Headlines

HCC's Free Speech forum notes concerns

Wednesday, March 22 HCC’s Independent Commission on Free Speech and Civility conducted an open forum focusing on the establishment of a safe environment for the exercise of free speech and civility on campus. The commission was established in the wake of the Sept. 29, 2005 protests that erupted at HCC surrounding military recruiters on campus and the U.S. involvement in the war in Iraq.

The March 22 forum was the first time all individuals on campus were invited to openly discuss their concerns about free speech and civility on the campus. A more limited panel discussion was held Oct. 12.

Commission members Sister Jane Morrissey, David Sharken, and George Williams were present at the forum, which lasted more than an hour and attracted around 40 students, staff, and faculty. In addition to the March 22 forum, the commission is conducting a series of confidential interviews with staff, faculty, and students. According to Williams, very few people of color have yet responded to this offer. If you would like to participate in a private interview, please contact:

• George Williams at gawilliams44@hotmail.com
• David Sharken at sharkfin@comcast.net
• Michael Burkhart at maburk47@comcast.net
• Sr. Jane Morrissey at jmorrissey@ssjspringfield.org

Some said that unrest and divisiveness did not begin with the September 29 protest. An overall feeling of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and discrimination preceded that incident, they said.

Many people expressed fear of recrimination, and concerns about whether their opinions would be heard or marginalized. One person said that mainstream opinions dominate the campus, making it hard for minority groups, including gays and lesbians, to be heard. Others felt that there is too much emphasis on political correctness at HCC. Ideas and ideals should be able to meet without provoking a violent episode, one person said.

The commission asked participants to give their definitions of free speech and explain when they thought free speech threatened to cross the line and cause harm. They also prompted participants to decide who should take responsibility when the expression of free speech leads to the loss of civility. And, finally: what sort of action plan or recommendations should be made for HCC in the future.

Editor’s note: It is the job of the college’s Marketing and Public Relations department to keep abreast of happenings which affect the college community. There are few events which meet this definition more precisely than the Sept. 29, 2005 protests and the campus-wide discussions on civility and free speech which followed.

Some people at the March 22 forum felt that their right to freely express themselves was impinged upon by the presence of our colleague. As the foregoing article shows, that is a misreading of our purpose. We will continue to cover public events that affect the entire campus community and request that our staff be treated with civility and respect.

HCC adopts a new institutional vision, promise, and tagline
Over the past year, HCC has worked closely with Educational Marketing Group, Inc. (EMG). This work has involved market research, the creation of a vision statement, and a review of our position in the educational marketplace. Many of you have participated in this process through focus groups, interviews, and online surveys.

The institutional vision, promise, and themes, approved by College leadership in January, may be viewed by checking www.hcc.edu/positioning

While the vision statement captures the essence of what we stand for, it is not advertising copy. We will now work to translate the vision and promise into tailored messages that convey with clarity what we stand for and the outcomes we offer. We will be asking all programs and departments to develop these “evidence points” so that our public communication reinforces the promise and themes.

Another change involves the replacement of the college’s marketing tagline: “Rich in Opportunity” found in the college’s publications, letterhead, signage, and other communications, which does not quite align with the institutional promise. Again, after working with EMG, the college has created something that captures the essence of “exceptional preparation for success” in a more creative way. That tagline is

Futures Inspired.

The choice of this simply worded slogan came after an intense brainstorming session, held in February. Guided by professionals at EMG, four HCC faculty and staff members generated and reviewed 517 possible words, ideas, themes, and slogans before choosing three finalists. Those three were tested with students and staff before the final choice was approved.

In the coming weeks will begin to roll out the new tagline. You will start seeing it on college publications, in ads, on letterhead, on signage, in personnel ads, and more.

Bauza & Associates launches new ad campaign for HCC
You might not be able to get HCC out of your head once you hear the new radio ad campaign, produced by Bauza & Associates, an Hispanic marketing firm. The ad features Reggaeton music and was recorded locally by a Miami-based band.

The radio ad is part of a larger Spanish-language advertising campaign which will run through the month of April. It also includes Spanish-language billboards in eight Springfield and Holyoke locations, which were featured in the last edition of The HCC Connection. The goal of the campaign is to inform prospective Latino students and their families about HCC and the May 1 financial aid priority deadline. The campaign represents a fresh, creative approach to reaching our Hispanic market—a market that has increased significantly in the past five years.

