2023 - Page 8 of 12

NECC Celebrates Class of 2023

May 17, 2023/in Students, Community, Events, Press Releases/by mbouse

Over 700 students are now part of the Northern Essex Community College alumni family. Four hundred of those students, along with their families and friends, gathered under the tent on the Haverhill Campus for the 61st annual Commencement Ceremony this past Saturday.

Students processing in for the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony

The now-graduates processed into the tend behind the Stuart Highland Pipe Band– a Northern Essex tradition. NECC President Lane Glenn opened the ceremony with words of encouragement for the class of 2023: “Today means you’re ready – whether you think so or not. Ready to take on life and the world. You endured the challenges of the pandemic. You beat many odds to get to this day. And what a glorious spring day we have to celebrate.”

Ember Spera, who earned their American Sign Language Interpreting Certificate, gave the student’s address. In a poignant twist, Spera signed their speech while friend and classmate Jess Myer read the words aloud.

Ember Spera signed the Student Address

Spera’s parents are Deaf, and this speech represented a special full-circle moment. When Spera was in high school, they had planned to give an address at graduation, but the interpreter never showed up. “Looking back, NECC changed my course of path and my life. My 18-year-old concept of a community college looks nothing like the real one. I found more community here than in some 4-year programs. I invested my time and energy, and the return is priceless,” they shared.

Spera plans to work as a freelance interpreter. They also hold associate degrees from Northern Essex in liberal arts and communication/journalism and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UMass Amherst.

Read more about Spera’s journey here and the full text of their speech here.

Though Spera was a tough act to follow, NECC alum and radio host Justin Aguirre ’09 provided a rousing and deeply personal featured address. Aguirre came to NECC in 2006 as a recovering drug addict and convicted felon. He credits then-journalism professor, now Dean of Liberal Arts Amy Callahan, for taking him under her wing and showing him what was possible.

Justin Aguirre ’09 delivered the Featured Address

“My story is one of hope. Never give up on your dreams. Wherever you are going from here, whether to another school or into a career – remember to aim high and never give up. Don’t give in to that little voice in your head. If nobody told you they love you Today, you’re hanging out with the wrong people. You should be told every day. ”

Aguirre transferred to Salem State after earning his associate degree in journalism/communication from Northern Essex. He is now the executive producer and co-host of the popular Billy and Lisa in the Morning Show on Kiss 108.

Read the full text of his commencement address here.

Social Justice Award

Northern Essex professor of philosophy Meredith Gunning is this year’s recipient of the Social Justice Award.

The award recognizes individuals, groups, departments, or initiatives at the college that promote values such as a commitment to equity and diversity or the advancement of human rights and social justice.

NECC President Lane Glenn and Social Justice Award Recipient Meredith Gunning

President Glenn recognized Gunning’s work with the Community Outreach Group, which aims to be a bridge between the college and its surrounding neighborhoods.

The group has collected canned goods for food banks, items for holiday gifts, clothing for homeless shelters; cleaned parks; and raised funds for charitable organizations.

He also cited her ongoing participation in workshops and conversations on anti-racism and equity issues and how she has applied these to her courses. “On a recent sabbatical, she worked specifically to ‘decolonize’ her curriculum, to include more works of philosophers of color in her courses. Meredith’s influence has extended to, and beyond, the more than 10,000 students she has taught in more than 400 sections of philosophy classes in her career.”

In honor of the year the college was founded, the Social Justice Award comes with a cash prize of $1,961, which the recipient can use to advance social justice initiatives at Northern Essex.

Several other honors that have been awarded at commencement in the past are now part of the NECC Impact Awards. Learn more about those honorees here.

Emeritus Recipients

Two long-time members of the college’s faculty and staff received emeritus status:

Mark Palermo retired in 2021 after 36 years at Northern Essex. He started as an ESL instructor and later taught Spanish and medical Spanish. Palermo also volunteered to teach classes for older learners, established the NECC chapter of Amnesty International, and founded the Northern Essex foreign film festival, an annual event that ran for several years and later became the Lawrence Film Festival held at Lawrence’s Heritage State Park.

Linda Murphy retired from Northern Essex in 2021 after 40 years of service to the college. She served as curriculum coordinator for developmental mathematics. In 2002, Murphy was honored with the NISOD excellence award. Her leadership and passion for math found her serving as project manager for the Commonwealth’s 100% math initiative, promoting the reform of math curriculum and pedagogy. In 2014, Murphy launched an open-source modularized developmental math curriculum to build a pathway into college-level math.

At Northern Essex, the emeritus rank is an honor that recognizes sustained excellence in performance, character, and meritorious service to the college.

A recording of Saturday’s ceremony can be found on the NECC YouTube page. In addition, see a full list of graduates here: List of Grads 2023

To learn more about NECC’s 2023 Commencement and see additional photos, visit the webpage.

Business Student Awarded a National Community College Transfer Scholarship

May 11, 2023/in Headlines, Press Releases, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 10, 2023) – Northern Essex Community College Business Transfer student Pascale Percy is one of 60 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate educations with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Percy with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Pascale Percy, recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Originally from Haiti and now living in Chelmsford, Percy moved to the United States in 2019 with her husband and three children. She learned about Northern Essex from a coworker and enrolled in 2021. Percy said it has been hard to juggle studying, working, and caring for family, but she has already seen the rewards. “I sincerely believe that my kids seeing me working so hard to achieve my goal made them want to follow me,” she said. “I hope I serve as a model, not only for them but also for all those who, like me, have dropped out of school to face their family obligations. I hope they give themselves the chance to resume what they had started.”

Percy is the first NECC student since 2011 to receive the scholarship. She worked closely with the Pathways for Academic and Career Excellence (PACE) program Director Kristen Arnold and PACE Transfer Advisor Jessica Rocker to submit the application.

“As a mom, it was immediately clear to me that this educational journey she was on was not a solo mission,” remarked Arnold. “She works so hard, not only for herself but for the desire to secure a better future for her entire family. We’re so proud of her and all that she has achieved in her time at Northern Essex.”

The PACE program serves first-generation college students and students with financial need. PACE is a Student Support Services program funded by a TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Percy is currently exploring her options and will likely transfer to UMass Lowell or Merrimack College. “It’s amazing the turn my life took because I gave myself a chance to try, and I took the opportunity that presented itself to me. Thanks to the support of the PACE team, who encouraged me not to limit my dreams and my efforts.”

Along with financial support, new Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year college and preparing for their careers. Scholars will additionally receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connection to a thriving network of more than 3,000 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

This year, more than 1,700 students from 448 community colleges applied to receive the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The Foundation evaluated each submission based on students’ academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, and leadership.

A list of the 2023 Cooke Transfer Scholars, including their community colleges, can be found here.

NECC Observer Wins Two New England Newspaper and Press Association Awards

May 10, 2023/in Press Releases, Programs, Students/by mbouse

Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (May 8, 2023)– The award-winning Northern Essex Community College student newspaper, the NECC Observer, received even more accolades this past weekend.

NECC Observer journalists Jose Rodriguez, Daniela Valdivia-Terres, Daniel Henrick, and Shantely Aquino

Former Editor-in-Chief Jose Rodriguez won second place for the College Rising Star Award at the recent New England Newspaper and Press Association awards. And the paper’s staff won third place for best college news website for content spanning 2021 to 2022.

“I would like to recognize former Editor-in-Chief Isa Grullon, who led the NECC Observer in 2021, as well as Jose, who took over in that role after Isa graduated,” said Mary Jo Shafer, NECC Journalism/Communication Program Coordinator and Advisor to the NECC Observer. “It’s also a nice recognition of all the hard work journalism students put in while we were still in the midst of the pandemic, figuring out ways to be relevant and serve the community even while campus life and community were fractured.”

During his time with the Observer, Rodriguez worked tirelessly to cover campus life, in particular sports. He also worked at the Eagle-Tribune as a freelancer sportswriter and was the play-by-play announcer for the NECC Knights home basketball games. Rodriguez graduated from Northern Essex in December and transferred to Salem State, where he is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in journalism. Shafer says this Rising Star second-place award is especially meaningful because the New England Newspaper and Press Association typically only recognizes one student in that category.

Former Editor-in-Chief Jose Rodriguez won second place for the College Rising Star Award

“The fact the NENPA judges sought to include him in this award is a real testament to his hard work, dedication, and determination. I am really proud of Jose for competing and being recognized against students from big four-year colleges and universities,” she said.

The Observer is published monthly during the academic year by NECC journalism students. Observer staff works to inform the college community, including students, faculty, and staff. The Observer also serves as a public forum for the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses and accepts letters and guest columns from the college community.

The NECC Observer is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advertisers, Inc., the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and the New England Press Association.

To learn more about NECC’s Journalism/Communications program, visit the website or contact Mary Jo Shafer via email.

