Bill’s Bulletin is a feature of HCC Connection Online where President William F. Messner shares news about all-college initiatives and the college’s expanding involvement in the region.

Please join me in welcoming Holyoke attorney John Driscoll to HCC’s Board of Trustees. He will fill the vacancy left by Martin Browne, who has served us for five years, most recently as the vice chair. I want to thank Marty for all of his hard work, and I look forward to giving him a specially designed Holyoke Community College Chair when the trustees next meet.

A strong supporter of the college, John Driscoll most recently chaired the Holyoke division of HCC’s Gift of Opportunity campaign. He is also a frequent seminar facilitator and lecturer for the Housing Allowance Project, the Holyoke Council on Aging, the Holyoke Retirement Board, PeoplesBank, and other community organizations where he lends his expertise on various legal matters, including estate planning, real estate acquisition, commercial lending, and elderly/Medicaid issues. A partner with the Holyoke firm of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite, and Driscoll, he has been active on the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and several other civic organizations. We will officially welcome him to the board at the May 23 meeting.

The coming weeks will be among the busiest of the academic year. As we prepare for the end of classes, June 3 commencement, and the beginning of summer, let’s not forget that there are still some exciting things happening on campus.

On Wednesday, May 10, we will officially unveil the work of the Latino Mural Collaborative, a beautiful 8’by 40’ mural created by HCC students and teens from the surrounding community. We will all have an opportunity to meet the young artists who worked on this project at 11 a.m. in the Leslie Phillips Forum. Also on Wednesday, various student clubs will celebrate the work of their advisors during a ceremony in the Kittredge Center at 12:30 p.m. On Friday, May 12, the STRIVE program will honor its graduates during a special reception. And on May 19, we will officially unveil the Kittredge Center for Business and Community during grand opening ceremonies that will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Headlines

Karolyn Ali's visit inspires HCC

Karolyn Ali

Academy Award-nominated film producer and HCC alumna Karolyn Ali enthralled an audience of over 100 students, faculty, and staff on April 26 when she spoke about her journey from Springfield to Hollywood.

“ It was not easy being a young black woman in the 1960s,” said Ali, a 1965 graduate. “I was not always understood. I wanted to do something better, be something different. I wanted to make a difference. I was fortunate to have a family and a community that encouraged me dream, to go beyond, then to dream again.”

Ali spoke about being the thirteenth African-American woman hired by United Airlines to work as a stewardess during a time when segregation was still being dismantled in the South. She said she anticipated some problems – especially when she opted to cover flights in the south – but the work was relatively trouble-free. In fact, Ali was singled out for a management track position with the airline. Ali said she couldn’t see herself managing an airport for the rest of her life, so she left the airline after 10 years to take a position with Bob Marley and The Wailers.

That job gave her the experience she needed to start her own music video production company, which eventually produce more than 250 music videos.

“ One of the reasons I became so interested in the music and film business is that I found that people of color were not portrayed in the best image in the mainstream media,” said Ali.

In 1996, Ali was asked by Afeni Shakur, to produce a memorial service for her son, hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, who had been murdered at the age of 25. Ali had, in fact, run into Shakur in a bank lobby just weeks before his murder, but she never knew him personally. Ali agreed to produce the memorial, which then lead Afeni Shakur to enlist her for another project: a documentary about Tupac Shakur’s life.

The result, Tupac Resurrection, a documentary-style film that garnered Ali an Academy Award nomination.

“ I realized what a great opportunity it would be to show the multi-faceted dimensions of the rapper instead of the media and general public’s image of Tupac. All Afeni Shakur wanted was for the truth to be told. She did not want anything sugar-coated, nor was she trying to glorify her son. But there was more to Tupac than what the media portrayed,” said Ali.

Tupac Shakur had left a veritable treasure trove of material for Ali to use. For a year and a half, Ali and Afeni Shakur sifted through letters from fans, family members and friends, and reviewed videos that the slain musician had recorded for his own projects. There were taped conversations, and interviews, poems, and other unpublished works.

“ I can honestly say the final piece was a labor of love and I was honored to be a part of it,” said Ali.

