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HCC's 59th commencement

Class Orator Nicole Darden

Torrential rains couldn’t dampen the excitement June 3, as 887 students crossed the podium to receive a total of 903 degrees and certificates during HCC’s 59th commencement exercises.

Class Orator Nicole L. Darden, 29, reminded the audience to recognize the value in others, knowing that everyone has obstacles in life. Darden, the mother of two, is an army veteran who dropped out of college when she was 19. She graduated from HCC with a 3.67 grade point average and a scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke College.

“ Here at HCC, it does not matter where you have been or what mistakes you have made. What is important to our faculty and staff is how they can help you get to where you want to go,” she said. “There are people here who believe that within each person there is a valuable gem. Sometimes, that gem needs to be shaped or polished, but it should never be discarded.”

Joan Postell-Porter

Darden’s classmate, Joan Postell-Porter thanked HCC for surpassing her expectations. A single mother of two, Postell-Porter, 42, left a secure career in the United States Post Office to attend HCC, where she majored in hospitality management. After landing an HCC-sponsored co-op job at the Sheraton, Postell-Porter was offered a management position there.

“ Honestly, when I arrived at HCC, I was not real excited about being here,” Postell-Porter said. “But after my first hospitality management course, I knew that HCC was all right. Even great! I stumbled through some of my classes, but I made it, thanks to the support of a wonderful faculty and support staff who all deserve a big round of applause right now!”

Also accepting 2006 accolades during the commencement exercises were Professor Kathryn Root, the recipient of the Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair for Excellence, and six individuals who were chosen to receive HCC’s 2006 Distinguished Service Award. The six recipients are: retired HCC President David M. Bartley, retired HCC Director of Institutional Development Laura Clausen Coelen, retired HCC Director of Nursing, Patricia Triggs, and retiring HCC Trustees Harold F. Brunault, Martin D. Browne, and Paul D. Boudreau.

President Bill Messner and Kathy Root

Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair Award

For nearly two decades Kathryn C. Root has kept up with the fast-changing field of radiography while gently mentoring several generations of HCC radiography students. As the chair of HCC’s Radiologic Technology program, she sets the pace for her colleagues, but is careful not to leave anyone in her shadow.

“ Kathy conducts her classes in a low-key manner. Students and faculty members consistently hold her in high regard,” says Mary Farrell, dean of the Allied Health Sciences program. “Student comments about her teaching and caring attitude are always highly favorable. Her steadiness and dedication to education have earned her a reputation for solid knowledge in radiologic technology.”

Over the last 15 years, technological changes in radiography have radically transformed the profession, but none of Root’s students have been left behind. A firm believer in continuing education, she has kept abreast of cutting-edge technology and has faithfully passed on that knowledge to her students. All of the 192 students who have worked with Root in the radiologic program have passed the highly competitive national certification exams. And their scores have been three to four percent higher than the national average. Many of them work in area hospitals and medical practices. Some have come back to teach at HCC.

HCC honors Root, not only for her vast scientific expertise, but for the quiet determination that she brings to her work in the classroom. A published author and noted lecturer for the Educators Forum of the Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists, Root is never too busy to help a struggling student. To the contrary, those struggles teach her valuable lessons about her craft.

“ When I see a puzzled expression, I have the student explain what he or she is thinking or have her or him ask questions until the topic seems clear,” Root has said of her teaching method. “Listening to students explain how they are thinking about a topic and how they relate the topic to prior knowledge provides insight for improved teaching strategies.”

Root’s commitment does not end when she leaves the classroom. She seems always to be scanning the horizon for another way to improve life at HCC. This past year, when Cooley Dickinson Hospital was updating its radiologic equipment, Root saw an opportunity to upgrade HCC’s clinical classrooms. The result: thousands of dollars worth of equipment will now be installed at HCC, allowing future students to get a hands-on education in radiologic technology.