Former Editors-in-Chief Jose Rodriguez and Isa Grullon

Journalism Student to Attend Highly Selective Study Abroad Program at The Hague, Netherlands

May 10, 2023/in Students, Spotlight/by mbouse

Northern Essex Community College journalism student Daniela Valdivia-Terres has always had a love of traveling and adventure. But she says she never imagined when she started community college where it would take her.

Student Daniela Valdivia-Terres shared how a NECC Foundation Scholarship is allowing her to study at The Hague, Netherlands, this summer.

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Valdivia-Terres started her own successful travel agency there. She ran her business for four years before moving to the United States with her husband in 2015. She won a small business grant that year, which she used to start Vibra Tours USA, a travel agency in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She specialized in crafting full-day tours and getaways to destinations around New England for Spanish speakers.

Valdivia-Terres took a break from the tourism business in 2017 when she became pregnant with her daughter. Unable to spend 12 hours a day on her feet leading tours, she enrolled in a free, four-month NECC program called the Basics of Business. “It was such a great experience as every faculty member I encountered was so knowledgeable and student-focused. They ignited my desire to achieve a degree and convinced me I could pursue the American dream through my studies.”

When the pandemic further sidelined Valdivia-Terres’s travel business, she pivoted to create her own digital marketing agency. “Over the course of my life, I have had many interactions with people which demonstrated the importance of communication, language, and the way we speak to each other,” she explained.

She used this knowledge, along with skills learned from online tutorials, to help other local businesses with social media, but soon realized she needed more structured classes. So, she contacted Business Professor Sheila Muller, who she first met in the Business Basics course, enrolled at Northern Essex, and quickly became a leader both inside and outside of the classroom.

Daniela Valdivia-Terres and NECC President Lane Glenn

“I had this misconception of community college. People were saying you go to a community college, and it’ll be easy. Once I started, that perception went away,” she remembered. “The professors are very experienced, and they can challenge students. I like to be challenged.”

She is the Campus Life Editor for the student newspaper, the NECC Observer, and a member of the honors society Phi Theta Kappa. She has won several writing and journalism awards and received the “PACE Citizenship Award.”

The Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence (PACE) program helps connect first-generation college students with a variety of services, including scholarships and transfer opportunities. Valdivia-Terres said PACE Director Kristen Arnold, along with Journalism Professor Mary Jo Shafer, encouraged her to apply for the highly selective Council for Opportunity: Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program. Just 20 low-income or first-generation undergraduate students from the United States are selected for the program to study at The Hague, Netherlands, each summer.

“I thought it was out of my league. Come on, 20 spots nationwide! Many people would apply who hadn’t traveled overseas – I thought I wouldn’t qualify.”

But a few weeks later, she got the good news that she had been selected. Valdivia-Terres will be the only student from Massachusetts, and one of just two from all of New England, heading to The Hague University of Applied Sciences for three weeks. Their group will connect with students from around the world to study courses based on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The classes focus on solving global issues by connecting the public and private sectors.

Valdivia-Terres said her excitement was heightened even further when she learned that a scholarship from the NECC Foundation would cover her tuition for the program.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity to study in Europe. The possibility to learn in a county as one of their citizens. International students mingled with students from all over Europe. I can’t wait for that. This is something that I never expected! Regardless of age, take it from someone who is 46 and very well-lived; we are all here [at NECC] because we want to pursue a dream.”

Learn more about the PACE program and the NECC Foundation by visiting the NECC website.

Five Honored at Inaugural NECC Impact Awards

May 4, 2023/in Community, Events/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 3, 2023)– More than 150 community partners, supporters, and state and local lawmakers gathered at Northern Essex Community College for the inaugural NECC Impact Awards Breakfast on May 3, 2023. The event, organized by the NECC Foundation, recognizes those who have made lasting contributions to the college and its students.

“We wouldn’t be here without your generosity and efforts on behalf of the college,” NECC VP of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson told the audience. “Thank you all for taking time out of your day to celebrate those who truly put the ‘community’ in community college.”

Four individuals and one local business were honored for their ongoing support of Northern Essex. Each honoree was introduced with a short video, which can be viewed here.

The 2023 honorees:

Jouel Gómez, Outstanding Alumni Award

Diana DiZoglio, Public Service and Advocacy Award

Jeffrey Linehan, Philanthropy and Volunteerism Award

Vilma Martinez Dominguez, Equity and Social Justice Award

Covanta, Community Partner Award

The NECC Foundation would like to thank this year’s sponsors for their generous support of the event:

Presenting Sponsor: Cummings Foundation
Supporting Sponsors: Enterprise Bank, Haverhill Bank, TD Bank
Table Sponsors: Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, GW&K Investment Management, Newburyport Bank/Pentucket Bank, and NECC Trustee Marianne Paley Nadel

Learn more about the NECC Foundation and upcoming opportunities to get involved by visiting the webpage.

Covanta Announces $100k Grant for NECC Haverhill Promise Program

May 4, 2023/in Community/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 3, 2023) – A pledge from Covanta, our local sustainability company, will help more Haverhill High School graduates earn their associate degrees tuition-free at Northern Essex Community College. Covanta Senior Manager of Corporate Relations Alyssa Wilds announced the pledge of $100,000 at the recent NECC Impact Awards. The donation unlocks an earmarked $100,000 in state funding to support a matching grant for the NECC Haverhill Promise Program, secured by State Representative Andres Vargas (D, Essex 3rd District).

four people pose in front of a staircase and brick wall

NECC VP of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson, Covanta Business Manager Mark Van Weelden, Covanta Senior Manager of Corporate Relations Alyssa Wilds, Rep. Andy Vargas (D, Essex 3rd District)

“It has always been a focus for us to continually deepen our support in resources such as NECC over the years. NECC is not only a valuable local resource, but their lasting impacts are felt throughout the Merrimack Valley, our Commonwealth, and far beyond,” remarked Covanta Business Manager and NECC Foundation Board member Mark Van Weelden.

“The NECC Promise Program has already helped so many students to obtain an associate degree without cost,” said Allison Dolan-Wilson, Northern Essex VP of Institutional Advancement. “We are truly grateful to both Representative Vargas and Covanta for understanding the importance of this program and for supporting the many deserving students who are looking to achieve their educational goals.”

NECC’s Early College Program allows Haverhill High School students to enroll in NECC classes as early as their sophomore year of high school and earn college credits tuition-free. The Northern Essex Haverhill Promise Program gives those students who have completed at least 15 credits the opportunity to continue at NECC following graduation and earn their associate degrees for little to no cost. Students are provided coverage of tuition, fees, and a laptop. The program has been designed to operate as a GAP scholarship, covering all NECC costs not already covered by state or federal grants.

The NECC Haverhill Promise Program can potentially serve 1,000 students over the next ten years, saving them an estimated $20 million. Northern Essex offers the same scholarship opportunities to students from Lawrence through the Lawrence Promise Program. Both are made possible through public-private partnerships. Learn more about Early College and Northern Essex by visiting the webpage or contacting NECC Associate Dean of PK12 Partnerships Aaron Altman.

Covanta has been a longtime supporter of NECC and its students, contributing to numerous causes, initiatives, and projects. In 2011, the local sustainability company established an endowed scholarship for students pursuing an associate degree in natural, laboratory, or engineering science. The company was recognized with the Community Partner NECC Impact Award at the May 3 ceremony.

About Northern Essex

Northern Essex Community College, the first Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, is an education leader for the Merrimack Valley. Through a supportive learning environment and cultural inclusion, NECC embraces all identities and inspires initiative and excellence through top-notch affordable certificate and associate degree programs online and at campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. NECC offers many bachelor’s degree transfer options, workforce development, and community education classes, and is host to the NECC Police Academy, MassHire Merrimack Valley, and Gallaudet University’s Regional Center for the deaf and hard of hearing. Visit Northern Essex online at necc.edu.

Life has Come Full Circle for the 2023 Student Commencement Speaker

April 25, 2023/in Featured, Students/by mbouse

Ember Spera of Billerica has been selected as the student speaker for Northern Essex Community College’s 61st Annual Commencement. The ceremony will occur on Saturday, May 13, at 11 am on the college’s Haverhill Campus.

Spera, whose pronouns are they/them and who is receiving their certificate in American Sign Language interpreting, is already familiar with commencement at NECC. After graduating from Innovations Academy Charter School in 2014, they spent a semester at Emmanuel College before realizing it wasn’t the right fit. Spera then enrolled at Northern Essex in January 2015.

Their parents both attended NECC, and their father earned his associate degree in computer science in 1999. Spera’s parents are Deaf, and initially, Spera was interested in studying interpreting. After all, American Sign Language was Spera’s first language, and they had been interpreting for their parents all their life. “The professors described what it takes to be an interpreter, and I thought, ‘I’ve already done this. I want to try something else.'”

