Friday, May 9, 2008

 

MWCC HONORS OUTSTANDING STUDENTS WITH AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE

By Janice O'Connor

Carolynn Howell, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, received the Human Services curriculum award and Thomas Russell, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, received the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship and the Visions Program Award during the ceremony. Human Services majors, Howell served as vice president of the Human Services Club and Russell served as president. Both are also named to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.

Mount Wachusett Community College honored the academic achievements of outstanding students at the gala “Evening of Excellence” dinner Thursday, May 8 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Leominster.

Seventy one students received Honors Society recognition and seven Honors Program students were recognized. Sixty one students were recognized with Outstanding Achievement Awards, including 44 students who have been honored with inclusion into Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.” Twenty one students received curriculum awards; and four students received Memorial Awards.

During the academic year, Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc. awarded $150,500 in scholarships to MWCC students, including 15 awards presented during the ceremony.

“This is called an Evening of Excellence to celebrate the excellence you have exhibited at Mount Wachusett Community College, and to celebrate the achievements you have exhibited since you have been at the college,” MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino told the gathering of nearly 300 students, family members and friends.

Vincent Ialenti, assistant dean of distance learning and instructional technology and Rosann Morel, professor of Early Childhood Education, served as masters of ceremony.

Christine Baer received the Sophomore Nursing Club Award and Heidi Marrama was one of two recipients of the Nursing Curriculum Award.

The following awards were presented:                                        

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
All USA Academic Team Nominees: Katie Forgues, Colleen Hayes
University Scholars: Heather Borelli, Joseph Robinson
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship: Thomas Russell
Visions Program Award: Thomas Russell
Best of English 101: Ryann Bingham, George Leonard, MaiKee Lee
Best of English 102: Luke Gilmore
Mount Observer Scholarship: Esteban Barreto
Sandy Signor Award: Michelle Niall
Jean Tandy Award: Jarod Tavares
Sophomore Nursing Club Award: Christine Baer
Service Learning Awards: Holly Cain, Stacy Lafrennie, Nathaniel Katisch

Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges
Ryan Aker, Alicia Ambroz, Sheng Bergeron, Jessica Billiel, Holly Cain, Kristin DeRuzzo. Caitlin Donahue, Katie Forgues, Patricia Gamache, Kathleen Goss, Ashley Gough, Jaimee Hagan, Monique Haley, Clinton Heyes, Amy Hoehn, Carolynn Howell, Kristin Jarvis, Nathaniel Katisch, Alison Landry, Marissa Lanza, Robin Lemire, Jennifer Logan, Julia Lohmann, Michael Lozeau, Isaura Luna, Rebecca Mariano, Bethany Marshall, Kelly Mendoza, Gennilla Millan, Jacqueline Monks, Lisa O’Brien, Morgan Opramolla, Jeanne Perla, Joel Powers, Moises Ramos, Tricia Rathbun, Shannan Regienus, Christine Ricciardi, Thomas Russell, Kelly Ryder, Sara Vaz, Rebekah White, Pamela Wood.

MWCC Student Trustee Isaura Luna and Katie Forgues, a member of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and president of MWCC's Student Government Association, were among the dozens of students honored during the annual Evening of Excellence awards ceremony.

CURRICULUM AWARDS
Business Administration: Anayane  Lacerda
Business Administration Career: Adam Nadeau
Computer Information Systems: Robert Entwistle
Criminal Justice: Dulcie McLaughlin
Medical Assisting: Tricia Rathbun
Nursing: Joan Doyle, Heidi Marrama
Art: Michael Lozeau
Computer Graphic Design - Print Concentration: Caitlin Donahue
Computer Graphic Design - Web Concentration: Southakone Vongsakda-Ortwein
Physical Therapist Assistant: Lisa Perry
Liberal Arts: Jonathan Strong
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Wendy Albert
General Studies: Amelia Gelin
Human Services: Carolynn Howell
Paralegal: Sara Vaz
Early Childhood Education - Career: Mark Brillon
Early Childhood Education - Transfer: Susan Dean
Broadcasting & Telecommunications: Victoria Forsberg
Dental Hygiene: Kristin DeRuzzo
Natural Resources Technology: Clinton Heyes

