Nov. 7, 2011
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 MWCC Receives Leading by Example Award
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 Mount Wachusett Community College has been recognized by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's Leading by Example Program as the state entity that has made the greatest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The college was presented with a Leading by Example Award from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs during its annual ceremony Oct. 26 at the Statehouse honoring state agencies, public higher education institutions, municipalities, and individuals that demonstrate outstanding clean energy and environmental leadership.
MWCC was recognized for having a 48 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from a 2002 to 2004 baseline, the greatest reduction of any state college, university or agency. Thanks to an array of projects, including investments in biomass, a 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic installation, solar hot water systems, and the recent installation of two 1.65 megawatt wind turbines, MWCC is expecting clean energy to generate 97 percent of the college's annual electricity demand.
"We are extremely proud and honored to receive this Leading by Example award for the groundbreaking work that has been underway at Mount Wachusett Community College for more than a decade, including the recent installation of two wind turbines," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, who accepted the award on behalf of the college with Executive Vice President Emeritus Edward R. Terceiro, Jr.
"Our hope is that our energy initiatives will serve as a model for other institutions in the Commonwealth and across the nation, as we strive to reduce our reliance on foreign fuel and protect the environment through a combination of ingenuity and commitment to future generations," President Asquino said.
Last week, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) named Massachusetts number one in its annual state-by-state energy efficiency scorecard.
"Thanks to Governor Patrick's national leadership on energy efficiency and renewable energy policies, we're making tremendous headway in pursuit of our clean energy future, with state and local governments setting the pace," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.
This year's Leading by Example award winners "have taken steps that will continue to yield long-term environmental and economic dividends for years to come," Secretary Sullivan said.
Leading by Example was established by an April 2007 Executive Order in which Governor Patrick directed agencies of state government to improve energy efficiency, promote clean energy technology, and reduce their environmental impacts. The Executive Order calls on state government to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, reduce energy consumption at state-owned and leased facilities 20 percent, and procure 15 percent of energy from renewable sources by June 2012. In addition, it established the Mass LEED-Plus building standard for new state construction, which requires energy performance to be 20 percent better than code. |
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Advanced Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis Seminar to Launch MWCC's
New Corporate Leadership Series |
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James F. Leonard |
A corporate leadership training in advanced problem solving and root cause analysis recently conducted at Nypro, Inc. proved so successful that Mount Wachusett Community College is extending the program out to other business leaders through a two-day seminar Dec. 1 and 2 in Leominster.
"We hear time and again about recurring problems," said seminar leader and MWCC workforce development instructor James F. Leonard, a consultant from Woodstock, CT. "This technique is not new; parts of it have been around for decades. What is new is that it connects the problem analysis technique with knowledge of theory of variation. Connecting one's skill in root cause analysis with knowledge of theory is what takes one out of basic problem solving and into advanced problem solving. This provides an approach that meets customers' demands for faster and more effective response to their problems," Leonard said.
Nypro recently applied the technique to resolve a lingering problem with a sophisticated medical device. The technique is applicable to any industry and all types of businesses to address problem areas such as malfunctioning equipment, product defects, excessive delays in response time to customer complaints, delays in filling job openings, incorrect data entry, IT issues, missed deadlines, unexpected equipment down-time, any numerous other issues that affect productivity and profits.
"We've taken this program to the next level," said Angelo Sabatalo, corporate director, organizational development for Nypro University. "In addition to our green and black belt certifications, we've developed a certification for people who have taken the advanced problem solving course. We have a formal program that requires Nypro employees to use the methodology and document the results. So we have objective evidence that this program works," he said.
Leonard, who specializes in teaching the principles of Dr. W. Edwards Deming as a new system of management, has consulted for a diverse group of organizations including Millpore, IBM, Bose, Nypro, Bayer Diagnostics, Proctor & Gamble, and Hasbro. He has worked with clients in consumer products, medical devices, transportation, electronics, biotech, chemicals and other manufacturing and service industries. Leonard also has worked with government agencies and academic institutions and has been published in The Industrial Physicist, Quality Progress, the Training & Development Journal, South Carolina Business, The Juran Report, and other journals.
