2013 - Page 7 of 23

NECC Fund Grants Enhance Student Experience

September 25, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

NECC Fund Grants Enhance NECC Student Experience

NECC Professor Jim Sullivan demonstrating a Smart Pen

What do mountain bikes, a prestigious poet, and Smart Pen technology have in common? They were all provided to the NECC community this spring through grants from Institutional Advancement and the NECC Fund.

This year, 17 requests for funds were submitted by faculty and staff for programs, items, or services that enhance the experience of the NECC student—and over $15,000 was awarded to 10 recipients.

Among this year’s grants is $2,000 for 12 mountain bikes to be used for the General Studies: Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Sport Studies Program’s Adventure Education class. According to Rob Parker, coordinator of sport fitness and leisure studies, the goal of the course is to give students the skills to succeed in the adventure education marketplace. The addition of the mountain bikes will provide students with hands-on lessons on fitting a bike for an individual and fixing a bike on the go. Students will also be exposed to various trail-riding tips.

Also awarded this year, is $2,000 to Enrollment Management and Student Services to engage Poet Richard Blanco as a White Fund lecturer for the fall 2013 series. Blanco was chosen by President Obama to write and read an original poem, which Blanco entitled “One Today,” during the President’s swearing-in ceremony of his 2013 inauguration. He also participated in the star-studded “Boston Strong: An Evening of Support and Celebration.” In his presentation, “What it Means to be an American,” Blanco will share his poetry and inspirations with the NECC Community. The event is scheduled for September 24 from 8:45 to 10 a.m.

A $645 grant, awarded to Jim Sullivan and Academic Preparation/ Foundational Studies and Liberal Arts and Sciences Division (FSLAS), provides math faculty with Smart Pen technology. This program allows faculty to create digital lessons that can be stored in Blackboard and used in traditional, online, and hybrid courses. Five Smart Pens and special magnetized paper were purchased with the grant. According to Sullivan, the technology allows students to see and hear a professor run through a math problem using the magnetized paper to record what is written and the pen’s built-in speaker to record voice. Captured information can then be downloaded onto a computer for later use. The program will initially be rolled out to faculty teaching developmental math, but all math faculty will have the opportunity to participate in a demonstration of the technology.

Other grants awarded include:
• $2,100 for iclicker2 remotes and an instructor console to provide this technology on both the Haverhill and Lawrence Campuses – Dina Brown, Student Engagement Center
• $1,500 to support the 2013-2014 Hispanic Cultural Enrichment Program – Gisela Nash, Access & Community Building
• $2,250 to allow the art space to expand on their offerings by bringing to campus two or three internationally recognized artists of stature who would present public lectures and conduct Master Classes for NECC students – Marc Mannheimer, Art & Design
• $2,959.50 to purchase two classroom kits of Arduino microcontrollers and supporting material – Michael Penta, CIS
• $600 for three student stipends/scholarships for participating in a project sponsored by the Division of FSLAS – Patricia Machado, Global Studies
• $675 to institute the Smart Pen Technology Program which will give math faculty the ability to create digital lessons that can be stored in Blackboard – Academic Preparation/FSLAS
• $1,000 in funding assistance for Parnassus, NECC’s literary magazine – Patrick Lochelt, English Department

With a focus on improving the student experience at NECC, the NECC Fund provides scholarship awards to students, program grants to faculty and staff, and support for the college’s endowment. Over its nine-year existence, the NECC Fund has provided over $175,000 in support to academic and student programs.

Each year, faculty and staff are invited to submit an application for grants that will enhance the NECC student experience. Applicants provide a brief description of the proposed program and how it will benefit NECC students. Recipients are chosen by NECC President Lane Glenn and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Jean Poth. If you are interested in applying for a NECC Fund grant, applications will be available beginning in February. Applications are due in late March.

The NECC Fund relies on individuals, businesses, and the community at-large to contribute to the NECC Fund and help make a difference in our students’ successes. To contribute, visit the NECC Fund website at www.necc.mass.edu/giving and click “donate now.”

NECC to Host College Fair

September 23, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

Northern Essex Community College will once again host the New England Association of College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) Fair on Sunday, October 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Sports and Fitness Center on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St., exit 52 off Rte. 495. Approximately 150 colleges and universities from around the country will be participating in this year’s fair.

This event, which is free and open to the public, will be co-hosted by the Greater Newburyport College Night Association, consisting of the school districts of Amesbury, Georgetown, Newburyport, Pentucket, and Triton Regional Schools.

“We are encouraging anyone who is considering college to attend,” said Jill Palermo, Northern Essex Enrollment Services. “It’s a great way to connect with college admissions counselors and learn more about individual colleges.”

For a list of colleges and universities that are scheduled to participate please visit here. https://www.necc.mass.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/NEACAC-College-Fair.pdf
For more information, please contact Enrollment Services at 978-556-3735 or admissions@necc.mass.edu.

