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New Opportunity for Faculty to Create Inclusive Free Textbooks

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Haverhill, MA (April 25, 2022) – Child, Growth and Development is one of the most frequently-offered classes at Northern Essex Community College. And for good reason: it’s an integral part of the Early Childhood Education program and it’s required for attaining state credentials. Yet, there’s one potential roadblock for students. “We have taught this class dozens of times and yet our preferred textbook is expensive. We want to eliminate the textbook cost for this course- not only here at NECC but for institutions statewide and beyond,” said Professor Doris Buckley. four students walking on the Haverhill campus

Buckley and fellow professor Deirdre Budzyna are doing just that, by developing their own textbook for the course. Textbooks are one example of  Open Educational Resources (OER). OER are free, openly licensed educational materials that faculty can adopt in lieu of commercially published textbooks.

Buckley and Budzyna are among four faculty members currently working on OER projects through the Remixing Open Textbooks through an Equity Lens (ROTEL) grant-  a statewide project funded through the U.S. Department of Education. Now, due to updated guidelines, Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF I-III) are being utilized to build capacity around the statewide work and support 25 new OER projects at NECC.

One of the requirements for all participants is that they create culturally relevant and diverse materials. “This is giving us an opportunity to talk with students about cultural differences around different topics such as child birth, child rearing, etc.,” said Buckley. Faculty also take part in weekly professional development trainings on topics such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “ROTEL’s training assists me in the design and structure of a textbook to empower students to learn – from its overall design and curricular content, which reflect diverse voices of the literary world, to providing options for students to access from different devices and platforms,” said Professor Lisette Espinoza. She’s developing an OER textbook for LIT 200: An Introduction to Literary Studies. The ROTEL grant has partnered with the Rebus Foundation, a leader in open publishing, to provide the professional development through their Textbook Success Program.

Working with students to develop these materials can improve student outcomes and lead to instructional transformation. A recent study from the non-profit Achieving the Dream found that students felt a greater sense of belonging in courses that use OER, in part, because instructors could be more responsive to student needs.

“Open Educational Resources are important for students by helping to keep educational costs within student reach,” indicated Dr. Paul Beaudin, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northern Essex, “but they are equally important for faculty members.  Freely available learning resources and texts allow faculty to curate a variety of up-to-date material in one space for students.  Faculty choice of units of material that are best tailored for their students empowers faculty to truly become the curricular and instructional experts in their classrooms.  It is a very intentional way to meet student needs and individual faculty expertise.”

NECC was an early adopter of the use of OER. Sue Tashjian is NECC’s coordinator of instructional technology and co-chair of the Massachusetts OER Advisory Council. She and Jody Carson, Interim Dean of Business and Professional Studies, first introduced free OER to the college back in 2014 with a textbook task force. Since then, Tashjian estimates the use of free and low-cost course materials has saved more than 19,000 students $2 million on textbooks.

More opportunities are ahead to continue this work to develop OER at Northern Essex. ROTEL just opened up its second round of grant proposals. NECC currently offers 75 courses that use OER. Students can search specifically for these classes in the course search tool and select the check box for “Low-cost/No-cost textbooks” under Free Access. For more information about free and low cost textbooks or OER, please contact Sue Tashjian at 978-556-3686 or stashjian@necc.mass.edu

NECC Theater Presents “Lighten Up”

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actor throwing hands in the air while actress crouches next to him, looking up admiringly

Starring in “Lighten Up” will be two Northern Essex alumni, Michael Zuccola of Haverhill, MA, now a professional actor, and Zaida Buzan of Charlestown, MA.

Haverhill, MA (April 21, 2022)-Prepare to laugh at Northern Essex Community College’s Spring Theater production, “Lighten Up”, a seven-vignette play written by New York City comic Peter Zachari, that will be performed May 5 through 8 on an outdoor stage on the Haverhill Campus.

Starring in the performance will be two Northern Essex alumni, Michael Zuccola of Haverhill, MA, now a professional actor, and Zaida Buzan of Charlestown, MA.

They will be supported by a cast of talented Northern Essex students, including Nicole Affannato, Haverhill MA; Olivia Barberian, Salem, NH; Joanne Callahan, Haverhill MA; Gwynnethe Glickman, Newbury, MA; Jessica Newey, Middlebourogh, MA; and Brayden Toth, Newbury MA.

