Mount Wachusett Community College e-News

Monday, Nov. 9, 2009

 

MWCC Foundation Recognizes 2009 Citizens of the Year

By Janice O'Connor

MWCC Foundation, Inc. honored its 2009 Harold E. Drake, Jr. Citizens of the Year. From left Jay Davis Drake, MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino, Paul Gauvin, Foundation Executive Director Darlene Morrilly, Paul Huhtala, David Huhtala, Foundation Co-chair William E, Aubuchon III (Photo by Dana Armstrong)

During its annual dinner on Nov. 4, the Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation, Inc. honored Fitchburg businessman J. Paul Gauvin as the 2009 Harold E. Drake, Jr. Citizen of the Year and the Huhtala Oil Company of East Templeton as the 2009 Harold E. Drake, Jr. Corporate Citizen of the Year.

The Harold E. Drake, Jr. Citizen of the Year Award is presented in memory of Harold E. Drake, treasurer and former president of Royal Steam Heater Co. and Lynde Hardware & Supply, Inc. The award recognizes community members who exemplify Mr. Drake’s extraordinary commitment to the North Central Massachusetts region.

The celebration, held at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner, also recognized outgoing Board of Trustees Chairman Jay Davis Drake for his years of service to the MWCC. The college boardroom will be named in his honor.

Outstanding students who receive foundation scholarships also were recognized. Student Government Association President Bryan Klink, the first recipient of the new Peter J. Trainor Leadership Award, delivered the student address. The event also featured a performance by cast members of Theatre at the Mount’s upcoming production of the musical Peter Pan.

The Huhtala Oil Company is a third-generation, family-owned business established in 1945 to serve customers throughout North Worcester County, and is now owned by brothers David and Paul Huhtala. Lifelong residents of Templeton, Paul and David Huhtala and their families are active volunteers in the community.

Over the past 15 years, the Huhtala Oil charity golf tournament has raised more than $200,000 for local food pantries serving those in need. In addition, the company supports charitable golf tournaments for the Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Lions Clubs, Montachusett Home Care, Mount Wachusett Community College and other area schools. The company also contributes annually to the Jimmy Fund for cancer research, the Gardner Relay for Life walk, the Narragansett Regional High School football team, the Gardner Rotary Club, the Templeton Lions Club, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, area churches and many other organizations.

Gauvin is president of Henri Enterprises, a business started by his father in 1950 that now comprises the Henri School of Hair Design and W.S. Beauty Supply. For the past 20 years, Gauvin and his children have volunteered to deliver holiday dinners to the elderly and shut-ins on Christmas morning through the Salvation Army’s Meals on Wheels program. He has served on the Salvation Army Montachusett Corps advisory board for the past 20 years, including the past 10 as chairman.

Gauvin also serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Center for Well Being, and on the boards of the Crocker Field Restoration Committee, the North Central Chamber of Commerce, Workers’ Credit Union, and the Thayer Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he has been a member of the Rotary Club of Fitchburg for 35 years. He also serves on the finance committee of Sacred Heart Parish in West Fitchburg, where he is also a Eucharistic minister.

MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino congratulated the award recipients, and addressed the gathering of nearly 300 business and community leaders, students and other advocates of the college.

“Historically, Massachusetts community colleges faced an uphill battle from the start, and the current economic situation is no less daunting. However, you are the reason I am optimistic about the role of Mount Wachusett Community College in the community during these difficult economic times. With your continued assistance and with our resolve, I see a bright future for MWCC.” He outlined four themes that define the college’s future, including innovation, optimization, driving change and achieving balance.

Klink, a 2009 graduate who is enrolled in the “3 Plus One” business degree program with Nichols College, described how MWCC has changed his life by giving him direction. He also reflected on the significance of receiving the award established in honor of the late Peter Trainor, former Vice President of Academic Affairs, dean and professor at MWCC for nearly four decades.

“I couldn’t be more honored to be the first recipient of this award. This is an award honoring a man who dedicated his life to helping students as well as people in the community…To receive an award honoring a man who made such a difference in the lives of so many has really motivated me to keep going.”

MWCC Auto Club Rolls on to Campus

MWCC Auto Club officers are, from left: Dave Lester, treasurer; Tom Greim, special projects committee officer; Marcus Goodwin, vice president; Brandon Drakos, secretary; and Kevin Finch, president. (Photo by Dana Laha)

With job prospects in their chosen profession considered virtually recession-proof, students enrolled in MWCC’s Automotive Technology programs have something else to get revved up about: a new student club for car enthusiasts.

Launched this semester, the MWCC Auto Club already has more than 20 members who meet weekly on Wednesday evenings to discuss club business, followed by an open shop to work on a variety of mechanical projects.

“One of my main goals was to shed a little more light on the automotive program,” said club president Kevin Finch, who has earned a certificate and is now working toward an associate degree in the program. “We also want to provide a service to the students, faculty and staff.”

As a service learning project this fall, club members plan to operate a tire and light safety check in the automotive garage for the college community. In addition, the club is collaborating with the Gardner Lions Club to host a classic car show in the spring with proceeds benefiting local charities.

During the weekly meetings and open shop, the students get to experience projects they wouldn’t necessarily see in class, explained Associate Professor Paul Seeley, the club’s advisor. “One student is working on the intercooler on his turbocharger, so that was of special interest to this group.”

Even in today’s challenging economic times, the field of automotive repair continues to be bright. The U.S. Department of Labor reports strong job growth in the field of automotive service technology. Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, compared to 10 percent for all occupations.

In addition to traditional automotive jobs, recent MWCC graduates also find a variety of job opportunities because of their technical abilities, including working on oil rigs and as machine mechanics in factories, Seeley said. Others work in the parts industry, as service writers and managers, in addition to working as an automotive technician or becoming shop owners themselves.

“There are a lot of places for our graduates to go once they leave here. There are just so many job opportunities. People don’t realize where they can go from here. You’re not limited to working on cars.”

Students enrolling in MWCC’s automotive technology programs have two options of study: the certificate, which can be completed in one year, and the associate degree, which can be completed in two years. Completion of either program prepares students for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests. The associate degree program covers all aspects of the certificate program, with the expanded option of taking core business courses.

MWCC’s automotive programs are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This designation assures that MWCC’s programs meet and/or exceed national industry-wide standards of excellence.

As nationally certified ASE trained technicians, MWCC’s automotive program graduates are often more employable. “This credential definitely helps our students once they graduate, said Professor Peter Kaufmann. “Employers know exactly what skills our students have mastered.”

MWCC Wins Three NCMPR Awards for Communications Excellence

The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), District 1, has awarded three Medallion Awards for excellence in communications to Mount Wachusett Community College.

The college received a silver medallion award in the Electronic Media Presentation category for its virtual tour www.mwcc.edu/tour.html, which features nine videos on different aspects of the college including general information, academics, technology, workforce development, student life and student services. The tour, spearheaded by Director of Marketing Nichole Carter, is linked from the college’s homepage and the “Become a Student” page, and is also on MWCC’s facebook page.

MWCC also received a silver medallion award in the Logo Design category for a logo created for the MWCC Foundation by MWCC Web Coordinator Dana Armstrong. The logo is derived from the college’s primary blue and green logo, but incorporates an environmental theme by replacing the solid blocks of color with photos of the sky and grass.

MWCC received a bronze medallion award in the Community Relations category for a legislative advocacy project created by the Division of Advancement and Community Relations, the LaChance Library, the Center for Democracy & Humanity, the political science department and the student life office. Due to the poor economy and recent state budget cuts, the partners worked together to educate the college community about the Commonwealth budget process and to encourage students to contact their state legislators to thank them for their support of the community colleges and MWCC in particular.

The awards were announced during the District 1 conference Nov. 1-3 in Atlantic City, N.J. The district encompasses the community, technical and junior colleges in the Eastern United States from Maine to the District of Columbia, as well as the Maritime Providences of Canada. An affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges, the NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges.

PETER PAN at Theatre at the Mount

By Gail Steele

Peter Pan, presented by Theatre at the Mount, will fly into Gardner for six performances beginning Thanksgiving weekend. First produced on Broadway with Mary Martin and recently a major hit starring Cathy Rigby, Peter Pan is one of the world’s most celebrated musicals.

This musical will offer all the charm of J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, the children Wendy, Michael and John, Pirates and Indians, embellished with show-stopping songs like “Neverland,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and “I’m Flying.”

Speaking of flying, the magic of Peter Pan center on the flying scenes and Theatre at the Mount has hired ZFX Flying Effects, a Louisville-based company that specializes in creating “flight” for theatrical productions. The flying sequences are choreographed by ZFX technicians and allow Peter Pan and the children to soar over the stage and even over the audience.
Starring in the title role is Clinton resident Trish Aponte. She is joined in the cast by Matt Dombroski as Captain Hook, Tim Murphy as Smee, Katrina Caouette as Tiger Lily, Nicole Kirrane as Mrs. Darling, Audrey Clark as Wendy, Alex Pickering as John, Tyler Moran as Michael and a host of Pirates, Indians and Lost Boys.

Performances are November 27, 28, December 4, 5 at 8 p.m. and November 29 and December 6 at 2 p.m. (The November 29 performance is sold out). Tickets are $20 for evenings and $15 for matinees (children 16 and under are $10). For reservations and information call the TAM Box Office at 978 632-2403 or purchase tickets online at http://theatre.mwcc.edu

More MWCC News:

• Author Genevieve Thomson Fraser will present a talk on her World War II action adventure, “In the Claw of the Tiger,” on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lower level of the LaChance Library, room 071. The event is free and open to the public. "In the Claw of the Tiger" is a nonfiction novel based on the true story of Athol resident Franklin "Porky" LaCoste, a survivor of the Bataan Death March and POW camps in the Philippines and Japan. Porky joined the Army Air Corps in October ,1940 with six high school buddies out for a good time, adventure, and an escape from their Depression-era hometowns. Determined to go to Hawaii and the Philippines, they live a life straight out of their fantasies - until December 7, 1941 changed their lives forever when Japan attacked Hawaii and soon afterwards U.S. outposts in the Philippines.
  
  
• Mount Wachusett Community College recently started the strategic planning process to develop a new, three-year Strategic Plan for fiscal year 2011 – 2013. To inform and enrich this planning effort, a quick and simple survey has been designed to provide faculty, staff, a sampling of students and alumni as well as community members, an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas regarding institutional strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement; service region opportunities and needs; major external and internal threats; and potential strategic priorities. Please take this opportunity to provide your input by completing the survey by Friday, Nov. 20. All results will be aggregated/summarized and will serve as an essential foundation for the Strategic Planning Team’s deliberations during the months ahead. To complete the survey, please click on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Y3GUNQJPyMLpp1k4vWpaww_3d_3d
  
  
• The Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation is sponsoring an MWCC Alumni Auction November 1 through December 1. During that time, the auction can be accessed at http://www.mwccfoundation.cmarket.com MWCC alumni and friends will receive emails about the auction, and can forward the email to invite an unlimited number of guests to take part. Using software provided by cMarket, Inc., an organization with a focus on serving nonprofit organizations, and thanks to the generosity of donors, the auction will include a variety of items. Money raised through the auction will go toward meeting a donor challenge of $25,000. Donations of items are still being accepted. For more information, contact Bonnie Herrick at (978) 630-9176 or bonnie@jnbassociates.com
  
  

• “Things We Like,” a mixed media collage, will be among the new works by artist Brad Spavin on exhibit in the East Wing Gallery through Dec. 4.

  “Memetic Transfusion,” an exhibit of icons, idols and other novel mythologies by Watertown artist Brad Spavin will be on exhibit Nov. 1 through December 4 in the East Wing Gallery of the Raymond M. Lafontaine Fine Arts Center. An artist’s talk will take place Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 12:30 p.m. in the gallery. Spavin’s works have been exhibited in numerous galleries, including the Cambridge Center for the Arts, the Newport Center for the Arts in Newport, N.H., and the Gallery Egel in the Netherlands. He earned a bachelor of fine arts from Tufts University in affiliation with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and a Master of Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery will be closed Nov. 11, 26 and 27.
  
  
• In recognition of the month of November as “Hunger and Homelessness Month,” The Green Street Café and the Center for Democracy & Humanity are sponsoring the Green Street Café Community Dinner on Friday, Nov. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the South Café to serve a delicious meal to those in need in the community. There is no charge for the dinner, but attendees are asked to bring a canned food item to support the Student Government Association’s annual food drive. For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, contact the Center for Democracy & Humanity at (978) 630-9595.
  
  
• An American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Commons area. Donors may register in the Health Services office, room 133, or call ext. 136. Walk-ins are welcome.
  
  
• The Advising and Counseling Center is seeking nominations for some of the country's largest scholarship programs available to community college students. The opportunities include scholarships provided by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which awards $30,000 annually to 50 recipients to help community college students and alumni pursue a bachelor's degree, and the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, which awards $7,500 annually to students interested in a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Interested students may schedule a scholarship advising meeting with Transfer Planning Services by contacting Dawn Fontaine at (978) 630-9568 or dfontaine@mwcc.mass.edu More information about these and other transfer scholarship opportunities can be found by visiting: http://www.mwcc.edu/services/transfer/resources.html
  
  
• The enrollment center is offering Information Sessions on a number of academic programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on the following dates: Associate Degree Nursing Program: Nov. 17 from 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Practical Nursing Certificate: Dec. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Dental Hygiene: Nov. 4 from 2 to 3 p.m., Gardner campus, Wetmore Wing, room 12; Complementary Health Care: Nov. 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Enrollment Center; Clinical Laboratory Science: Nov. 18 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Heywood Hospital, Laboratory Education Area. 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 all other information sessions are asked to call the Enrollment Center at (978) 630-9110 (TTY (978) 632-4916), or send an email to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu