Justin Merced is a liberal arts major with concentrations in biology and creative writing

When Justin Merced of Lawrence enrolled at Northern Essex, he was interested in the academics, of course, but he also was looking for a full college experience. He wanted extra-curricular activities that would help him develop his leadership skills, meet other
students, and motivate him to stay physically active.

“I searched the Northern Essex website and found out what I could join,” he says. “One of the things that I appreciate most about Northern Essex is the amount of
activities offered to students.

”Since arriving at Northern Essex a year and a half ago, Justin served as vice president of the student senate; was the student representative on the All College
Assembly, an advisory board to the president; and ran weekly with the President’s Running Club.

An Army veteran who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq, Justin is also a leader in the college’s Veterans’ Club. Last fall, thanks in large part to his hard work, the college had a very successful Veterans’ Appreciation Day Luncheon.

Academically, Justin has excelled at Northern Essex, too, earning a near-perfect 3.95 GPA in his major, which is liberal arts with concentrations in biology and creative writing. He’s a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society, and participates in the Honors Experience, a rigorous program for motivated students that’s affiliated with the UMass Commonwealth Honors Program.

Earning excellent grades is important if Justin is going to achieve his goals. After serving as a medic in the military, he decided medicine was the perfect fit for him career-wise. He plans to earn a four-year degree and eventually enroll in medical school.

NECC student interns Nick Mazzone and Esther Nieves with Bill Moynihan on right, chair of the NECC Board of Trustees.

In just two semesters Northern Essex Community College’s internship program has nearly doubled in size. The program started last spring when 11 business and journalism/communication students were placed in internships. This fall with the addition of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) students, 19 students participated.

Students work a minimum requirement of 14 hours per week over the course of a 12-week semester while earning three college credits.

Ashley Moore, the internship program coordinator, recognizes how important internships are for student success. “Internship experience is incredibly valuable to job seekers. Internship opportunities in college allow students to gain real world experience and to solidify their future career goals,” she says.

NECC CIS Prof Adrianna Holden-Gouveia; NECC intern employer Cecilia Buckles, Advertising That Works; intern Matthew Sibley, business major; and Bill Moynihan, chair, NECC Board of Trustee

The number of students hearing about the program is increasing. Moore already has 30 students looking for placement for spring semester, which will be the third semester of the program.

“After the success of the first pilot in Spring 2014, we anticipated the word to spread. We are very pleased to see the program’s growth and the increased interest from students at NECC. We are looking forward to continuing to expand our quality internship experience to more students and employers,” says Moore.

During the past two semesters the program has had 18 employer partners participate in offering internship opportunities for NECC students.

Throughout the course of the Internship program students acquire many skills, including professionalism in the work place, emailing and cell phone etiquette, dressing for success; improved verbal and written communication skills through journaling and attending a business etiquette luncheon; improved interview skills by participating in mock interviews; time management; and creating an updated and relevant resume.

NECC interns for fall 14 pose for a photo.

Journalism major Mike Alongi of Haverhill is currently enrolled in the internship II program at NECC and secured a position with The Lowell Sun as a sports writer. Alongi says “having an internship in college gives you a chance to learn on the job while receiving class credit. Internships open doors and opportunities that you didn’t even think existed.”

Esther Nieves, journalism major from Andover is an intern at 98.5 The Sports Hub. “Working for The Sports Hub has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned a lot over the past few months. I’ve developed career skills and a sense of professionalism. Everything I’ve learned will benefit me in my career goals as an aspiring sports broadcaster,” she says.

Students interested in the internship program are initially invited to attend an information session to help them make informed decisions about classes and work schedules. Students then have a mandatory meeting with their faculty coordinator and provide a resume and faculty approval form.

Employers who participate in the internship program assist in the hiring process, approve learning objectives, participate in site visits, and evaluate both the student and program to ensure continued quality.

Businesses and students interested in becoming involved in the NECC internship program should contact Ashley Moore at 978-556-3946 or amoore@necc.mass.edu

NECC theater Professor Jim Murphy will reprise the role of Ebenezer Scrooge during the 15th and final NECC production of “A Christmas Carol”.

For many, “A Christmas Carol” penned by Charles Dickens in 1844 is a quintessential Christmas classic, for anyone associated with the Northern Essex Community College’s adaptation of the beloved play knows it is a tradition…a tradition that after 15 years is coming to an end.

”We began seriously talking about ending it with the 10th version and have discussed doing so each year since,” says NECC theater professor Jim Murphy, who with his wife NECC professor Susan Sanders has made the stage magic happen each year. “The time has come. The end will be accompanied by a myriad of emotions and a flood of glorious memories.”

The curtain will drop December 14 on NECC’s final production of the classic that over the years Murphy and Sanders so cleverly cast with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the community with Murphy himself often taking on the dialogue heavy role of Ebenezer Scrooge while directing the production. Each year, Sanders has overseen the set direction and costuming, as well as appeared in minor roles. Together with precision time-management, they have managed to execute the production in just three weeks.

“What happens at the end of those three weeks, in the span of two hours, is a gift to the community,” Murphy says. “It is pure magic. The story is simply told and advanced with the assistance of four Madrigal singers in a very intimate space.”

 How did a simple holiday play become a tradition?

 “In 1999, we thought it would be a one-time event. The initial year was a success on many levels …in October of 2000 Susan and I asked each other, “Shall we do it again?” A tradition and college ceremony was born,” says Murphy.