MWCC's members of Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges

MWCC FOUNDATION, INC. AWARDS
Alumni Scholarship: Anayane Lacerda
Barbara Chaplin Scholarship: Bobbi Jo Stankaitis
Barnes & Noble Scholarships: Anayane Lacerda, Bobbi Jo Stankaitis
Carrie Progen Scholarship: Mark Sawyer
John Burton Awards: Kathleen Goss, Amanda Hard
Robert Weibel Award: Amy Hoehn
General Endowment: Katie Forgues, Jason Shattuck
Craig Hamel Scholarships: Megan Flynn, Mildred Owino
David Butler Memorial Scholarship: Anita Carbone
Robert H. Gilman Memorial Scholarship: Anita Carbone
Smith/Mt. Holyoke Scholarship: Jieying Yang

MEMORIAL AWARDS
Aspasia Anastos Award: Christina Hyvarinen
Judge Moore Awards: Andrew Mello, Michael Lozeau
Keith Nivala Award: Jonathon Monahan

HONORS SOCIETY RECOGNITION
Phi Theta Kappa: Dyan Adams, Wendy Albert, Alicia Ambroz, Alan Argollo, Christiana Arrey, Lou Ann Bankowski, Audrine Bayingana, Laurie Blomquist, Wendy Bonaccolto, Jainaba Burton-Sundman, Kim CampoBasso , Carol Ciccone, Kristin DeRuzzo, Esther DeVelis, Regina Dube, April Elliott, Robert Entwistle, Donna Escott, Bobbi Jo Ewing, Heather Fletcher, Patricia Gamache, Michelle Gelpi, Tamera Gilberti, Carl Gore, Tanya Gurge, Annaleisha Guy, Monique Haley, Katrina Hall, Ricci Hall, Cynthia Hastings, Debra Hebert, Carolynn Howell, Denise Johnson, Niesha Johnson, Tricia Lambert, Kelly Legasey, Leigh Leslie Pariseau, Jason Lizotte, Katie Lutz, Gretchen Lydick, Angela Mackinnon, Lisa Ari Macomber, Sandra Masiello, Cara Meehan, Brenda Morrisey, Kristin Natali, Morgan Opramolla, Mildred Owino, Eric Peters, Christine Plante, Corrine Potter, Deborah Pressey, David Ramsay III, Tricia Rathbun, Christine Ricciardi, Kristie Rines, Marie Roberts, Mary Sarete, Robin Sisco, Mary Slattery, Allison Smith, Caroline Tamfu, Jarod Tavares, Joshua Taylor, Derek Traffie, Phuong Tran, Natalie Tuvana, Rebecca Urban, David Waldron, Sheri West, Jieying Yang.

Honors Program: Susan Dean, Regina Dube, Fabrice Kamayou, Michael Lozeau, Joseph Robinson, Derek Traffie, Carolina Zuniga

MWCC NAMES 2008 SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD RECIPIENTS

By Janice O'Connor

Mount Wachusett Community College announces the outstanding community leaders who will receive the 2008 Service Above Self Awards at the college’s 43rd Commencement on Thursday, May 15. The individuals chosen for their commitment to serving others are Suzanne Farias, general manager of the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton Leominster; Ladd Lavallee, co-president of Laddawn, Inc.; and John Mulqueen, MD, and Paula Mulqueen, RN.

The Service Above Self Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to the 29 cities and towns that make up MWCC’s service area. “These individuals selflessly dedicate their time and talents to make our communities – and the world – a better place. We are proud to honor them for their abiding commitment to serving others,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino.

