speaker, Chief Brian MacMasters, of the A.G.’s office were on hand to congratulate the reserves. Debra Annesse of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy was the Training Coordinator of this summer’s class.

“Always be mindful of the power and authority you have been granted,” said Chief MacMasters. “Use it wisely with the knowledge that you will be held accountable for your actions.” MacMasters went on to advise the graduates that they will constantly be relying on “TEE”, Training, Education and Experience.

The LEP course is mandatory first-step training toward certification as a full time law enforcement officer. Completion of this training qualifies graduates for reserve officer positions anywhere in the State.

“These 55 dynamic, exceptional young people are very well practiced and academically trained,” said Lt. Charles Szeniawski of York Police Department. “We are very thankful that YCCC has, once again, allowed us the use of the college classrooms to hold this certification training.”

Law Enforcement Pre-Service Academy Graduates 55 at YCCC

From Maine

Tiffany and Silas Lebel of Kennebunkport

celebrate Dad Joshua’s graduation.

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KVCC Recognized by Aspen Institute as One of the Top Community Colleges in the NationThe Aspen Institute has recognized Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) as one of the best two-year colleges in America based on student success rates.

KVCC was one of 120 community colleges ranked in the top ten percent of the nation’s two-year colleges by the Institute. The ranking makes KVCC eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, a $1 million prize that will be awarded in December of this year.

“Kennebec Valley Community College is delighted to receive this national recognition of the hard work by our faculty and staff to achieve strong student retention and graduation rates,” KVCC President Barbara Woodlee, said. “We measure our success here by the success of our students, and this ranking reflects the results that philosophy has produced.”

Colleges were evaluated through a comprehensive review of publicly available data that measured their performance in the following three areas:

• Student success in persistence and completion. • Consistent improvement in outcomes over time. • Equity in outcomes for students of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The purpose of the Aspen Prize is to recognize community colleges with outstanding academic and workforce outcomes in both absolute performance and improvements over time. By focusing on student success and lifting up models that work, the Aspen prize honors excellence, stimulates innovation, and creates benchmarks for measuring progress.

The Aspen review of data included technical support from the National Center for Higher Education Management System (NCHEMS) and guidance from the Institute’s Data/Metrics Advisory Panel.

The 120 community colleges selected in this first round of eligibility for the Aspen Prize are now invited to submit an application containing detailed information regarding degree and certificate completion rates, labor market outcomes, and student learning outcomes. Those schools that best demonstrate that they use data to drive decisions, that they deliver exceptional student results, and that they are continually improving over time will be named the finalists.

For more information on the Aspen Prize and the process used to select competitors for it, go to www.AspenCCPrize.org.

The Aspen Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and has an international network of partners. Its mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues.

Kennebec Valley Community College is a commuter college located on a 68-acre campus in Fairfield, and is one of seven community colleges in Maine which operate under the authority of the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees. KVCC is a public, non-profit, post-secondary institution supported in part by State legislative appropriations and federal funds.

The College offers more than 30 programs of study ranging from two-year associate degrees to certificate and diploma pro-grams, as well as a comprehensive schedule of continuing education courses and business and industry outreach programs.

Credit transfer agreements with many four-year colleges and universities and a strong liberal arts program have made KVCC an affordable stepping stone to advanced degrees and a great place for those unsure about college to test the waters of higher education.

Enrollment at the College has grown steadily in recent years and exceeded 2,500 students for the Fall 2010 semester.

“We measure our success here by the

success of our students, and this

ranking reflects the results that

philosophy has produced.”

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Craig LaScola, owner of Craig’s Big Wave Marine Center in Hyannis had searched everywhere for the piece of equipment that could test his engine for a very special project. Just when he was about to ship the whole thing to Ohio, he had an idea. “I actually called the manufacturer of the Dynamometer and asked them where I could find one, and they referred me to Massasoit,” said Craig.

Craig called Professor Tom Kearns and it all fell into place. The engine was delivered, and Massasoit’s Engine Principles class got it ready to test. “It is a terrific learning opportunity for our students, and great for the College when the industry comes to us,” said Professor Kearns. The Engine Dynamometer instrumentation is contained in its own ‘room’ in the diesel lab on Massasoit’s Canton Campus and is a highly specialized and useful tool for the diesel engine industry. Student Jordan Snowdale explains, “It will measure the horsepower and the torque of the engine. The owner wants to know how fast he can run the engine and how far that speed will sustain.” Another student, Domenic Napolitano continues, “They are going to custom build propellers for the boat, this will show at what angle, pitch, and size they should build.”

This engine will not be for just any boat. Craig LaScola is custom rebuilding an offshore race boat that will be a ‘wish’ for the Children’s Miracle Network and Children’s Hospital Boston. “We will do runs out of the Cape, and the kids will get the whole experience. We are installing dual steering and other equipment which will allow them to help steer and run the boat. We will provide a nice lunch and make it a great day for these kids and their families,” said Craig. He expects the boat to be ready by June.

Faculty and students working side-by-side with industry partners Craig LaScola, owner of Craig’s Big Wave Marine Center in Hyannis had searched everywhere for the piece of equipment that could test his engine for a very special project. Just when he was about to ship the whole thing to Ohio, he had an idea. “I actually called the manufacturer of the Dynamometer and asked them where I could find one, and they referred me to Massasoit,” said Craig.

Craig called Professor Tom Kearns and it all fell into place. The engine was delivered, and Massasoit’s Engine Principles class got it ready to test. “It is a terrific learning opportunity for our students, and great for the College when the industry comes to us,” said Professor Kearns. The Engine Dynamometer instrumentation is contained in its own ‘room’ in the diesel lab on Massasoit’s Canton Campus and is a highly specialized and useful tool for the diesel engine industry. Student Jordan Snowdale explains, “It will measure the horsepower and the torque of the engine. The owner wants to know how fast he can run the engine and how far that speed will sustain.” Another student, Domenic Napolitano continues, “They are going to custom build propellers for the boat, this will show at what angle, pitch, and size they should build.”

This engine will not be for just any boat. Craig LaScola is custom rebuilding an offshore race boat that will be a ‘wish’ for the Children’s Miracle Network and Children’s Hospital Boston. “We will do runs out of the Cape, and the kids will get the whole

Massasoit Community College Diesel Technology Students Gain Hands-on Experience and Help Make Miracles Happen

From Massachusetts

Massasoit Community College Diesel students look on with Dean of Emergent

Technologies Felix Devito as Professor Kearns gives the engine a test.