Lending a Helping Hand Leads to Career in Emergency Medicine

September 23, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

Seth Rohrer enrolled in NECC's associate degree in paramedic technology

A young friend’s open heart surgery prompted Seth Rohrer to embark on a career path
in emergency medicine. Northern Essex helped him to continue on that route.

The 23-year-old Lowell resident graduated from Lowell High School in 2007. He enrolled in UMass Lowell where he studied the jazz piano for a few years. Although he had played the piano since he was five, Seth found that, for him, turning an avocation into a vocation took away the magic.

While he lost interest in studying music, he had even less interest in the medical field. When a close friend underwent open heart surgery and Seth took care of him for the week he was hospitalized, that all changed. Seth surprised himself at just how interested and comfortable he was in a medical environment. He went on to complete a basic EMT program and was hired by Patriot Ambulance.

“I immediately thought it was great. It is an adrenal rush,” he says. “I like having the opportunity to provide assistance to people. I found out I am pretty good at it.”

Once he started gaining field experience, Seth was encouraged to earn his paramedic certification. He enrolled in NECC’s associate degree in paramedic technology.

“I have co-workers who took the Northern Essex Paramedic Program and spoke highly of it,” he says. “Plus, it was definitely the most affordable option for opportunity to learn and practice my
skills. The instructors are very dedicated.” He says the additional education is providing him with the skills necessary to give his patients the best emergency care in a pre-hospital setting.

Seth graduates next year and hopes to continue his studies and earn his bachelor’s in nursing.

Program Changes Bring Music to Many Ears

September 19, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

The NECC Chorus, under the direction of Professor Alisa Bucchiere, is one of the many ensembles NECC music majors will have the opportunity to join under the new music program requirements.

Changes to the Northern Essex music program, designed to better prepare graduates of the associate degree program for transferring into a four-year program, is giving a boost to the college’s various music ensembles.

Students enrolled in the associate in art degree: music option program are now required to take private instrumental or voice lessons and participate in one of the college’s music ensembles every semester. Private music lessons are available from NECC faculty for piano, guitar, voice, all brass instruments, all string instruments, all woodwind instruments, and percussion. Additional adjunct music faculty have been hired to accommodate all music students. The students can select from NECC’s chorus, chamber chorus, concert band, jazz/rock ensemble, and small ensembles class.

According to Ken Langer, NECC Music Program coordinator, every four-year music program requires students to take private lessons as well as participate in the institution’s ensembles.

“The goal of the NECC Music Program has been to be a program equal in quality and depth to the first two years of most four-year music programs and it has taken another few steps closer to that vision,” he said.
With these requirements in place, Langer said, NECC music program graduates can now transfer into UMass Lowell’s music program as a junior.

An added benefit of the changes is that the various ensembles will appreciate an increase in participation. Larger ensembles should mean more robust performances, according to Langer, so both the music students and college community benefit from the changes.

Over the past few years the NECC music program has raised its profile and for the past two years has been at maximum capacity.

NECC Tutoring Center Helped Alumna Succeed

September 18, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

Jesse Gutierrez

If Northern Essex alumna Jesse Gutierrez could impart one bit of advice on incoming students, she would tell them to get comfortable in the NECC Tutoring Center.

“Start doing your homework in the tutoring center,” the now 21-year-old College of the
Atlantic (COA) student says. “If you have a question, the tutors are right there to help.
And, you will make great friends.”

The Kingston, New Hampshire native admits to using the tutoring centers on the Haverhill
and Lawrence Campuses regularly for both her math and chemistry assignments. Jesse graduated with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts in December 2012.

Jesse was a student at Northern Essex before she had even donned her cap and gown for Sanborn Regional High School’s graduation. Under dual enrollment, she earned both high school and college credit for courses taught by NECC faculty.

“I was able to take five courses at NECC while still enrolled in high school, allowing me to
fulfill the credits I needed to graduate while getting a jump-start on earning my associate degree,” she says. “NECC offers online courses which were perfect for me to take while still
in high school.”

Another perk, says the human ecology major at COA, is that NECC credits were transferable to most four-year institutions. Northern Essex, she says, is where she discovered what she loves — wildlife conservation research. She encourages others to use the college to discover what they love.

“Take advantage of what NECC offers,” she says.

One day she hopes to work in wildlife conservation research biology, collecting data in the field while living and learning about different cultures and the needs of their environments.

September 2013 Trustees Report

September 16, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

Academic Affairs Unveils Changes in Art Program

Students majoring in art-related fields now need more than an associate degree, according to Bill Heineman, vice president of academic affairs and student activities, which is one of the reasons why the college re-designed its art program.
“Art fields have become very competitive and there’s been a shift away from print media toward multi-media,” he told trustees, before introducing Shar Wolff, assistant dean of technology, arts and professional studies, who shared details of the new curriculum.
As of this fall, art students will major in General Studies: Art with a choice of four focus areas including fine arts, visual communication (formerly graphic design), multimedia and, for the first time, photography.
“We wanted more flexibility in the curriculum,” explained Wolf. “Art majors now have only four required courses; the rest of the program is program electives.”

Emily Ramirez is the New Student Trustee

President Lane Glenn introduced Emily Ramirez, an engineering science major from Lawrence, who works 30 hours a week for Microsoft, while studying full-time and playing a leadership role on campus.
The former president of the Student Senate, Ramirez was elected by her peers to represent them on the board of trustees.
“Being a part of NECC’s Student Senate helped shaped me,” Ramirez said. “I learned a lot about myself and met so many people. I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement with the college as a member of the board of trustees.”

Art & Design Professor Gets Go-Ahead for Semester Sabbatical

Design Professor Trish Kidney will spend the spring semester of 2014 upgrading her graphic design skills as part of a sabbatical which was unanimously approved by the trustees.
Kidney will spend her time taking courses in typography, digital imaging and software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and In-Design.
“I will use these new skills to update and upgrade the courses that I teach,” she wrote in her sabbatical application.
Kidney is also planning to develop an online art course which will be a first for the department.

President has Concerns about the FY14 Budget

Trustees approved a preliminary budget in June before the college’s state budget had been announced and before fall enrollments were known.
At the October meeting, trustees will be asked to approve a supplemental budget, and President Glenn is concerned that it will be “reduced significantly.”
While Northern Essex received a $600,000 increase from the state in the FY14 budget, this funding does not cover all salary increases and other climbing costs. And with enrollments looking flat, the revenue from fees will not be as high as originally budgeted.
In 2012/13, Northern Essex was the third most affordable community college of the state’s 15 community colleges, according to figures posted on the DHE’s website.
“We’re an extremely low cost institution and we’re now paying the price for that,” Glenn told the trustees. “We’ve kept our fees low and that’s not being factored into our state funding.”

Parking Policy is Delayed for a Semester

Implementation of the new parking policy which trustees approved at the June meeting will be delayed until the spring, 2014 semester so the college has more time to communicate the new plan to key audiences including students, faculty and staff, and visitors.

Fifteen New Faces this Fall

Trustees voted unanimously to appoint 15 new full-time employees.
State appropriated professional staff included Brian Knoth, assistant professor, art & design; Kathleen Holmes, assistant professor, behavioral sciences; Wendy Leeman, assistant professor, developmental reading; Sharon Hamel, instructor, nursing; Adrianne Holden-Gouveia, assistant professor, computer information sciences; Christopher Firth, web integration specialist, information technology services; Linda Meccouri, dean of professional development; Catherine Aronoff, assistant librarian*; Erin Galvin, staff assistant, administration and finance; Elisabeth Leekley, reference librarian**; and Ashley Bragger, staff assistant, enrollment management/student services**.
State appropriated classified positions included Sharon Schoolcraft, administrative assistant I, corporate & community education; Sarah Comiskey, administrative assistant I, institutional advancement; Linda Fagan, administrative assistant I, foundational studies & liberal arts & sciences*; and Theresa Mullin, EDP systems analyst IV, information technology.
*from part-time to full-time status
**temporary appointment

NECC Professor Provides Insight on Vampire Allure

September 13, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

NECC Professor Tom Greene

Tom Greene, assistant professor of English at Northern Essex Community College, will discuss the topic “Why are Vampires Sexy?” in an upcoming presentation at the Tewksbury Public Library, 300 Chandler Street, on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. This presentation is free and open to the public.

Vampires have long fascinated the English-speaking world, beginning with Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, published more than a hundred years ago, which spawned an entire genre of tales about night-walkers who drink the blood of the living. What is it about vampires that has kept people so deeply enthralled? Tom Greene will outline the evolution of the modern vampire legend and reveal how vampires captivate us by addressing not only our deepest fears, but also our most secret desires.

Dr. Greene, who received his Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and his doctorate in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, specializes in Victorian Literature and Cultural Studies. A Salem resident, Greene also works part time as a ghost tour guide.

This presentation is part of Northern Essex Community College’s Speaker’s Bureau.

For more information on topics or to request a speaker, visit the website at https://www.necc.mass.edu/community-engagement/speakers-bureau/ or call Ernie Greenslade, Marketing Communications, at 978-556-3862.
For more information on the Tewksbury Library presentation, call 978-640-4490 x 205 or go to https://www.tewksburypl.org.

NECC Professor Offers Poetry Workshop

September 12, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

English Professor Ginger Hurajt

Northern Essex English professor and Haverhill resident Ginger Hurajt will teach a one-night poetry workshop titled “A Moment in Time” on Monday, November 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Milhendler Room at the Haverhill Public Library.