Suzanne Farias

Suzanne Farias believes that the visibility of her position as general manager of the Four Points has enabled her to live her paradigm: “If you are going to be here, be involved.” She lives this example each day through her dedication to numerous organizations in the region. Among her volunteer service, Farias is the current chair of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Supervisory Committee of the IC Federal Credit Union, a member of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, and a board member and past chair of the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition, she is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Massachusetts, the Advisory Board of MWCC’s School of Business and is a member of the HealthAlliance Golf Classic Committee and the HealthAlliance Hospital Guild.

Working within and through the hotel, she seeks every opportunity for civic engagement, whether it is co-sponsoring the regional competition of the National Spelling Bee to employee participation in the United Way’s Day of Caring, to sponsoring the Annual Holiday Concert, free to all attendees with a donation of toys, clothing or food for Ginny’s Helping Hand. She has incorporated teaching and mentoring into her work by offering internships to area high school students who pursue a hospitality career, volunteering as a trainer within the industry, and working with Leominster’s Center for Technical Education on its Community Business Partnership.

Although Farias has worked on and off in the hospitality industry since her waitressing days as a college student, she credits MWCC’s “Beyond 9 to 5” career re-entry program with helping her find her niche. A graduate of American International College in Springfield, Farias is the 2008 recipient of the Dr. Robert Goldman Award for Excellence, presented by the Multi-Service Center of Leominster. She and her husband, Tom, a former Boston Red Sox minor leaguer, traveled with the organization for seven years before making their home in Westminster, where they raised their three children.

Ladd Lavallee

For nearly 20 years, Ladd Lavallee has been an inspiration to young people and adults alike through his volunteer work with Easter Seals of Massachusetts and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Beginning as a college freshman in 1989, Lavallee became a devoted volunteer with Easter Seals, which helps children and adults with disabilities expand their independence. A member of its board of directors since 2002, he is now chairman-elect of the organization. Lavallee and his sister, Dawn Seiple, co-presidents of Laddawn, Inc., a national manufacturer of films for packaging based in Sterling, have fostered a close relationship between their employees and Easter Seals. The company’s employees regularly participate in a number of activities that benefit the organization. For his work with Easter Seals as a volunteer and fundraiser, Lavallee was presented with a philanthropy award from the Central Massachusetts chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2006.

Lavallee also serves as vice president of the North Central Massachusetts Boys and Girls Club, where he and his wife, Tammy, are regular volunteers. In 2004, Lavallee founded the Youth Wellness Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at developing young people’s health, character and knowledge. The Youth Wellness Project provides after-school and summer programs to area young people, and also sponsors the DinnerTime Program at the Boys and Girls Club in Leominster. As part of this program, twice each week, the Lavallees prepare and serve nutritious meals to 80 to 100 children.

Lavallee, a graduate of Boston College, lives in Lancaster with his wife and their two children.

Since 2001, John Mulqueen, a pediatrician, and Paula Mulqueen, a pediatric and private duty nurse, have made 23 trips to Les Cayes, Haiti to provide health services to children and adults in the poorest region of one of the world’s most impoverished countries. On these trips, they bring with them medicine, supplies, volunteers from the community – and hope. In 2006, the Mulqueens formally founded the nonprofit organization Forward in Health, and are now raising funds to build a permanent clinic on land purchased through a donation from a benefactor. When completed next year, the clinic will provide much-needed medical care six days a week and a well that residents can access for drinking water.

Dr. John Mulqueen and Paula Mulqueen, RN

As part of Forward in Health’s mission to bring medical relief to people in Haiti, the Mulqueens work with Gardner High School students and other teenagers in the area to raise awareness about those living in extreme poverty, and the many ways in which to help.

John Mulqueen graduated from Boston College and from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and did his postgraduate training at Maine Medical Center in Portland. He opened his practice in 1989 in Gardner, where the couple live with their two children. Paula Mulqueen graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College’s Registered Nurse program in 1994. In recognition of their compassion and service, the couple was presented the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts Hero Award earlier this year, and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award in 2004. In addition, Dr. Mulqueen was elected into the Gardner High School Hall of Fame as an outstanding alumnus in 2007, and was honored by the Diocese of Worcester and the St. Luke Society in 2006.

