MWCC

May 24, 2011
In This Issue
MWCC Grads Encouraged to Pursue Their Dreams
MWCC Awards Honorary Degree to Raymond M. LaFontaine
MWCC Honors Outstanding Students During Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony
Largest Nursing Class Recognized During Traditional Pinning Ceremony
Dental Hygiene Graduates Honored During Pinning Ceremony
Students Recognized During Clinical Laboratory Science Pinning Ceremony
MWCC Students Named to Who's Who List
Rx Program Celebrates Students During First Awards Ceremony
MWCC Receives Environmental Merit Award from United States E.P.A.
MWCC Receives National Recognition for Exceptional Community Service
Student Veterans of America Club at MWCC Raises $500 for MVOC
Faculty & Staff Notes
Summer Business Luncheon Training Series at MWCC
Upcoming Events
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topMWCC Grads Encouraged to Pursue Their Dreams

MWCC's 46th CommencementIn an address both humorous and insightful, author and former White House speechwriter Ben Coes urged Mount Wachusett Community College graduates to continue to persevere, pursue their dreams, and maintain a sense of humor during life's inevitable trials.


"I think perseverance is the single most important quality you can have as a human being. Every important accomplishment I have achieved is due to perseverance," said Coes, who published his first novel, Power Down, this year. "And the great thing about perseverance is anyone can have it. It's sitting there for the taking, for anyone, you just have to tell yourself, I'm going to do it. I'm not going to quit."


Ben CoesDuring MWCC's 46th Commencement on May 19, Coes explained that his long-standing dream of writing a novel remained dormant for two decades before he finally made the decision to act. "What is that voice inside your heart asking you to do? Whatever it is, I'm here to tell you, listen to it. Take a shot. Don't leave anything on the table. When it comes to dreams, the only way to fail is to not try. It's the attempt that matters, not the results."


This year, MWCC awarded 741 associate degrees and certificates to 679 graduates. MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino recognized veterans of the U.S. military among the graduating class, as well as the many graduates who served residents in the community through numerous civic engagement and service learning endeavors.


Jim Garrison, chair of the Board of Trustees, noted that many of the graduates will directly enter the workforce in a variety of fields, including nursing, public safety, education, business and technology, while others will continue on for bachelor's degrees at private and public colleges and universities. "It is to be noted that those who transfer will transfer as full juniors, many with full or partial scholarships, and the savings to themselves and their families, as a result of spending their first two years at Mount Wachusett Community College, could amount to as much as $70,000 - no insignificant amount of money, especially in these difficult economic times," he said.


Presidents Keys for exemplary academic standing were awarded to Christopher Alexandrovich, a Natural Resources Technology major, and Marie Roberts, a nursing major.

Mr. Alexandrovich said "determination" was his key to achieving the President's Key award. "The will to not give up and to do my best. I had professors who certainly challenged me to do my best," said the Gardner resident, who plans to pursue a bachelor's degree.


Elizabeth coxThe Dean's Key award for student involvement was presented to Elizabeth "Betsy" Cox, who demonstrated leadership through steadfast commitment to a multitude of service projects.


Denise Kindschi Gosselin, an author and chair of the sociology and criminal justice department at Western New England College, and Richard K. Elmer, senior manager of learning and development for Bristol-Myers Squibb, were recognized as the 2011 Alumni of the Year.


Service Above Self Awards for community engagement were presented to long-serving volunteers Helen and Edward Lepkowski of Gardner, and to Leominster residents Gail Allen and James Adams.


The Trustees Award was presented to Early Childhood Education major Christina Lajoie, who served the past year on the college's Board of Trustees and as president of the ECE Club.


The college awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree to former state Rep. Raymond M. LaFontaine and an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Mr. Coes.


Emeriti status was awarded to three retiring deans: Linda Oldach, assistant dean of library and information services; Jo Ann Donovan, assistant dean of Academic Support Services; and Jane Carney, dean of academic services at satellite campuses.

 

Pictured: Top, Student Government Association member Taryn Holly, as Student Marshal, leads the procession; Center, Commencement speaker Ben Coes; Bottom: Dean's Key Recipient Elizabeth Cox.

