MWCC e-News

June 22, 2016

In This Issue
MWCC President, Librarians, Recognized by MCO Consortium for Excellence in Online Learning
MWCC Featured in DHE's New Vision Project Report: The Degree Gap
MWCC Students Promote Early Childhood Literacy with a 1,000+ Book Donation
Students Experience Life-Changing Volunteer Trip to Costa Rica
Masters Swimming: Why Do I Coach?
Upcoming Events
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MWCC President, Librarians, Recognized by MCO Consortium for Excellence in Online Learning
MWCC librarians Ellen Pratt, left, and Suzanne Levasseur received their Course of Distinction Award from Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago.
In January 2001, shortly after attending a conference on tele-learning, MWCC President Daniel Asquino founded Massachusetts Colleges Online, which grew into a consortium of the state's 15 community colleges and nine state universities.

In appreciation for his leadership, the consortium presented President Asquino with a Contributor of Distinction Award during its annual conference this spring at Greenfield Community College. MWCC librarians Ellen Pratt and Suzanne Levasseur were among the faculty members statewide to receive Course of Distinction Awards for their online courses.

More than 2,600 courses are offered through MCO. The Course of Distinction (COD) award is named after the Bay State's unique association with the "Sacred Cod." The award recognizes faculty from throughout the state who have developed and teach innovative and exciting online courses.

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MWCC Featured in DHE's New Vision Project Report: The Degree Gap
The rate at which Massachusetts residents earn college degrees will pivot from growth to decline by 2022 unless the state's public higher education system, which educates more than half of all undergraduates, is able to increase the number of students who enroll and earn diplomas, according to a newly release report from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. As part of the solution, MWCC is featured in the report for its innovative Math Modeling program, which provides math remediation to high school seniors, and a new dual enrollment partnership with Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School.

MWCC Students Promote Early Childhood Literacy with 1,000+ Book Donation
For the second year, hundreds of kindergarten and first grade students at Waterford Street School will end the school year with fun summertime reading, thanks to a donation of over 1,000 books from a group of MWCC students. Otaku United, a club that celebrates Asian culture, raised $1,390 in April by conducting a silent auction, with proceeds used to purchase age-appropriate books for the children from Scholastic Reading Club. Each kindergarten and first grade student went home on the last day of school with two books. The club donated 1,014 books to the elementary school and more than 40 books to MWCC's Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education.

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MWCC Students Experience Life-Changing Volunteer Trip to Costa Rica
Over the past two decades, civic engagement and volunteerism have become a hallmark of a Mount Wachusett Community College Education. As part of this experiential learning philosophy, a group of student volunteers traveled to Costa Rica for a week of service they describe as a life-changing experience. The volunteers included students from a variety of background and traveling experience.

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Masters Swimming: Why Do I Coach?
MWCC Aquatics Director and adjunct instructor David C. Graham is the Head Coach of Greenwood Masters Swimming, a workout group in the New England Masters Swim Club. In the June issue of Swim Swam magazine, he explains why he coaches masters swimming. Hint: Mama Luigi!

Upcoming Events
  • Summer programs for kids & teens
  • Advanced Manufacturing Info Sessions: Thursdays in July at Devens Campus

For information about upcoming events, click here.


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