Root has also worked tirelessly to expand access to radiography education. In 2002, she established the Sister Bernice Lebel scholarship, named after HCC’s first radiography program director. In this past year, she began raising funds for a second scholarship, named after Barbara Murray, one of HCC’s first clinical educators in radiography. Knowing that the scholarships will need ongoing support, Root also established a funding mechanism. Fees collected through a radiologic technology education program that Root founded are donated to the scholarships each year.

This resourcefulness is an example of what we’ve come to expect from Root: she doesn’t start a project without mapping out a plan for success. Generations of radiography students will benefit from her thoughtfulness long after she leaves HCC; it makes perfect sense that HCC add her name to the distinguished few who have been named to the Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair for excellence.

Distinguished Service Recipients

Former HCC President David M. Bartley with current HCC President Bill Messner

David M. Bartley - An alumnus of Holyoke Community College, David M. Bartley became president of the school in 1973, after a successful career in the Massachusetts State Legislature – including a stint as Speaker of the House. During his 28-year tenure, Bartley guided the HCC through changes that improved the quality of education for generations of students.

Under Bartley’s watch, HCC grew from 2,000 students in 11 degree programs to more than 6,500 students in more than 120 certificate and degree options. The college became known throughout the state for its excellent honors program, distance learning courses, learning communities, support services, and transfer success. Bartley established an on-campus childcare facility that opened up higher education to parents, and he developed the state's first community college foundation, which, this year, gave out more than $100,000 in scholarships to HCC students.

Bartley was also actively involved in expanding the campus to meet its expanding enrollments. He guided the college through the construction of a new athletics center, and the Marieb Building, which provided more classroom space.

In recognizing Bartley with this award, the college also expresses its gratitude for Bartley’s work in the community. Over the years, he has donated his time to dozens of business and non-profit boards, from the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, to Holyoke Hospital, the United Way, and the Sisters of Providence Care Centers.

Laura Clausen Coelen and President Bill Messner

Laura Clausen Coelen - Laura Clausen Coelen played many roles during the 13 years she worked at HCC. With the 2006 Distinguished Service Award, the college recognizes the hard work, intelligence, and dedication that she brought to every role.

Under Coelen’s tutelage, HCC established the first micro-computer student unit database, enabling HCC to identify weaknesses in its courses and work with faculty to improve them. Coelen secured federal funding to host an Upward Bound Program, which has since prepared hundreds of at-risk high school students to succeed in college. She worked with HCC’s Director of Nursing Pat Triggs to secure a major grant to improve the success rate of HCC nursing students. That program has also been credited with making HCC’s nursing program more accessible to many traditionally under-represented groups.

Prior to working at HCC, Coelen had 20 years of state-level education experience from positions as executive director of the Post Secondary Education Commission, chancellor of the Board of Higher Education, and director of planning and resource development for the Board of Regents of Higher Education.

HCC President Bill Messner is seen here with Distinguished Service Award winner Patricia Triggs.

Patricia B. Triggs - For more than 20 years, HCC has benefited from the legacy of Patricia B. Triggs, the college’s retired director of nursing. Under Triggs’ guidance, the college established the Nursing Success Program, which helps under-represented students gain acceptance to HCC's nursing program—and thrive in it. With major state and federal grant funds, Triggs hired a program director to advise students about courses to take before applying to the nursing program, and she arranged tutoring for particularly challenging pre-nursing courses. Triggs encouraged the college to develop tutoring for pre-nursing students and test-prep sessions for students facing the rigorous entrance exam for the nursing program. She also arranged lunch meetings between current students and successful graduates who could serve as their role models. She also hired a registered nurse to accompany students to their clinical sites.