MWCC Awards Honorary Degree to Raymond M. LaFontaine

President Asquino and Raymond LaFontaineFormer State Rep. Raymond M. LaFontaine of Gardner, who was instrumental in the efforts to permanently locate Mount Wachusett Community College in the city in the 1960s and continued to serve the college, its students, and the community in many capacities since then, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree during MWCC's Commencement on May 19.

"Ray LaFontaine was among the founders of Mount Wachusett Community College and continued to serve the college and its students for many years with great enthusiasm and commitment," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. "We are delighted to recognize him for his selfless dedication to the residents of the region."

"I am excited to receive this honorary degree," Mr. LaFontaine said. "This is particularly special to me. I look at this as my college from the day that it was an idea."

Born and raised in Gardner, Mr. LaFontaine is a graduate of Gardner High School and the University of Massachusetts, where he received a bachelor's degree in political science. He also pursued post-graduate work in public administration at Suffolk University. Mr. LaFontaine served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1966 to 1982.

Mr. LaFontaine was instrumental in the negotiations to have MWCC permanently located in Gardner in the mid-1960s, and his tremendous commitment to serving the residents of the region resulted in an appropriation of more than $25 million for the construction of the Gardner campus. He worked tirelessly to lobby governmental officials and ultimately was successful in restoring funding to build the Fitness & Wellness Center and the Fine Arts Center, which was named in his honor. He later went on to serve on the college's Board of Trustees, from 1990 to 2000, including many years as vice chair.

"Many people were part of the team to locate the college here and were part of that success," Mr. LaFontaine said. At the time, there were 28 proposed sites for the community college in North Central Massachusetts, including locations in Fitchburg, Leominster and Winchendon. The Gardner site, nearly 300 acres of land that was once part of the Heywood farm, prevailed.

"I thought the college would be good for Gardner and the entire region," he said. "And its impact has been tremendous. The college now has satellite campuses in Leominster, Fitchburg and Devens. What it has done for the community and for the residents of the region has been amazing and fantastic."  
  
Pictured: President Daniel M. Asquino presents an honorary degree to Raymond M. LaFontaine, as Jim Garrison, chair of the Board of Trustees, and state Rep. Stephen DiNatale, look on.
  

MWCC Honors Outstanding Students During Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony

MWCC Evening of Excellence 2011MWCC recognized the academic achievements of outstanding students during the annual "Evening of Excellence" awards ceremony on May 12 at the Four Points by Sheraton, Leominster.

President Daniel M. Asquino welcomed the gathering of nearly 300 students, family members and friends, and Dr. Vincent Ialenti, dean of academic & instructional technology, and Rosanne Morel, professor and chair of the Early Child Education department, served as the event's masters of ceremony. Greg Clement, assistant dean of students, and Dr. Melissa Fama, vice president of Academic Affairs, also delivered welcoming remarks.

"Tonight we're here to celebrate your accomplishments," President Asquino said. "This is what Mount Wachusett Community College is all about - a college of excellence and choice, a college that reaches out and serves the community. We could not do that without you."

Reflecting humorously on a theme of how logical and analytical "left brain" thinkers and creative "right brain" thinkers process information in their unique ways, Dr. Ialenti  concluded his remarks by congratulating the honorees for using both sides of their brains to succeed academically.

"I don't' know where the students we honored tonight will be applying their creativity and knowledge in the future, or which side of their brains they will be using, but I do know that Mount Wachusett Community College's faculty and staff thank you for making our jobs satisfying and rewarding. Come back and visit, keep taking courses with us, and keep us posted on your success. Hearing from our former students and how they are doing is one of the greatest rewards of working at Mount Wachusett Community College," he said.
  
Pictured: Alice Uwishema and Jean Paul Turayishimye.

To view the complete list of awards, go to: Evening of Excellence 2011 Awards 
  

Largest Nursing Class Recognized During Traditional Pinning Ceremony

2011 Nurse Pinning CeremonyMembers of MWCC's largest nursing class to date celebrated their achievements during a traditional pinning ceremony on May 20.


One hundred and eight members of the 2011 nursing class participated in the 38th annual nurses' pinning ceremony, held in the Fitness & Wellness Center. The graduating class was comprised of students enrolled in the day and evening programs and included LPN's who returned to continue their education through the college's new Bridge to Nursing program held on the Devens campus, as well as the first members of the new Pre-Nursing Academy for recent high school graduates.


MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino congratulated the students on their achievement. "I wish you the very best as you complete this phase of your journey and begin the next phase."


Eileen Costello, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Service Programs, also welcomed the graduates and their families, and an exuberant Professor Judy Fredette, wearing a nurse's scrub top signed by 60 of the nursing students during a recent convalescence, delivered the keynote address. Two of the graduates - Anita Carbone and Amanda Hanssen - performed the National Anthem.


Dressed in traditional nurse uniforms, this year accompanied by pink and maroon ribbons in support for faculty battling cancer, the students were welcomed into the profession by having the program's nursing pin fastened to their lapels by a family member, friend, or an alumnus of the program, or a faculty member, to the cheers of family and friends. The pin symbolizes where the nurses completed their studies to become an RN and distinguishes them from other health care professionals. The eight-star MWCC pin is imprinted with the words "Service to Humanity and the World."

 

As part of the ceremony, the students also took a nursing pledge that dates back to Florence Nightingale, who distinguished herself during the Crimean War by coming to the aid of sick and wounded British soldiers.

 

Pictured: Shawna Whitehouse was pinned by Allyson Girouard, an alumna of MWCC's nursing program. 

Dental Hygiene Graduates Honored During Pinning Ceremony

2011 Dental Hygiene classStudents in the fifth graduating class of Mount Wachusett's Dental Hygiene program received a special honor during their pinning ceremony on May 13, when Dr. Esther Wilkins, an icon in the dental hygiene world, delivered the keynote address.

Dr. Wilkins, a dentist and hygienist and a national leader in the profession, has been involved in the Massachusetts Dental Hygiene Association, the Massachusetts Women's Dental Society, has served as trustee for the American Dental Hygienist Association and has served as a clinical professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for over 35 years.

With words of encouragement and humor, Dr. Wilkins reminded the graduating class of how far they have come since their first courses, and encouraged them to remain current in the field through continuing education.

MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino delivered welcoming remarks, and encouraged the students to remain connected with each other and to the college. He also recognized former MWCC Trustee Ellen Daly, who was instrumental in starting the dental hygiene program.

Anne Malkasian, program director, congratulated the 15 graduating students on their achievement. "Two years ago, you all came together as strangers, sharing a common goal to become registered dental hygienists. Over the past two years, you have formed friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime."

During the ceremony, the graduates were pinned by members of the Dental Hygiene faculty and several students were presented with awards. Class President Lori-Ann Doody received the Johnson & Johnson Award; Dia Moua received the Hu Friedy Golden Scaler Award, Jennifer Joslin and Iolanda Eldridge received the Dental Hygiene Department Awards; Angelique Cormier received the Massachusetts Dental Hygienist Association Award; and freshman Pamela Heline received the Ellen Daly Scholarship.
  
Pictured: Members of the 2011 Dental Hygiene class with program director Anne Malkasian.
 

 Students Recognized During Clinical Laboratory Science Pinning Ceremony

Clinical Lab Science Pinning 2011Students graduating from MWCC's Clinical Laboratory Science program were recognized during a pinning ceremony May 18 in the Murphy Conference Room.

Terri Botti, director of Clinical Laboratory Services at Heywood Hospital, was the featured speaker. She encouraged the students to remain dedicated to the field, maintain their enthusiasm for the profession, and engage in opportunities to continue to learn. "This field is dynamic. It is never static," she said.

Though their work in labs is behind the scenes, the graduates will play a vital role in patient care by performing a wide range of clinical laboratory procedures used in the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease, said Assistant Professor Doug Parker, program chair. The work the graduates do, he said, will help "enhance the lives of others."

The Clinical Laboratory Science program prepares graduates for in-demand careers in the medical technology field. The program was re-established at the college in 2006 with clinical partner Heywood Hospital. HealthAlliance Hospital joined the partnership as a clinical affiliate in 2009, and most recently, UMass Medical Center in Worcester and St. Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center became clinical affiliates this past academic year.
  
Pictured: Members of the 2011 Clinical Lab Science graduating class with Program Chair Doug Parker, front row, left; featured speaker Terri Botti, director of Clinical Laboratory Services at Heywood Hospital, front row, second from left, and instructor Dr. Jeff Leftin, back row, second from left.
  

MWCC Students Named to Who's Who List

MWCC students enrolled in a range of academic programs and involved in numerous activities have been selected as national outstanding campus leaders and will be included in the 2011 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
  
The students were selected based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and the potential for continued success. They join an elite group of students from more than 1,000 higher education institutions in the United State and several other countries. The tradition of recognizing noteworthy college students in a Who's Who biographical volume began in 1934.
  
The honorees were among the student leaders recognized by the office of Student Life during a reception held April 28 at the Gardner Museum.
  
Students named this year include: Jeremy Abell, Ryann Brown, Scott Brown, Aaron Chatigny, Noah Chicoine, Angelique Cormier, Elizabeth Cox, Micheal Crowley, Lori-Ann Doody, Amy Doucette, Eileene Farrell, James Finch, Deborah Fnine, Julian Fox, Jamie Furr, Andrea Gendron, Amelia Gentry, Karl Hakkarainen, Jakob Hamm, Taryn Holly, Caroline Horvitz, Sarah Johnston, Jennifer Joslin, Javier King, Christina Lajoie, Sarah Linstrom, Edwin Martinez, Isaac Matson, Shawnette McDowell, Jeanette Obando, Nicola Richard, Johnathan Rivers, Jesse Roberts, Anne Marie Rogan, Erica Schlier, Felicia Stanikmas, Nancy Storer, JustineThibeault, Megan Whaley, Amanda White, Kevin Whitman and Douglas York. 
  
Pictured: Felicia Stanikmas, Aaron Chatigny and Nicola Richard.
  

Rx Program Celebrates Students During First Awards Ceremony

Visions President's AwardAt the end of the academic year, both TRIO Student Support Services at Mount Wachusett Community College took time to recognize and honor students for their hard work and accomplishments over the course of the year.
 
Included in the celebrations was the first ever award ceremony for the Rx Program, a new grant funded by the Federal Department of Education to support students from first generation and limited income backgrounds and students with disabilities pursing health science careers.
  
Rx Program AwardThis year, the Rx Program celebrated the graduation of 36 students with Associates Degrees. In addition, six students were honored for their participation in the program and perseverance in their education.  Two scholarships were also presented: The Rx Award to Adriana Bizjak and the President's award to graduating nurse Anita Carbone.

In a subsequent ceremony, the Visions Program honored the recipients of 47 degrees and certificates and 21 transfer students. Two scholarships were also presented to Visions students: the President's award to Kate Sanborn and the Visions award to Vikki Stephens.
 - Gaurav Khanna
  
Pictured; Top: Kate Sanborn, recipient of the Visions President's Award with President Daniel M. Asquino; Bottom: Rx Award recipient Adriana Bizjak with TRIO Student Support Services Director Gaurav Khanna and Executive Vice President Ann McDonald.
   

MWCC Receives Environmental Merit Award from United States E.P.A.

Turbines SkyMount Wachusett Community College has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its ongoing sustainability initiatives, including the recent addition of two wind turbines.
  
MWCC received an Environmental Merit Award during the EPA New England District's annual recognition ceremony on May 11 at Faneuil Hall in Boston. Sharyn Rice, senior vice president of Advancement and External Affairs, accepted the award on behalf of the college.

MWCC was recognized for exemplifying how an institution can invest in clean energy, reduce  dependence on foreign oil, and ultimately address the global climate crisis. The two wind turbines are expected to generate 97 percent of the school's energy demand. Combined with the college's existing biomass heating, photovoltaic array and solar hot water technologies, MWCC will produce nearly all of its energy on-site.

The merit awards, recognizing valuable contributions to environmental awareness and problem solving, are a unique way that the EPA recognizes individuals and groups that are making significant impacts on environmental quality in distinct ways. Awarded by the EPA since 1970, the merit awards honor individuals and groups that have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts to preserve the region's environment. This year's competition drew 56 nominations from across New England.

For more information on all Environmental Merit Award winners Click here
  

MWCC Receives National Recognition for Exceptional Community Service

President's Honor Roll logoMount Wachusett Community College has been named to the 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, with distinction, for its strong institutional commitment to service and campus-community partnerships that produce measurable results for North Central Massachusetts.

