Friday, Sept. 12, 2008

 

 

MWCC ONE OF 10 COLLEGES SELECTED FOR HP TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING LEADERSHIP AWARD

By Janice O'Connor

Susan Taylor and Kenneth Takvorian recently spoke about the benefits of using new wireless Tablet PCs in their courses.

Mount Wachusett Community College is one of 10 colleges selected to receive a 2008 HP Technology for Teaching Leadership Award, designed to transform teaching and learning in the classroom through innovative uses of technology. The award package includes $131,000 in cash, professional development and HP equipment, including 42 new wireless, Tablet PCs, and will enable faculty to build upon the teaching initiatives launched during the past academic year as recipients of an HP Technology grant in 2007.

During the recent Professional Development Day, Associate Professor Susan Taylor and Professor Kenneth Takvorian explained how they used the wireless Tablet PCs in their Computer Technology and Algebra courses. The use of this interactive technology notably increased student engagement and retention and enhanced teaching strategies, they said.

In the year ahead, faculty members Susan Goldstein, Lorie Donahue, Chris Kisiel and Bob Mayer will join the project. The team will work with Center for Teaching and Learning Director Don Westover to bring the technology to students in additional courses. During the upcoming academic year, the team will use the technology in their English Composition I and II, Digital Photography, Anatomy & Physiology and Computer Programming in Basic classes. It will also be used for pre-college outreach to high school students through MWCC’s College Access and Preparation Programs.

In addition, all faculty members are invited to experiment with the equipment through a new lending program that has been established.

Since 2004, HP has contributed $60 million in HP Technology for Teaching grants to more than 1,000 schools in 41 countries worldwide. During the past 20 years, HP has contributed more than $1 billion in cash and equipment to schools, universities, community organizations and other nonprofit organizations around the world. More information about the 2008 HP Technology for Teaching program and grant recipients is available at www.hp.com/go/hpteach.

'SAVE ENERGY-SAVE MONEY' FOCUS OF 2008-2009 WHAT'S NEXT? SPEAKER SERIES
ENERGY RESOURCES COMMISSIONER TO SPEAK AT FIRST FORUM

“Save Energy – Save Money” is the theme of Mount Wachusett Community College’s 2008-2009 What’s Next? Speaker Series, sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Humanity in partnership with The Trustees of Reservations and Hannaford Supermarkets.

Now in its fifth year, the What’s Next? Speaker Series tackles issues of importance to our communities – from social change to economic stability - and attracts more than 100 people at each event. Born out of a plan to bring notable leaders in the field of social change under a single theme, the What's Next? Speaker Series has blossomed into a forum that introduces students, residents, community leaders and decision-makers in North Central Massachusetts to innovative thinkers and doers from around the country and world. The goals of the series are to show change is possible, to spark creative problem-solving and to inspire action.

This year’s series will provide practical examples and solutions for energy and cost savings that address the interests and needs of municipalities and schools, business and industry, as well as individuals and families.

The series will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m. with tours of The Trustees of Reservations’ gold-rated “green” building in Leominster – the Doyle Conservation Center. At 6:30 p.m., Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Philip Giudice will give the keynote address. Giudice, a geologist and management professional with more than 30 years experience in the energy industry, will speak on the new programs and opportunities being developed by the Commonwealth to help municipalities, businesses and individuals save money by saving energy.

“This year’s speaker series promises to be an engaging and enlightening experience for participants and attendees alike,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “As regional leaders in energy conservation and renewable energy, the three sponsoring organizations of this year’s series are committed to sharing our knowledge and bringing in guest speakers who will share their expertise as well. Through in-depth discussions that will take place throughout this academic year, we will all discover new ways to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, save money and ultimately improve our quality of life.”

The speaker series will continue on Thursday, Dec. 4, noon to 2 p.m. with “Save Energy – Save Money: Examples and Solutions for Municipalities and Schools;” on Thursday, Feb. 5, noon to 2 p.m., with “Save Energy – Save Money: Examples and Solutions for Businesses and Manufacturers;” and “Save Energy – Save Money: A Community Energy Fair” on Saturday, April 25.

Hannaford Supermarkets has long been a leader in the area of corporate social responsibility, supporting the health of local communities and the environment through a variety of programs, including providing sustainable products such as locally grown foods and developing corporate programs to reduce waste, promote recycling, and conserve energy. In 2007, Hannaford received an Environmental Merit Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its demonstrated commitment to working with partners, a company-wide willingness to implement new policies and procedures, and an ability to translate that commitment into tangible results with positive environmental impacts.