The Nursing Success Program radically changed the face of nursing at HCC. Since its inception, the population of nursing students from under-represented populations has risen from 3 percent to 18 percent. And the student pass rate on the national licensing exam is 90 percent.
In bestowing the Distinguished Service Award on Triggs, HCC recognizes the value of her contributions to the surrounding community as well. As president of the non-profit Concerned Citizens for Springfield, has helped rehabilitate or reconstruct dozens of dilapidated buildings in Springfield. She is local lay director for the Cursillo Movement, a national Catholic movement that helps people create Christian community wherever they work and live. She also serves on the Forest Park Civic Association, the Ethics Committee of the Mont Marie Health Center, and the Springfield Public Health Council.

Retiring HCC Trustee Harold Brunault is seen here with President Bill Messner.

Harold F. Brunault - A 1954 graduate of HCC, Harold Brunault has established a successful legal career but has never forgotten his alma mater. A partner in the Holyoke firm of Brunault, Proulx & McGuinness, he spent ten years as a trustee of HCC, helping provide a great education to thousands of people from this region. In that role, Brunault helped guide the college through the openings of the Donahue Building and Marieb Building, which provided much-needed classroom and office space. Brunault also supported the construction of the David M. Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation as both a wonderful recreation space and a venue for rainy-day commencements and other large-scale events.

Brunault is a regular participant in local political life and has supported many state-level candidates. He served three Holyoke mayors as city solicitor or assistant city solicitor, and is a member and past president of the service club known as the Beavers Club of Western Massachusetts. With his wife Paula he leads a Catholic organization called One in Christ, and supports the annual cancer walk at Baystate Medical Center.

Paul D. Boudreau - After graduating from Holyoke Community College in 1967, Paul

Photo of retiring HCC Trustee Paul Boudreau and HCC President Bill Messner

Boudreau earned a juris doctorate at Western New England College in and became a partner at the South Hadley firm of Ryan, Boudreau, Randall, Kirkpatrick & Baker. At the same time, Boudreau served as principal and partner of two successful restaurants. When asked to serve on HCC's Board of Trustees in 1993, Boudreau saw an opportunity to give back to the college that gave him his own start.

During 13 years as an HCC Trustee, Boudreau filled dozens of vital leadership roles, including board chair.

Whether raising funds for the Bartley Center, chairing the Investment Committee or Presidential Search Committee, or ensuring stability during the transition from President Bartley to President Messner, Boudreau served the college with distinction and passion. For more than 20 years, the scholarship Boudreau started in memory of his father, George, has helped generations of HCC students make a go of their education.

A 40-year resident of South Hadley, Boudreau is a member of that town’s town meeting; a member of the Chamber of Commerce; a commissioner for the Electric Light Department; a chair of the South Hadley Police Building Committee, the Ledges Golf Course Building Committee, and the Economic Development Committee. He has also chaired the state's Judicial Nominating Committee, and served as a member of the Development Committee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Executive Advisory Committee for the Center for Adoption and Research at the University of Massachusetts.

Photo of William F. Messner and retiring HCC Trustee Martin Browne

Martin D. Browne - For the last six years, Martin D. Browne has shared his vast management experience with Holyoke Community College through his membership on the Board of Trustees. The college commended Browne, on the occasion of his retirement, with a Distinguished Service Award.

When Browne agreed to serve on the Board of Trustees, he continued a longstanding tradition of board leadership by employees of Holyoke Water Power Company, one of the most vital forces in the development of the city of Holyoke. With his engineering degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and masters in business administration from Western New England College, Browne has built a distinguished career with HWP's parent company, Northeast Utilities.

For 15 years, Brownd held management positions with Holyoke's Mt. Tom Station power plant and the West Springfield Station power plant. Since 1999, he has managed operation and maintenance contracts for Northeast Generation Services Company.

Holyoke Community College capitalized on Browne’s business expertise during his tenure on the board where Browne served on the Finance Committee and supported plans for development of the Kittredge Center for Business and Community. In 2004, Browne participated in the nationwide search for a new HCC president. When William F. Messner was chosen to fill that position, Browne helped with the transition.

Awards Night honors 142 students

A crowd of proud parents, family and friends gathered in the Leslie Phillips Forum for HCC’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Presentation on May 25.

