MWCC e-News

Dec. 3, 2013
In This Issue
MWCC Welcomes New Dean of Students Jason Zelesky
Natural Resources Student Spends Semester at Sea
MWCC Receives STEM Grant from Complete College America
MWCC Featured at Mass. STEM Summit
Early Childhood Education Program Hosts Alumni Reunion
Upcoming Events
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MWCC Welcomes New Dean of Students Jason Zelesky
Jason Zelesky has spent the past two decades helping students achieve academic, professional and personal success at colleges and universities in Massachusetts, Florida and Vermont. Recently appointed dean of students at Mount Wachusett Community College, the Gardner resident is elated to be working in a field he finds inspiring, in the community he calls home.
  
Raised by a single mother and the first in his family to attend college, Zelesky knows first-hand what it takes to overcome barriers to reach one's goals. And, through his experience and leadership as a college administrator and mentor, he is well aware of the myriad societal and health issues that can impede or derail a student's aspirations, as well as the steps and strategies students can implement to navigate around or through such challenges.
  
"It's inspiring and humbling to work in an environment that is student-centered and student-focused. I'm a first-generation college student myself, so working at a college that values access, excellence and success, and helps students aspire to achieve their goals, is a perfect fit. That's exactly what higher education should be about, especially when you do that in a way that is affordable and flexible and meaningful for students."
  
Working with MWCC's student services team, Zelesky will oversee the college's counseling services, TRIO programs, student life, disability services, and health services departments, have primary responsibility for the administration of the student code of conduct, and serve as student grievance officer.
  
Natural Resources Student Spends Semester at Sea 

When Nicholas Glendenning was looking for a practicum to complete his associate degree in Natural Resources at Mount Wachusett Community College, he didn't realize a life-changing experience that was about to set sail. While researching academic opportunities that related to his interest in marine biology, the 26-year-old Leominster resident discovered the Sea Education Association for Environmental Studies in Woods Hole, MA. Glendenning spent six weeks studying aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer, one of the most sophisticated research equipped vessels under sail in the U.S. The experience not only helped him complete his associate degree, but he also earned 17 credits from Boston University toward a bachelor's degree.

 

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 MWCC Receives STEM Grant from Complete College America

Massachusetts has been awarded a grant from Complete College America (CCA) to aid the state's efforts to increase the number of college students who complete degree and certificate programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. The grant, announced on Nov. 26 by the U.S. Department of Higher Education, will allow nine Massachusetts public campuses to design academic innovations through CCA's Guided Pathways to Success (GPS) in STEM Careers Initiative. Mount Wachusett Community College is among the recipients and will develop industry field pathways utilizing GPS in the areas of health care, advanced manufacturing/ engineering, and biotechnology and life sciences.

 

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MWCC Biotechnology and Access & Transition Featured During Mass STEM Summit
Mount Wachusett Community College's biotechnology and access and transition programs were among the featured topics during the 10th annual Massachusetts STEM Summit. More than 1,000 people attended the Nov. 13 event at Gillette Stadium.
  
 Early Childhood Education Program Hosts Annual Alumni Reunion 
Nearly 100 alumni, students and faculty of MWCC's Early Childhood Education (ECE) program gathered November 19 at the Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education to celebrate the ECE program's annual alumni gathering. The theme for this year's event was Planting the seed of leadership in others. Harvesting the leadership in yourself. 

 

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Upcoming Events
  • Theatre at the Mount presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas
  • Winterfest Fair
  • Fall Performing Arts Showcase

For information about upcoming events, click here.

 
 
To submit to the MWCC e-News and MWCC NewsCenter, or to request coverage for your event, contact the Division of Marketing and Communications.
  
  
Janice O'Connor
Director of Public Relations
Mount Wachusett Community College
978-630-9547