MWCC e-News

June 11, 2013

In This Issue
Pathways and Gateway Graduation
Senior Vice President Sharyn Rice Honored at Farewell Gathering
ESL Year End Celebration
MWCC Receives $640,000 NSF Grant
MWCC and Heywood Hospital Receive State Rapid Response Funding
James D. Murphy Art Exhibit
CGD Club Raises $2,045 for The One Fund Boston
20th Annual Relay for Life
New Six-Week Career Preparation Program at Devens Campus
Upcoming Events
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topPathways and Gateway Graduation

Pathways and Gateway Class of 2013    

Whether they came to MWCC to accelerate the pace of their education or to get back on track after a problematic high school experience, this year's 51 graduates of the Pathways Early College Innovation School and the Gateway to College program have this in common: they each reached a milestone.

 

Students enrolled in the two dual enrollment programs, which are offered in partnership with the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, were recognized during a May 22 graduation ceremony in the college's Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center theatre. As dual-enrolled students, the graduates all completed the requirements for their high school diploma while simultaneously earning college credits or a degree.

 

Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell D. Chester delivered the keynote address, lauding the students for their success, and their families and friends in the audience for providing ongoing support. He noted that the quality programs are serving as models for other institutions and school districts to replicate.

 

"What an opportunity. For some of you this was a second chance. You were heading down a path that was not going to lead to a diploma. For others, this represents an accelerated path toward an associate degree. This is an incredible accomplishment. I can't tell you how impressed I am."

 

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Sharyn Rice Honored at Farewell Gathering After 25 Years 
The MWCC community, along with friends and family, joined together on May 29 to wish Senior Vice President Sharyn Rice a happy and healthy retirement after 25 years of service. Throughout her years at MWCC, Rice served as the director of a variety of programs, assistant dean of training at Shriver Job Corps, vice president of community and foundation development, and senior vice president of advancement and external affairs before stepping into her current position overseeing the Division of Access, Transition and Development.
  
MWCC's ESL Program Celebrates Students' Achievements

José Mangual, academic counselor for students enrolled in MWCC's English as a Second Language program, has a ready answer for prospective students who feel they are too busy, too old or not ready to enroll in courses. He introduces them to students who once had the same fears, but now are succeeding not only in the ESL program, but in MWCC academic programs as well.

 

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MWCC Receives $640,000 National Science Foundation Grant 

Mount Wachusett Community College has received a five-year, $640,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for students in STEM fields. The grant will provide scholarships and support services to 150 full-time students in science, technology, engineering and math programs. The goal of the scholarship program is to provide a supportive academic environment that will ensure STEM students graduate within two to three years with an associate degree and to promote student transfers to a four-year STEM program after graduating from MWCC. 

 

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MWCC and Heywood Hospital Receive State Rapid Response Funding
Mount Wachusett Community College has been awarded state funding to provide suicide prevention training to more than 730 Heywood Hospital healthcare employees. MWCC is the only one of 10 community colleges in Massachusetts awarded two grants totaling $123,073 in Rapid Response funding, Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Freeland announced Tuesday, May 28.
  
  
James D. Murphy Art Exhibit and Reception at MWCC 

More than100 people gathered in the Raymond LaFontaine Fine Arts Center on June 6 for a reception celebrating the life, legacy and artwork of James D. Murphy, the first chair of the college's Board of Trustees. All proceeds from the event benefited the new James D. Murphy Scholarship, which will be given each year to the student representative on the MWCC Board of Trustees.

 

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Computer Graphic Design Club Raises $2,045 for The One Fund Boston

MWCC's Computer Graphic Design Club recently raised $2,045 to benefit The One Fund Boston through the sale of specially designed t-shirts. Professor Leslie Cullen, chair of the computer graphic design department, designed the 3 Yellow Balloon logo and t-shirts after the Boston Marathon tragedy as a fundraising contribution for victims of the attack.

 

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20th Annual Greater Gardner Relay For Life

Inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of thousands of area residents who participated in the annual Greater Gardner Relay for Life, held June 7 and 8 at MWCC. The fields and fitness track were filled with those who came out to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, show support for those fighting the disease and honor the memories of friends and family members.

 

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MWCC Offering Six-Week Career Preparation Program at Devens Campus

MWCC is offering a six-week, non-credit Manufacturing Career Preparation Program to provide certifications and training geared toward gaining entry level employment in biomedical device and other manufacturing operations. The program, which begins July 8 at MWCC's Devens campus, has been developed through direct interaction with companies currently seeking employees.

  
Upcoming Events 
Upcoming at MWCC: 
  • Theatre at the Mount Presents Xanadu
  • Gateway and Pathways information sessions for fall registration
  • Summer Business Luncheon Series
  • Summer programs for kids & teens
  • MWCC Foundation Golf Tournament

For information about upcoming events click here. 

  
Janice O'Connor
Director of Public Relations
Mount Wachusett Community College
978-630-9547