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Twenty-five Massasoit faculty and staff members joined over 300 of their colleagues in a meeting to advance college readiness. The “Pathways to College Readiness and College Success” conference took place April 13, 2011 in Kingston, Massachusetts, and attracted 325 public educators—superintendents, principals, Math and English department chairs, guidance counselors, and college faculty and administrators—with a shared goal of seeing more high school students successfully enter college.

Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College and Chair of CONNECT, pointed out, “Students think that if they passed the MCAS test, they are ready for college. But MCAS is not a college-readiness test.” Noting that the lack of alignment between high school and college expectations causes many students to place into remedial courses, Dr. Wall continued: “That is why we are having this conversation, with both K-12 and postsecondary educators at the table. We’re trying to build a bridge across the gap.”

The conference was planned by CONNECT in partnership with the Southeastern Massachusetts Readiness Center, with sponsorship from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, The College Board, and ACT.

CONNECT is a partnership of the six public institutions of higher education in Southeastern Massachusetts: Bristol, Cape Cod, and Massasoit Community Colleges; Bridgewater State University; Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Conference presentations and videos are available on the CONNECT website: www.connectsemass.org. Many other colleges were in attendance including; Middlesex Community College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Cape Cod Community College.

Massasoit Community College Staff and Faculty Attend the Southeastern Massachusetts College Readiness Conference Organized by CONNECT

experience. We are installing dual steering and other equipment which will allow them to help steer and run the boat. We will provide a nice lunch and make it a great day for these kids and their families,” said Craig. He expects the boat to be ready by June.

Faculty and students working side-by-side with industry partners provides students a unique learning opportunity as they gain hands- on experience and in this case, became part of something bigger than themselves.

Massasoit Community College’s Diesel Program prepares graduates to compete and succeed in the rapidly evolving diesel power field. Technicians are trained on state of the art power systems used in transportation and power generation. Program graduates develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to work in the development, installation and mainte-nance of advanced power systems within the dynamic fields of diesel technology.

Projects are accepted based on the criteria of meeting specific educational objectives with the owner supplying parts and materials and a modest project fee. For more information contact Professor Kearns @ 781-821-2222 x 2125.


Massasoit Community College Dean of Business Administration Lynda

Thompson enjoys the conversation with colleagues

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Locating an adult and family literacy center on the upper floors of a transportation hub might seem odd to some, but for Holyoke Community College (HCC) and its Juntos Collaborative partners in the newly opened Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center (PAFEC), the choice made perfect sense.

“Our goal is to improve access to education,” said Jeffrey Hayden, HCC’s VP for business and community services. “Locating the PAFEC in the Holyoke Transportation Center means that students can get on a bus anywhere in the Pioneer Valley and get here easily.” Extended hours (the center is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., six days a week) also improve its accessibility for working adults.

Occupying the third and fourth floors of the new Holyoke Transportation Center at 206 Maple Street in downtown Holyoke, Mass., the fully wireless, handicapped-accessible space includes 10 classrooms equipped with smart boards and videoconferencing capability, a computer assessment lab, workforce development center, workspace for instructors, meeting rooms for academic, career, and financial aid advising, and conference facilities that have quickly become popular with area businesses and organizations. Regional bus facilities are on the first floor, and Head Start daycare and preschool programs are offered on the second floor.

“It’s a great space for students to come to, particularly for those who live in the area and use other services here, like childcare, while they take classes,” said Sarah Gilleman, an HCC instructor who teaches English classes in the building. “It’s new and state-of-the-art, not a basement classroom in an old building somewhere.”

George Kohout, coordinator of PAFEC partner SABES, the organization that trains adult basic education instructors, said the location and hours make all the difference.

“We work with non-traditional students to create pathways to college, and this is the perfect location for a lot of them,” Kohout said. “For those who may have transportation obstacles, we’re at the transportation hub, so getting here even for evening classes isn’t a problem. They have access to childcare and flexible scheduling. Many of the obstacles to education are moved out of the way.”

Since its opening in September of 2010, the PAFEC has served more than 350 students through classes in basic literacy, GED preparation, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Transition to College and Careers programs, credit college classes, workforce training, and more. Administrators expect that more than 1,000 students will be served by the close of 2011, with 120-150 continuing their education at HCC.

The PAFEC was established by the Juntos Collaborative, a group of agencies serving Holyoke residents that includes HCC, the Community Education Project, which offers Adult Basic Education services, workforce development, and English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL); the Holyoke Adult Learning Opportunities Center (HALO), the HCC Adult Learning Center, an evening adult basic education and GED preparation program; the Holyoke Tutor and Mentor Program, New England Farm Workers Council, the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, System of Adult Basic Education Services (SABES), and CareerPoint, a non-profit career center established by the Regional Employment Board.

Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center Opens

Instructor Sarah Gilleman and students (left to right) Joshua Estradain, Stephanie Medina, and

Raheem Aponte in the new Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center.

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Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner recently opened its new Veterans Success Center to address the unique academic, financial, physical and social needs of veterans transitioning to college. MWCC is one of 15 institutions in the country selected last fall by the U.S. Department of Education to establish a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success under a Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) grant.

“We are proud and honored to have been chosen to create a Center of Excellence for our veteran students,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, a veteran of the U.S. Navy. “The men and women who serve our country in the military do so at a tremendous sacrifice. This center allows Mount Wachusett Community College to build upon its long-standing support of veteran students by providing personalized services to help them achieve their academic goals.”

Services and support the center provides include: admissions and advising counseling; career services; transfer assistance; veteran benefits and financial aid advising; assistance for students with disabilities; referrals to on-campus and off-campus service providers; a textbook loan program; emergency, scholarship and yellow ribbon funds; an adaptive technology loan program; an orientation course geared toward veterans; study groups; a mentoring program; and peer tutoring. In addition, the new center provides the use of computers and a quiet study area for students.

“This is a one-stop-shopping center that is a convenient and comfortable place for veterans,” said Kristine Larkin, the center’s assistant project director. “We want veteran students and the surrounding community to know that Mount Wachusett is a veteran-friendly place.”

Since opening its doors in January, the new center is already making a difference in the lives of the students it serves. Ray Greeno, a business and administration major at the college and retired Army lieutenant, is one of many students already tapping into the center’s resources.