MWCC’s 43rd Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. Ron Claiborne, weekend news anchor for ABC News’ Good Morning America, will deliver the commencement address. Birgit Brauer, ’89, will be honored as the 2008 Alumna of the Year. Outside the fitness center, members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society will collect nonperishable food items and children’s book as part of the “Project Graduation: Feed a Body, Feed a Mind” initiative. All items will be donated to the Greater Gardner Community Health Center’s food pantry and “Reach Out and Read” program.

MWCC AND QUINSIGAMOND ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP IN HEALTH PROGRAMS

MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino and QCC President Gail Carberry shake hands after signing an articulation agreement to expand students' options in health careers. (Photo by Meredith Galena, QCC)

The presidents of Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner have established an articulation agreement between the colleges to expand students’ options in health care careers.

Under the agreement, MWCC students will have the opportunity to enroll in Quinsigamond’s Radiologic Technology program. Similarly, QCC students will be eligible to enroll in Mount Wachusett’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. In a significant advantage to students at both colleges, those who are admitted to the associate’s degree programs can take all elective courses at their “home” campus, and only travel to the host college for the remaining core health field courses.

QCC President Gail Carberry and MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino officially signed the agreement Thursday, May 8, at Quinsigamond.

“This is a critical new agreement for us, as we are now able, without barriers of entry and expense, to offer a new program,” Asquino said. “This is a huge opportunity for both colleges and students, especially with regards to the shortage of trained professionals in these medical fields. This is a very important agreement,” he said.

 “We are especially pleased to establish this unique partnership, which will provide a great opportunity for Mount Wachusett and QCC students to enroll in a health program offered at a sister college,” Carberry said.

The Radiologic Technology program at QCC specializes in diagnostic medical radiography and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Technologists work in hospitals, clinics, medical offices or other health care settings using highly sophisticated x-ray equipment. In Quinsigamond’s energized x-ray laboratory, students receive instruction on how to use the equipment, position patients for medical x-ray imaging, process and evaluate radiographs for technical quality, and protect themselves and others from unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Physical therapist assistants implement treatment procedures in the rehabilitation of injured, ill, or debilitated individuals. The PTA program at MWCC prepares students to work in the healthcare field under the supervision of a physical therapist in a variety of settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

More MWCC News:

• MWCC’s Dental Hygiene Pinning Ceremony will take place Friday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center. Graduates will be pinned and freshmen will recite the Dental Hygiene Oath. Awards will be presented on behalf of the Dental Hygiene program. For those who are unable to attend, the event will be streamlined live on the MWCC website at mms://mwcc-wms.mwcc.edu/livetv courtesy of media services.

• Complimentary copies of the literary arts journal i magazine are available in the library. The journal contains poetry and fiction by a number of MWCC students. The journal is published annually with funding from the the office of Student Life and the Humanities division.

  MWCC’s 35th annual Nurse Pinning Ceremony will take place Tuesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center. The achievements of 98 graduates will be celebrated. Eileen Costello, Dean of MWCC's School of Health Sciences, will deliver the keynote address.

• MWCC’s 43rd Commencement will take place Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Fitness & Wellness Center. Ron Claiborne, weekend news anchor for Good Morning America, will deliver the commencement address, and international journalist Birgit Brauer will be honored as Alumna of the Year. Outside the fitness center, members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society will conduct the 5th annual “Project Graduation, Feed a Body, Feed a Mind” food and book drive. All graduates and their guests are requested to bring a new or gently used children’s book or a non-perishable food item to the Commencement rehearsal or ceremony. All donations will given to the Greater Gardner Community Health Center’s food pantry and “Reach Out and Read” program.

