Dr. Ken Thomas, professor of biology at Northern Essex Community College, will give a presentation titled “Jungle Talk: The Amazon Basin” at the Kelley Library, 234 Main St., Salem, NH on Thursday, January 21 at 7 p.m..

In his presentation, Thomas will explore the Amazon Basin in South America, which is home to 60 percent of the planet’s remaining tropical rainforests. He will share how the region—which is the size of the continental United States—is like a huge bowl that collects water and sends it thousands of miles to the Atlantic. He will introduce one of the tributaries, the Rio Napo in Ecuador, where he has spent time, and also touch on the Andes Mountains, the rivers, and the rainforest and the ways they are all tied to one another. His presentation will include photographs of the animals and plants that thrive in the area.

Dr. Kenneth Thomas, professor of biology at Northern Essex Community College, earned his Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from NECC, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from UMass Lowell, and a Master’s of Science in Zoology and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.

Prior to teaching at NECC he taught for eight years at Hillsborough Community College in Florida.

His special interests include marine biology, student travel, science literacy, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing.

This presentation is made possible through the Northern Essex Community College Speakers Bureau. For more information on the speakers’ bureau, visit the college’s website www.necc.mass.edu or contact Ernie Greenslade, director of public relations, at 978-556-3862 or egreenslade@necc.mass.edu

For more information on this presentation, contact Paul Giblin at Kelley Library, 603 898-7064 or pgiblin@kelleylibrary.org

NECC Liberal Arts: Theater graduate Kiara Pichardo

Kiara Pichardo earned an associate degree from Northern Essex with honors in May, and the good news is that she graduated without owing a dime for her education.

The hard-working Lawrence resident paid for her first two years of college with the help of federal grants and NECC scholarships, and by working part time during the school year and full time during the summers.

At a time when the cost of college is rising and more and more students are graduating with burdensome debt, Northern Essex Community College students—like Pichardo— are bucking the trend. Close to three quarters of Northern Essex students graduate debt-free and for those who do take out federal loans
their average debt when they graduate is only $4,287.*

With Northern Essex’s affordability, it’s not surprising that students are finding ways to manage the cost without incurring debt. A three-credit course is just over $600, and a full-time student can expect to pay just over $3,000 in tuition and fees for one semester, which is a bargain when compared to the cost of four-year colleges and universities (see chart). A student attending Northern Essex for two years and then transferring to UMass Lowell, for example, could earn his or her bachelor’s degree for close to $30,000, providing they qualify for the tuition discount based on their grades at Northern Essex.

For families, starting at a community college can be a wise financial choice. In a short period of time, students can earn the skills and credentials that will lead to a career in a field such as health care or prepare for transfer to a four-year college or university. This fall, Pichardo is enrolled at Fitchburg State University, living on campus, and pursuing a degree in theater. She says that many of her friends have already accrued hefty college debt and that “It feels awesome” to have paid out-of-pocket for her first two years of college.

*2013/14 statistics

COLLEGE COST*
2 YEARS NECC = $12,040
2 YEARS NECC + 2 YEARs PUBLIC COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY = $34,912
4 YEARS PUBLIC COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY = $45,744
2 YEARS NECC + 2 YEARs PRIVATE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY = $90,526
4 YEARS PRIVATE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY = $156,972

*Based on tuition and fees. Source: 2014 figures according to College Board. NECC cost of attendance is
based on June 2015 prices and is subject to change, please visit www.necc.mass.edu for latest info.

NECC President Lane Glenn with fourth quarter employee recognition award recipients Jason DeCosta and Victor DeJesus.

Three Northern Essex Community College employees, Jason DeCosta of Haverhill, Victor DeJesus of Berlin, NH, and Dalisa Diaz of Lowell, have been named recipients of the NECC Employee Recognition Award for the fourth 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.

DeCosta, a system analyst since 2013, is a 2013 graduate of Northern Essex. He holds associate degrees in computer information science: information technology and computer applications and certificates in computer networking and computer security. He is currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in information science at Merrimack College. He has also worked as a supplemental instructor and computer science tutor at NECC.

DeCosta was nominated by several of his colleagues who praised him for his knowledge, reliability and self-motivation.

“Jason comes in extra hours…he does research and projects at home to make sure that he’s ready for whatever we need,” wrote Adrianna Holden-Gouveia, a Northern
Essex computer science professor. “He is willing to try new things and very open to suggestions and requests. He also is willing and happy to teach others.”

“He is self-motivated and directed and has proven to be an excellent problem solver,” wrote Joyce Brody an administrative assistant in NECC’s Division of Technology, Arts and Professional Studies. “His dedication, high work standards, and follow-through have proven to be indispensable qualities…”

Tricia Butler, also an administrative assistant in the Division of Technology, Arts, and Professional Studies, concurred, writing, “He’s hardworking, knowledgeable and brings much enthusiasm and creativity to problem solving…he designed, custom-made a special adapter for our 3D printers so that an air filtration system could be connected, ensuring cleaner air for the lab and surrounding area.”

For 10 years, De Jesus has worked at Northern Essex – first as a work-study student, then a part-time help desk staffer, a computer science tutor, and a today, a full-time system analyst.

He also holds an associate degree in information technology from NECC, and a bachelor’s in information technology with a concentration in networking & telecommunications from Southern New Hampshire University.

He was nominated for the award by Ana Valdez and Susan Chory from NECC’s iHealth Program. They praised DeJesus for being reliable, knowledgeable and competent with a calm demeanor and reassuring style.

Diaz, a staff associate in the human resources office, has worked at NECC for four years. She was nominated by NECC Events Coordinator Allison Gagne who praised her for her work ethic and attitude.

“Dalisa has maintained this amazing customer service and happy personality…she has taken on different roles at NECC and each one she handles with a great attitude.”

Diaz earned her associate degree from Northern Essex and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: Human Resources program at Southern New Hampshire University.