“I was so overwhelmed when I first started classes in January, that I wanted to do an about face and go home. Talking to my professors and the assistance I received from the Veterans Success Center got me going in the right direction. I couldn’t believe all the resources that the center and college have to offer. The Veterans Success Center is a place that has a feeling of camaraderie,” he said.

Since the passage of the new Post 9/11 GI bill in August, 2009, colleges and universities across the country have seen a signif-icant increase in veterans returning to school after serving in the military.

“Veterans returning to college are excited for the next chapter,” said Tom Tobin, a Navy veteran who serves as the center’s career development and veterans’ affairs counselor. “I relate to their enthusiasm and apprehension in returning to school. The Veterans Success Center provides an opportunity for the veteran students to make a connection, and succeed simultaneously,” said Tobin, also a veteran of the Iraq war.

A new course, “First Year Experience for Veterans Students,” is now being offered for new and continuing veteran students. Similar to a traditional first year experience course, this course helps veteran students acclimate to the opportunities and expectations of college life.

Designated a Yellow Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Mount Wachusett Community College also has been recognized as a “military friendly” school by G.I. Jobs magazine for its support of veterans and military personnel. The college has provided training opportunities over the past two years for faculty and staff focusing on supporting student veterans, and also has a student veterans club on campus.

MWCC Establishes Veterans Success Center

John Niekrash, left, CEO and founder of Work Vessels for Veterans, recently delivered laptop computers to sev-

eral MWCC student veterans, through an initiative of the new Veterans Success Center. With him, from left to

right, are students Ray Greeno, Jacqueline Rosario and Mike Valila, Assistant Project Director Kristine Larkin,

and students Chris Shea, Chris Akey and Erik Goroshko.

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MWCC Adds Wind Energy to its Renewable TechnologiesIn March, Mount Wachusett Community College received the green light to activate its two newly constructed wind tur-bines. The Vestas V82 turbines are expected to meet 97-percent of the college’s annual electricity consumption while also earning revenue for MWCC by returning approximately 30 percent of the power generated back to the grid.

“The wind project caps off a decade of renewable energy and conservation initiatives that to date have reduced the college’s energy consumption by half at a significant benefit to the environment, as well,” said President Daniel M. Asquino, a char-ter signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. “With the addition of wind power, we enter a new era of sustainability.”

In addition to wind energy, the college’s energy initiatives include biomass heating, photovoltaic solar, and solar hot water. A series of conservation measures throughout the 450,000-square-foot campus over the past three years has helped reduce the facility’s energy consumption from 9 million kWh per year to just over 5 million.

These innovations are integrated into the teaching and learning experiences for students pursuing in-demand careers through the college’s Natural Resources, Energy Management and workforce development programs. They’re also elevating awareness about the need for alternative energy solutions to help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil.

“Mount Wachusett Community College has been recognized nationally for its success in renewable energy, and these technologies provide the extraordinary bonus of serving as a learning laboratory for our students,” said Asquino, who has championed the college’s sustainability agenda with MWCC Executive President Emeritus Edward Terceiro, the college’s resident engineer on the wind project.

“I am a big fan of all that the college has done,” said Natural Resources major Mike Crowley, president of the student sustainability club, The Green Society. “Global warming is very much a key topic for a lot of people. I think it’s wonderful that this college just stepped into the forefront and said ‘this is something we need to work on,’ and then did it.”

The wind energy project is a joint collaboration of the college, the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and the Department of Energy Resources to achieve the renewable energy goals of Gov. Deval Patrick’s Leading by Example program.

MWCC’s $9 million wind project is being funded through a variety of sources, including $3.2 million in U.S. Department of Energy grants secured by Congressman John Olver; $2.1 million from a low interest Clean Renewal Energy Bond (CREB) made available through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act; and $3.7 million from Massachusetts Clean Energy Investment Bonds.

For more information about MWCC’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.greenongreenstreet.blogspot.com.

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North Shore Community College to Open First MA Zero Net Energy Building On Its Danvers Campus This FallWhen it opens this fall, North Shore Community College’s new Health Professions and Student Services building will be the first state-owned “zero net energy” building in Massachusetts and a prototype of green design that will be used to prepare students with cutting edge skills for growing health care professions.

The $32 million, 58,000 square foot, three-story project, located just north of Boston in Massachusetts, will save as much energy as it uses through geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels, and smart lighting controls. Zero net energy is a term used to describe a building that is optimally efficient, and over the course of a year, generates energy onsite, using clean renewable resources, in a quantity equal to or greater than the total amount of energy consumed onsite. The building will also meet the requirements of a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold certified building.

The new building, which will also serve as a teaching tool for sustainability, has a green design that will feature LED lighting, Energy Star equipment and smart lighting and controls. The facility will utilize conservation technology and efficiency measures including photo-voltaic energy production and the building will have a “green” roof covered in vegetation, “gray” water runoff recovery and solar heat. The building will utilize onsite clean energy technologies, including a 50-well geothermal closed-loop system and 340 kW of solar panels on the roof and in the parking lot.

With utility costs projected at zero, the new super-efficient Health and Student Services Building will: reduce annual grid electricity consumption by approximately 409,000 kWh annually, saving an estimated $142,000 per year; save roughly $3.5 million in avoided electricity bills over the next 20 years; and prevent approximately 4,000 metric tons of carbon emissions over the 20-year period (equivalent to eliminating 780 cars from Massachusetts roads or the electricity use of 500 homes)

The facility will enable the college to consolidate all its health programs, offer cutting-edge health and science education and complete its Danvers campus. It will include specially designed space to train students in health programs using the latest in state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Each health discipline will have its own dedicated practice lab and teaching space and will share hands-on simulation suites and control rooms. For instance, one model teaching aspect is there will be a Nurse/Allied Health Education Sim Lab where students will be able to perform on a “Sim patient” to train with nursing scenario software, and video the training activities. Faculty and students can then review the results and stream “best practices” to other students/classes. This cutting edge equipment will allow the college to graduate exquisitely prepared students ready to fill real and growing demand for allied health positions.

Plans also include the creation of a high tech nursing reference library, anticipated to become a resource for North Shore health professionals. The new facility will also consolidate NSCC’s Student Enrollment Services offices, which combined

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Partnerships with UMass Medical Center and Others Bring QualityQCC provides excellent training in a variety of health care programs including dental, emergency medical services and nursing that have all experienced increased enrollment in 2010. QCC’s Health Care programs are inundated with students who want to enter but may be lacking prerequisite courses.

