Newly appointed NECC Trustee Joseph D’Orazio of Haverhill.

Joseph D’Orazio of Haverhill and Marianne Paley Nadel of Chestnut Hill were recently appointed to the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees by former Governor Deval Patrick.

D’Orazio, who worked for a decade in the insurance industry before becoming general manager for John Donnelly & Sons Outdoor Advertising Company and later vice president of Haverhill National Bank, founded G & L Enterprises of Haverhill which sells promotional products and executive gifts.

A past chairman of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and the Haverhill Planning Board, he has also served on the Hale Hospital Foundation, the Haverhill Foundation, and the Downtown Haverhill Partnership. He is a past member of the Haverhill Rotary Club, the Haverhill Recreation Commission, and the Bradford Historical Commission. He is a U.S. Army veteran.

Newly appointed NECC Trustee Marianne Paley Nadel of Lawrence.

Paley Nadel began working with her father at Everett Mills Real Estate in 1986, and in 2008 assumed the management of the historic Everett and Stone Mills in Lawrence on behalf of her family. She has a master’s degree in City Planning from MIT, specializing in community based economic development.

She was the founding executive director of Groundwork Lawrence, a community development non-profit organization focused on environmental improvements, youth education, and employment initiatives. Prior to Groundwork, she was a senior planner at Icon Architecture concentrating on historic districts and heritage projects, and worked at the New York City Economic Development Corporation directing arts and economic development projects.

Paley Nadel serves on the boards of the Lawrence Partnership; Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board, Groundwork Lawrence; and the Essex County Community Foundation, Merrimack Valley General Fund, among others.

“Northern Essex is changing the face of Downtown Lawrence, and providing opportunity to our young adults, through new and innovative programs. I am delighted for the opportunity to serve this vital and dynamic institution,” said Paley Nadel.

“We are honored to have such accomplished individuals join our Board of Trustees,” said Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn Lane.

The college’s Board of Trustees includes nine members who are appointed by the governor of the state to a maximum of two five-year terms as well as an alumni-elected member, who also serves a maximum of 10 years, and a student trustee who serves for two semesters.

Employee recognition winner Cheryl Wilson with NECC President Lane Glenn, and fellow employee recognition winners Stacy Ayotte, and Duane Quinion.

Three Northern Essex Community College employees Stacy Ayotte of Exeter, NH, Duane Quinion of Westport Island, ME, and Cheryl Wilson of Chelmsford recently received the NECC Employee Recognition Award for the first quarter of 2015.

The Employee Recognition Award recognizes the many and varied contributions of the college’s nearly 700 employees. Employees are selected each quarter based on recommendations from supervisors and co-workers. Recipients receive a $150 certificate to the restaurant or mall of his or her choice.

Ayotte, an assistant professor in the Health Professions Department for the last three years, is the program coordinator for the Medical Laboratory Technology Program and  also chair of the Laboratory Science Department.

Colleague Brenda Salines nominated Ayotte noting, “Stacy is a joy to work with everyday… She is responsible for our newly acquired accreditation with National Accrediting Agency for Medical Lab Techs…She worked tirelessly for 3 years to make this happen and it may never have been accomplished without her tenacity.”

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Anna Maria College and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Lesley College.

Quinion has taught at NECC for the last five years in the Respiratory Care Program. He became an associate professor last year.

He was nominated by fellow respiratory care professor Christopher Rowse, who lauded Quinion saying “I have observed Duane directly in his teaching abilities and interaction with his students…He is a pleasure to observe in his teaching because of his genuine nature with his students and his easy going humor. He is able to put students at ease and has the ability to bring out the best in his students. He possesses a genuine empathy for students and his fellow colleagues. He is both a thoughtful and methodical teacher making sure he covers all important topics.”

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Bethel University and a Master of Theological Studies from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He earned a certificate in respiratory care from NECC in 1980.

A disability services specialist, Wilson has worked in NECC’s Learning Accommodation Program for nine years.

Wilson was nominated by several colleagues in the Learning Accommodations program. Deborah Regan wrote “Cheryl Wilson works primarily with students with psychiatric disabilities, who may experience crises.  As a result, she is often faced with students needing to be seen on short notice or no notice. She is very empathetic and goes above and beyond for these students, accompanying them to such offices as Financial Aid, the CPAC or the Bursar, to help resolve their problems.”

Fellow worker Cara Forcino wrote, “Cheryl is very dedicated to Northern Essex Community College students … She is there in times of crisis and in times of celebration. I have seen her students grow from fearing school to graduating with pride.” 

Susan Cunningham, associate director of the Learning Accommodations Center also supported the nomination saying, “She has a friendly, outgoing style and is well liked by students, staff and faculty. Her experience and knowledge in the field of disability services and in particular working with students with psychiatric disabilities are a great asset to our team…She puts a lot of effort into making sure that students get quality services.”

Wilson received praise for her patience and thoughtfulness from Deb McKinney, manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. “She seems always willing to learn something new and share with us…She is a team player.”

Colleague Cathy A. Morrow wrote, “One thing that I think about when I think of Cheryl is the touch of humor she brings to the office, sometimes laughter is the best medicine.”

Susan Martin, director of Learning Accommodations praised Wilson’s curiosity and for often challenging the “status quo” when it comes to office procedures and policy. “She is honest and sincere with students, fellow staff, and faculty members. She has a witty personality and can lighten the moment when needed!”

She holds an Associate of Business from Fisher Junior College, a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations from Emerson College, and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Rivier College.

(Left to right) Representative Linda Dean Campbell, State Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives, and Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera discussed the state of higher education in Massachusetts and what it means for the NECC community during the Spring convocation.

Suddenly, it seems, community colleges are grabbing headlines. With that in mind, Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn welcomed dozens of faculty, staff, and administrators to the spring 2015 convocation on Tuesday, January 20, noting that it’s an exciting time to be working at a community college.

He referenced the recent New York Times op-ed column written by actor and director Tom Hanks, who credited Chabot Community College for making him who he is today. He asked NECC employees to think of their own experiences and a place that helped make them who they are today and share it with someone at their table.

NECC’s Respiratory Care Coordinator Jennifer Jackson-Stevens gave a shout out to Massasoit Community College where she enrolled after losing her way at UMass Amherst. Honors Program Coordinator Ginger Hurajt says her experiences at Youngstown State University gave her a strong foundation.

Bidding Colleagues Farewell

President Glenn went on to acknowledge 16 new staff and faculty and wished retirees Donna Bouchard and Linda Desjardins well. New faculty and staff include Kim Burns, dean of academic innovations and alternative studies; Jeffrey Flaherty, academic advisor; Solanyi Munoz, clerk III; Linda Buckley, staff assistant; Clayton Ross, engineer/project manager; Rosalba Conde, financial aid counselor; Ireni Rose, staff assistant; Richard Bernhardt, program director paramedic program; Laurie Hillson, director of nursing education; Scott Lancaster, clinical coordinator paramedic technology program; Dalisa Diaz, staff associate; Robert Erskine, system analyst; Shawn Huff, systems analyst; Laura Mondt, reference and instruction librarian; Stephen Cate, associate registrar; Ariel Chicklis, assistant coordinator student engagement & activities; and Karen MacDonald Fehr, mental health counselor. 

NISOD Nominees Named

Vice President of Academic Affairs Bill Heineman noted that faculty regularly influence their students, but often don’t know they had that influence. “NISOD is validation for the work they do,” he said. This year’s NISOD nominees are Abby Thomas, ESL; Amy Callahan, Communication/ Journalism; Deirdre Budzyna, Early Childhood Education; Kristen Quinn, Accounting; Linda Giampa, academic coordinator, Tutoring Center, and Bob West, lab tech/safety officer. Created in 1978, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) is a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges.

Professor Marcy Yeager discusses changes coming to NECC.

Campus Changes are Coming

President Glenn outlined some physical changes planned for the Haverhill campus. A total of $15 million has been appropriated to make updates to the Spurk Building including safety, accessibility, entrances, bathrooms, air conditioning, windows, boiler, insulation, and improvements to Lecture Hall A. In anticipation of closing half the building in Spring 2016, NECC is identifying “swing space” to house displaced offices and classrooms. Some space under consideration is at Opportunity Works, a workshop for disabled adults that built a new facility next door to NECC and the Riverwalk in Lawrence.

Other changes are coming, said Heineman, who said “change is constant and more rapid every year”. NECC is reviewing its recent winter intercession class offerings; developing accelerated flexible online classes for adults, and exploring competency-based education, which allow institutions to get student-aid funding by creating programs that directly measure learning, not time. Students can move at their own pace. The school certifies — measures — what they know and are able to do. NECC was named an “experimental site” by the Department of Education. This allows Northern Essex to try out such programs without losing financial-aid eligibility.

Heineman also announced that Bonnie Williamson will assume the role of interim dean of student life until the end of June, 2015.

Marcy Yeager, coordinator of NECC’s global studies program, reported on the Cultural Equity Committee’s mission to revamp the college’s diversity statement into a culture of inclusion statement. With that in mind, she hopes to continue to increase the study abroad options; create a “These are the People in Our Neighborhood” forum; connect NECC to the Fulbright Scholar Program; and open the travel abroad short courses to faculty and staff.   

Professor Ginger Hurajt says Youngstown State helped make her who she is today.

The morning closed with a panel comprised of Representative Linda Dean Campbell, State Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives, and former NECC Trustee and current Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera who discussed the state of higher education in Massachusetts.

Representative Dean Campbell said that Massachusetts will rely on community colleges to help educate the workforce. Senator O’Connor Ives said she believes community colleges will be tasked with helping Massachusetts maintain its talent in the state by advancing STEM programs. In addition, she says community colleges will continue to connect with downtowns. Mayor Rivera says Lawrence is a perfect example of what a college can do for a downtown.

Rivera says parents should be reminded that they needn’t send their children out of state for quality and affordable education.

Dean Campbell encouraged staff, faculty, and administration to get involved in the state’s budget process. Professor of History and Government Steve Russell asked how staff, faculty, and administration’s voices could be heard. She said that “numbers matter”. She said legislators take note of letters and notes sent to them by their constituents. 

NECC Liberal Arts: Journalism/Communication graduate Matt Gingras

Matt Gingras has long dreamed of writing for a living. Fulfilling that dream, he knew, was just a matter of finding the right start. When he enrolled in NECC’s versatile Journalism/Communication Program in the fall of 2011, he knew he had found that start.

“I wanted a place where I could build up my name,” he says. “NECC’s personalized atmosphere gave me that opportunity.”

And build up his name he certainly did. During his time at NECC, Matt participated in many campus activities and organizations, most notably serving as editor-in- chief of NECC Observer, NECC’s award-winning student newspaper. It was under his direction that the paper received a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Award — the paper’s highest award to date. Matt also took part in the Student Leadership Program, the Presidential Ambassador Program, and the Student Orientation Program, and worked in the Student Engagement Center and the Athletics Department.

Upon graduating with an associate degree in liberal arts: journalism/communication in the spring of 2014, Matt transferred to UMass Amherst, where he is enrolled as a journalism major with a sports concentration. He serves as the sports editor of The Amherst Wire. He credits NECC with making this possible.

“I felt absolutely prepared for the four-year university setting because of the quality of the lasses I took while at NECC. I got the exposure I needed to my career field,” he says.

Matt advises new NECC students to utilize the great range of services and resources available to them. “Everything you learn in your classes will have relevance, especially if you transfer,” he said. “Appreciate the many opportunities you’re getting through NECC and take advantage of them as much as possible.”

NECC Elementary Education graduate Daniel Peters

Daniel Peters found that Northern Essex was the best place for him to balance farming, fastballs, first-graders, and the fundamentals of a college education.

The 20-year-old Salem, NH, resident graduated in May 2014 with an associate degree in elementary education, but not before making an impact as an ace pitcher on the Knights’ baseball field. Today, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Rivier College.

“NECC taught me how to use my time wisely especially while playing baseball. It taught me how to manage time effectively by balancing school and sports and that it pays off later in the semester and life when you have to balance multiple things in your life,” he said.

The 2012 graduate of Salem High School says NECC gave him the opportunity to play baseball while searching for his academic direction. His interest in teaching was confirmed when, as part of his studies, he observed classes in the Soule School, which he attended as a boy.

The brawny six-footer found himself as at-home in the first-grade classroom as he was in the fields of his family’s farm. “I find (first-graders) are really eager to learn at that age and participate in activities,” he says.

A fourth-generation vegetable farmer, Daniel says teaching will give him the flexibility to work alongside his relatives caring for the crops at Peters’ Farm during the summers. Northern Essex, he said, was instrumental in helping him create his life plan.

At NECC Daniel was known for his 80-plus mph fastball. He helped the team go to the NJCAA Division III World Series two years in a row. He was named the NECC Male Athlete of the Year for 2014 by the college.

“I may not throw the fastest fastball, but my accuracy makes me successful,” he says.

He graduated with a 3.6 GPA and received the NECC Excellence Award in Elementary Education.