Founded in 1891, The Trustees of Reservations is the nation's oldest regional land trust. Supported by more than 43,000 members, The Trustees own, manage, and interpret nearly 25,000 acres on 100 reservations in Massachusetts, including four National Historic Landmarks, a National Natural Landmark, and seven properties listed with the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, The Trustees hold perpetual conservation restrictions on nearly 14,000 acres and have assisted in the protection of nearly 12,000 additional acres by partner organizations. In 2006, The Trustees of Reservations received a gold level certification from the U.S Green Building Council for its Doyle Conservation Center. Used for staff offices and as community meeting space, this 14,000-square-foot building has photovoltaic cells that provide approximately 20 percent of its electricity and has a geothermal heating and cooling system.

MWCC was at the forefront of the campus climate movement when it converted its all-electric campus in Gardner to a biomass heating system in 2002 to slash expenses and greenhouse gas emissions. Since then, the conversion has reduced the college’s carbon footprint by 22.5 percent, cut electricity usage by 38-percent, trimmed water consumption by 13.8 million gallons, or 52 percent, and achieved a cost savings of $2.93 million. The conversion paved the way for new green energy initiatives on campus and elevated the college’s standing as a national leader in renewable energy. MWCC is the recipient of numerous state and national awards for its renewable energy initiatives.

Reservations for the free What’s Next? Speaker Series forums are required and may be made by calling Nancy Hawkins at (978) 630-9163, emailing nhawkins@mwcc.mass.edu or by visiting the website calendar at http://democracy.mwcc.edu

VFW POST 905 PRESENTS DONATION TO SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR VETERANS

Don Progen, right, Commander of VFW Post 905, and VFW member Jim Moran presented a check for $2,000 to President Daniel Asquino and Executive Vice President Edward Terceiro for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship.

Don Progen, Commander of the Ovila Case Post 905 VFW and Post member Jim Moran made a recent visit to the campus to donate $2,000 to MWCC Foundation's Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship was established through the generosity of the Vietnam Memorial Committee to recognize the important role played by MWCC in ensuring that the sacrifices and service of veterans who served in the Vietnam conflict will not be forgotten.

"This is a scholarship that benefits veterans who attend Mount Wachusett Community College," Progen said. "When we got back from Vietnam, we weren't too well-received, but this college was a haven for veterans, and this is a way of giving back to the veterans who are attending the college now," he said.

Scholarship funds are awarded to new or returning full-time students who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, or are currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard. The award is presented each spring during the college's annual Evening of Excellence.

DIVIDED WE FALL FILM ENGAGES STUDENTS IN DIALOGUE ON RACISM AND RENEWAL

More than 80 students and faculty members filled the North Cafeteria Friday, Sept. 12 to view the award-winning documentary, "Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath" and engage in a dialogue about racism, religion and renewal in America.

Divided We Fall www.dwf-film.com follows the journey of 20-year-old college student Valarie Kaur as she documents hate violence against Sikhs and Muslims in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001 and examines the larger question of “who counts” as American.  On a two-year international tour, the film has won more than a dozen awards and reached 150 campuses and communities in 90 cities across the United States. MWCC is among 50 sites throughout the country screening the film this month in commemoration of 9/11 and Sept. 15, 2001, the anniversary of the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi, the first person killed in retribution for the terrorist attacks.

Sponsored by MWCC's Diversity Committee and hosted by Heidi McCann, reference and instructional services librarian, the event included a discussion facilitated by three guests - Kuljeet S. Tuteja, MPH, Joint Secretary at the New England Sikh Study Circle, based in Milford, Mass., Stephen Clark, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Keene State College, and the Rev. Karen Nell Smith, pastor of the Congregational Church of Christ, UCC, in North Leominster. An evening screening was also scheduled.

McCann said she was interested in bringing the film to MWCC to engage students and the community in discussions that will enhance understanding and intercultural communication among all Americans.

"I am so proud of our students, and so pleased with the thoughtful questions they asked," McCann said. "I am also so grateful to the three facilitators who came here. Their presence means so much to the college and to the community."

A copy of the film is now available through the library.

THEATRE AT THE MOUNT PRESENTS: NUNSENSATIONS

By Gail M. Steele

Holy Rollers! The Little Sisters of Hoboken return to Theatre at the Mount in Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue!

Those fun-lovin’, singin’ and dancin’ nuns from Nunsense are back – and this time, they’re taking over Las Vegas. The setting for the newest adventure of the world’s most popular Sisters is the Pump Room Lounge, high atop the third floor of the Mystique Motor Lodge in the soul of Sin City. And that means more fans, more feathers, more hats, more canes, more hoopla and more hijinks that ever. Theatre at the Mount is hosting the central Massachusetts Premier of Nunsensations with Gail Steele as director, Diane Cushing as Music Director and Choreography by Susie Michaud. The production runs October 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and October 12 at 2 p.m.

The cast members are no strangers to their roles, having played these parts in the previous 4 Nunsense productions. Reprising their original roles are Sandie Couture as Reverend Mother, Michelle Caissey as Sr. Hubert, Diane Cushing as Sr. Mary Amnesia, Trish Aponte as Sr. Robert Anne and Lynn Vaillencourt as Sr. Mary Leo.

Nunsensations: the Nunsense Vegas Revue takes the sisters on a brand new adventure. When a parishioner volunteers to donate $10,000 to the sisters’ school if they will perform in a club in Las Vegas, Mother Superior is hesitant to accept. However, after being convinced by the other sisters that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” Reverend Mother agrees. What follows is the most feather-filled, sequin-studded, fan dancing Nunsense show ever! Performing in “The Pump Room” at the Mystique Motor Lodge, the sisters experience “show-biz” like never before. You’ll meet Sin-City Sue; find out who’s Black and White with Her Money on Red; and try to win a new car with the “Holy Rollers Giant Slot Machine.” Taking a line from another show, “It’s a whole lot funny and a little bit naughty, but there ain’t nothin’ dirty going’ on!”

For tickets to Nunsensations, call the Theatre at the Mount box office at (978) 632-2403 or purchase tickets online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu and remember “what happens at Theatre at the Mount, stays at Theatre at the Mount!”

 More MWCC News:

• Freshmen nursing students took a break from their studies to make customized key chains during Fall Fest 2008, sponsored by the Office of Student Life and CATS on Sept. 10. The festive event featured music, a barbeque, crafts and activities, a student club expo and a Salsa dancing demonstration. From left, Tamara Hines, Heather McDonald, Heather Fletcher, Flabia Rodriguez, Fabiana Rodriguez and Agnes Latendress.

  MWCC's Fitness & Wellness Center and the Silver Sneakers program will sponsor "As We Age," a free health fair for senior citizens, on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Fitness Center. Free screenings, demonstrations, raffle prizes and product samples will be available. More than 30 businesses and health professionals from Central Massachusetts will be available to present information on a variety of topics, including home healthcare, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and more.

• Rock the Vote and Constitution Day activities will take place Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ray Hendricks' Revival Band will entertain in the South Cafeteria while voter registration is underway. A Constitution Day quiz, sponsored by the Student Government Association will give students a chance to test their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and win prizes.

• An American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Commons area. To make an appointment to donate, stop by or call Health Services at ext. 136. Walk-ins are welcome. 3 p.m.

• MWCC's Admissions Office will host the annual New England Association of College Admissions Counseling (NEACAC) College Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Fitness and Wellness Center. The fair is the largest college fair held in Worcester County and allows attendees to interact with representatives from more than 160 public and private colleges and universities, as well as military institutions. The fair is open to the public and is geared toward high school juniors and seniors from the college's service area as well as MWCC students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree after completing their associate's degree. More than 1,200 people attended last year's fair. For more information, contact the MWCC Admissions Office at (978) 630-9284 or online at www.NEACAC.org.

• "Recent Painting and Collage," an exhibition by artist Heidi D'Entremonte can be viewed through Oct. 12 in the Raymond LaFontaine Fine Arts Center. An artist's reception will take place Friday, Sept. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. D'Entremont, a founding member of the Central Massachusett's chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art, earned a BFA in painting from Montserrate College of Art in Beverly. The exhibit is sponsored by the Art Department.

• The enrollment center is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: A.S. Nursing: Oct. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Center, Room 12; Practical Nursing Certificate: Sept. 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner Campus, Wetmore Center, Room 12 and Oct. 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Devens campus; Dental Hygiene: Oct. 1 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Burbank Campus in Fitchburg; Complementary Health Care/Massage Therapy & Physical Therapist Assistant: Sept. 29 and Oct. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Gardner campus, Wetmore Center, Room 12; Clinical Laboratory Science: Sept. 17 and Oct. 15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Heywood Hospital, Laboratory Education Area; Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing: Sept. 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Devens campus and Oct. 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gardner campus. In addition, General Information Sessions and Tours take place on Mondays (except holidays) at 3 p.m. at the Enrollment Center. 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

• MWCC is pleased to announce the beginning of the 16th year of the Winchendon Skills Program, a free GED preparation program offered in collaboration with the Winchendon Community Action Committee.  This program offers pre-GED and GED preparation classes at the Winchendon CAC on 273 Central Street. Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will begin on Monday, September 8. Enrollment is on-going throughout the year as space is available. For more information, contact Pamela Dempsey-O’Connell at 978-630-9259 or Janet Brown at 978-297-1667.  This program is made possible with funding received from the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, Inc.

• The Entrepreneurial Resource Center at MWCC is accepting applications for the fourth annual Business Plan Competition. The competition, open to residents in MWCC's 29-town service area, gives innovators an opportunity to submit business plans and vie for up to $12,000 in cash prizes and more than $8,000 of in-kind services. One finalist will be chosen in each of the following three categories: start up profit, expanding profit business and start-up and expanding nonprofits. A grand prize winner will be selected from among the three finalists. Competition guidelines and applications are available at http://erc.mwcc.edu. For more information, contact Lisa Derby Oden at (978) 840-3221 ext. 163.