Northern Essex Professor Brianne Beatrice, who is directing the performance, describes it as a series of comedic vignettes exploring themes such as religion, love, negativity, sexual orientation, and more. “Peter likes to poke fun at the human experience,” she says. “His message is that we all need to ‘lighten up’.”

Set in the 1980’s, each vignette is a separate story introducing a new group of characters.

Because of the adult content, this show is recommended for ages 18-plus.

The production will be held at 4 pm on May 5 and 6 and at 2 pm on May 7 and 8. The May 8 performance will be a special Mother’s Day performance.

The show will be staged in the quad near the “B” building on the college’s Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St, Haverhill, MA. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held in the theater on the top floor of the Spurk Building on the Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St.

Samantha Wheatley is artistic associate director of the production.

Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors and students) and can be purchased in advance or at the door (cash only)

For additional information, email Professor Brianne Beatrice at bbeatrice@necc.mass.edu.

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers approximately 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  For more information, visit the website at necc.edu or call 978-556-3700.

 

 

 

NECC Receives Funding to Renovate Two Haverhill Campus Buildings

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The Science (E) Building will receive extensive renovations, thanks to funding from the state.

Two of the main buildings on Northern Essex Community College’s Haverhill Campus will receive major energy efficiency and safety upgrades, thanks to an investment recently announced by the Baker-Polito Administration.

Part of a new $165 million program to make critical infrastructure upgrades at higher education campuses over the next five years, Northern Essex will receive $10 million from the state for the $12 million project.

“This is great news for the college and its students,” said Lane Glenn, NECC president. “Our Haverhill Campus is celebrating 50 years and, while the campus is beautiful and aging well, infrastructure upgrades are critically needed.”

The renovations will benefit the Science (E) Building, which houses the college’s science classroom and labs, and the General Studies (B) Building, which includes classrooms and offices and facilities for the NECC Police Academy and the Essex County Sheriff’s Academy.

In both buildings, doors, windows, floors, and railings will be replaced, electrical wiring will be updated, bathrooms and drinking foundations will be renovated, and ADA Compliance issues will be addressed.  There will also be some improvements on the exterior of the buildings.

The renovations will take 12-months to complete, and the college hasn’t been given an anticipated start date from the state, according to Mike McCarthy, vice president of administration.

Northern Essex’s Haverhill Campus opened in September of 1971. At that time, there were four buildings: the Sport and Fitness Center (D), the Applied Science Building (now the B Building), the Science Building (E), and the Classroom Building (C) (Now Spurk). The Bentley Library was completed that November, followed by the Maintenance Building (1972), the College Center (now the Behrakis Student Center, 1973) and the Hartleb Technology Center (2005). In 2020, Northern Essex opened the NECC Lupoli Institute of Culinary Arts on Merrimack Street in downtown Haverhill.

The Spurk Building, which houses most of the academic classrooms on the Haverhill Campus, went under an extensive $18 million renovation funded by the state in 2016 and 2017.

In announcing the funding, Governor Charlie Baker said “The investments we are announcing today will help our public colleges and universities better educate and train the workforce of tomorrow. The overarching goal of these investments is to modernize campus facilities to support STEM instruction, ensuring students graduate from college with skills to be ready to compete in high-demand fields.”

UMASS Dartmouth, Berkshire Community College, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy also received funding to make critical infrastructure upgrades.

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers approximately 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  For more information, visit the website at necc.edu or call 978-556-3700.

Business Transfer Grad Headed for UMass

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Kimberly Justo ’22, Business Transfer

When Kimberly Justo graduated from Lawrence High School in 2020, she was thrilled to receive many college acceptances—including an offer from her “dream school” Bryant University in Rhode Island—along with strong financial aid packages.

Still, she soon realized that she would be taking on substantial debt, and, as a practical person, paying for college herself, she knew she didn’t want to do that.

That’s why she decided to enroll at Northern Essex Community College for two years and earn her Business Transfer associate’s degree, before transferring to a four-year institution.

Sweetening the deal for her was the Lawrence Promise Program, which offers a free associate degree, covering tuition fees, a laptop, and textbooks, to graduating high school students who were enrolled in the Early College Program, taking Northern Essex classes while in high school.

Justo will graduate debt-free from Northern Essex in May with a 3.97 GPA (straight A’s plus one A-) and plans to transfer to UMass Amherst. Based on her stellar academic record, she has received significant scholarship packages from both schools.

Just 20 years old, Justo arrived in Lawrence from the Dominican Republic four years ago, speaking no English. Determined to learn the language, she taught herself in two months, primarily by watching television.

She’s soft-spoken, calm, and focused on her education and her future career. “I try to think about why I’m like this. I don’t like to fail. I like the way it feels when I’m doing my best.”

Justo also isn’t afraid to reach out for help, relying on many of the college’s resources including the academic and transfer advising offered through the PACE Program; the tutoring center, which she “always uses”; counseling services; and the college food pantry.

When she was looking for a summer job in the accounting field, she reached out to Career Services and, with their help, wrote an “awesome” resume and cover letter, which has already resulted in interview appointments.

For Justo, Northern Essex is the first step in her educational journey. After earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting, she wants to continue on, with CPA certification and graduate degrees in her field.

She says many of her friends didn’t attend college after high school, and she’s determined to change that. Thanks to her encouragement, two of her closest friends enrolled at Northern Essex this past semester, including one who is on track for a nursing degree.

As a high school senior, it was difficult to let go of the idea of her “dream college”, says Justo, but now, close to earning her associate degree, she wouldn’t change her decision. “I was kind of scared when I was starting college, but Northern Essex has resources that have helped me a lot. I feel ready to succeed at the next level.”

To learn more about the May 14 Commencement, visit the website.

NECC’s Inaugural Giving Day Makes History

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Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (April 7, 2022) – The first ever Giving Day at Northern Essex Community College started out with a goal: 100 individual donors.

Katie stands behind table covered in blue table cloth, with various NECC swag items displayed

Katie Yeaton-Hromada, Coordinator for Career Services and Internship Programs, volunteered on the Haverhill campus.

The college’s Board of Trustees had pledged to collectively donate $10,000 if 100 people gave to the campaign on April 7. Giving Day’s organizers were more than up for the challenge and got to work creating excitement for the 24 hour event both on and off campus. Those efforts paid off in a big way. By 11am they had already sailed past the 100 donor goal and realized “we’re gonna need a bigger boat!”

A $1,000 matching challenge from the college’s vice presidents spurred even more activity in the late afternoon. And when all was said and done, 206 donors had come together to raise $34,604. The effort smashed previous annual giving campaign records and made April 7, 2022 the largest single-day community fundraising effort in NECC Fund history.

In an email to the college community, President Lane Glenn noted “This milestone is an incredible testament to the amazing work that can happen when our entire community comes together to rally around a common cause. The money we’ve raised will go a long way toward benefiting the important initiatives, programs, and scholarships that we work so hard every day to support.”

All of the funds raised will go to the NECC Fund, which provides critical support to the college’s areas of greatest need. Gifts to the NECC Fund are unrestricted, meaning they can be spent immediately and benefit a range of resources and programs that are crucial to the success of students, faculty, and staff. Historically, the NECC Fund has offered substantial support to some of the following areas: student scholarship, innovative, academic programming, career programming and classroom resources.

Giving Day will now become an annual event, held on April 7. The date is significant: more than 60 years ago, April 7th was the date students could first register for classes at the newly-formed Northern Essex Community College.

You can learn more about Giving Day and other ways to support Northern Essex Community College by visiting the Alumni & Giving webpage.

Thank you to the many volunteers who worked to make Giving Day a huge success and to those 206 donors who showed the power of coming together as a community.

NECC Welcomes New Veterans Services Coordinator

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Latashia smiles at camera

Latashia White is an Air Force Veteran and the new Veterans Services Coordinator at NECC

Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (March 31, 2022) – Northern Essex student veterans are getting more than just another resource to help them navigate college. In new Veterans Services & Special Populations Coordinator Latashia White, they’re also getting someone who knows what it’s like to be in their shoes.

White is originally from Alabama. She enlisted in the Air Force after high school, and was stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base near Bedford, MA. After a tour of duty, White returned home to Alabama, but quickly realized she wanted to come back to the Northeast to attend college. White enrolled at UMASS Lowell, where she earned her bachelors in information technology, and then went on to get her Masters of Social Work from Simmons University.

During her time at UML, White worked in the Veterans & Military Office and became well-versed in helping student veterans access the benefits available to them. She says that will also be a big part of her new role at NECC: “One of the challenges student veterans have is knowing what benefits they’re eligible for. It’s important to be able to connect with students, to talk to students before they even start school and make sure they understand the process.” White is hoping that faculty and staff can help her connect with some of those veterans who might not be aware of all of the services her office can provide.  Sometimes, that might just mean an empathetic ear. “Just saying ‘you’re a veteran and I’m a veteran, let’s talk’ can help,” she says.  “Every veteran has a story… and they need the support. If they don’t have that support, it makes it harder for them.”

White is also planning to reinstate a chapter of the Student Veterans of America at Northern Essex. The national organization provides guidance on service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans in higher education.

Northern Essex has about 100 veterans enrolled each semester. In 2021, the school was designated as a  Military Friendly®  School by Viqtory, a national organization that connects veterans with civilian education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Veterans Office is located in SC214 on the Haverhill campus. White says she hopes to meet more students soon. “I’m here all the time…just come by the office, have a chat, even if you’re not using your benefits.” She can also be reached via email at veteransservices@necc.mass.edu or Lwhite@necc.mass.edu.

Inaugural Giving Day Coincides with Important Date in NECC History

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Haverhill, MA (April 7, 2022)- More than 60 years ago, on April 7, students were first able to register for classes at the newly formed Northern Essex Community College. And from now on, that will also be the date of the college’s annual Giving Day!

This year marks the first time Northern Essex is holding a stand-alone Giving Day. The 24-hour campaign starts promptly at 12:01 am on April 7th. Donations raised will go to the NECC Fund, which provides critical support to the college’s areas of greatest need.

There will be extra incentives to give all day long. Donors who contribute $50 or more will be eligible to receive a special prize. And those on campus can stop by tables set up in the lobbies of the Dimitry (Lawrence) and Spurk (Haverhill) Buildings for giveaways. But perhaps the biggest incentive is a pledge from the Northern Essex Board of Trustees: if 100 individual donors give during the campaign, they will collectively donate an additional $10,000.

More matching challenges are planned throughout the day. Learn more by visiting the Giving Day webpage. You can make a donation to the NECC Fund anytime by visiting this link, calling 978-556-3806 or emailing giving@necc.mass.edu for other arrangements.

Gifts to the NECC Fund are unrestricted, meaning they can be spent immediately and benefit a range of resources and programs that are crucial to the success of students, faculty, and staff. Historically, the NECC Fund has offered substantial support to some of the following areas: student scholarship, innovative, academic programming, career programming and classroom resources.

 

New Grants to Benefit NECC’s Early College Partnerships

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Boston, MA (March 28, 2022) – The Baker-Polito Administration just announced several grants totaling more than $1.3 million to high schools launching or expanding early college programs. Those grants include $75,000 each to Haverhill and Lawrence High Schools to expand upon the existing partnerships with Northern Essex.

two students in NECC sweatshirts in a classroom

Former Early College students Nicole Affannato and Gladdys Jiminian enrolled at NECC after high school

Luisanna Crespo, Assistant Director for PK-12 and International Programs at NECC, says that her office is currently working with both schools to determine how the best utilize the funding. “The idea is to reach more students and to implement more supports for our current Early College students to increase success rates for them,” she says.

NECC is one of 19 colleges and universities participating in the statewide Massachusetts Early College Initiative, which partners high schools with colleges and universities for designated programs between them. NECC has designated programs with Haverhill High School, Lawrence High School, and Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Students from these designated programs earn college credits for free while they’re still in high school. Plus, the classes count toward both students’ high school graduation requirements and their future college degrees. Most students spend the morning at their high school and travel to the college campus by bus for afternoon college-level courses.

In all, nearly 700 local students are enrolled in Early College at Northern Essex, from more than 20 high schools.

In a press release about the newly announced grants, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito says, “By creating and supplementing designated early college programs with our municipal partners, our administration aims to break down barriers that persist between high school and higher education.” State data shows that Early College boosts college enrollment and completion rates for low-income, minority and first-generation college students.

If you are interested in learning more about Early College opportunities at NECC, contact pk12@necc.mass.edu.

Haverhill Mother is Named National Fellow

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Raquel Quezada, NECC Psychology student and 2022 Newman Fellow

Based on her role as a leader and advocate for persons with disabilities, Raquel Quezada of Haverhill, a Liberal Arts: Psychology major at Northern Essex Community College, has been selected as a Newman Civic Fellow by the Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Quezada is the mother of four children, including a 16-year old son with cerebral palsy. She has made it her mission to improve the lives of those living with disabilities.