 The “one-time” event was intended to be a department fundraiser for the college’s performing arts. The theatrical event took on a life of its own, attracting aspiring thespians from the classroom and the boardroom. And, just as quickly, it evolved into an annual, holiday affair that by Murphy’s estimation has cast hundreds in a play that has been viewed by thousands.

 “I’d venture a guess that over the years we have delighted more than 4,500 audience members in our small theatre and involved close to 200 individual cast and crew members,” says Murphy. “It has been a great pleasure for so many people and an enjoyable ride for Susan and me.”

 This year’s cast and crew of 40, like past years, is comprised of an eclectic mix of NECC students, alumni, faculty, staff, as well as their family members.

 Each year, it has been performed in the 75-seat Chet Hawrylciw Theater on the third floor of the Spurk Building on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. This year, the final year, is no different. Performances will be held Friday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 13, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students and senior citizens and $5 for children 6 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

 The production is family friendly, he notes. A family of four can attend the production for less than the cost of one ticket to a larger regional production of the same play, he says.

 “It is a very intense three weeks followed by an intense weekend. The camaraderie that develops among the cast members is wonderful,” says Murphy. “The audience sees and feels that energy.”

 Cast List:

Haverhill

            Bob Cratchit – Mark Morrison

            Laundress – Geehae Moon

            Third Man and Party Guest – Trevon Gilcrist

            Party Guest – Ben Tavitian

            Fred’s Wife- Elfie Grusing

            Young Ebenezer – Eric Barnes Salvi Jr.

            Undertaker, Belle’s Husband – Mike Nutter

            Madrigal Singer Bass – Chip Bliss

 Amesbury

            Martha Cratchit – Thomasina Glenn

Girl in the Street –  Zoe Glenn 

 Lawrence

            Old Joe – Michael Ross

 Tewksbury

            Ghost of Christmas Past – Sarah Bird

 Newburyport

            Charity Man – Conor Miller

            Madrigal Singer Tenor -Christian Doyle

            Fred’s Housekeeper – Abigail Seabrook

            Jacob Marley – John Budzyna

 Groveland

            Party Guest – Katherine Formosi

 North Andover

            Party Guest – Breanna McGarragher

 Salisbury

            Belle – Alicia D’Olympio

            Dick Wilkins – Hunter Gouldthorpe

 Beverly

            Mrs. Cratchitt – Gina Anderson

 New Hampshire:

 Exeter

            Ghost of Christmas Present – Allan Mayo

Want – Kallie Mayo

 Newmarket  

Man on the Street – Robert Mantegani

 Salem           

            Madrigal Singer Soprano – Hannah Heckman-McKenna

 Danville

            Party Guest, Ghost of Christmas Future – Ben Chretian

 Kingston

            Tiny Tim – Malcolm Courchesne

Ignorance – Simon Courchesne

 Hampstead

            Peter Cratchit – Jake Soraghan

Ebenezer Scrooge – Jim Murphy

Maid – Susan Sanders

 Plaistow       

Young Scrooge – Mark Zick

            Uncle Fezziwig – Todd Buckley

            Fan – Olivia Buckley

 Hudson

            Fred – Paul Kelly

Derry

            Stage Manager – Amanda Kehoe

Lane Glenn, president of NECC, and Peter John, vice chancellor of the University of West London, (front left and right) recently signed an international articulation and study abroad agreement. Shown back row left to right are NECC’s Grace Young, Noemi Custodia Lora, and Marcy Yeager.

The University of West London’s impressive list of graduates includes musicians such as Pete Townshend of the Who, the late Freddie Mercury of Queen, and several recent finalists in the X Factor, England’s wildly popular television talent show. Soon, some Northern Essex Community College students may be added to the mix.

Northern Essex and the University of West London (UWL) recently signed an articulation and study abroad agreement, which will allow Northern Essex students to study for one or two semesters at the British university or transfer to the university’s bachelor degree programs after graduating with an associate degree from Northern Essex. The two colleges are also exploring opportunities for faculty and staff exchanges and online partnerships.

Northern Essex President Lane Glenn met with Professor Peter John, vice chancellor of the university, recently to sign the articulation agreement, which is Northern Essex’s second international articulation agreement. The first was signed with Bath Spa University in England, which welcomed its first group of NECC students this fall.

Located in the West End of London, which is the heart of London’s creative district, UWL is well known for its performing arts programs and also offers a large business school and degrees in criminal justice, liberal arts, art and photography, communications, and engineering. NECC and UWL have developed articulation agreements in all these areas, meaning after graduation from Northern Essex, students can transfer to UWL and earn a bachelor’s degree in two years.

A public university, the University of West London shares some similarities with Northern Essex, according to Chancellor John. “The majority of our students are first generation college students, and their biggest concern is finding a job after graduation.” According to the university’s website, 95 percent of their graduates are in employment within six months after graduating.

President Glenn said this new agreement fits well with the college’s interest in increasing global awareness, among students, faculty, and staff. “In today’s world, it’s incredibly important to understand diverse cultures and ways of thinking, which is why we are expanding our international programs and partnerships.”

NECC has been growing its international studies programs over the last few years, according to Marcy Yeager, interim director of NECC’s Cultural and International Studies Institute.

For more information on NECC’s new articulation agreement with UWL, contact Yeager at myeager@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3326.