Altogether, 142 students were recognized for excellence during the 2005-2006 school year. All awardees received a certificate and many received scholarships or other gifts as well.

The Offices of Student Development and Academic Administration recognized the following students with Green Key Honor Society awards: Charlotte Beaudry, Geraldo Cotton, Kenny Franco, Lesley Lauderdale (Holyoke); Sarah Nuttal, James Popko, Linda Stephens (Westfield); Nicole Darden, Mandala Francisco (Springfield); Dara Barlett, Trevor Chan (Hadley); Zandria Atherley (Amherst); Taryn Biggs (Monson); Chak Chan, (Wilbraham); Laura Markis (Easthampton); Mark Moran (Ludlow).

The Office of Academic Affairs recognized the following students with scholarships for academic excellence: Charlotte Beaudry, Alexandra Nizhgaltseva, Ruben Santana (Holyoke); Samantha Guilbert, Barry Scott, Sara Strzempek, (Chicopee); Diane Dahlquist, David Mackey (Easthampton); Mary Beth Buckley (Greenfield); Jacqueline Ferrier (Belchertown); Carolyn Nemier (West Springfield); Scott Sloss (Middlefield).

HCC’s Alumni Association recognized the following transfer and continuing education students with scholarships: David Mackey, Laura Markis, Jacquelyn Ouellette (Easthampton); John Coles, Jin Kim, Olga Pascari (Westfield); Charlotte Beaudry, Geraldo Cotton (Holyoke); Nicole Darden, Alice Dezan (Springfield); Joseph Lavoie, Barry Scott (Chicopee); Mary Beth Buckley (Greenfield); Nicholas Chavez (Northampton); Kyungjin Choi (Belchertown); Karen Grossi (South Hadley); Carolyn Nemier (West Springfield); Tina St. Peter (Chester).

The Division Business award the following students with scholarships or awards: Jennifer-Lynn Downer, Mark Goodman, Carolyn Ketcham, Radka Magazu, Laura Markis (Easthampton); Rima Arman, Malay Chhon (Springfield); Yahaira Guzman, Marielys Lopez (Holyoke); Linda Bienvenue, Aubrey Malanowski (South Hadley); Halina Lipior (Indian Orchard); Felicia Mizula (Florence,); James Popko (Westfield); John Powers (Feeding Hills); Jillian Rosenberg (Amherst); Sarah Tyrrell (Northampton).

The Office of Student Affairs recogonized the following students for college citizenship:
Charlotte Beaudry, Geraldo Cotton, Luis Santiago, Lourdes-Marie Torres (Holyoke); Paul Condarcuri, Dominick Marti, Walter Rice (Westfield); Nicole Darden, Brian Dutton, Nicole Ortiz, Ryan Spence (Springfield);Trevor Chan, Daryl Russell, (Hadley); Michael Jarvis (Huntington); Donald Blais (Three Rivers).The Division of Evening and Distance Education awarded Diane Dahliquist (Easthampton) the Division of Continuing Education Scholarship.

The Division of Allied Health, Education, and Human Services recogonized the following students with awards for excellence: Pauline Garcia, Sherri Olson, Melissa Sawyer (Palmer); William Arcand, Samantha Newman (Florence); Mary Campana, Wioletta Suska (Ludlow); Brian Dutton, Minhthu, Huynh (Springfield); Debbie Cruz (Holyoke); Stephanie Dickinson (South Deerfield); Jessica Freyenhagen (Hinsdale, NH); Katherine Harris (Wilbraham); Mary-Beth Kulas (Agawam); Christopher Lee (Peabody); Loni McEwan (West Springfield); Melissa Richard (Belchertown); Dexter Ross (Greenfield); Jean Turgeon (Westfield); Lynne Marie Wanamaker (Easthampton); Maria Zieja (Chicopee).

The Honors Program awarded scholarships to the following students: Taryn Biggs, Joshua Blinn (Monson); Candace Clement (Florence); Kathleen Daly (Northampton); Gregory Haffmans (Springfield).