In order to promote access, Health Care Programs initiated the General Studies Health Option which allows wait-listed students to make positive headway by finishing basic courses, as well as providing opportunities for General Studies students to sample Health Care courses to assist with a career path choice. QCC programs in Healthcare have been enhanced with partnerships with the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the Fairlawn Foundation and other local healthcare facilities such as Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital and also by the expanded facility at South County - QCC, Southbridge, which allows for additional credit and non-credit healthcare programming.

Dental Health CareStudents in the Dental Health Care programs can focus their studies on Dental Hygiene or Dental Assisting. Currently, the Dental Assistant Program accommodates ten students and plans to expand to sixteen students in the near future. There are 30 students in the Dental Hygiene Program, all of whom participate in dental education and free or subsidized care in the community. Many community organizations have approached QCC to partner with QCC’s dental program. Dodge Park Nursing Home is one organization that brings its residents to QCC for free dental care. QCC dental students also go to local nursing homes to train nurse assistants to give oral care to their patients. Other recipients of student outreach are Seven Hills Clinical Associates, Mercy Center, Harvard House, the Grafton Key Program, the Boys and Girls Club of America, Community Health Link, and People in Peril.

Nursing ProgramsThe Nursing Program offers both day and evening options for attendance and students can earn either a Licensed Practical Nursing Degree or a Registered Nursing Degree. The evening Associates’ Nursing Program is an accelerated program for students who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking an Associates in Registered Nursing. The Nursing Program also offers a Bridge Program for students who have earned their LPN and are seeking to obtain their RN. Paramedics who want to become RNs are also eligible to take the Bridge Program.

QCC’s Emergency Medical Services programs offer students the opportunity to obtain certificates in EMT, Medical Assistant,

welcome an estimated 15,000 people every year.

At the October 29, 2009 groundbreaking, NSCC President Wayne M. Burton noted, “Today, we break ground on more than a building. We come together to witness the laying of the cornerstone of a new economic era based on the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.”

Today President Burton says, “The college is pleased to be on the cutting edge of this movement in Massachusetts. It dovetails perfectly with our internal culture and commitment that North Shore Community College will create an environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible future by advocating the study of sustainability and the application of green principles such as conservation, environmental justice, and green education in our college, communities, and individual lives.

“This core value has resulted in the comprehensive incorporation and integration of environmentally sound practices and programs across the college, from curriculum to energy saving measures, to this new construction. Everyone on the campus is eagerly awaiting the day that the building opens and the implementation of these principles begins in an entirely new way.”


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or Medical Support Specialist. In 2009, the Worcester Health Foundation approached QCC to provide an EMS program to meet the needs of the Central Massachusetts Latino population. QCC developed the program with many of the courses, especially medical terminology, taught bi-lingually. Through the generosity of the Worcester Health Foundation this program is offered free to students, although students are responsible for the fee of the certification test. Through hard work and dedication, 70% of enrolled students completed the program.

Spotlight: Fairlawn Rehab HospitalFairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s premier provider of physical rehabilitation services, has been quietly involved with QCC’s Health Care programs in the background for years, providing a professional work environment for students to complete required clinical rotations and also gain necessary practical experience. Dave Richer, CEO of Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, and QCC Alumnus has worked in the rehabilitation field for more than 25 years. He finds the partnership beneficial on many levels; for students, the real-life experience gained by working directly with patients and participating in the rehabilitation process is essential to becoming a skilled health care professional. Fairlawn staff also benefit by mentoring the students which “really brings their (staff) leadership skills to the fore, “he says. He adds that mentoring illustrates the value of experience and a good educational foundation because, “as a professional, you don’t really realize what you know until you start teaching.” Fairlawn staff also enjoy giving back to the students which neatly marries QCC’s mission as a community college with Fairlawn’s existence as a community hospital.

Rosalie Lawless, Director of Human Resources at Fairlawn and another successful QCC Alumna echoes Mr. Richer’s feelings about the QCC Fairlawn partnership being beneficial for both QCC students and Fairlawn staff. She asserts that any student who has the experience of completing a clinical rotation at Fairlawn will be “one strong nurse in the future .”

In her role, Rosalie brings more than 25 years of experience in the Human Resources field to her role as Fairlawn’s Director of Human Resources. Rosalie works tirelessly to support QCC by filling vital roles on both the Healthcare Advisory Board and the Business Advisory Board for the college. Her committment and dedication may have had its origins in the days she spent as a student at QCC. She remembers that the camaraderie with fellow students, the flexibity of her schedule, the atmosphere and the higher earning potential were all catalysts to her continued success as a student after graduating from QCC. The realization that “learning was a good thing,” was engendered during these early days and the friends she made at QCC were responsible for a new thought process that automatically included regular decisions about taking classes and continuing her education. She sees a positive impact on patients, staff and students who are involved in the partnership.

Mary Aleksiewicz, Vice President of Nursing at Fairlawn Rehabilitation hospital and active member of QCC’s Fairlawn Foundation Board brings more than 30 years of clinical and management experience to her role. As Vice President of Nursing since 1997, she speaks highly of the partnership.. She finds that one of the most beneficial elements for QCC students is the expertise that Fairlawn staff can bring as mentors. With 20-25% of the staff nationally certified as CRN’s, students get the full value of working in the only acute rehabilitation hospital in the area. Students have a rare opportunity “to see what therapists are like, how they function in this unique environment and the true value of their contributions to the healing process, ” adds Ms. Aleksiewicz. She says, “students can see first hand and benefit from the blend of medical needs combined with rehabilitation needs of patients here - the only acute rehab facility in the area.”

Mr. Richer, Ms. Lawless and Ms. Aleksiewicz all agree that an on-going relationship with QCC will only enrich and strengthen all involved.

Spotlight: The KidSeal ProjectThe Kidseal Project, initiated in 1999 by Joyce Cooney, Adjunct faculty and current project coordinator, was initially grant funded. Now in its 11th year, it is a fully self-sustainable community service project that provides free dental care to


“The students get a tremendous sense of

satisfaction and giving back to the community

in all of the service-learning projects and community outreach

projects they participate in. ”

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underprivileged, local, elementary school-aged children. For many children, their experience at the QCC Dental Clinic is the first time they’ve ever received dental services. The project, first of its kind in the Commonwealth, serviced a record number of children in 2009, providing 1299 Worcester Public School students with fluoride varnish and 846 sealants. The services act as preventative measures against tooth decay and were applied to local children who were visited at school as well as bused in to the QCC Dental Clinic.