This is free and open to the public. There are 30 seats available.

Hurajt, a popular professor in the English department regularly teaches Poetry as Literature, Creative Writing Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction, as well as composition and other literature courses. She is a member of the NECC Poetry Group, a writing group that meets monthly and whose work was profiled in Parnassus, the college’s literary magazine.

Her poetry workshop explores this medium using mindfulness and reflection.

“Every poem contains part of the world,” she says. “The writer’s task is to make close observations and find the language to bring a story or an image to the page. How can we become better observers and writers? By using mindfulness and reflection we will create stronger “moments” of poetry. We will look at the work of master poets, and write and share our own short poems.”

Participants should come armed with paper and a pen or pencil.

Hurajt is known within the NECC community for her commitment to expanding the world view for her students. She regularly introduces special topic courses that introduce NECC students to different educational experiences.

Last year she offered a class – The Graphic Novel which explored the increasingly popular genre of graphic novels as literature. The graphic novel, which evolved in the late 1970s, has roots back to the 1920s and 1930s.

Hurajt discovered graphic novels as a teen and immediately appreciated their place in literature. She was eager to share her interest in graphic novels with NECC students.

This presentation is part of the college’s speakers’ bureau which provides speakers free of charge to area nonprofits.

For more information visit the website https://www.necc.mass.edu/community-engagement/speakers-bureau/ or contact Ernie Greenslade, Marketing Communications, 978 556-3862 or egreenslade@necc.mass.edu.

For more information on the presentation at the Haverhill Public Library, call Sarah Moser at 978-373-1586 or smoser@mvlc.org.

Lawrence Man Balances School and Work

September 11, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

Emmanuel "Manny" Bernabe

Lawrence native and Northern Essex Community College graduate Emmanuel “Manny” Bernabe could teach a course on how to balance work and college life.

For the past six years, the 26-year-old has worked as a full-time security guard at NECC’s
Lawrence Campus, where everybody knows his name. He is also on call for a part-time security position and manages to take two, three, and sometimes four college courses each semester.

A 2004 graduate of Lawrence High School, Manny knew he wanted to attend NECC because it was what he could afford and where he could explore academics. Since he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to study, he figured Northern Essex was the best place to experiment with majors. First he studied physical fitness and then psychology. But when he enrolled in a Physics I course, everything changed.

“I just really liked it. I connected with it. Then I knew I wanted to major in physical science and eventually computer engineering,” he says.

“All the faculty and staff were really helpful and the tuition was affordable,” he says. “It allowed me to save money so I could transfer to a four-year school. It wasn’t easy, but I learned not to procrastinate and to budget my time.”

Manny currently attends UMass Lowell where he is studying computer engineering and computer science.

His second favorite subject is English literature which is admirable for someone raised in
a Spanish-speaking household who didn’t learn English until he was in the first grade.

“It took a lot of practicing, reading, and researching,” he says, “but I never gave up. I had
a lot of faculty motivate me to never give up.”

Eventually, Manny says, he would like to work on an engineering team designing the latest cell phone or computer.

Maine Artist Exhibits in the ArtSpace

September 9, 2013/in Archive/by Angela Tournas

Mortal Shift: Archival Photographic Print

Maine artist Paul Oberst, presents his large scale art installation titled “Banded/Cornered/Assembled” at Northern Essex Community College’s Bentley Library ArtSpace on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. from Sept 4 through Oct. 12. There is an opening reception Thursday, Sept. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m.

“This show is an exploration of the NECC gallery with elements brought into the space to reconfigure and activate the environment,” says Oberst who resides in Freedom, Maine. “Though I work in a variety of media, I have done site-specific installations, several in the Boston area and lately have explored more and more indoor and exterior environments. A common challenge in all the work is how to make the maximum impact with the least amount of resources.”

Ceremonial Fount: Copper/Acrylic on Wood, 2013

An honors graduate of Centre College with a degree in Studio Art, he was an Arts Fellow from 1982 to 1984 at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA. He has numerous awards and commissions.

Most recently he created the stage backdrop installation for the Boston Jazz Festival organized by Steve Provisor, Emerson College Theatre in Boston. One of his most recent exhibits was “Maze,” another site specific sculpture commission for Summer Arts Festival, DeCordova Museum and Dana Park in Lincoln. He had a solo exhibit titled “Big Top,” at the Perimeter Gallery, in Belfast, Maine in April and May of 2013.

“For years, I have been developing an architectural passage for the spirit that is at once metaphysical and metaphorical… Two photographs in the show are explorations of these banded characters with one figurative and one abstract. The show’s three sculptural installations bring to bear accumulated efforts at delineating the lines between drawing, painting, sculpture, the playful, the curious, the mysterious and the very architecture of space,” he says.

The Bentley Library – ArtSpace is open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday, 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.