Reggaeton began in Puerto Rico but has migrated in the United States in the past couple of years. It is an appealing music genre for traditional-age college students, but many of the non-traditional-age HCC staff have found it addicting. The ad will run on WSPR (AM 1270) and WZMX (FM 93.7).

If you haven’t already heard the ad on your radio, you can visit www.espanol.hcc.edu .

Myriam Quinones, HCC’s multicultural program coordinator addresses SABES students at HCC’s College-for-a-Day program, March 16.

Futures Inspired: Tech-Prep and SABES take over HCC

On Thursday, March 16, HCC welcomed hundreds of area residents to participate in two programs to encourage students of all ages. The 10th Annual Tri-County Western Massachusetts Tech-Prep Career fair welcomed 30 employers and 479 teenagers from 16 area high schools. Meanwhile, the College-for-a-Day program welcomed 110 nontraditional-age students seeking to return to school and complete their education.

Employers at the Tech-Prep fair promoted hands-on demonstrations to interest students in engineering, information technology, and health occupations. Students flocked to displays ranging from robotics and aeronautics to flight simulation and surgical technique.

“These fairs are highly structured and designed to be fun and interactive. It allows students to experience what types of careers are open to them in the field of science, engineering, information technology, and health,” said Tech-Prep Consultant Kathy Baker.

One of the more popular exhibits involved pigs feet.

“The suturing of pigs feet demonstrates surgical procedures,” said HCC instructor Joanne Kennedy. “In the past we worked on oranges, however using pigs feet makes it more realistic for the kids.”

Across the room, Adam Grygorcewicz, 17 from Easthampton High School enjoyed the King Air 200, Northampton Aeronautics’ Personal Computer Aviation Training Device (PCATD).

Radek Wyrzkowski guides student through a PCATD (Personal Computer Aviation Training Device during the Tech-Prep Career Fair, March 16.6.

“The PCATD simulates basic flying instructions of a turbo aircraft,” said Radek Wyrzkowski of Northampton Aeronautics. “We can start teaching students these basics before they acquire their license to fly.”

HCC’s Dean of Co-op and Career Services, Theresa Howard was thrilled with the turnout.

“These students are already on a pathway to success. HCC and Tri-Tech offer a vehicle to help them stay on track,” she said.

While the Tech-Prep fair took over the Bartley Center, College-for-a-Day activities dominated in G building, where 110 men and women, ages 16 to 50, learned how HCC could help them complete their secondary education and move toward college.

The day began with a welcome from Michelle Sedor, associate coordinator, SABES.

HCC instructor Joanne Kennedy, (center) demonstrates surgical technique for high school seniors Kayla Berish and Jessica Knowlton by suturing together pigs feet.

“The goal is to introduce the community college experience, with the hope that the participants will see continuing their education as an achievable and viable option,” said Sedor.

The participants received information about financial aid, tutoring, learning coaches, study skills, and other services available at HCC. Keynote speaker Myriam Quinones was inspirational in her address.

“I don’t want you to see me as a women in a suit with a job and an education,” she said. “I want you to see me as a woman who has sat where you sit today. I was a single mom who lived in Holyoke, who did not have a high school diploma, did not speak English and worked in a factory in Holyoke. I want to be a person you can connect with and relate to. I want you to know that one day you can stand here like I am today, offering encouragement to others to make it.”

Following Quinones’ talk, participants attended a variety of mini-courses taught by HCC faculty. Among the offerings were: Be Your Own Band: Computing for Creativity, Asian Cooking, and Math is FUNctional.

Thirty year old, Glisel Cruzeta, a certified nurses assistant with three kids who left school at 16 said:
“I just want to better myself. The Adult Learning Center in Amherst is helping me do this. I will be taking my GED this summer and I want to start courses at HCC in Criminal Justice in the fall.”


A tale of two races

Some of the "Certain to be Hurtin'" team along with supporter Ellie Messner.

It was the fastest of times. It was the slowest of times…

On St. Patrick’s Day weekend, several HCC folks laced up their running shoes to compete in two separate trials of their athletic prowess.

First, on March 18, President Bill Messner headed up the 11-member Certain to be Hurtin’ team that ran (and walked!) in Holyoke’s 10K St. Patrick’s Day road race. Team members get high marks for their efforts and the early reports indicate that at least one of them lived up to the team moniker…results are listed below.

On March 19, while the Certain to be Hurtin’ crew was no doubt rubbing Ben Gay on their “prowess,” HCC Professor Nicole Kulikov-Hagobian was running in the 29th Annual New Bedford Half-Marathon. That’s a little over 13 miles of pavement pounding for Kulikov-Hagobian, who came in first in the women’s division with a record-breaking time of 1:14:33. (She was 11th overall.) The March 19 race was a warm-up for Kulikov-Hagobian, who will be running her first full marathon in Deluth, Minn., in June.

HCC Professor Nicole Kulikov-Hagobian

HCC’s Certain to be Hurtin’ running team

NAME
1. Mitchell Pysznik 52:35
2. Doreen Larson 56:43
3. Gerard L’Heureux 57:08
4. John Hardy 58:27
5. Kelly Keane 59:12
6. Bill Messner 1 hour
7. Jen Dolan 1:03:00
8. Geoffrey Little 1:06:00
9. Mike Carney 1:06:00
10. Patricia Sandoval 1:07:00
11. Natalia Munoz 1:18:00 (ouch!)

Campus Briefs

Get your questions answered at HCC Connects

April 13 is the final day for current students to take advantage of priority registration for fall 2006. After that, registration will be open to new students.

If you haven’t already, it’s time for you to connect with HCC.

If you are putting off registering for classes because you are unsure about a major or worried about financial aid, we can help. On April 13, HCC will hold HCC Connects, a day full of information sessions that will help you over the hurdle.

The day starts at 8:30 a.m. when the Advising Center (Frost 271) will open its doors. You can walk in and get the help you need putting together a schedule for the fall. You can register for classes. The Advising Center will remain open until 7:30 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., student services will have informational tables set up in the People’s Bank Conference room of the beautiful new Kittredge Center. Drop by, pick up some food and talk informally with staff who can answer your questions about everything from financial aid to tutoring opportunities.

If you are unsure about where to go next with your education, representatives from many of the college’s degree and certificate programs will be available to discuss programs and career options. The college’s new career center will also be open and ready to answer your questions.

Because there are no classes scheduled on April 13, parking will be easier than usual. You can breeze onto campus, get your business done, (pick up some munchies!) and still have time to toss a Frisbee with your friends.

Any questions? Call Student Affairs (413) 552-2100.

UMass graduate program comes to HCC

Beginning June 1, HCC’s Kittredge Center for Business and Community will be the new home for the University of Massachusetts’ Professional MBA program. Offered through the Isenberg School of Management, this program is a 12-course, 37-credit, part-time, self-paced program designed to build student's knowledge and skills for today’s complex business environments. The Professional MBA is nationally and internationally accredited at the highest standards by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

For more information please visit http://www.isenberg.umass.edu/MBA/PartTime_MBA/

Three honored by Social Sciences Division

The Division of Social Sciences honored the recent scholarly achievements of three full-time faculty members during a lunchtime break in the March 24 Professional Development Day. Diane Beers, David Entin, and Jack Mino each received an engraved paperweight and the accolades of their peers in recognition of various accomplishments during the 2005-2006 academic year.

Beers, an associate professor of history, has authored For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States (Swallows Press). The book takes the activist perspective of society’s changing relationship with animals.

Entin, interim professor of sociology/history, is scheduled to present the results of his Scholarship of Teaching and Learning project at the 9th Annual Massachusetts Community College Teaching and Learning conference April 7 and the 2006 Colloquium on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Madison, Wisconsin, April 27 – 28. Entin’s project focuses on civic engagement through service learning.

Psychology professor Jack Mino has been named a 2005 Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Mino joins 20 colleagues from across the country in the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). His efforts this year are centered on expanding the understanding of integrative learning and the application of empirical rigor to teaching practice and student learning at HCC.

In addition, the Social Sciences Division acknowledged the significant contributions of all fifty-five adjunct faculty. Each adjunct instructor received a lapel pin as a reminder of how valued they are here at HCC.

Service Learning Scholar program kicks off

Faculty interested in incorporating service learning into an upcoming course should apply to be a Service Learning Faculty Scholar. The application deadline is April 28. For an application form, see Lisa Foubister in Donahue room 357.

The Faculty Scholar program provides course reassignment time for four faculty scholars per year who are creating or revising a course to include student service to the community. The program also encourages all faculty to attend a workshop "Community Based Approaches to Service Learning" facilitated by Preston Smith, director of Community Based Learning at Mount Holyoke College and Irma Medina, co-founder of the Puerto Rican Studies program.