Additionally, the project serves as a means for current dental professionals to earn required CEUs. Many local professionals donate time to the project, which creates a fuller sense of serving and involving the entire QCC community, which is an important part of QCC’s mission.

Jane Gauthier, Coordinator of the Dental Hygiene program is thrilled to participate in the Kidseal project. Jane says, “The students get a tremendous sense of satisfaction and giving back to the community in all of the service-learning projects and community outreach projects they participate in. The success (of the program) is illustrated by the number of children treated each year.”

As with all programs at QCC, the Dental Health Program stays current with advances in the field by incorporating and implementing new technologies as they emerge. New this year in the Dental Health program is digital radiography and two, on-line dental hygiene courses: Dental Anatomy and Oral Histology and Embryology. Having on-line courses provides benefits to both students and QCC by allowing students with time constraints to attend lectures at their convenience and freeing up valuable classroom space.


In response to the burgeoning development of Green Industries, QCC launched a visionary program to meet the needs of Central MA’s Green employers and potential employees.

QCC’s new Green technology students are now poised to become major contributors to this developing industry and the broader community by learning and applying advanced, innovative strategies designed to reduce waste and recycle available resources, reducing the population’s carbon footprint.

As part of QCC’s commitment to Green Technologies, the Administrative Services Office has undertaken many initiatives in support of the new program’s visionary model and the President’s Commitment to Climate Control.

The Training and Education Center (TEC) at Quinsigamond Community College houses non-credit training programs in a variety of business and service areas for students who need specific training but cannot or don’t wish to attend a degree pro-gram. Through one of the new Green Technology programs, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, QCC continues to meet the needs of the community, emerging technologies and also responds to the global urgency of creating a sustainable environment. With funding from Pathways Out of Poverty, a Massachusetts state grant provided through the Clean Energy Center of Massachusetts (a part of the State Energy Department), individuals have been able to train in either Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems or Weatherization and Home Energy Auditing.

Spotlight: TEC - Mary KnittleThis year debuts the new MassGREEN training course for Weatherization Installers. It joins the existing classes of solar power with the purpose of providing workforce development and employment opportunities in the emerging renewable energy sector. Currently these courses are non-credit, but mastering them allows students to receive professional certifications neces-sary to maintain their licenses. After piloting by TEC, this course has the possibility to become credit classes leading to a cer-tificate or degree. The Program is also exploring opportunities to expand course offerings to include solar thermal training, alternative fuel vehicle repair, and entrepreneurship training for individuals looking to start a green business. TEC also plans

Green Technologies at QCC Prepare Students for a Growing Industry

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to offer general workshops on green technology to the community. Quinsigamond Community College also partners with the Institute for Energy and Sustainability along with other local businesses and colleges. The Institute seeks to expand training opportunities in many renewable energy and energy efficiency areas, which now make up one of the fastest growing business sectors in Massachusetts.


Manufacturing Jobs Have Not Gone Away... They’ve ChangedWorcester and the surrounding area have been known for the last century and a half as a manufacturing hub. Large, brick factory buildings with dirty interiors dispelling downtrodden workers is the accepted ideology of manufacturing, yet today, this industry is very different.

Manufacturing today is leaner, better- paying, and demands highly trained techni-cians who can maintain very sophisticated equipment that produces all types of products. Quinsigamond Community College has adapted its programming to produce graduates who meet these needs and are prepared for the new manufacturing environment. Manu-facturing has advanced in response to changes in business and technology and as a result, Lean Technology, based on producing only the amount of products a company or supplier needs, eliminating waste as surplus inventory and streamlining machine processes is the new manufacturing ideal. QCC has adapted its program-ming to meet the needs of the new Manufacturing environment, prepar-ing students to successfully implement Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

Manufacturing TechnologyThe need for industry-specific programs has new faculty member, Lee Duerden, Program Coordinator for Manufacturing Technology and Jim Heffernan, Program Coordinator for Electronics and Electromechanical Technology, continually developing and monitoring programs that make QCC graduates highly competitive in the job market. Manufacturing Technology includes coursework in state-of-the art work-station design and manufacturing processes, as well as how to operate, troubleshoot and repair equipment. QCC students receive hands-on training with the same equipment that they will find when they enter the workforce – a highly valuable practice. The manufacturing industry, says Professor Duerden, “is screaming for educated technicians.” Manufacturers need technicians who understand the entire process as well as specific machines. Educated technicians must also have solid communication and computer skills, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and a good grasp of the principles of Lean Technology. In Lean Technology/Lean Manufacturing, the entire process has become increasingly sophisticated and complex. Students who graduate from this program are able to work in any modern manufacturing operation regardless of the product being manufactured.

Professor Duerden also makes it a priority to visit local businesses to educate and expose business leaders to the benefits of systems up-grades, not just for the employer but QCC students, and the economy as well. As business leaders integrate Lean Technology, they are able to keep and generate more jobs for local residents, especially QCC graduates. To further prepare QCC students for their careers, beginning this year, use of a new Computer Numeric Control Milling System has become an integral part of the curriculum wherein students learn to write and verify computer programs for specific manufacturing equipment. Professor Duerden also keeps a sharp eye out for advances in CAD and CAM software; as soon as they are available he integrates them into the Manufacturing Technology Program.

Equally energetic and forward thinking is Jim Heffernan in Electronics and Electromechanical Technology, who continues to develop programs that teach students high tech automated manufacturing and robotics and automation. Students must master the integrated technologies of mechanics, electronics, software, and networking. As in Manufacturing Technology, Professor Heffernan’s students work with the same equipment they will face once they have graduated. As the needs of the manufacturing industry continue to change, Professor Heffernan adjusts his programs accordingly as evidenced by an upcoming software change to LabView, a program designed by National Instruments. LabView software is industry standard

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and used to diagnosis or control equipment; students who have training and competency using LabView are more desirable to employers. In this hands-on program, students are also trained and prepared to think for themselves in addition to the vital in-depth knowledge they gain. The overall result is that QCC students are better equipped to assist in the progress.

Spotlight: Carol KingThrough the efforts of Carol King, Program Director for the Mass-TEC Project, funded by the National Science Foundation, students, families, and educators learn how manufacturing has changed from the repetitive, dead-end jobs of previous generations to today’s career oriented, technical positions. Students entering manufacturing today have the potential to earn tens of thousands of dollars within their first five years of employment as well as opportunities for advancement where none previously existed.