Ali said she was particularly struck by Tupac Shakur’s own description of the thug life:

“ To me, thug is my pride, you know what I’m saying’? Not being someone who goes against the law. Not being someone that takes, but being someone that has nothing and even though there is no home for me to go to, my head is high, my chest is out, I walk tall, I talk loud, I don’t stutter. I’m being strong.”

Ali notes: “The film shows a man who wanted to change from the life he was living, the gang life, and to help redirect at risk inner-city youth. I cannot help wonder how his life would have turned out had he lived.”

Ali is currently working a dramatic feature entitled “Life 2 Tell” from an original screenplay, which Tupac wrote while incarcerated.

Wigs for Kids

Spring fling 2006: You can't rain on this parade

Spring Fling 2006 was a success despite the cold, rainy weather that swept through on May 3.

From 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. students, staff, and faculty gathered in the cafeteria of G building to enjoy free food and listen to music by HCC alumnus Ahmed Gonzalez.

“ For the past several years we have not had such great weather,” said Vivian Ostrowski, coordinator of student activities. “Yet we still have a great time and a marvelous turn-out.”

This year’s activities included airbrush tattoos, a fun foto-booth, and personalized key chains, which were created by Party Vision of Nashua, New Hampshire. Spring Fling was also the day when students elected their classmates to represent them in student government and on the board of trustees. Elected student senate president was Walter Rice, as vice president, Nicolette Poindexter, and, as secretary, Zully Dinc. Also elected to the senate were Yolanda Aponte, Roshonda DeGraffenreid, and Robert Phillips. Elected as student trustee was Joy Marshall.

Airbrush tattoos

Many felt the biggest hit of Spring Fling was the Waiting to Excel club’s cut-a-thon, which was sponsored to help Wigs for Kids, a charity that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness. The club collected funds and hair for their cause.

“The club’s goal was to raise $1,500 by May 2007 in order to adopt one child who has lost their hair through an illness and purchase a wig,” said Dorothy Blair, co-advisor of the Waiting to Excel club The group reached that goal on May 3, but will keep accepting donations through next year.

The club also collected 80 ponytails, donated from the heads of HCC folks and others around the Pioneer Valley. All ponytails had to be a minimum of 10 inches, but some people went a little further. Chicopee student Angela McGary donated 14 inches, leaving her with just four inches of hair.

Commencement news

Commencement is Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. at the HCC soccer field. Graduates should plan to pick up a graduation envelope and report to parking lot O (behind the Bartley Center) by 9:00 a.m., preferably with their caps and gowns. Graduation envelopes will be organized alphabetically by last name and distributed from tables, which will be located in a tent in parking lot O.

Students with disabilities who need accommodations should contact Juan Dixon at (413) 552-2417 Donahue 121 before May 24.

If it rains, commencement will be held in the Bartley Center and each graduate will receive tickets for two guests. To confirm the location of the ceremonies on June 3, call (413) 552-2600 ext.1418.
The graduation envelope will contain a tassel (to be hung on the right side) and two cards: one, which will be handed to a college official as the graduate walks across the stage, and the other, to be handed in when the student receives a diploma. Diploma distribution will take place in the tent in parking lot O following the ceremony.

From now until May 19, students may pick up their caps and gowns at the HCC bookstore. There is no fee for the basic attire, but Phi Theta Kappa students will be assessed a $27.50 charge for their stole and tassel. When they pick up their gowns, all students will also receive four formal invitations to the graduation program and two admission tickets to the ceremony that will be held in the Bartley Center if it rains.

Caps, gowns, and invitations can be picked up as follows.
May 8, 9 Mon. & Tues. 3:00. to 6:00 p.m.
May 10-12 Wed.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May 15-19 Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Additional information

• Diplomas will not be released to students with outstanding obligations to HCC (e.g., parking tickets, library books, fines, etc.).
• For the week of May 8 to 12 only, the HCC bookstore will hold a special graduation promotion. Graduating students will get special deals on graduation frames, class rings, HCC imprinted sportswear and glassware. (Promotion prices effective during the week of May 8 only, and are available only to graduating students.)
• Chappell Graduation Images will photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma. You will receive a color proof from Chappell, with no obligation to order. For questions or to place orders, contact them at www.chappell.com or (800) 424-3686.