This two-part workshop's first session will be held at HCC on Thursday, April 20 in the Barrett room, Frost Building, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. It will cover basic principles and philosophies of service learning and community-based learning. The second workshop (required for Service Learning Scholars) will be offered in the fall and will focus on the research, planning, and design of service learning courses. These programs are open to all, but those applying to be Service Learning Scholars are especially encouraged to attend.

Cougars baseball roars

After traveling as far away as Virginia and North Carolina, the HCC Cougars will play a home game March 31 at 3:30 p.m. The team is coming off a ten-game traveling stint, including a recent trip to New Jersey and Pennsylvania where they won two out of three games.

Come support the team as they play SUNY- Cobleskill.

Notices

New Scholarships available for transfer to UMass Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell has announced that 30 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding community college graduates who plan to continue their education there this fall.

The deadline for applying for the scholarships is May 1. Candidates may obtain an application by contacting Mark Broadbent or by logging onto the UMass Lowell website transferadmissions@uml.edu. Information is also available through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, U Mass Lowell, 883 Broadway St. Suite 110, Lowell, MA 01854-5104.

Each scholarship award is $2,500 per year for a full-time student, and can be renewed once for a maximum award of $5,000 per student. Amounts are pro-rated for part-time students. To qualify for these scholarships candidates must have attained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7; completed a 45-credit associate degree program at a Massachusetts community college; and completed the transfer admissions process for U Mass Lowell.

Bone marrow donors from diverse backgrounds needed

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) will hold a registration drive at HCC Friday, April 28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This event will be held in conjunction with the American Red Cross Blood Drive also running from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Bone marrow and blood donors are needed for patients suffering from a variety of illnesses including leukemia. While a blood relative is generally the best match, 70 percent of those in need do not find a family match. They rely on the NMDP Registry for all types of blood and marrow cell transplants. Donors from a wide variety of racial and ethnic groups are needed.

For more information about marrow and blood cell donation, contact Kathleen Fitzpatrick of the NMDP at (413) 732-1614 or e-mail: kfitzpat@nmdp.org.

Financial aid deadline is May 1

May 1 is the deadline for filing or renewing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can submit the form electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will need a personal identification number (PIN) to complete the online form. You may apply for that PIN or re-establish it at www.pin.ed.gov

For more information on this process, contact Robin Rondeau, HCC’s senior financial aid officer, at rrondeau@hcc.mass.edu or call her at (413) 552-2092.

File an initial or renewal FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Electronically sign the application with your pin number. Apply for the pin or re-establish your pin at www.pin.ed.gov.

Transferring to HCC?

Becoming an HCC alum is easy and membership is free. If you have earned nine or more credit hours at HCC and will be transferring from HCC before receiving your associate degree or certificate, please take a moment to send an email to the alumni office (jbrown@hcc.mass.edu). Put "Add to alumni list" in the subject line and you will become an HCC alum. It’s that easy.

Please be sure to put your first, middle, and last name, and your full mailing address, zip code, and phone number in the message, and we will create an alumni record for you. (HCC graduates - those receiving associate degrees or certificates - are automatically added to the alumni database.)

Upcoming Campus Events:

The Klezamir Band brought their unusual blend of traditional and rockin' klezmer music to HCC on March 22. If you missed their performance, you can still hear their tunes by ordering their CD. Call Amy Rose (413) 253-3831 for information.

April 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. legislative hearing, Leslie Phillips Forum
The Massachusetts Legislatures’ Joint Committee on Transportation will hold an oversight hearing focusing on the PVTA.

Student Activities and Events:
Contact Vivian Ostrowski (413) 552-2418; vostrowski@hcc.mass.edu for more information

• Now - April 19
“Stories of War and Return”
Over the next several weeks, HCC will explore the issues faced by returning soldiers through talks, poetry, arts, and film.

• Monday April 3, 9:00 a.m. Frost 309 (rescheduled from 3/27)
Chris Hedges, a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, classical scholar, and professor will speak about his 15 years as a war correspondent. ASL interpreted.

• Wednesday, April 12, 11 a.m., Frost 265
Filmmaker Charles Berkowitz with his documentary “Achilles in Vietnam.” ASL interpreted.