One of the goals of the Mass-TEC Project was to increase enrollment of women and under-represented minorities in Business and Technology programs. Today, there has been a 10% increase in this populace as a result of the outreach done by Mass-TEC. In a comparison of Fall 2006 to Fall 2009, women’s enrollment increased from 25 to 68 persons. Under-represented minorities from the same time frame increased from 43 to 171 students. The data from Spring 2007 to Spring 2010 shows an increase in women’s enrollment from 22 to 63 persons and under-represented minorities increased from 49 to 161.


Basic Engineering: A Rigorous Program That Focuses on Mathematics and SciencesOne of the true success stories of QCC’s innovative Technology programming is the Basic Engineering Program. Because of its outstanding reputation, strong articulation agreements with WPI and Assumption College and cost effective answer to completing a traditional 4-year engineering degree, enrollment has steadily increased.

Basic Engineering is a rigorous program that focuses on mathematics and sciences. Students are counseled by Dadbeh Bigonahy, (see profile) Professor and Coordinator of Engineering and Sciences, that for every 50 minutes of classroom time, they will need to spend an additional 3 hours studying. Upon completion of the program, however, the dedication and hard work pays off; they are able to seamlessly transfer to a 4-year engineering degree program as juniors, with no outstanding credits required. QCC’s Basic Engineering program prepares students for a continuation of their education in all fields of engineering including mechanical, electrical, civil, environmental, electronic, manufacturing and computer sciences, as well as emerging life sciences engineering, which includes new options in biomedical engineering coursework.

Profile: Dadbeh Bigonahy, Professor, Coordinator of Engineering and SciencesOne of the reasons that Basic Engineering students at QCC enjoy such great success in the program is the hard work and commitment by Professor Bigonahy. His high standards are legendary, but because he approaches the program with such disciplined requirements, he is assured that his students will have no difficulties when they transfer to a four-year college to finish their degree. (In fact, Professor Bigonahy’s students regularly report that the transition is much easier than they anticipated, due to the rigorous preparation they received.)

Professor Bigonahy is part mentor, professor, friend, father and counselor and knows every one of his current 200 students by name, regardless if they are completing pre-requisites for the program or enrolled. (He also diligently tracks the progress of students that have moved on, maintaining communication with former students well into their professional lives.) Professor Bigonahy makes a point to get to know his students’ parents, as well. As he explains it, clear communication is a vital component to the expectations he places on his students. Having family members and partners in agreement on the commitment students must make to their education is part of the plan. Students enrolled in Basic Engineering must pursue

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their educational goals single-mindedly, if they are to achieve the success Professor Bigonahy believes they are capable of and demands.

To that end, his students are regularly accepted at very high ranking colleges such as Rensselaer, WPI, UMASS, Mass College of Pharmacy, MIT, Cornell, Northeastern, Caltech, Georgia Tech, John Hopkins, Rutgers, Colombia, and University of Florida, to name a few. Documentation for his transfer students illustrates all have received substantial merit scholarships - a very impressive accomplishment as well as much appreciated by his students. Students are also encouraged to explore the new biomedical engineering option in the program. Professor Bigonahy is currently pursuing a PhD in biomedical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and sees it as the upcoming, highly in-demand career option in the engineering field. He constantly monitors trends in professional engineering to be able to offer his students every option to explore.

Professor Bigonahy’s disciplined attitude may come in part from Iran’s required military service which he completed before moving to the United States in 1972 to pursue a Master’s Degree at WPI. Or, it may be that he simply requires success of all of his students. In any case, his 30 years of dedicated service to QCC students pays off handsomely each year as he graduates and transfers highly prepared men and women to continue in the broad field of engineering.

Spotlight: Students James O’Connor & Nyansafo Aye-AddoSecond year students in the Basic Engineering Program, James (Jimmy) O’Connor from Auburn and Nyansafo Aye-Addo of Worcester are more than just fellow students. Brought together from different backgrounds by QCC’s first – rate Basic Engineering Program, Mr. Aye-Addo and Mr. O’Connor are friends, President and Vice-President (respectively) of the Engineering Club as well as members of QCC’s honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, and math tutors at the Tutoring Center.

Both were home-schooled; Mr. O’Connor for his entire elementary, junior and senior- high school years and Mr. Aye-Addo for his junior year before beginning QCC early, in what should have been his senior year of high school. Mr. O’Connor is one of 11 children – all home schooled and Mr. Aye-Addo has two sisters, one of whom is also enrolled in the Engineering program as a freshman at 16 years old. (Being goal-oriented, motivated and bright apparently run in the family!)

The young men have the same reaction to the misperception that home schooled kids don’t get enough peer socialization – laughter! Both point to their many, collective outside activities while being home schooled. Participation in home school organizations that assemble local home schooled students for outings and activities, as well as additional learning opportunities was a regular occurrence. Mr. Aye-Addo is involved with his church, playing drums and bass guitar in the senior choir and giving free math classes in a program called the Chapel Educational Initiative, to other school-age church children. He is also currently a Kumon math tutor. Mr. O’Connor played tennis regularly on a town team while being home schooled and currently plays piano and enjoys working out – lifting weights and bicycling. (He hopes to cycle alone, cross-country over the summer.) But both agree a physical outlet is necessary to combat stress and enhance the ever-present, heavy study that is required to succeed in QCC’s Engineering program.

Their participation in the Engineering Club, a club initiated by Professor Bigonahy, brought up a mutual interest - They both wanted to do more with the club in terms of providing additional experiences for members considering various engineering professions. As the two top elected officials, they currently organize outings to potential transfer colleges and bring in Engineers from local companies to speak, as well as initiate Community Service projects such as fund raising and also plan social events. They have made a concerted effort to reach out to the local, professional engineering community for speaking engagements and company tours so that club members have the advantage of learning what will be available to them as professional engineers.

Professor Bigonahy recently nominated both young men to receive QCC’s “You’re A Star” award for outstanding male

Documentation for his transfer students

illustrates all have received substantial merit scholarships - a very impressive

accomplishment as well as much appreciated

by his students.

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students, to complete the similarities. “You’re A Star” awards are presented thrice yearly, most recently on November 10, 2010. The award is based not only on academic standing but additional accomplishments, character and skills which these young men exhibit in spades. (Both cite their experiences as math tutors as some of their most fulfilling and satisfying moments on campus.)

Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Aye-Addo’s stories diverge when it comes to how each became enrolled at QCC; Mr. Aye-Addo had taken courses over the summer prior to enrolling and became acquainted with QCC and its superior engineering program. He already knew early on that he wanted to study Engineering so the rest was easy. Mr. O’Connor began by applying for scholarships to higher-end colleges and when nothing was forthcoming, started to concentrate on the alternatives. When he learned that QCC’s program was fully transferrable to a four-year college and was of such high quality, it was an easy decision – especially in light of the huge financial benefit to bypassing two, expensive years studying engineering at a four-year college.

After QCC, Mr. O’Connor is considering transfer to MIT, WPI, Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute, or Michigan State University and Mr. Aye-Addo is looking at MIT, WPI, Johns Hopkins, Rutgers, Boston University or UMass Amherst. They both have similar interests in career choice after finishing college as well; Aeronautical or Aerospace engineering. Both are both considering companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, NASA, Raytheon, and Lincoln Laboratories as potential employers.

Whatever their collective futures have in store for them, they have the finest foundation from QCC’s Basic Engineering program to build upon. Any one of their preferred companies would be fortunate to employ two such bright, motivated and hard-working young men.


Dr. Lane Glenn Will Become Fourth President of Northern Essex Community CollegeAt its February 1 meeting, the Massachusetts’ Board of Higher Education voted unanimously to approve Dr. Lane Glenn as the new president of Northern Essex Community College, replacing Dr. David Hartleb, who will retire this coming June.

A resident of Amesbury, Glenn currently serves as vice president of academic affairs at Northern Essex Community College, a position which he has held since 2006. Prior to that, he was dean of academic and student services at Oakland Community College in Michigan. He has also served as director of learning services at Lansing Community College, also in Michigan. Glenn holds a Ph.D. in theater from Michigan State University.

Glenn was selected by the college’s board of trustees which voted unanimously to recommend him to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education at a December 22 meeting. His selection followed a national search which began last summer, shortly after President Hartleb announced his retirement.

In his four years at the college, Glenn has focused on student success, including increasing support for underprepared students. He has also expanded the college’s relationships with local high schools and partnered with local employers, such as Raytheon, to develop programs that deliver the skills most needed in the job market.

Some examples of successes under his leadership include the college’s new associate of science degree in lab science which was developed in partnership with ten local employers and an innovative Early College Program at Amesbury High School which has been called a statewide model. He also spearheaded the college’s newest facility, NECC Riverwalk, which opened in the fall, bringing together credit programs, adult literacy programs, and noncredit personal enrichment and career programs in one location for the first time.

After the BHE vote, Glenn called Northern Essex “a fantastic place.” “We have tremendously talented faculty and staff,

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hard-working and dedicated students, and wonderful support from the communities we serve. We have accomplished some important student success and workforce development goals recently, and have some very exciting opportunities ahead of us.”

Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Freeland said “I am looking forward to working with Lane Glenn in the years to come, and deeply appreciate his active involvement in the work to develop the Vision Project, our state’s new public agenda for higher education. Lane has played a pivotal role in our statewide work on learning outcomes assessment, a topic of critical importance these days as we explore the effectiveness of our education programs. He will be a tremendous asset to Northern Essex Community College and also to the larger cause of public higher education in the Commonwealth.”

“I’m thrilled with the choice,” said Joseph Edwards, chairperson of the college’s board of trustees. “Dr. Glenn has the ability and the enthusiasm to make an excellent president and he has insight into what’s happening at the college.”

When he takes office in July, Glenn will be the fourth president of the college, which opened its doors in 1961. Harold Bentley served from 1960 to 1975, John Dimitry from 1975 to 1996, and David Hartleb will have served from 1996 to 2011.

NECC Lab Science Program Receives Highest Industry EndorsementNorthern Essex Community College’s laboratory science associate degree, which prepares students for biotechnology jobs, has just received the highest endorsement from representatives from the biotechnology industry.

The college’s program was one of eight community college programs to be endorsed by the Massachusetts Life Science Education Consortium (MLSEC) and one of four colleges to receive a gold level endorsement, the highest given.

“We’ve closely reviewed these programs and we’re confident they graduate students with the skills companies are looking for,” said Sara MacDonald, a spokesperson for the Mass Biotechnology Council (MassBio). “If a student graduates from Northern Essex, we have the confidence they have the skills necessary to perform in the biotech environment.”

Launched in the fall of 2009, NECC’s associate of science in laboratory science was designed in response to a need voiced by area employers for skilled lab technicians. A three-year grant totaling more than $311,000 from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education Program helped fund the development of this associate degree program as well as the equipment and educational materials and supplies.

The college sought the advice of regional employers when designing the program which prepares students for careers in environmental sciences and chemical analysis in addition to biotechnology. A lab science advisory board was created consisting of principles from local employers including Adnexus Therapeutics, Andover Water Plant, Archemix Corp, BAL Laboratory, Charm Sciences, LONZA Biologics, Mass Dept. of Environmental Protection, Mass Dept. of Public Health, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, North Andover Water Treatment Plant, Northeast Laboratory Services, and Pfizer.

“This endorsement is very exciting news for the college,” said Noemi Custodia-Lora, coordinator of the program. “It means that industry recognizes our program as the standard for lab technician education. Best of all, it will result in expanded externship and job opportunities for our students.”

Lane Glenn, vice president of academic affairs,

Noemi Custodia-Lora, coordinator of lab science pro-

gram, and Bill Heineman, dean, business, math,

science, and technology.

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Governor’s Budget Supports EducationIn these difficult fiscal times, we are proud that Governor Chafee has signaled his solid support for public education in his recommended FY 2012 budget. In many states around the country, governors have targeted education aid to help address budget deficits. Here in Rhode Island, however, Governor Chafee’s budget recognizes the importance of education in the lives of our state’s students and proposes wise investments that will pay dividends to our state for many years to come.

The Governor’s proposed budget, which we endorse, increases funding for both Elementary and Secondary Education (K-12) and for Public Higher Education in Rhode Island (URI, Rhode Island College, and CCRI). These increases make good sense.

Governor Chafee’s recommended budget provides $17 million to fully fund Year 1 of the Funding Formula for education aid to our school districts. In the past, the distribution of education aid in our state was inequitable, as there was no formula to recognize such factors as changes in the wealth of a community and changes in student enrollment. The funding formula, which the General Assembly approved last year, corrects these inequities. This funding formula is based on the principle that the money will follow the student. It is a dynamic system that will redistribute allocations as enrollment patterns change.