HCC recognizes National Nurses Week

From left to right: HCC nursing students Joseph Sammarco, Jennifer Corridan, Brenda Gonzalez, are seen here with Doreen Larson, vice president of student enrollment and Ninon Amertil, dean of nursing. The three students were recognized, along with four of their classmates, for their accomplishments in nursing during a National Nurses week reception, May 8.

On May 8, HCC’s Division of Nursing held a reception to honor its graduates and to mark National Nurses Week (May 6-12). Altogether, there are 39 registered nursing candidates and 42 licensed practical nurse candidates who will gradate from HCC this spring. Seven of the students will be formally recognized for their special accomplishments at the HCC Awards Night, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Leslie Phillips Forum. Their awards were announced at the May 8 event.

“Nurses deliver kind and compassionate care when people need it the most, and National Nurses Week reminds the world of what we do,” said Ninon Amertil, dean of the Nursing Division.

“ As educators we are committed to preparing future nurses with the knowledge, clinical skills,and nursing practices need to succeed.”

Recognized for special accomplishments were:
• Rose Ndiritu, LPN candidate, who will receive the Claire Gingras Doherty Award for Academic and Clinical Excellence;
• Joseph Sammarco, RN candidate, who will receive the Nursing Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing;
• Brenda Gonzalez, RN candidate, who will receive the Nursing Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing by a LPN;
• Jennifer Corridan, RN candidate who will receive the Nursing Faculty Award for Compassionate Care;
• Sarah Hannibal, RN candidate who will receive the Kay Scully Award for Outstanding Performance in Academic and Clinical Nursing;
• Kathleen Schwede, LPN candidate who will receive the Practical Nursing Program Award for Clinical Excellence;
• John MacRae, LPN candicate who will receive the Dean Nursing School Alumni Award for Practical Nursing Excellence.

HCC joins immigration debate

On May 1, hundreds of students, staff,and faculty attended a three-hour teach-in focusing on immigration issues in the United States. Organized by faculty members Tracy Ross and Monica Torregrosa, the forum included a panel discussion, a question period, and the presentation of a film, Uprooted Refugees of the Global Economy. All focused on free trade and labor issues that affect the immigration issue in this country.

Many of those in attendance later attended an immigrant’s rights rally in Springfield.

“ HCC wants to use this opportunity to continue to expand our knowledge base,” said Dean of Social Sciences Kate Douglas, the facilitator. “We want the community armed with facts about individuals who migrate to the United States–not myths created through misunderstanding and discrimination. What we learn can impact our behaviors as well as impact the future of our society.”

Panel members included El Salvador native Gustavo Acosta, the coordinator of HCC’s ¡AVANZA! Initiative and Ecuador native Carlos Vega, director of Nueva Esperenza.

Vega spoke about the history of immigration in the United States, reminding the audience that the phenomenon is nothing new. He described the discrimination, mistreatment, and struggles all ethnic groups faced as immigrants in the U.S.—including the wave of Irish immigrants in 1913 and the African-Americans who moved to the northern states from the south in the 1930s.

“ History has shown that it is not about how the U. S has helped immigrants. It is how immigration affects the U.S. economy,” Vega said. “The important question today is the same as in days past, who is here, why they are here, and how the U.S. government plays on this.”

Acosta spoke of the struggle to set down roots in this country:
“ Emigrating and immigrating are human rights. People travel the land over extensive territories in search of new places they can call home and people they can call family. I am an immigrant. I came and lived in this country undocumented in the early 1980s. Except for my father, my entire family crawled into this country through our southern border. They all have, and continue to, work hard to earn their living.

“ In the US, people, media, and politicians refer to undocumented immigrants as a calamity, a drain to our economy and public services, and they point at people of color coming from the South of the continent. They fail to acknowledge that what drives people out of their countries and brings them to the US is precisely the economic and foreign policy of exploitation and domination of the US towards our Latino-American neighbors. People fail to recognize the hard work that undocumented people do for our country in all aspects of our economy.”