The Division of Humanities and Fine And Performing Arts recognized following:
Julie Bowdren, Crista Cabanas, Roshonda DeGraffenreid, Alice Dezan, Michael Lyons, Uriah Rodriguez (Springfield); James Henault, Rebecca Huerta, Michael Pray, Jason Stefanik, Daniel Tower (Chicopee); Jorym Alicea, Asamnew Anbessie, Danielle Carriveau, Geraldo Cotton (Holyoke); Andrea Chapdelaine, Candace Clement, Seth Jackson (Florence); Natalia Crasnova, Lidia Pascari, Brian Wilcox (Westfield); Laura Markis, Nicole Weit (Easthampton); Nicholas Chavez, Patrick Krok-Horton, (Northampton); Anne Belden, Sabine Charton-Long, Yelena Predeina (West Springfield); Christina Devine, Sarah Ouimette (Southampton); Taryn Biggs (Monson); Daniel Brennan (East Longmeadow); Meghan Campbell (South Hadley); Peter Cangialosi (Longmeadow); Kyungjin Choi (Belchertown); Samantha Gargan (Russell); Nicholas Newman (Ware); Jiyoun Yoo (Amherst).

The Massachusetts Community College Council awarded the HCC/MCCC Scholarship to Jacquelyn Ouellette of Easthampton.

The Office of Retention and Adult Support Programs award scholarships to the following students: Penny Belisle (Chicopee); Mindy Kelly (Williamsburg); Tina St. Peter (Chester); Jean Turgeon (Westfield).

The Division of Nursing recognized the following with awards for excellence in the academic and clinical nursing program: Brenda Gonzalez, Joseph Sammarco (Chicopee); John MacRae, Kathleen Schwede (West Springfield); Jennifer Corridan (Longmeadow); Sarah Hannigan (Hadley); Rose Ndiritu (Westfield).

The Division of Science, Engineering and Mathematics awarded the following for excellence: David Fraska, Agnieszka Szewc (Chicopee); Elisa Carey, Monson, Trevor Chan (Hadley); Shannielle Danner (West Suffield, CT) Honore Gallant (Manchester, CT); Ashley Hartwell (Belchertown); Melissa McWilliams (Springfield); Brandon Raymond (Westfield); Zachary Vinyard (Northampton). The Division of Social Services recogonzied the following with awards for excellence: Taryn Biggs, Matthew McMahon (Monson); Anna Nakhabenko (West Springfield); Charles Peterson (Springfield); Barry Scott (Chicopee); Lisa Shulka (Holyoke) Sarah Tyrrell (Northampton); Ewa Warzynska (Southampton).

Congratulations to all HCC’s 2006 award recipients and best wishes for continued success in the future.

Independent Commission on Civility and Free Speech hears campus concerns

More than 50 staff, faculty and students gathered at the Forum on May 24 to hear the preliminary findings of the Independent Commission on Civility and Free Speech. A copy of those findings can be downloaded - Independent Commission on Civility and Free Speech.

The commission was established in the wake of the Sept. 29, 2005 protests that erupted at HCC over the presence of military recruiters on campus. The four members have conducted 40 individual interviews and several group forums to collect information on this issue.

The commission submitted a report to the President on May 31, and that report is currently being reviewed by the Affirmative Action Committee, the Shared Governance Group, and the Faculty/Staff in Support of an Independent Examination Group. A copy of the final report will be available in August. The college plans to review the report and identify action steps as part of the fall Professional Day agenda.

The following is a report on the May 24 gathering, where many members of the campus community aired their views:

There was wide-ranging reaction to the commission’s initial report, which reviewed the events of last fall in light of the college’s mission. The commission proposed different questions that it hoped would lead the college to creating an environment that would foster free speech and civil discourse.
How those goals are to be accomplished was a subject that caused much debate in the audience. One staff member, who has worked at the college for more than 20 years, initially said he was fearful about sharing his frank opinions on these subjects, fearing repercussions. By the end of the two-plus hour dialogue, he said he felt more comfortable talking about the issues with an independent body, such as the commission. Many thought issues of dissent and free speech could be best handled by a campus ombudsman.