The Honor Roll, an annual recognition since 2006, is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service learning and civic engagement. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service admitted a total of 641 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from literacy and neighborhood revitalization to supporting at-risk youth for service performed throughout the 2009-2010 academic year. Of that total, 511 were named to the Honor Roll, and 114, including MWCC, were named to the Honor Roll with distinction.

"As we complete our first 'Decade of Civic Engagement', it is evident that community and civic engagement have become embedded in the culture at Mount Wachusett Community College," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino." We are proud of the work that we have done with and for our community, and renew our commitment to support North Central Massachusetts through a second 'Decade of Civic Engagement', and through continued efforts to provide student, staff and faculty support where it is needed the very most," he said.

"We are truly lucky to have such valuable community partners, engaged faculty and staff, and students who place incredible emphasis on the importance of giving back," said Fagan Forhan, director of Experiential Learning Opportunities & Civic Engagement. "It makes our efforts to create positive community change that much more fruitful."

Hundreds of MWCC students participated in service programs through the office of Student Life, the Center for Democracy & Humanity, the Division of Academic Affairs and the Division of Access & Transition.

Programs highlighted for the national recognition include a "Volunteer Fridays" series, which included a community dinner to raise awareness of National Hunger and Homelessness  Month in November, two separate drives to collect items for troops serving overseas, and a knit-a-thon to make and donate handmade hats and scarves to those in need. In addition, 25 students completed training through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and then prepared tax returns for low-income and elderly residents; art students created murals in downtown Gardner; six students volunteered more than 800 hours at nonprofit organizations through the Institute for Nonprofit  Development; and students in the college's Summer Leadership Camp volunteered for Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts and the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center in Gardner.

The United Way Youth Venture of North Central Massachusetts, administered by MWCC's Center for Democracy & Humanity, and two programs administered by the college's Division of Access & Transition - the Summer UP employment and leadership program for middle and high school students, and the Gateway to College dropout recovery program - were cited as examples of institutional commitment to service.

"Congratulations to MWCC and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities," said Patrick A. Corvington, chief executive officer of CNCS. "We salute all the Honor Roll awardees for embracing their civic mission and providing opportunities for their students to tackle tough national challenges through service."
  

Student Veterans of America Club at MWCC raises $500 for MVOC

Student Veterans of America at MWCCThe Student Veterans of America club at Mount Wachusett Community College recently donated $500 to the Montachusett Veteran Outreach Center of Gardner.
  
Club members raised the funds this semester through several activities including a bake sale, book sale and benefit car wash. The MWCC chapter is an affiliate of the national SVA organization.
  
Pictured from left, Kristine Larkin, assistant project director of MWCC's Veterans Success Center; Tom Tobin, career development counselor; Charles Bollinger III, executive director of MVOC; Trevor Stacy; Chris Akey; Jeremy Pratt; Michael Valila; James Colbert; Brian LaPrise, SVA chapter president; and Chris Shea.
  

Faculty & Staff Notes

Linda OldachThe Beatles were still together, the war in Vietnam raged on, man had just stepped foot on the moon, and a 21-year-old librarian assistant named Linda Oldach joined the staff of a nascent community college in Gardner. Forty-two years later, Ms. Oldach, assistant dean of library and information services, was bid a fond farewell by colleagues during a reception May 17 in MWCC's Leo and Theresa LaChance Library.

"I have been able to meet so many wonderful and talented people who have helped the library grow," said Ms. Oldach, whose accomplishments range from converting the library's collection of 50,000 tomes from a card catalog system to a computerized system and leading a staff that has actively promoted information literacy through training courses and other support services to students and employees.

"It takes a village to run a library. I greatly appreciate the staff and all the work they do and have enjoyed working with everyone from all of the other departments as well," she said. Ms. Oldach and long-serving college employees Jane Carney, dean of academic services at satellite campuses, and Jo Ann Donovan, assistant dean of academic support services, who are also retiring, have been granted emeriti status by the college.
  