• April 17 – May 1, Frost 3rd Floor
Iraq: A War A collection of Pulitzer prize-winning photographs from Iraq
This collection of photos taken by staff of the Associated Press will be on display in the 3rd floor lobby. HCC photography instructor Frank Ward will speak at a grand opening ceremony on April 18 at 1 p.m.

• Wednesday April 19, 7 p.m., Frost 265
In her memoir “Driving by Moonlight: A Journey Through Love, War, and Infertility” U.S. Navy spouse and author Kristin Henderson writes about the military spouse’s perspective on deployment and homecoming. She will share her thoughts at this event.

Thursday, April 20 - Saturday, April 22, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 24, 2:30 p.m., Leslie Phillips Forum
The Plebeians Rehearse the Uprising
The HCC Players present will present this play by Gunther Grass which is part history, part fiction. Grass examines the issues of revolution and the cult of personality. Tickets prices are $7 for general admission, $5 for students and seniors. Call (413) 552-2528.

 

HCC Music Events
All concerts and events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. For information, call (413) 552-2485.

Wednesdays March 29 to May 3, 10 a.m. Room C-137

Music Student Departmental Recitals

March 29
Christopher Baymon, piano
Nicholas Borges, trumpet
Julie Bowdren, voice
Javier Canseco, guitar
Christian Dancy, guitar
Michael Marcinowski, percussion
Stephen Moskal, guitar

April 5
Victor Bracht, horn
Christopher Piquette, guitar
Jason Stefanik, organ
Gary Goudreau, guitar
Michael Guertin, percussion
Ryan Kearns, guitar
Uriah Rodriguez, voice
Cristina Singletary, voice

April 12
Arianna Clark, voice
Jeffrey Corless, guitar
Peter Duvernay, bass
David Houghton, guitar
Taylor Ives, voice
Max Johl, voice
Jeffrey Lynch, guitar
O.J. Martori, voice
Walley Rice, guitar

April 19
Antonio Robles, piano
Jeremy Skiba, percussion
Frederick Starke, guitar
Esa Wayrynen , guitar
Nicholas Wilby, guitar
Sarah Cohn, voice
Aaron Dilts, guitar
Gina Grimaldi, voice

April 26
Michael Hines, trumpet
Kyle Lent, bass
Lori Milbier, piano
Jose Nieves, flute
Sandra Saitto, piano
William Savola, piano
Heather Sullivan, voice
Jason Surreira, flute

Wednesday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., The Leslie Phillips Forum
Jazz vocalist Julie Bowdren, organist Jason Stefanik, and baritone vocalist Uriah Rodriguez will perform an honors recital.

HCC's Taber Gallery
Contact Amy Johnquest (413) 552-2614; ajohnquest@hcc.mass.edu for more information.

Now - March 30
The campus and public are invited to view Burn Unit, an exhibition of mixed media digital photography and welded steel sculpture by artists Jeff Derose and Michael Martindell.

April 10- May 3
HCC Student Art Show
Hundreds of student-produced photographs, paintings, drawings and sculptures will be displayed in the Taber Gallery, the Library and on the second and third floor of the C Building. There will be an opening receptions April 13, 7 to 9 p.m. in the Taber Gallery.

The Taber Gallery is located in the Donahue building of HCC, 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke. The gallery hours have not yet been posted for this semester. Please call Amy Johnquest at (413) 552-2614 for a schedule.

HCC Connection is published every other Tuesday (or thereabouts) and is distributed to the campus community, and friends of the college, and local media.

To be added to our email distribution list, please email: Kimberly Wilson, kwilson@hcc.mass.edu
To submit campus event information for inclusion in HCC Connection, email Natalia Munoz, nmunoz@hcc.mass.eduwith details including date, time, location, cost if any, open to public or not, web links (if appropriate) and contact information (name, phone number, and email). Deadline: end of day Friday before publication.

Natalia Munoz
Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Holyoke Community College
Phone: (413) 552-2183 Fax: (413) 552-2479
cell: (413) 348-8515 (emergency)
nmunoz@hcc.mass.edunmunoz@hcc.mass.edu
Holyoke Community College is the Commonwealth’s oldest community college, serving almost 9,000 students annually in 82 associate degree options and 42 certificate programs, and over 4,000 in noncredit and workforce development courses. The college has the highest transfer rate of any community college statewide, holding articulation agreements with 27 colleges and universities. Recognized for its Honors Program, distance learning curriculum, learning communities, and service to students, HCC anticipates opening its state of-the-art Kittredge Business Center in Spring 2006.