“As a mother of a son with disabilities, I have realized how some people in our society do not have equitable opportunities. People with disabilities and their families have to constantly struggle to access their rights,” she says. “I faithfully believe that the way to help the world become aware of inclusion, rights, and opportunities is to talk more about these issues in the media, written press, and digital platforms. This will create more awareness, empathy, patience, education, love, knowledge, and above all, inclusion.”

Quezada is president of the Changing the World of People with Disabilities Foundation and produces a television and radio show with the same name.

She has written five books, one of which, “Breaking the Barriers of Disability”, shares the story of her son with suggestions for other parents with children with disabilities. “My intention is to inspire many to fight for their children and others in need,” she says.

In addition to her media work, Quezada advocates for special education rights at all levels of government from Haverhill City Hall to Capitol Hill. She is a member of the Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council, a member of the City of Haverhill Disability Commission, and a member of the Board of Disability Law Center.

The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who are change makers and public problem-solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor on the basis of their potential for public leadership.

Through the year-long fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with training and resources that nurture their assets and passions and help them develop strategies for social change. The yearlong program, named for Campus Compact founder Frank Newman, includes virtual learning opportunities and networking as part of a national network of engaged student leaders and an optional in-person convening.

In nominating Quezada for the fellowship, NECC President Lane Glenn wrote “Northern Essex faculty describe Raquel as proactive, empathetic, diligent, and engaged. She is a strong leader in the Merrimack Valley Latino community, assisting many families with navigating the school system and empowering them to advocate for their children’s disability rights…she is an excellent candidate for the Newman Civic Fellowship.”

Quezada plans to complete her associate degree in 2023.

The 2022 group of Newman Fellows includes 173 students from 38 states and Mexico.

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers approximately 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  For more information, visit the website at necc.edu or call 978-556-3700.

Employees Recognized for Years of Service

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Haverhill, MA (March 11, 2022)- Good things are worth the wait. More than 50 Northern Essex employees and retirees were honored for their years of service at the recent Employee Service Recognition Luncheon. Honorees reached their professional milestones in 2021, but the ceremony was delayed a year so that it could be held safely, in person. “You could really feel the energy and appreciation in the room. You can’t get that over Zoom,” said NECC Executive Director of Human Resources Patty Gauron.

president glenn stands at podium while HR director claps

2022 Employee Service Recognition Luncheon

The ceremony started with Northern Essex President Lane Glenn, himself a 15-year honoree, asking those in attendance to share with each other something they are thankful for, and something they are hopeful for. Glenn said “I’m thankful for a return to somewhat normalcy. And I’m hopeful we will emerge in a better way.”

Employees were then honored for their years of service. Each received a gift bag, while retirees received a clock engraved with the number of years of their service and their names.

5 Years

Erin Colstad, Gary Cooke, Sheila Corsaro, Jacqueline Dick, Shawn Donnelly, Maria Hernandez, Michael McCarthy, Pamela Medina, Ellen Mendonca, Thomas Ortiz, Nelfa Pimentel, Jason Termini, Elizabete Trelegan

10 Years

Mark Clements, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Richard Ingham, Heather Mores, Ingrid Polanco, Deborah Regan, Michael Swiniarski, Kimberly Waligora, Stephanie Wares

15 Years

Toni Berry, Deirdre Budzyna, Jayne Ducharme, Lane Glenn, Lindsay Graham, Maureen Lundergan, Michael Noonan, Stephen Slaner, Betania Villa

20 Years

Susan Alestock, Paul Chanley, Patricia Diodati, Lori Heymans, Daniel Svenconis, Josefina Taveras

25 Years

Donna Evers, Robert Howes, Linda Hudson, Louise Michaud, Ramon Suero

35 Years

Donna Bertolino, Kathleen Borruso, Donna Felisberto, Paul Tomasz

40 Years

Thomas Gorczyca

Retirees

Lisa Bass, Joyce Brody, Irene Chalek, Richard Lizotte, Marc Mannheimer, Stephen Mathis, Linda Murphy, Cristina Nuncio, Nancy Pelletier, Wendy Shaffer, Kelly Sullivan

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Haverhill, MA 01830
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978-556-3869
mbouse@necc.mass.edu

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