• MWCC, in association with the Broadcasting and Electronic Media program and Phi Theta Kappa, is pleased to once again offer Commencement DVDs. This professional quality, edited DVD of MWCC’s 2008 graduation ceremony will be available for a limited time at a cost of $15 each. This low cost includes the cost of shipping and handling. Fifty percent of the profits from the DVD sales will go to MWCC’s Phi Delta Chapter of the PTK Honor Society. PTK students will donate the other 50 percent of the profits directly to the Greater Gardner Community Health Center's food pantry. To place an order in advance, contact Sheila Murphy, PTK advisor, at smurphy@mwcc.mass.edu.

• An exhibit of artwork created by MWCC students is on display through May 15 in the East Wing Gallery. The exhibit features drawings, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, watercolors and other works created throughout the academic year.

• Central Massachusetts residents interested in starting a nonprofit organization are invited to attend a two-part workshop, "Nuts and Bolts of Creating Social Change Organizations," sponsored by MWCC's Institute for Nonprofit Development. The first session will take place on Wednesday, May 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. at MWCC's Leominster campus, 100 Erdman Way. Pete Cormier, Institute member and founder of Sterling Music Exchange, will lead a discussion on reasons why and why not to start a nonprofit organization, how to develop a mission statement, choosing a name, membership, officers, choosing your fiscal year, and dissolution clauses. The second session will take place on Wednesday, June 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Leominster campus, and will cover the topics of: board of directors, bylaws, conflict of interest policy, tax exempt status. The fee is $20 per session. Please contact the Institute for Nonprofit Development at 978-840-3221 x216 or nonprofit@mwcc.mass.edu with any questions or for more information.

• A reception celebrating the Summer UP community program sponsored by Mount Wachusett Community College in conjunction with Fitchburg State College and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, will take place Thursday, May 22 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Fitchburg. The reception and fundraiser begins with a social hour and hors d’oeuvres at 4 p.m., followed by a presentation featuring Summer UP alumni at 5 p.m. College Access and Preparation Programs at MWCC and community agencies are now coordinating the fourth year of the Summer UP program, which provides summer employment to middle and high school students and safe recreation spaces, field trips and meals for area children of all ages who are welcome to attend the free activities. This year’s program will include nine sites in Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner and Winchendon. Reservations to the reception are required by May 16 and may be made with Pati Gregson, Vice President of MWCC Access and Transition, at 978-630-9248, or pgregson@mwcc.mass.edu. Tickets are $25 and all donations are tax deductible.

• The Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety at MWCC will host the fifth annual Kid Expo Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus. In addition, Health Alliance Hospital, Leominster Campus is teaming up with MWCC to host a Kid Expo on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both events are free and will feature Molly Bish Foundation child safety I.D. kits, karate demonstrations, hands-on health and safety activities for children and families, car seat safety inspections and free bike helmets while supplies last. The Gardner event also includes a Lifeflight helicopter landing, the State Police's Convincer Rollover Simulator, the B.A.T mobile, lots of safety vehicles to explore, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue dogs and Mobile Command Unit, r.a.d.KIDS self-defense demonstrations with Campus Police, a health and safety resource fair, raffles for bikes, car seats, a playhouse, gift baskets, appearances by Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog, free food, music, entertainment, lots of fun fitness games and activities such as a climbing wall, and much more. For more information, log on to http://mollybish.mwcc.edu or call Andrea Hart de Gravelle at (978) 630-9458

• The enrollment center is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: Clinical Laboratory Science: May 14 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Heywood Hospital, Dining Room B; Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing: May 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Leominster campus and June 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 341; A.S. Nursing: May 13 and June 10 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Practical Nursing Certificate program: June 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Complementary Health Care: May 19 and June 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Dental Hygiene: May 7 and June 4 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner Campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12. Prospective students interested in attending an information session are asked to call the enrollment center at (978) 630-9110 (TTY (978) 632-4916), or send an email to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu