2017 - Page 7 of 24

Andover Man Earns Scholarship Named for Andover Philanthropist

October 4, 2017/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Andover resident Scott Bowman received a scholarship named for late Andover philanthropist.

When members of the Greater Lawrence Kiwanis Club Foundation established a scholarship to honor the late, Anthony “Tony” Sakowich of Andover, Scott Bowman, a student at Northern Essex Community College, was just the type of student they had in mind.

Bowman is the recipient of the $1,000 Sakowich Scholarship which was awarded for the first time this year.

Strong-willed and determined, Bowman has come to understand the value of education and will not be deterred even if it means traveling to the NECC campus via train, automobile, bus, or a ridesharing service.

Also an Andover resident, Bowman, 24, was a moderate student when he graduated from Andover High School in 2011 and certain that he wasn’t college material. One of four children, in his young life, Bowman witnessed bad behaviors from heroin addiction to alcohol abuse. He managed to avoid both and side-step trouble. Bowman is now preparing for a career in finance.

Bowman expects to graduate with an associate degree in business transfer from Northern Essex in May and will continue to study for a bachelor’s at UMass Lowell. He is one of nearly 200 Northern Essex students to share close to $200,000 in scholarship money raised by NECC’s office of institutional advancement.

(l to r) Al DeLuca, member of Greater Lawrence Kiwanis Club Foundation Board of Directors; David Louis, Immediate Past President of the Kiwanis; NECC President Lane Glenn; Colleen Coco, President of Kiwanis; and Jean Poth, NECC’s vice president of institutional advancement.

The Sakowich Scholarship, which Bowman was the recipient of, was established for inventor, pilot, and philanthropist Tony Sakowich who died on Valentine’s Day 2014. A World War II veteran and alumnus of Tulane and Bentley universities, he was a self-made man. A successful entrepreneur and inventor, who patented a process to mold laminated countertops that were manufactured in North Andover, he and his wife Gladys were generous benefactors to many causes and organizations.

Bowman was nominated for the scholarship by Sharon McDermot, director of academic affairs operations, who was his instructor for two business courses. She wrote, “Scott is a diligent student with a bright future…It was a pleasure to have Scott as a student in class and I am sure that he will continue to succeed in reaching his personal, academic, and professional goals.”

In accepting the scholarship Bowman wrote, “Anthony and his wife Gladys were business pioneers who each enjoyed finance and investments, they were fiercely generous, outspoken and strong, devoted to children and passionate about education. I am extremely proud and honored to have been selected for this scholarship because I too am passionate about finance and investments…this generous scholarship will grant me the financial assistance that I need to be able to fulfill my dream and continue to strive for greatness in my life.”

No stranger to hard work, Bowman has worked landscaping and laying hardwood floors. He currently works full time for an electroplating company. In the fall of 2012 he enrolled in his first class. He has been taking two or three night courses each semester since. Without complaint, he travels to the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses using public transportation and Northern Essex’s shuttle bus.

He said the scholarship will free up funds for him to spend on transportation to and from NECC.

A former wrestler, football player, and snow boarder, Bowman thought he might pursue a career in sports management. He took advantage of Northern Essex’s internship program which helped him realize his interests followed finance instead.

Other Andover residents who were awarded scholarships include:

Eric Bootman
NECC PACE Program Transfer Scholarship

Jenn Ezell
Donald W. Pailes Memorial Scholarship

Phuc Nguyen
J. Herbert Kimball & John Rogers Memorial Scholarship

Northern Essex’s CoOL Announces Second Fall Session

September 29, 2017/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Einstein, Tai Chi, non-traditional healing, and the spouses of U.S. Vice Presidents are just a few of the topics covered in the next session of Northern Essex Community College’s College of Older Learners (CoOL) program which runs through mid-November.

Adults 50 and older who are interested in learning for the fun of learning are invited to enroll by calling 978-556-3700.

Other topics include senior theater, audio storytelling, and global weather. All of the seminars meet on a designated week-day for five consecutive weeks, unless otherwise noted, at the Haverhill campus or off-campus. The cost is $30 for each seminar. The second fall seminar runs late-October to November.

For additional information visit the CoOL seminar website or call 978-556-3110.

NECC Offers Free Piano Master Classes

September 28, 2017/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

NECC Music Professor Christina Dietrich.

The Music Program at Northern Essex Community College is proud to present two master classes in the art of piano playing by music faculty member Christina Dietrich. These free workshops will give pianists of all abilities the chance to perform and learn in a cooperative group setting. Solo piano works and instrumental and vocal works with piano accompaniment of various levels of difficulty will be explored. Various aspects of piano performance and preparation will also be discussed.

There will be two workshops presented on Sunday afternoons in the Hartleb Technology Center (TC 103), 100 Elliott St, Haverhill Campus. The first workshop will be on Sunday, October 15 from 5 to 7 pm and the second workshop will be on Sunday, November 12 from 4 to 6 pm.

Northern Essex offers an Associate in Arts Degree: Music Option and a certificate in music technology.

For more information about these master classes or about the music program at Northern Essex, contact Dr. Ken Langer, music department chair at 978-556-3321 or Professor Christina Dietrich at cdietrich@necc.mass.edu

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College offers over 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Nearly 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 3,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus and at the Opportunity Works building at 671 Kenoza St., located next to the Haverhill campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.

NECC Homecoming is Saturday, October 14

September 27, 2017/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

Up and coming country music performer Thomasina Glenn will perform at NECC’s Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 14. Thomasina is the daughter of NECC President Lane Glenn.

For the first time in many years—maybe ever—Northern Essex Community College is hosting a Homecoming on Saturday, October 14, open to everyone including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community.

The event will be held from noon to 4 pm on the Haverhill Campus and there will be fun for all ages.

Highlights will include a doubleheader featuring the NECC Knights—one of the best community college baseball teams in the country— against Southern Maine Community College with games at 10 a.m. and noon; games and face painting for children; a performance from 12:30 to 2 pm by up and coming country music performer Thomasina Glenn of Amesbury, who was recently featured at the Amesbury Country Music Festival; and a free cookout from noon to 2 pm.

Admissions representatives will also be giving tours of the newly renovated Spurk Building and answering questions about college programs and the enrollment process.

Northern Essex students will have the opportunity to win a semester of free textbooks by competing in the half-court basketball challenge.

“We want to bring families on our beautiful campus to celebrate the fall,” said Mike McCarthy, NECC’s vice president of administration, who recently began overseeing college athletics. “Our plan is to launch homecoming this year, and then grow it in the years ahead.”

Those interested in attending are asked to register online, by visiting the college website and filling out this form.

If you have questions, please contact Mary Murphy, research analyst, Office of the Vice President of Administration and Finance, (978)-556-3918 or mmurphy1@necc.mass.edu.

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College offers over 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Nearly 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 3,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus and at the Opportunity Works building at 671 Kenoza St., located next to the Haverhill campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.

Northern Essex Hosts Health Fair in Lawrence

September 27, 2017/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Health and wellness are the focus of an October 16 fair to be held at NECC’s El-Hefni Center.

Receive your annual flu shot, learn how to deal with anxiety, and find out the role of a clinical research coordinator at Northern Essex Community College’s Health and Wellness Fair on Monday, Oct., 16.

The fair is free and open to the public.

It will run from 9 a.m. until noon in the Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Allied Health and Technology Center, 414 Common St., Lawrence. The fair will showcase the various academic health programs offered at Northern Essex as well as educate visitors on different health issues affecting society.

Students, faculty and staff, and prospective students are invited to attend.

Some of the topics of interest include: Get a Flu Shot – administered by Rite Aid with an insurance card ; the link between oral disease and overall health; alcohol awareness through Jenga; bone fractures; “See Something- Say Something”; How to Reduce Anxiety During A Blood Draw; Medical Coding: Healthcare Detective; Start A Health Career with iHealth ; Nutrition; Have Your Blood Pressure Checked ; Bachelor’s Completion Program at Regis North: Nursing & Public Health; What is a clinical research coordinator?; Title IX Awareness; CPR Training Info; and Career & Experiential Education.

Raffles will be held throughout the day. Winners must be present to win.

For additional information on the Health & Wellness Fair, contact Linda Comeau at lcomeau@necc.mass.edu.

Northern Essex offers associate degrees in General Studies: Movement Science Option, Nursing (ADN), Nursing Advanced Placement: LPN to RN, Paramedic (EMT-P) Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care; certificates in Computed Tomography, Dental Assisting, Medical Assistant, Paramedic (EMT-P) Technology, Practical Nursing (PN), and Sleep Technologist; and a course in EMT-Basic.

Through iHealth@NECC, associate degrees are offered in Business Management: Healthcare Practice, General Studies: Health Specialization and Public Health. Certificates are offered in Clinical Research Coordinator Advanced Certificate, Community Health Worker, Healthcare Technician – Phlebotomy & EKG, Medical Assistant – Evening Program, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, and Medical Office Assistant.

For more information on these programs, visit the NECC website.

Buckley Transportation Center will be Transformed

September 25, 2017/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

This is an artist’s rendering of the new facade of the Buckley Transportation Center which features a mural designed by Elevated Thought.

The Buckley Transportation Center, a highly visible landmark in downtown Lawrence, should soon have a new look, thanks to a new campaign to beautify the city which Northern Essex Community College is a part of.

At a kick-off event on Wednesday, Sept. 20, a group of organizations spearheading the initiative unveiled their plans which include cleaning and re-staining the wood slat façade; repairing and improving the ground floor and bus waiting area, and creating a public art landmark on the side of the facility.

The $100,000 project will be funded by a $50,000 grant from Mass Development which must be matched by the community over a 60-day period. A crowdfunding campaign has been created to raise money for the project and donations are being solicited from businesses and individuals.

Organizations involved in the planning of this project include the City of Lawrence, Groundwork Lawrence, the Lawrence Partnership, the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority, and Northern Essex Community College. Elevated Thought, an arts and social justice organization, came up with the inspiration for the project and will create the artwork, and Payette Associates, a Boston design firm, provided architectural direction.

Built in 1993 and named for Lawrence’s longest-serving mayor, John Buckley, who was in office from 1951 to 1973, the transportation center is currently a “hulking block long grey box”, according to the project website, and the plan is to replace that “with warm energetic colors that create a light welcoming environment and speak(s) to Lawrence’s artistic renaissance and strong community culture.”

A highlight of the kick-off event was the unveiling of the whimsical artwork which will run the length of the Common Street side of the building.

Alex Brien of Elevated Thought created the design, which is affectionately called “bubble girl”, with his four-year old daughter Charlotte as the model. In the design, butterflies surround a young girl who is intently blowing bubbles that flow across the side of the building. A poem, celebrating Lawrence, is printed on her figure.

According to Brien, the child symbolizes “innocence” and “hope” and the bubbles connect with transportation center’s ability to take people anywhere they want to go.

As his colleague Marquis Victor, president of Elevated Thought, explained “We’re redefining the narrative of Lawrence with light, beauty, and potential.”

Representing the Buckley family at Wednesday’s event was Bill Buckley, John’s grandson. He said his grandfather was “forever proud to be from Lawrence” and that his immigrant story was not much different from those who are coming to the city today.

Those interested in contributing to the Buckley Transportation Center project, can visit the crowdgranting site .

First NECC International Meet and Greet Held

September 25, 2017/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

NECC’s International students.

A smorgasbord of worldly fare and several dozen Northern Essex Community College students and faculty made for a successful inaugural International Community Meet and Greet held on the second floor of the Student Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at noon.

The majority of the more than 20 international students currently enrolled in NECC’s business, engineering, computer information sciences, and general studies with health and art specializations, mingled with faculty and staff as they noshed on tacos, a Mediterranean platter, lo mien, and mac ‘n cheese.

“This is the first in a series of different events with the goal of having a more global environment at NECC ,” said Analuz Garcia, assistant director of NECC’s International and Community Relations

Northern Essex has a renewed commitment to recruiting and retaining international students according to Izabela Kaczynska Iem, international student administrator at NECC.

“Our international students hear about us by word of mouth. They have family in the area. They come because they have roots in the area and it’s affordable for them.”

Northern Essex currently hosts students from Kenya, Cameroon, Vietnam, Turkey, Italy, Philippines, Albania, Gabon, Malaysia, and India. Students are invited to pin their home country on a map located in a glass case just outside the door to the NECC book store.

Kaczynska Iem said the international office, among other things, assists the international students with their F1 student visa compliance. Now, there is even an NECC international student dedicated web page on the NECC website.

“We help them maintain their status while feeling like part of the community,” she said.

Glen Gjuraj of Albania who goes by the nickname “newman”, is an art major with an interest in marketing who intends to use his education to “create a clear message” while making the “world a better place for the next generation.”

Rose Bellahalea, 23, of Cameroon, is living with her sister while she pursues a biology degree in the hopes of entering a nursing program.

“I like Northern Essex. It’s very welcoming,” she said. “Like a little family.”

The menu, which was catered by NexDine, was selected to introduce participants to the food of different cultures.

Noemi Custodia-Lora, vice president Lawrence campus and community relations, said this event was the first in a series.

“We want the college community to be aware of the International community here on campus,” she said. “And to empower them and make them feel like they are part of the community. When you are exposed to other cultures, it makes you better global citizens.”

Ivy Ngugi visiting from Kenya, said a friend found Northern Essex for her and now she is enrolled in the computer information sciences program.

“I love it here,” she said. “It’s a nice place. Everyone is friendly.”

Joan Ndungu, also of Kenya, is a general studies: health specialization major. She has been taking classes for three years and was inspired to start an NECC International Club.

“I felt the international student needed a voice,” she said. “We can help each other and share our experiences.”

For additional information on the International Students visit the international student website.

Or contact Garcia at agarcia@necc.mass.edu or Kaczynska Iem at iiem@necc.mass.edu

Tewksbury Woman to Represent Students on NECC Board of Trustees

September 21, 2017/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

Hannah Benning of Tewksbury, MA has been elected the student representative to the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees.

A General Studies: Art major, Benning is a 2015 graduate of Shawsheen Regional Technical High School.

While at Northern Essex, she has played for the softball team and been active in student government, serving as parliamentarian.

After graduating from Northern Essex this coming spring, she plans to transfer to a four-year college or university and study graphic design. She is currently considering Lyndon State College of Vt, which has a bachelor’s degree completion program on Northern Essex’s Lawrence campus; Salem State University; and Mass College of Art.

Her long term goal is to work as a graphic designer.

Benning is interested in being a liaison between students and trustees. “I want to help students, bringing their concerns to the board,” she said. “I’m very excited about this opportunity.”

The NECC 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 ten years, and a student trustee who serves for two semesters. Benning will serve for 2017-2018.

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College offers over 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Nearly 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 3,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus and at the Opportunity Works building at 671 Kenoza St., located next to the Haverhill campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.

NECC Celebrates Renovation of Spurk Building on Haverhill Campus

September 20, 2017/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

Shown left to right Jonathan Spurk, grandson of John Spurk; Representative James Kelcourse; Steven Spurk, John Spurk’s brother; Michael Heffernan, secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance; Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives; John Spurk, son of John Spurk; Jeff Linehan, chair, NECC Board of Trustees; Carol Gladstone, commissioner of DCAMM; James Peyser, secretary of education; Lane Glenn, NECC president; John Dimitry, former NECC president; Senator Barbara L’Italien; Senator Bruce Tarr; Representative Linda Dean Campbell; Bill Heineman, NECC vice president of academic and student affairs; Hannah Benning, NECC student trustee; and Bill Cox, vice chair, NECC Board of Trustees.

At the Tuesday, September 19 celebration of Northern Essex Community College’s newly renovated Spurk Building, the focus was on the importance of what takes place in the building, one of the most heavily used buildings on the Haverhill Campus.

“This building is the hub of our campus,” said NECC President Lane Glenn. “It’s where most of our teaching and learning takes place; it’s where our students congregate and socialize; and it’s a place that members of the community frequently visit for performances and lectures.”

Referring to the many students who are preparing for careers, Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives, who is a member of the Joint Higher Education Committee and spoke on behalf of the college’s legislative delegation, said the Spurk Building is “More than just a building; it’s a space where dreams become reality.”

And Bill Heineman, vice president of academic and student affairs who was representing the college’s faculty, staff, and students, said “If you wonder what we do in this building, there’s a simple and profound answer, we change people’s lives.”

Amy Callahan, program coordinator for Liberal Arts: Journalism/Communications, gives former NECC President John Dimitry and his wife Audrey a tour of the new office for the Observer, NECC’s award winning student newspaper.

The 89,000 square foot building, which is almost 50 years old, has been closed for a year, undergoing an $18 million renovation, funded by the state. The project was managed by the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM).

From new windows, flooring and audiovisual equipment in the classrooms to a new HVAC system, new restrooms and accessibility upgrades for the entire building, Spurk is now an optimal spot to take—and teach—classes.

Also speaking as part of the program celebrating the renovation were James Peyser, secretary of education, Massachusetts, and Michael Heffernan, secretary of the executive office for administration and finance, Massachusetts.

Peyser said that this renovation project is part of a statewide plan to fix existing facilities rather than build new ones. “We want to create more flexible and inviting space. It’s all about student success.”

Shown left to right: Bill Heineman, NECC vice president of academic and student affairs; Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives; Michael Heffernan, secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance; James Peyser, secretary of education; and, at the podium, NECC President Lane Glenn.

Secretary Heffernan echoed Peyser’s comments, explaining that the theme for the state’s capital budget is “taking care of what we have.” “This building had good bones but it was a classic 1970 building. We improved accessibility, air conditioned the entire building, replaced every existing window, and updated fire protection. These upgrades have made a critical building more usable.”

In addition to 33 classrooms and 54 faculty offices, the Spurk Building is home to centers created to support students, such as the Career Center, the Business & Accounting Academic Center, the Academic Coaching Center, the Reading and Writing Center; and Honors Lounge; gathering and performance spaces, including Lecture Hall A and the Chester Hawrylciw Theater; and spaces designed for faculty and staff innovation, such as the Professional Development Center and the Center for Instructional Technology.

The Spurk Building was constructed in 1971 as part of the college’s first permanent campus. In the early 1990’s, it was named in memory of Dr. John Spurk, formerly of Haverhill, a professor of history & government at Northern Essex for 24 years until his retirement in 1991. Dr. Spurk died in December of 1991. He was a respected and well-loved member of the college community who played a key role in the development of the college. Each year the Dr. John Spurk Memorial Scholarship is presented to a Liberal Arts major who resides in the Merrimack Valley region and is involved in Community Leadership/Service.

As part of the program, President Glenn announced that a college history written by John Spurk is being published and will be available within days. John Dimitry, who served as the second president of Northern Essex from 1975 to 1996 and was at the event with his wife Audrey, asked Spurk to write the history in 1986. He completed it in the late 1980s and it has been part of the college’s archives since then. Mike Hearn, the college’s director of libraries, can be credited with providing the leadership to get the history published, along with an update covering 1986 to the present written by Mary Wilson, dean emeritus of the college, with contributions from Wendy Shaffer, dean of development.

Over 100 people attended the event including John Spurk’s brother Steven, son John, and grandson Jonathan Spurk. Senators Barbara L’Italien and Bruce Tarr and Representatives James Kelcourse and Linda Dean Campbell also attended.

NECC President Lane Glenn Special thanked state legislators for providing the funding; DCAMM for providing project oversight; GVW Inc of East Boston, the contractors; RDK Engineers; Dimella Shaffer, the design firm; and the many Northern Essex faculty and staff who contributed.

Three Northern Essex Employees Honored for Work

September 19, 2017/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

NECC Employees recognized for the third quarter of 2017 with NECC President Lane Glenn include (LtoR) Donna Evers, Phil Wysocki, and Vengerflutta Smith.

Three Northern Essex Community College employees, Vengerflutta Smith of Nashua, NH, Philip Wysocki of Haverhill, and Donna Evers of Derry, NH, recently received the employee recognition award for the third quarter of 2017.

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.

Smith, an enrollment counselor in NECC’s admission office, received two nominations for the award. Kim Burns, dean of academic innovations and interim dean of professional development, praised her for her bringing “unequaled energy and enthusiasm to all her endeavors at the college…she is one of NECC’s best cheerleaders.” She helped create the vision for the Culture and Inclusion Learning Community and has been a critical member of the planning committee. Her experience with the new competency-based education initiative has also been tapped.

Daniel Richer, director of recruitment and admission, supported Smith’s nomination writing “her energy, enthusiasm, and positivity are contagious…she has had a profound positive impact on the admissions office.”

Smith, who has worked at Northern Essex for close to two years, holds an associate degree from Highland Park Community College and two bachelor degrees and a master’s degree from Michigan State.

Wysocki, a network administrator, has worked at NECC for more than 10 years. He was nominated by Ricardo “Danny” Rivera, assistant director of information technology, who lauded him for “working above and beyond his duties…he has helped me on countless projects…Phil has been repairing broken network wires and reorganizing the network closets in the Spurk building, in the process saving the college thousands…he has done this with a smile and positive attitude…he always puts students and faculty first.”

Wysocki holds an associate of science degree in graphic arts from Springfield Technical Community College.

Evers has worked at Northern Essex for more than 20 years primarily as an administrative assistant in the Division of Health Professions.

She was nominated by Mary Farrell, NECC’s dean of allied health professions, who, among other things, credited her with providing “significant support to the nursing program through preparation of reports, data collection and formatting many documents required by accrediting agencies.”

An alumna of Northern Essex, she holds associate degrees in administrative management: administrative assistant, general studies, and criminal justice. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Studies: Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

For additional information on the employee recognition award contact Pamela Medina in NECC’s human resources office at pmedina@necc.mass.edu.