Friday, November 2, 2007

 

MWCC STUDENT NETS STATEWIDE POSITION AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY CONFERENCE

By Janice O'Connor

Meeting legendary journalist and former White House Bureau Chief Helen Thomas was one of the conference highlights. Front row: Assistant Professor Candace Shivers, Helen Thomas, AmeriCorps*VISTA Samantha Cesario. Back row: Jake Harrelson, Jessica Soto, Tina Smith and Zack Grimes.

Student Government Association Treasurer Jake Harrelson took his interest in politics and citizenship to a new level this week when he volunteered to serve as Massachusetts representative for the American Student Association of Community Colleges during a conference on leadership and advocacy in Washington, D.C. Harrelson, who is majoring in liberal arts and science with a concentration in history and political science, was appointed to the post following an interview process during the conference.

The National Student Advocacy, Leadership and Citizenship Conference, held Oct. 27-30 was sponsored by the ASACC, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges that represents the country's 12 million community college students. Conference attendees from MWCC also included three of the college's Community Scholars - Tina Smith, Zack Grimes and Jessica Soto - along with Assistant Professor of Sociology and Human Services Candace Shivers and AmeriCorps*VISTA Samantha Cesario. They participated in workshops and attended forums on the major issues affecting community college students, such as textbook prices, federal work-study funding, Pell grants, Perkins funding, student loan interest rates and student debt relief.

"The conference was wonderful," said Harrelson, 17. "I met a lot of really intersting people and was selected as the state representative for Massachusetts community colleges. I am their voice in the national organization." As a representative, he will converse monthly with other national student leaders about "the issues affecting students in community colleges and work at ways to resolve them, whether that's advocating before Congress or within the Department of Education," he said. Harrelson, who is also president of the college's Marketing Club, enrolled at MWCC through the Gateway to College program, which is enabling him to complete his high school diploma while also working toward his associate's degree. He works as a student assistant in the College Access and Preparation Programs office and plans to continue his academic career by pursuing a bachelor's degree, followed by a law degree, and then enter a career in politics.

Among the highlights of the conference, the students met legendary UPI White House reporter and former White House Bureau Chief Helen Thomas, who delivered the keynote speech.

"This conference was a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn valuable leadership skills and gain insight into ways they can be influential in promoting change in our society,” Cesario said.

"It was very inspiring to see students take such a deep interest in issues that affect them," said Shivers, who serves as the faculty liaison to MWCC's Student Government Association. "I'm very proud of Jake," she added. "He did a lot of networking and he did a lot of fact finding about what he could do to help out the community colleges and how he could advocate for his peers."

NEW GOALS SET FOR ANNUAL COMECC DRIVE

The Department of Human Resources kicked off the annual COMECC drive by dressing up on Halloween as "worker bees" and "queen bee." From left, Annie Wayman, Nancy Thibodeau, Diane Ruksnaitis, Debbie Holland and Marsha Poor.

MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino has again pledged to match up to one-third of donations, up to $15,000, to this year's Commonwealth of Massachusetts Employees Charitable Campaign (COMECC) and he's offering the eight employees who contribute the highest percentage of their salary premier, reserved parking for the 2008-09 academic year.

The president announced that this year's goal is to raise $56,500, up from last year's total of $49,367. He is also urging employees to reach 100-percent participation this year.

Contributions to the campaign, he said, are a powerful investment in the community on a scale that can't be achieved by one individual or organization alone. "Participation at any level will make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors and friends."

Donations that are made directly to the Community Impact Fund of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts go directly to the top health and human service priorities in our region, Asquino said. Employees who donate $156 or more to the Community Impact Fund - the equivalent of $3 a week - will receive a Caring Club Card. Cardholders will receive discounts at participating local businesses on merchandise, food, entertainment and services.

"There are a number of people in our communities in need of assistance and this campaign is a way that we can collectively make an impact," said Diane Ruksnaitis, associate vice president of human resources.

COMECC pledge forms and a booklet describing services provided by COMECC agencies recently were sent to all employees. Those who wish to contribute are asked to return their completed pledge form to Payroll/Benefits Manager Connie Helstowski in the Human Resources office by Friday, Nov. 30.

In addition, employees can contribute to the campaign by participating in a raffle to win one of several themed gift baskets during the week of Nov. 9 - 16, by buying treats at the COMECC bake sale on Nov. 13 and by participating in Denim Days, held on Fridays through Dec. 21.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION BEGINS ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

The Student Government Association began its annual Thanksgiving food drive this week to benefit MWCC students in need of assistance. The office of Student Life reports that the number of names submitted to receive baskets this year has significantly increased, creating an even greater need for contributions.