The MWCC community also wishes all the best to Edna Gray, staff assistant in the Division of Academic Affairs, and Kathy Laperriere, Academic Affairs clerk, who are also retiring after many years of service to the college and its students.  
English Professor Susan Coleman Goldstein was recently published in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Ms. Goldstein, who spent the spring semester on sabbatical to delve further into technology, opined on the millennial generation's penchant for social media multi-tasking, even while in class, in her column "From Professor Back to Student - With Complaint." The May 5 column inspired faculty from throughout the country to weigh in on the topic. Click here to read her column. 

 

Summer Business Luncheon Training Series at MWCC

Business Luncheon SeriesGet a taste of corporate employee training during MWCC's Summer Business Luncheon Training Series. Sponsored by the Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development, the Friday lunch-and-learn sessions are designed to provide key business strategies on a range of topics, from social media marketing to steps for improving profitability.

"The 'Lunch and Learn' series offers regional businesses a sample of the best training available intended to make their businesses more efficient, competitive and ready for next opportunities," said Jeremiah Riordon, assistant vice president of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development.
  
"Companies that cease training activities in a difficult economy may find they're still struggling or at risk of closing because of inefficient operations, weakened sales, spiking costs of raw materials and missed opportunities. Businesses that continue training activities are more able to rapidly adapt new business models to deliver better, more affordable services, and are in a better position to thrive due to their highly trained workforce," he said.

In "Social Media Marketing Strategies" on June 3, participants will learn how businesses can take advantage of major social media tools including Facebook, Twitter, blogs and YouTube. This session provides an introduction to the maze of communities, platforms, and social media tools with the goal of building effective Internet-based marketing campaigns. Led by Dr. Tim Liptrap, assistant professor of Sports Management at Nichols College, this session will focus focused on marketing strategies aimed at generating revenue for businesses.

In "Project Management Essentials" on June 17, participants will discover ways to better determine their project management needs and the key characteristics of successful project management. Led by MWCC instructor Bob Mayer, this session will focus on project management from a Fortune 500 business professional perspective highlighting resources, time, and scope necessary to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives.

In "Ten Steps to Profitability" on July 8, Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jim Bellina will address steps organizations can implement to improve profitability, including organizational models, key financial measures, program targets and techniques that lead to improved revenue.

In "Selling the Way Your Customers Want to Buy" on July 29, John Chapin, speaker, trainer, and author of the award-winning "Sales Encyclopedia: the most comprehensive 'how to' guide on selling" will present the attributes leading to sales success and ways to integrate these strategies into sales efforts, including creative prospecting techniques, defrosting cold calls, strategizing for successful direct sales calls, and overcoming objections.

In "Process Improvement and LEAN Manufacturing" on Aug. 26, the LEAN process flow for operations will be emphasized to help participants learn how to better identify areas of improvement and steps to take to implement changes and measure effectiveness. The session will be led by James F. Leonard, a consultant who specializes in teaching the principles of Dr. W. Edwards Deming as a new system of management.

All sessions take place from 12 to 1 p.m. in the North Caf� at MWCC's Gardner campus. The cost for each session is $10 when pre-registered or $13 at the door and includes a complimentary grilled lunch. Register for one or more sessions by calling 978-630-9575 or email [email protected].
  

Upcoming Events

Giorgia NobiliThe Pathways Early College Innovation School at MWCC, which enables high school juniors to enroll full-time in college-level courses to simultaneously earn their high school diploma and an associate degree, is hosting a series of information sessions for prospective applicants. Twenty seats are available for the academic year beginning Sept. 6. Information sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. on May 31 and June 7 and 14; and on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. on May 25, June 1, 8, and 15. All sessions will take place at the Gardner campus, 444 Green Street, in the Murphy Conference Room. To register for an information session, call 978-630-9248.
  
The annual Write On! Celebration, sponsored by the Division of Access and Transition, will take place Thursday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As a means to encourage literacy, creative writing and art, the celebration is the culmination of a literary and art contest among middle school students. More than 200 students from Gardner, Fitchburg, Leominster and Winchendon participate in the competition and workshops.