Because the funding formula takes into account district capacity and student need, it will enable schools to use their funds wisely to support instruction and to advance student achievement. We are very pleased that the Governor’s recommended budget allows us to move forward and implement the funding formula without delay.

We recognize of course that, even with this increase in aid to education, some of our more economically distressed communities are struggling. These communities will need to continue to find efficiencies and achieve savings in order to fully fund their education obligations and to balance their budgets. At RIDE, we are prepared to work with all school leaders to help them find these savings and efficiencies. Our goal is to ensure that our public schools have the capacity they need to prepare all students for success in colleges and careers.

From Rhode Island

MLSEC is a joint initiative between the MassBioEd Foundation and MassBio and its mission is to promote a coordinated approach to the development of the Massachusetts life sciences workforce through a partnership between the life sciences industry and higher education.

“Biotechnology companies continue to choose to grow or locate to Massachusetts largely because of the talented workforce, and we must work to maintain that competitive edge,” said Robert K. Coughlin, MassBio president and chief executive officer. “The work the MLSEC has done to align community college programs with industry needs is a huge step in the right direction to building the biotechnology workforce of the future.”

The endorsement system—which ranks community college programs that meet levels of criteria as gold or silver—was rolled out at a ceremony in Cambridge on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Speakers included Richard Freeland, Massachusetts commissioner of higher education, Paul Reville, Massachusetts secretary of education, and Joanne Goldstein, Massachusetts secretary of labor and workforce development.

“It is wonderful to see the collaboration between the private sector, the public sector and the community colleges,” Goldstein said. “I would love to replicate this in other industries throughout the Commonwealth.”

Other community colleges to receive endorsements included Berkshire Community College (Silver), Bunker Hill Community College (Silver), Middlesex Community College (Gold), Mount Wachusett Community College (Silver), Quinsigamond Community College (Gold), Roxbury Community College (Gold), and Springfield Technical Community College (Silver).

For more information on Northern Essex’s associate in applied science in laboratory science, contact enrollment services at 978 556-3700 or [email protected].


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Rhode Island’s public institutions of higher education have lost just short of $40 million in state support since 2007. By FY 2011, state funding had dipped to 1998 levels.

One national measure – the annual State Finance Report issued by the State Higher Education Executive Officers – ranked Rhode Island last in the country for educational appropriations per FTE for fiscal 2005-2010 (minus 7.4%).

Only 15% of the system’s $987-million budget in FY 2011 comes from the state. The other 85% is generated by the institutions themselves, through tuition and fees, federal and foundation research grants, and auxiliary enterprises (dining halls, dormitories, etc.).

Meanwhile, more and more students have been attracted to the price/value found at URI, RIC, and CCRI. As a result, the system’s burgeoning enrollment reached an all-time high of 43,412 students in 2009, almost 5,000 more students than were enrolled in 1998. (Enrollment for 2010-11 was only 188 students fewer.)

So the higher-education community was understandably buoyed by candidate Chafee’s comments during the campaign about the importance of postsecondary education and the need to invest in Rhode Island’s higher- education system. And we are extremely pleased that Governor Chafee has now carried that principle forward as a consistent theme of his early administration and that his proposed FY 2012 budget reflects his commitment to higher education.

The restoration of $10 million in funding for public higher education sends a very strong message that the Governor views postsecondary education as integral to the future of Rhode Island. It says that he is committed to reversing the trend of the last five years, which forced URI, RIC, and CCRI to educate greater numbers of students with fewer human and financial resources. It also sends out a beacon of hope to all current and prospective students that the state of Rhode Island plans to maintain an accessible, affordable system of public higher education.

Finally, the Governor’s budget informs his appointments to the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Governors for Higher Education that the Governor fully supports the mission of both Boards and that he understands the meaning of the word “quality” when it comes to the scope and delivery of public education.

Speaking on behalf of the thousands of Rhode Island students and their families, from the early grades right up through our colleges and universities, who depend on us to provide them with a high-quality education, we salute Governor Chafee for his commitment to our public schools and colleges. We call upon the members of the General Assembly to support the Governor’s recommended budget. It is right for our students, right for our dedicated educators, and right for Rhode Island.

Ray M. Di Pasquale is the Commissioner of Higher Education and the president of CCRI; Deborah A. Gist is the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

It also sends out a beacon of hope to all

current and prospective students that the state of Rhode Island plans

to maintain an accessible, affordable

system of public higher education.

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Chara Vincelette-Perocchi has joined Community College of Vermont (CCV) in a newly created position, Student Resources Advisor for Veterans. She will support the veterans’ advisors currently at each of the 12 academic centers, but a special focus of this part-time position is to help Vermont veterans navigate the complicated system of agencies and resources statewide.

“Students need to know that CCV is working hard to get them information that will help keep life balanced—not just in the educational setting,” said Vincelette-Perocchi. “Veterans may not make it past the first few weeks of school if something isn’t right at home, or if they are worried about how they are going to support their family.”

Currently 270 CCV students receive veterans’ educational benefits, more than any other college in Vermont except Norwich University. Enrollment for the spring semester is up 63 percent, and these numbers are expected to rise dramatically as more soldiers who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan take advantage of the new Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Vincelette-Perocchi earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Columbia College in Columbia, MO. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, she is currently a member of the Vermont National Guard, and in her sixteen years with the Guard has served as public affairs executive officer, logistics officer, and mortuary affairs officer. She understands the special needs of veterans and their families.

Nationwide, veterans returning to the classroom have been identified as needing special support. CCV is already collecting data and analyzing access services and program offerings to increase student success and retention rates. Vincelette-Perocchi will be expanding these efforts for veterans, and will also develop training sessions on veterans’ issues for CCV staff, faculty, and community partners.

The J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation, a supporting organization of the Vermont Community Foundation, recently awarded CCV a $55,000 grant to support expanded services to veterans. This grant is supporting the student resource advisor for veterans position. For more information on veterans programs at CCV, visit http://www.ccv.edu/veterans_benefits/index.html.

Chara Vincelette-Perocchi in Afghanistan

New Support for Veterans at Community College of Vermont

From Vermont

Annual Associate Degree Best Practices Conference October 21, 2011 at Holyoke Community College Sponsored by New England College Council and College Board

Save the Date and submit your Session Proposal Now Follow the link: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/prof-dev/regions/new-england/colloquium

collegian 2011

Documents

senior retirement community

college programs

college campuses

community colleges notes

continuing care community

meadow ridge students

retirement years

onsite courses