{"id":23594,"date":"2022-09-07T20:09:29","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T00:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/necc.edu\/newsroom2\/2022\/09\/08\/fall-convocation-opens-new-semester-at-necc\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T15:58:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T19:58:49","slug":"fall-convocation-opens-new-semester-at-necc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/necc.edu\/newsroom\/2022\/09\/07\/fall-convocation-opens-new-semester-at-necc\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Convocation Opens New Semester at NECC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Haverhill, MA (September 6, 2022) \u2013Northern Essex Community College launched the start of a new semester with the Fall 2022 Convocation on September 6. Members of the NECC community gathered on the Haverhill Campus to explore the theme Empowering Students and Transforming Lives: NECC Student Stories of Inspirational Change.<\/em> This was the first in-person convocation since January 2020.<\/p>\n

Strategic Plan<\/strong>
\n\"president<\/a><\/p>\n

The morning started with a review of the college\u2019s new strategic plan titled \u201cSuccess for All at NECC: Strategic Plan 2022-2027.\u201d The college recently submitted the plan to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education for review and feedback. It will be finalized during the fall semester. NECC President Lane Glenn highlighted the process of developing the plan and explained how students took center stage from the beginning. \u201cNECC is deeply committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to an equitable, affordable, and exceptional academic experience at every step of their journey with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Francellis<\/a>

Francellis Quin\u0303ones is NECC\u2019s first Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion<\/p><\/div>\n

NECC\u2019s newly-hired Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Francellis Quin\u0303ones<\/a>, spoke about her background and vision for NECC\u2019s Center for Equality and Social Justice. \u201cThis work is not mine alone; this is a job for all of us,\u201d she said. \u201cWe all thrive when the focus is getting all people across that bridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quin\u0303ones is the college\u2019s first Chief Officer of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. She lives in Haverhill with her husband and two daughters and has been dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion work in the Merrimack Valley for nearly 20 years.<\/p>\n

Student Panel<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fall 2022 Convocation closed with a student panel facilitated by Dean of Students Jonathan Miller. Five students shared why they chose NECC and how they\u2019ve found success at the college.<\/p>\n

\"jessica<\/a>

Jessica Newey and Sarah Pachano were part of the student panel.<\/p><\/div>\n

Current Student Trustee Sarah Pachano credits an advisor for helping her realize she was unhappy with her major and encouraging her to make a brave choice to change. \u201cFor the first time in my life, I felt like someone actually cared.\u201d Fellow student Pascale Percy shared that since starting classes, she\u2019s already experienced career growth. She worked in a factory and now works at a financial institution. And she\u2019s quick to share her experience with others. \u201cNECC gave me the opportunity to show people around me how to improve their life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Welcomes and Farewells<\/strong><\/p>\n

NECC officially introduces new employees at each convocation and sends a fond farewell to recent retirees. View the complete list of Welcomes and Farewells here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t