Other audience members said the forum would have been more meaningful had there been more high-ranking administrators in attendance. Vice presidents Lisa Wyatt Ganson and Doreen Larson attended the session, but some felt that the message of the meeting would be taken more seriously by all if President Messner had attended. Commission members explained that Messner had been asked to leave after introducing the proceedings so that attendees would not feel any pressure to conform to any one point of view. They acknowledged afterwards that this may have been a miscalculation. President Messner did attend the final minutes of the forum.

Some audience members felt that free and civil communication on campus was hampered by issues of race and class that are rarely, if ever, acknowledged. They pointed out that the student population is primarily white. A faculty member pointed out that the composition of the student body reflects the racial and ethnic populations of the towns from which HCC does its major recruiting; she pointed out that HCC has undertaken numerous initiatives to increase diversity and will continue to do so.

Others said that the attendance at this forum did not accurately reflect the campus’s interest in the issue. They pointed out that, since classes have ended, there is no bus service to campus, making it difficult for interested students to attend. There was also some feeling that there should be several forums scheduled to discuss these issues, as they are very important to the college’s mission.

One person, who was involved in last September’s military recruitment protests, expressed concern about having armed members of the campus police force on hand for this forum. A campus police officer reminded the group that it is his job to protect all members of the community. Another audience member argued that the campus police need to be there, so that they can better understand and anticipate what’s happening on campus. Still another faculty member said she did not support violence of any type or for any reason on campus. Many nodded in agreement.

While there was no one consensus reached by the group, there seemed to be a general agreement that HCC should not forget this issue once the commission finishes its report; rather, they said, the college should find ways to incorporate this discussion into all aspects of campus life.

Campus Briefs

On Saturday June 10, a group of 14 nursing graduates from Springfield Technical Community College and HCC will depart for a two-week learning and volunteer adventure in Belize. The campus community is invited to send them off, Saturday night in Frost 309, from 7:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.

The cost of admission?

“ We need toys for the children,” says HCC Dean of Nursing Ninon Amertil, who has brought contingents of nursing graduates to third-world countries for the last five summers. “We need anything – a stuffed animal, a little truck – so the children will be calm when we are working.”
If you would like to donate a toy to the project, you may visit the group on Saturday night or you may bring it to Natalia Munoz, assistant director of marketing and public relations, in Donahue 101, by Friday, June 9.

The group is visiting Belize City and Ladyville to work in two outpatient clinics. They have already collected and shipped a load of mostly non-prescription medicines and some basic medical supplies. Each morning, they will work in an outpatient clinic in Belize City, and, in the afternoon a group will go to Ladyville to volunteer in the Belize Defense Force Army Hospital.

In addition to Amertil, a registered nurse, the contingent will have the support of seven other nurses and two physicians, Dr. Gary Coles and Dr. Leslie Harrington. Vice President for Student Affairs Doreen Larson and her husband Leonard will accompany the group to support their efforts.

Untitled by Stephanie Perez

2006 graduate Stephanie Perez featured in local exhibit

2006 HCC graduate Stephanie Perez is one of several Latino artists whose works will be featured at the Wistariahurst Museuem, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, from June 17 to July 31. Perez, daughter of HCC Criminal Justice Program director Monica Perez, received an associate degree in visual art from HCC on June 3.

This exhibition of local Latino artists represents passion, vision and identity within the community. The works relate Latino heritage to Holyoke and identify the unique cultural presence within the city and surrounding Pioneer Valley. This show is a compilation of the individual experiences and collective identities that make up the Latino community.

For more information about the exhibit, call the Wistariahurst at (413) 322-5660 or visit www.wistariahurst.org.

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.