The event was co-sponsored by the HCC Solidarity Committee for Immigrant’s Rights, the International Socialist Organization, the HCC departments of Social Sciences, Humanities, and English as a Second Language.

Kittredge Center for Business and Community set to open

Kittredge Center for Business and Community

On May 19, HCC will officially unveil the Kittredge Center for Business and Community during grand opening ceremonies that will take place from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

Many of us in the HCC community have already walked through this elegantly appointed building or attended events in the luxurious PeoplesBank conference room. The May 19 event serves as a formal introduction to supporters who have not yet toured the building. If you are on campus that day, you will notice a lot of visitors.

Named after one of HCC’s most successful alumni, Michael Kittredge, the 55,000-square-foot building will serve as the hub for all business education. It will also be a resource for local businesses that need to retrain their workers or research their markets. If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to tour the building.

Tennis team heading for Texas

On April 30, the HCC tennis team won first place in the Region XXI Tournament. The team will now travel to Collin County Community College in Plano, TX for the National tournament May 16-20. Last year the team finished eighth in the country.

Baseball team is nationally ranked

The HCC baseball team has earned its first-ever national ranking: 12th in the nation. The team has posted 20 wins, 18 losses, and is the number one seed for the New England Baseball Tournament, which will be held May 12, 13 and 14 at Manchester Community College in Connecticut.

If the team wins this tournament, they will go to Glen Falls New York on May 20 to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series.

Students from HCC's Ophthalmic Assisting Program receive certificates of completion on Monday, May 1. Students and faculty left to right: Adjunct faculty Pam Brough, Tiffany Ellison, Mary Bartley, Jennifer Breen, Angel Girimonti, Carrie D'Annolfo, Kelley Sicard, Tiffany Thurston, Viktoriya Merkulova, Dianne Stevens, Heidi Strack, Dean of Allied Health & Science, Mary Farrell, dean of allied health and science, and Cheryl Waterhouse, adjunct faculty.

Ophthalmic assistants celebrate graduation

On May 1, 11 students enrolled in HCC’s ophthalmic assisting program received their certificates in a ceremony held in the Marieb Building.

The two-semester program trains students in many aspects of ophthalmology, both in the classroom and in the lab. Almost all of the students enrolled in this program have already accepted positions in ophthalmology, where the starting pay is between $11 and $14 per hour, says Mary Farrell, dean of the Allied Health, Education, and Human Service Division. With practice, further study, and certification, ophthalmic assistants can make as much as $25 per hour, Farrell added.

The program has been at HCC for five years and has been accredited by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, the credentialing body for ophthalmic assistants.

Graduating from the program are: Tiffany Ellison, Mary Bartley, Jennifer Breen, Angel Girimonti, Carrie D’Annolfo, Kelley Sicard, Tiffany Thurston, Viktoriya Merkulova, Dianne Stevens, and Heidi Strack.

Instructors in this program are HCC adjunct faculty Pam Brough, R.N., B.S., of the Balin Eye & Laser Center, and Cheryl Waterhouse, C.O.T, of Baystate Eye Care Group.

An HCC fish tale

Kendra Sherwin

Kendra Sherwin has a bigger fish to fry these days. Literally.

The HCC transcript clerk recently snagged a 22-pound cod while she was on a Gloucester sailing expedition with her boyfriend, Thomas Mazuch. Sherwin said she had a hard time reeling it in, but was happy she persisted. As the person who caught the biggest fish that day, she won a $78 cash prize. She might use some of that prize money to pay for some burgers and fries…

“The fish is sitting in my freezer now,” she said. “My boyfriend and his daughter have had some, but not me. I don’t really like fish.”

Notices

Independent Commission to present findings

On May 24, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., the Independent Commission on Civility and Free Speech will present an outline of its initial findings in room 30l of the Kittredge Center. All members of the campus community are welcome.