The Advanced Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis seminar being offered by MWCC at half the cost of similar training programs is suited for managers and executives interested in improving individual and organizational problem solving effectiveness. It is also geared toward trainers, project team leaders and facilitators who teach or help others to seek root causes of on-job problems. Participants will learn to avoid common pitfalls in problem solving, construct solid "problem specification," test possible causes against the problem specification, identify systems model of variation, apply theory of variation, avoid costly mistakes, and adopt advanced problem solving process flow.
This highly interactive, two-day seminar is designed to move beyond past and current techniques for basic problem solving or mere "problem analysis" to present an advanced process for solving problems. It does so by connecting an understanding of theory of variation with a structured, systematic approach to root cause analysis to process information quickly and effectively. Several case studies and real world on-job applications will provide opportunities to apply and grow comfortable with the course material.
At the end of this transformative seminar, participants will have attained a new skill set to address company demands for increased productivity. This advanced problem solving seminar will help business leaders further their efforts to design and implement systems for improving quality, productivity and competitive position.
The seminar, which launches MWCC's Corporate Leadership Seminar Series, will take place Dec. 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton in Leominster. Registration is now underway and is limited to the first 25 participants. The seminar is $699 and includes breakfast and lunch each day.
For more information or to register, contact Karen Doherty, workforce training specialist, at 978-630-9179 or training@mwcc.mass.edu. Additional information can be found online at http://www.mwcc.edu/wf/NCAdvProblemSolving.html.
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| SHINE Initiative Honors President Asquino, VP Rice, for Leadership Roles |
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President Asquino |
The SHINE Initiative, a leader in the fight against mental illness in children and young adults, held its 5th annual "Keep Your Mind Open" fundraiser at the Four Points Sheraton on Nov. 3. MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino and Senior Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs Sharyn Rice were recipients of the Community Hero Awards for their dedication and commitment to raise awareness about behavioral health issues.
The college officials were recognized for their support and commitment to launch a region-wide, multi-year endeavor to raise awarness about behavioral health issues and to reduce associated stigmas and discrimination with the goal of helping ensure that children, teens and young adults have the support they need to succeed in school. In March, MWCC hosted the conference, "Voices for Change: A Mentally Healthy Campus for All," in collaboration with the SHINE Initiative and Fidelity Bank. More than 150 MWCC students, faculty and staff attended the conference.
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Sharyn Rice |
Stemming from the conference, the college created a new club, Active Minds, an affiliate of a peer advocacy organization that increases awareness and understanding of behavioral health issues on college campuses. The SHINE Initiative fundraiser, which also featured trivia, auctions and live comedy, "is all about spreading the word and showing support for people with mental illness," SHINE Initiative Executive Director Paul Richard stated at the event. "One of the things we're trying to do is break down the stigma surrounding this disease." Since the Keep Your Mind Open Fundraiser began four years ago, it has raised nearly $200,000 for the SHINE Initiative. - Angela Marini
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| Theatre at the Mount Announces 2012 Season | |
Theatre at the Mount announces its 2012 season!
The classic musical Fiddler on the Roof kicks off the season with the story of Tevye, a poor dairyman, who tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his community as the world outside his village faces great change. Love of family and culture mixed with "laughter and tears" makes this Tony Award winner one of America's most beloved musicals of all times. The story is told through wonderful songs such as, "Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Matchmaker," "Sunrise, Sunset," and many more. Performances of Fiddler on the Roof are February 24, 25, March 2, 3 at 8 p.m. and March 4 at 2 p.m.
You are cordially invited to a June wedding at Theatre at the Mount. The hilarious comedy Father of the Bride is about a father who is overwhelmed by all of the turmoil - not to mention finances - caused by his daughter's out of control wedding. Wedding planners, florists, dress makers and pretty much everyone and everything that goes with a wedding invade his home as the wedding plans get bigger and more outrageous by the day! Show dates for Father of the Bride are June 15, 16, 22, 23 at 8 p.m., and June 24 at 2 p.m.
Based on the movie of the same name, Legally Blonde, the Musical tells the tale of sorority star Elle Woods, who doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before - Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. This all singing, all dancing, feel-good musical comedy is so much fun it shouldn't be legal! Catch this musical power house on August 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8 p.m. and August 19 at 2 p.m.