 

Representatives from local biomanufacturing companies and employment agencies will be on hand to discuss career opportunities and conduct interviews during MWCC's Biotechnology Career Fair on Thursday, June 2. The fair will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the college's Devens campus, One Jackson Place, 27 Jackson Road. Participating organizations include Bristol-Myers Squibb, New England Peptide, Integrated Process Technologies, Masy Systems, Parenteral Drug Association, Aerotek, Joule Scientific, Manpower, TTE Laboratories, North Central Career Center, STEM Power and more. Job seekers are invited to meet with industry representatives to learn about careers and opportunities. Interviews must be pre-scheduled in order to be conducted during the fair. Alumni are also invited to attend to network and share success stories and advice. To register or for more information, contact Tami Morin at [email protected] or call 978-630-9578.

 

Gateway to College Graduation 2011 will take place Wednesday, June 8 at 6 p.m. in the Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center theatre at MWCC's Gardner campus. The accomplishments of 19 students completing the program will be celebrated. Candace Shivers, associate professor of Human Services and Sociology, will be the featured speaker. The program, launched at MWCC in 2006 through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and its partners, is open to all Massachusetts residents age 16 to 20 who did not earn a high school diploma or at risk of leaving high school without earning a diploma.  Students graduating from the Gateway program earn a high school diploma and college credits at the same time.  For more information, contact the Division of Access and Transition at 978-630-9248.

 

MWCC's Enrollment Center is sponsoring an Open House for prospective students on Thursday, June 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gardner campus. Information will be available on academic programs, finacial aid, transfer options, veterans services and more. In addition, two welcome sessions for new students will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. Free refreshments and giveaways also will be offered. For more information or to RSVP, call 978-630-9284 or email [email protected].

 

Members of the MWCC community will join thousands of others at the Greater Gardner Relay for Life taking place at the college's track, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 10 and continuing until 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. The Gardner relay has raised more than $10 million for cancer research over the past 18 years and is the largest relay in New England and the fifth largest in the U.S. For more information, Click here

 

Forever PlaidTheatre at the Mount continues its 2011 season with Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings in June. As ordered by a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, the Plaids stage a nostalgic holiday extravaganza filled with familiar songs and Christmas standards plus a new episode of "The Ed Sullivan Show." The hilarious, heavenly quartet is back and this unexpected summer delight is truly "heaven sent!" Performances are June 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and June 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for evening shows, $15 for the matinee, and $10 for students and may be purchased at the TAM box office, by phone at 978-632-2403 or online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu.

 

MWCC is accepting registrations for Summer Programs for Kids & Teens. Families are encouraged to reserve seats early to secure a spot in popular summer programs including drama, art, computers and athletics. Sports and fitness camps offered through the MWCC Fitness & Wellness Center include basketball, soccer, baseball, field hockey, tennis, fit camp, and more. Course descriptions and registration forms can be found online at http://www.mwcc.edu/LLL/kids.html or by calling 978-630-9124. 

MWCC, in association with the Broadcasting and Electronic Media program and Phi Theta Kappa, is pleased to once again offer Commencement DVDs. This professional quality, edited DVD of MWCC's 2011 graduation ceremony will be available at a cost of $15 each. This low cost includes shipping and handling. Half of the profits from the DVD sales will go to MWCC's Phi Delta Chapter of the PTK Honor Society. PTK students will donate the other 50 percent of profits directly to the Montachusett Veteran Outreach Center in Gardner. To order a DVD, contact Sheila Murphy, PTK advisor, at [email protected].


MWCC is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: Clinical Laboratory Science: June 22, 4 to 5 p.m., Leominster Health Alliance;  Physical Therapist Assistant: June 28, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, room 204; Dental Hygiene: June 15, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, room 204; A.S. Nursing: June 6, 5 to 6 p.m., Devens campus, room 124 and June 21, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardenr campus, room 204; and Practical Nursing: June 23, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, room 204. In addition, small group information sessions are offered daily Monday through Thursday beginning at 3 p.m. Prospective students interested in attending an information session are asked to call the Enrollment Center at 978-630-9284 (TTY 978-632-4916), or send an email to [email protected].
 

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Archived issues of Mount Wachusett Community College e-News can be found online at http://www.mwcc.edu/info/newsarchive.html To submit to the MWCC e-News or request coverage for your event, contact the Public Relations Office at (978) 630-9547. 

 

Janice O'Connor
Director of Public Relations
Mount Wachusett Community College
(978) 630-9547
[email protected]