Donations of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, cereals and boxed desserts, can be placed in a grocery cart located on the first floor of the Gardner campus, or delivered to the Student Life office in room 151. Monetary donations are also being accepted to go toward the pruchase of gift certificates to Stop & Shop. Each student on the list will receive a $20 gift certificate to be used to purchase a turkey, vegetables and other perishable food, as well as a box filled with non-perishable items. After filling the baskets, remaining food items will be donated to the Gardner Community Action Committee food pantry.

Donations are being accepted through Nov. 16. For more information, contact Sandra Arsenault at (978) 630-9133 or sarsenault@mwcc.mass.edu

More MWCC News:

• MWCC's Center for Democracy and Humanity and The Gardner News co-sponsored a Gardner mayoral debate on Oct. 29 in the Commons area. Incumbent Gerald St. Hilaire, right, and challenger Mark Hawke, left, shared their views before an audience of more than 150 city residents. The debate was moderated by Lea Ann Erickson, associate vice president of public affairs. Panelists posing questions to the candidates included MWCC students Ashley Gough, editor of The Mount Observer, and Nate Kaddish, president of the Legal Studies Club; and Andres Caamano, assistant editor of The Gardner News.

  The Fall Film Series 2007: Documenting Society continues on Wednesday, Nov. 7 with the documentary The Ground Truth. The film runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the North Cafeteria. The Ground Truth has been hailed as "powerful" and "quietly unflinching." The film's subjects are patriotic young Americans who heeded the call for military service in Iraq. The war, depicted with ferocious honesty in the film, is a prelude for the even more challenging battles fought by the soldiers returning home and their struggle to reintegrate with families and communities.
• Laird Schaub of CANBRIDGE Consulting, a nationally recognized expert in group dynamics, will lead a workshop on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster. The workshop, "Delegating to Teams: Getting the Work Done Collaboratively,” is sponsored by MWCC's Institute for Nonprofit Development in partnership with Sawyer Hill EcoVillage and the Trustees of Reservations. The cost is $40. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. and a light breakfast will be served. Child care will be available for children ages 3 to 13, with an on-site nature oriented arts and crafts program coordinated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Seating is limited. For more information or to register, contact INPD Capacity Building Coordinator Jennifer Wiley-Cordone at (978) 840-3221 x 199.
• The American Red Cross will conduct a Blood Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Commons Area. Stop by the Health Services Office, room 133, to register or call Diane King or Marianne Stoy at (978) 630-9136. Walk-ins are welcome.
• MWCC's Student Services Division is accepting heart-themed ornaments through Nov. 8 for the college's contributition to the Gardner Museum's third annual Festival of Trees. The theme of the MWCC tree is "From the Heart" and is being presented in memory of colleague Lee Cogswell. The color scheme for the tree is white, clear glass and burgundy. The tree will be among 67 trees on display Nov. 15 - Dec. 8 at the museum before being raffled off as part of this fundraising program. The college is one of several sponsors of the event. All donations of decorations or cash donations for the purchase of decorations may be made directly to the Student Services office.

• Worcester artist Judith Ferrara, with husband, John Gaumond, and their friend Cathy Egan, spoke about her oil paintings during a recent reception in the East Wing Gallery of the Raymond M. LaFontaine Fine Arts Center. The exhibit, "Kinship with Rocks," runs through Nov. 16.

  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: Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. in OBS Conference Room at Heywood Hospital; Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing: Nov. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 241, and at the Leominster campus on Nov. 15 from 1 to 2 p.m.; A.S. Nursing: Nov. 13 and Dec. 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 125; Practical Nursing Certificate program: Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 125; Complementary Health Care: Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 258; Dental Hygiene: Dec. 5 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gardner campus, room 125. 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
• East meets West when Rodgers and Hammerstein's lush and beautiful musical, The King and I, comes to Theatre at the Mount. This cherished classic follows an English schoolteacher and her son on their incredible journey to the court of the King of Siam. The immortal score includes Getting to Know You, I Have Dreamed, Shall We Dance, and Hello Young Lovers. Performances are Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for evening performances and $15 for matinees. For reservations and information, call the TAM box office at 978-632-2403 or buy tickets online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu
• Friday, Dec. 7 is College Night at the Worcester Sharks' hockey game at the DCU Center in Worcester. MWCC students, faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends can purchase tickets for the 7 p.m. game at just $9 each - about half the regular price - and watch the Sharks take on the Manchester Monarchs. The event is sponsored by the MWCC Alumni Association. For information or tickets, contact Carol Cullins, director of alumni affairs, at (978) 630-9594 or ccullins@mwcc.mass.edu