Spera was drawn to the flexibility of a Liberal Arts degree. Now the Dean of Liberal Arts, Amy Callahan, was one of Spera’s professors and encouraged them to pursue a journalism degree as well. “We met up after class one day and looked at all of my prerequisites,” remembers Spera. “We realized I would only need another two semesters, and I would graduate with two degrees.” In the meantime, Spera started volunteering on campus. They were the Opinions Editor of the student newspaper, The Observer, and were instrumental in launching the first mobile food market. They even met the person who eventually became their spouse, fellow student Travis (Barrett) Spera.

Ember Spera signed the National Anthem for the Red Sox Opening Day in front of 50,000 fans.

Spera graduated in 2016 with an associate degree in liberal arts and earned an associate degree in communication/journalism in the summer of 2017. Spera transferred to UMass Amherst and was admitted to the highly selective Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC) program, which allowed them to build their major. Spera first focused on sustainable communication and media but reevaluated after tragedy struck. Their sister passed away just before their senior year. “After that big loss, I reevaluated my life and switched all my classes to focus more on agriculture journalism. I really found healing through my relationship with plants.”

Less than a year after Spera graduated with their Bachelor of Arts in journalism, another major event changed their trajectory: the Covid-19 pandemic. “Travis and I had both been working in the food service industry in Amherst, and we were left without jobs. Travis had picked up sign language quickly, and the idea of going to school for interpreting was ruminating with them. I said, ‘I think I’m going to join you.’ It was always something I thought I could go back to.”

Both Ember and Travis returned to the familiar surroundings of Northern Essex to pursue this renewed ambition. Each will graduate with their certificate in American Sign Language studies: sign language interpreting on May 13. Ember has a 3.59 GPA and, through internships, has already experienced interpreting for large audiences, such as during the National Anthem on the Red Sox 2023 Opening Day and for several Boston University events. They plan to freelance following graduation to get more experience in various fields.

While graduating from Northern Essex again is cause for celebration, Spera says being chosen as commencement speaker presents another opportunity for a full circle moment. In 2014, they were selected to speak at their high school graduation, but the interpreter for the event didn’t show up, and their parents couldn’t experience the speech. “I had this moment of heartbreak- I’m giving a speech, and the people that I want to hear it the most are my parents, and I didn’t get that. So I signed the speech later at home, but it wasn’t the same. So this really does feel like a second chance. And I know that we will have plenty of interpreters on hand.”

Spera was nominated for student speaker by Kevin Fleese, the program coordinator for the ASL certificate program. Nominations were solicited from the college community and submitted to a committee of faculty and staff who selected Spera as their top choice.

To learn more about Commencement at Northern Essex, visit the website at necc.edu/commencement

Students Inducted into Alpha Beta Gamma National Business Honor Society

April 25, 2023/in Events, Students/by mbouse

Northern Essex Community College business students were recognized for academic excellence and leadership at the 36th annual induction and awards ceremony of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma. This is a historic accomplishment for the Northern Essex members, as there are not many other organizations that have met this milestone. Throughout the years, the chapter has won over 114 National Awards, which include 90 student essay awards and 24 chapter awards. Alpha Beta Gamma was established by business professors in 1970 to recognize and encourage scholarship among business and professional students enrolled at two-year degree-granting institutions.

Sixty-four initiates were inducted into Alpha Beta Gamma at the Annual Beta Omicron Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The Beta Omicron Chapter was the recipient of seven awards at the National Meeting of Alpha Beta Gamma:

Madalyn Sang (Andover) was the first recipient of the Eva Bobrow Medallion Award given to her for many years of dedication to the chapter.

Jeurys Santiago (Lawrence) was the second recipient of the Don Christesen Memorial Essay. The 750-word essay is entitled “Work for Yourself—Don’t Have a Boss.”

Iseline Mendoza (Lawrence) was the third recipient of the Paul Cunningham Essay. The 500-750-word essay is entitled “Positive Contributions to our World and How They Can be Used to Improve Significant Contributions to Mankind.”

Shanna Guy (Newburyport) was the fourth recipient of the Ester Cross-Carter Essay Award. The 500-word essay is entitled “Helping Others.”

Shanna Guy (Newburyport) was the fifth recipient of The Hausman Siegel -Student Chapter President Award.

Shanna Guy (Newburyport) was the sixth recipient of the Dr. Mary Bone Competitive Essay entitled “What Alpha Beta Gamma Means to Me.”

Beta Omicron Chapter was the seventh recipient of the Brooks College Golden Key. This chapter award is given to Beta Omicron as the outstanding chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma National Business Honor Society for two-year colleges. It is for excellence in community service, campus service, recruitment, and financial management. This is the eleventh year that Beta Omicron has been a recipient of this prestigious award.

College Leaders, Community Partners Visit the Dominican Republic

April 21, 2023/in Community, Headlines/by mbouse

Six members of the Northern Essex leadership team, along with several community partners, recently spent a week in the Dominican Republic. With forty percent of Northern Essex students having ties to the Dominican Republic, the cultural immersion trip was a chance to learn more about their experiences.

“We want to be able to understand the culture our students come from to better serve them and to help them be successful,” says NECC President Lane Glenn.

group of people outside of college. colorful flags flank the building

Northern Essex leaders and community partners visit the East Central University in San Pedro de Macoris.

The trip was organized by Vice President of the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations, Noemi Custodia-Lora. It included stops at colleges, high schools and healthcare settings, and meetings with elected officials and higher education leaders. A brave contingent even summited Pico Duarte, the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, at over 10,000 feet.

“There is a real opportunity with this exchange to serve our students and their families. And now we’re coming back and figuring out how to implement things we saw and heard and learned,” reflects Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Francellis Quiñones.

She says they’re already exploring an exchange program for faculty and students at the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology and East Central University. “The first step is for us as schools to be able to share our maps. This is the path; these are the credits. And then align and see what classes could fill those requirements. They were willing and able to offer online courses in topics we don’t have like Dominican history or Caribbean culture.”

leaders pose on top of mountain holding NECC pennant

NECC President Lane Glenn, VP of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson, Chief Officer of JEDI Francellis Quiñones, and VP of the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations Noemi Custodia-Lora atop Pico Duarte.

Quiñones says they hope to make these cultural immersion trips a regular occurrence, offering one in the fall geared toward faculty and staff and one in the spring that would include community partners. On this recent trip, the NECC contingent was joined by representatives from Lawrence General Hospital, Haverhill Public Schools, the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, AgeSpan, and the Lawrence Partnership. “All of them said that they were able to understand the culture better, to figure out ways to bring it back home and make a difference. All shared that they wanted to use this experience to better serve and engage with their staff and clientele,” says Quiñones.

Quiñones says this trip will also help inform the work she is doing to transform the Center for Equity and Social Justice (CESJ) into a hub to connect students with resources in the community. “There is infinite potential to solidify the identity of Northern Essex Community College as a community support and encourage people to take classes because they’re going to be taken care of. Out of the CESJ and those partnerships will come internships, job, and work study opportunities. There were a lot of those ideas that came just from small talk on the trip. Imagine what we can do with real intentionality. The work is ours.”

You can learn more about the Center for Equity and Social Justice and JEDI principles at Northern Essex by visiting this webpage.

Coach Named Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services for Transportation and Athletics

April 21, 2023/in Faculty and Staff/by mbouse

By Dan Blair, Director of Athletics

Haverhill, MA (April 20, 2023) – Northern Essex Community College Director of Athletics Dan Blair has announced the hiring of Darren Stratton to the newly created position of Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services for Transportation and Athletics. He will begin his duties on April 24th.

coach kneels in front of seated players, talking to them about plays

Darren Stratton was recently named NJCAA East District Coach of the Year

In his role, Stratton will manage all aspects of the college’s new campus transportation program between the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses while taking on additional responsibilities within the Athletic program. Stratton will serve as the liaison for athletics to the college’s academic coaching program and the alumni office to enhance outreach to student-athlete alumni.

“I’m thrilled to be able to have Coach Stratton join the college in a full-time capacity, he’s given more than half his lifetime to NECC as a student and part-time coaching staff member. He’s made a positive impact on hundreds of student-athletes at the college over the years and I look forward to his impact being felt across campus. His connections in the Merrimack Valley run deep and will only work to benefit the entire college community,” commented Blair.

In this multi-faceted position Stratton will additionally assist the athletic department with its community outreach within the colleges service area.

Prior to joining the college full-time Stratton has served 20 years at the Knights head men’s basketball coach, a role he will continue in while also assisting in the build-up of the women’s basketball program.

“Northern Essex is my home. What I see in today’s students I saw in myself 25 years ago. Our students today are challenged on many fronts in and out of school. I look forward to making a difference by providing support to our students throughout campus to succeed in the classroom and in life,” said Stratton.

Outside of NECC, Stratton has had a successful career in both the construction field and retail business operations.