Oct. '25 News Blog
News briefs from the HCC campus and beyond
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The Green Thread
According to East Asian mythology, an invisible thread connects people destined to meet. At Holyoke Community College, “The Green Thread” is a new monthly podcast highlighting the educational journeys, achievements, and insights of HCC alumni. “At HCC, we believe these meaningful connections shape our alumni’s journeys long after graduation,” said Natalia Castagno, assistant director of alumni relations and co-host of The Green Thread podcast along with Patrick Labelle, manager of the college radio station, WCCH-103.5 FM. “We’re inviting alumni to share their stories – exploring the connections, experiences, and threads that tie them to their alma mater, their communities, and one another.” Episode 1 debuted Oct.1 on Spotify. The first guests were alum Myke Connolly ’04, founder of the multimedia company Launch and Standout, and his son, HCC communications major Mikey Connolly, founder of the Realistic CEO podcast, an interview show he started in high school. During their half hour interview, the Connollys discuss entrepreneurship, having a millionaire’s mindset, starting the day with an attitude of gratitude, resilience, and their experiences at HCC. “The beauty of this school … people just let me be me … they embraced me, and I felt normal here," said Myke Connolly, who had immigrated to the U.S. from the Bahamas. "I felt like I belonged here. It was always a welcoming environment. I know I wouldn’t be the man I am today if I wasn’t for HCC. It’s been a pivotal part of everything I’ve done.” Listen here, The Green Thread, Episode 1 … PHOTO: In the WCCH studio with Green Thread postcast hosts Pat Labelle, far left, Natalia Castagno, far right, and Green Thread guests Myke Connolly '04, second from left, and Mikey Connolly
Trusty Trustee
As a new student who had recently relocated from California, Barney Garcia ’24 didn’t waste any time getting involved at HCC. During his first year, he joined Student Senate, restarted the Emerging Business Leaders Club, and got a job in the Business Office. In his second year, 2023-2024, he served as student trustee. "I felt like folks here already knew me, as if it was a familiar place I'd been before,” Garcia said back in 2023. “I was taken away by the liveliness of the faculty and staff and all the different clubs and support services. That was heartening, and it motivated me.” Still not one to lurk, Garcia, 22, was recently elected student trustee at Westfield State University, where he is completing a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration. He is also co-founder and president of the Queer Straight Alliance at Westfield and the commuter representative on the Student Government Association. Outside of that, he maintains a strong connection to HCC, where he works part time in the Facilities office. “Something that I always tell people is that I really struck gold,” he said. “I think coming to HCC was the best decision I've made. I don't feel I could have gotten the same level of opportunities anywhere else.” PHOTO: Barney Garcia '24, during his student days at HCC