Vaudeville, burlesque and classic farce travel back to Rome 200 BC in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Young love blossoms as Mom and Dad are off to the Forum. Combine that with a slave wanting his freedom, a slave wanting to keep things clam, a buyer and seller of courtesans, of course, the virgin, the hero, the warrior who bought the virgin, love potions, all blended together with music by Stephen Sondheim to bring you "Comedy Tonight." Forum runs October 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8 p.m. and October 14 at 2 p.m.
WTAM is filming its annual Christmas TV Special packed with Holiday Cheer! A Very "Special" Christmas has it all, from sleigh rides to toy soldiers plus a cameo appearance by Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself. Watch the taping of the TV Special and get a sneak peek at all of the "behind the camera" antics too! This Christmas show for the entire family will leave you in stitches and put you in the holiday mood. Don't miss the fun on November 23, 24, 30, December 1 at 8 p.m. and November 25 and December 2 at 2 p.m.
Season Tickets for all 5 shows are just $65 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets or request a season brochure, call the Theatre at the Mount box office at 978-632-2403. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu.
- Gail Steele
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Upcoming Events
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The Fall Student Life Film Festival will conclude with "Native Spirit and the Sun Dance Way" on Wed. Nov. 9 at 12:30 in the North Café. This informative and moving documentary communicates a real sense of the grandeur, beauty and nobility of the spiritual heritage of Native Americans.
The Student Government Association has begun its Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit MWCC students in need of assistance. Donations of non-perishable food will be accepted through Nov. 16 in the grocery cart on the first floor near the SGA booth. Monetary donations also will be accepted to go toward the purchase of gift certificates to a grocery store. Cash or checks made out to MWCC SGA may be dropped off in the Student Life office, room 151. For additional information, call Sandy Arsenault at (978) 630-9133.
An American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place Wed. Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the commons area of the Gardner Campus. Please stop by Health Services or call Marianne Stoy, x136 to register. Walk-ins are welcome.
The annual Winterfest Fair will take place Tuesday, Nov. 29 and Wednesday Nov. 30 in the Commons Area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair will feature raffles of decorated wreaths and theme baskets to benefit the student emergency fund and scholarships. There will be a variety of vendors selling items from children's books to pashmina scarves, Sponsored by the Student Life office and Student Services.
 Theatre at the Mount concludes its 2011 season with the popular Stephen Schwartz musical Children of Eden, opening for six performances beginning Thanksgiving weekend. From the creators of Godspell, Pippin and Les Miserables comes this joyous and inspirational new musical about parents, children and their search for understanding. Children of Eden is a musical parable based on the first nine chapters of the Book of Genesis, from Adam and Eve to Noah and the Great Flood. Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the music for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt, created the music and lyrics, and John Caird wrote the book. The cast includes Matt Dombroski as Father, Nick Howe as Adam/Noah and Fatima Lewis as Eve/Mama Noah. Also featured in the show are Amanda Carpenito, Alison Laverdiere, Taylor Lawton, Michael Kozloski, Tyler Moran, Joel LeBlanc, Melissa Gates, Jacob McDonald, Emily Xarras and a large ensemble of singers and dancers. Performance are November 25, 26 and December 2, 3 at 8 p.m., and November 27 and December 4 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for evenings, $15 for matinees, and $10 for children ages 16 and under. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Theatre at the Mount Box Office at 978 632-2403 or online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu.
MWCC is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: A.S. Nursing at Gardner Campus: Nov. 16, 2 to 3 p.m., room 204; Practical Nursing Certificate at Gardner Campus: Nov. 22, 2 to 3 p.m., room 204; Clinical Laboratory Science: Nov. 22, 4 to 5 p.m., Heywood Hospital; Complementary Health Care, Nov. 17, 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner Campus, room 204; Dental Hygiene: Nov. 9, 2 to 3 p.m., Burbank campus, Fitchburg; Physical Therapist Assistant Degree at Gardner Campus, Nov. 17 2 to 3 p.m., room 204. Prospective students interested in attending an information session are asked to call the Admissions Office at 978-630-9110 (TTY 978-632-4916), or email admissions@mwcc.mass.edu.
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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.
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