Give us your field notes

In a few weeks, many HCC faculty and staff will be off to new adventures—conducting research, running unique programs or volunteering in some unusual capacity. We know that these summer adventures enhance the creativity and innovation that comes back to our classrooms each fall. It’s what makes HCC an exciting place to work and learn.

For instance, in June, the HCC nursing program is sending a contingent of students to Belize to deliver medical supplies. They are sure to meet lots of interesting people and gain lots of practical knowledge that they can bring back to HCC in the fall.

Well, why wait that long to share a good thing?

The Marketing and Public Relations department would like you to consider sharing some of your summer adventures with readers of the HCC Connection before next fall. If you are doing something unusual, how about emailing us a photo and a few paragraphs about your adventures? We would include these submissions in a special section called “Field Notes” which we hope to publish in the HCC Connection over the summer.

We are not looking for full-blown research articles—just a few paragraphs describing what you are doing, where you are doing it, why, and any lessons you hope to bring back to HCC from your experience. And pictures. It really helps when you can send us a picture—including a description of whoever is in the photo. Finally, because we are always apt to have a question or two, we ask you to give us some way to contact you. A return email should be fine.

Besides delighting your campus-bound colleagues, your notes will be read by members of the local media, who might decide there’s a story in it. If you have questions about this opportunity, or you already know that you have something to contribute, please feel free to call Natalia Munoz at (413) 552-2183.

NUP Compensation Project to hold meetings

All Non-Unit Professional (NUP) employees are encouraged to attend one of two upcoming meetings to discuss a compensation study that will soon be underway. The meetings are on Tuesday, May 16, 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. and Tuesday May 16, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Frost Building, room 265.

At these meetings, you will have an opportunity to meet representatives from Human Resources Partners, the firm that will be conducting the compensation study of all Non-Unit Professional positions. Attendees will get an overview of the compensation study process. Time for questions, answers, and feedback will be provided. If you are unable to attend either meeting, or you have additional questions, please feel free to contact one of the NUP Compensation Project Advisory Committee members: Paulette Dalpes, Mayra Diaz, Doreen Larson, Diane Mango-Cahill, Joseph Tolisano, Ken White, or Maureen Wildey.

Upcoming Events:

Latino Mural Collaborative Project

Wednesday, May 10, 11 a.m. Leslie Phillips Forum
Latino Mural Collaborative Project
Come meet the HCC students and Holyoke teens who created the colorful mural that now hangs above the Donahue/Frost courtyard. The young artists will discuss their work at 11 a.m. and the canvas will be officially unveiled at noon.

Wednesday, May 10, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Kittredge Center
Fifth Annual Student Leadership Recognition Ceremony
HCC club advisors of various student clubs/organizations will honor students for their commitment, leadership and contributions on campus for the 2005-2006 academic year.

Wednesday, May 10, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Picknelly dining room, Frost building room 265
Hospitality and Culinary Arts Reception
The faculty and students of the Hospitality and Culinary Arts program will host an open reception, featuring many of the hors d’oeuvres, small plate items and finger pastries that have made our mouths water all year long. Come help celebrate the completion of another successful academic year.

RESCHEDULED! Thursday, May 25, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Frost building, room 309
Campus Clean-up Day
Each year, HCC enlists faulty, staff, and students to help with the annual clean-up of the campus grounds, refreshments and lunch will be provided for those who participate. To sign-up contact Colleen Cameron at (413) 552-223 or email ccameron@hcc.mass.edu.

Friday, May 12, 6 p.m. to May 13, 3 p.m. HCC Track
Relay for Life
Holyoke Community College will host hosting the Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Come cheer on the walkers, runners and survivors.

Thursday, May 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Leslie Phillips Forum
Award Night for Academic Excellence
The departments of Academic and Student Affairs invite the campus community to an award ceremony to honor over a hundred students who have achieved academic excellence or provided outstanding service to the HCC community.

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

Wednesday, May 10, 12:30 p.m., Kittredge Center, PeoplesBank Conference Center
Fifth Annual Student Leadership Rcognition
Club advisors will honor student leaders for their leadership contribution on campus this year.

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.