Latest news with #HolyokeCommunityCollege
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Holyoke Community College holds 78th Commencement ceremony
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke Community College's Class of 2025 proudly walked across the stage to accept their diplomas Saturday morning during the college's 78th commencement ceremony. 'HCC has always been a community I always wanted to be a part of,' said Isa'Rose Ramos, HCC graduate. It all started by word of mouth for Isa'Rose Ramos, a Human Services major. In 2012, she lived at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts with her children. Ten years later, she transitioned from a volunteer to a domestic violence trauma-informed counselor at the shelter. 'In order to move up in the departments, you have to have Bachelor's in Human Services,' Ramos said. 'You have to start with an Associate's.' Holyoke organization hosts 'Golden Prom' for 50+ community This was a similar goal for the nearly 750 graduates at Holyoke Community College. After closing their chapter at HCC, the Class of 2025 walked across the stage on Saturday at the MassMutual Center in Springfield to receive their Associate's degrees and certificates. 'Commencement is just such an exciting time for us, because it's a culmination of so many struggles that our students have had,' said HCC President George Timmons. 'And this is just a way to celebrate this achievement in a grand way. For some, what takes a two-year degree may have taken them 10, 12, 15 years.' President Timmons told 22News that the graduates couldn't have done it without the help of the faculty members, which is why the college decided to grant an English professor with the Marieb Award of Teaching Excellence, the college's highest faculty award. 'Dr. Trobaugh exudes HCC mission and values, like she loves what she does,' Timmons said. 'Because I think that in life, don't chase money, chase happiness. And if you are happy with what you do, then I believe the money will come.' But the acknowledgements didn't stop there. The graduates decided to give back to the school, with the class of 2025 raising hundreds of dollars to give the college a donation to its Thrive Resource Center. It's in honor of a woman who started this student resource center to help with homelessness, food insecurity, SNAP, credit scores, and housing. 'Despite the odds, we made it because we kept showing up,' Ramos said. 'Not because it was easy, not because anything was handed to us in life, but because we know our worth.' The graduates' way of giving back is a direct representation of others who helped the college. Because of their work, four individuals were presented with Distinguished Service Awards. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HCC, Dean Tech team up to teach green tech, construction to jobseekers
SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Community College and Dean Technical High School are teaming up for a new, free seven-week green tech and construction program that's already getting a diverse, inaugural group of trainees prepped for the workforce. 'We like to call it a three-in-one introductory program. It is an introduction to green construction and electricity, and how those are applied to clean energy systems, such as solar panels and EV chargers,' said Mary Wagner, HCC clean energy training manager. Trainees in 'Introductory Training Green Construction, Electricity and Clean Energy Systems' can earn some Occupational Safety and Health Administration construction safety credentials, while learning green building, hand and power tool use, electrical concepts and circuitry. The free program is paid for with a two-year, $832,000 state grant that HCC received in 2024 for climate-related workforce training initiatives. HCC was the only institution in Western Massachusetts to receive this funding, which was part of a $3.4 million allocation from the Healey-Driscoll administration. Four Dean Tech educators teach the program. On top of having teaching experience, they also have worked in the field and have union knowledge. Wagner said students have conveyed to her that these well-liked instructors have created a helpful, friendly learning environment. Starting July 7 through Aug. 1, there will be two free, four-week programs to train workers for jobs in the clean energy sector and prepare students for careers in one of Massachusetts' fastest-growing industries. The green construction, electricity and clean energy systems program will shift from evenings to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In addition, the schools will run a weatherization-intensive training program. Those classes will meet at Dean Tech and HCC on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During this four-week program, trainees will learn proper tool use and techniques for air sealing, weather stripping, insulating, spray foaming, and controlling building moisture and ventilation. All of these measures reduce energy costs by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. State Rep. Patricia Duffy said this kind of program is exactly what her constituents need, and what the city needs. 'It's what people of all ages are looking for. Holyoke Community College is following high-demand industries,' said Duffy. 'Holyoke is getting a lot of attention for clean energy companies coming to the city, and we want companies to come and hire local people.' Students who complete the program will be eligible for work in construction, can apply for a paid electrician apprenticeship program or enroll in further training as a clean energy technician. Programs like these reflect the state's priorities of closing the skills gap and creating pathways into high-demand industries. HCC works with multiple community and employer partners to ensure their trainees receive assistance to secure employment or further education. Local assistance programs and employers include places like the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Springfield Works, Green Crest Energy, the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, Trinity Solar, Holyoke Gas & Electric, and the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. Kermit Dunkelberg, HCC's assistant vice president of adult education and workforce development, shared that he hopes the dual focus of training people for jobs and helping small businesses grow will result in more locally owned companies doing the work in the area. 'Much of the work to date is done by out-of-state contractors with large companies, but where is the space for a new company? Where's the space for BIPOC-owned companies and women-owned? I hope we are creating some pathways that are more accessible for the communities we're trying to serve,' said Dunkelberg. Last year, the state Division of Apprenticeship Standards approved $465,600 in registered apprenticeship tax credits for employers who hired 97 apprentices, a statement from the Healey-Driscoll Administration said. Because of a 2023 tax cut package, clean energy employers are now eligible for the tax credit of up to $4,800 per apprentice. Clean energy employers hired 26 apprentices using the tax credit last year. 'By expanding eligibility to some of our most in-demand and growing industries, we are reducing the cost of doing business in Massachusetts, encouraging employers to leverage apprenticeship as a strategy to fill their hiring needs, and giving dozens of Massachusetts residents a pathway to a good-paying career,' Healey said in the statement. In the fall, HCC and Dean Tech also will launch a solar associate technical training and certification program that will run from September to December. Wagner said that future programs include EV charger installation and maintenance training and certification, energy auditing training, and home energy rating system training. While this is a two-year funded grant, Duffy said she will advocate for additional funding. 'We have to show the proven results that we are getting students through this program, getting jobs, and companies are attracted to it. We will need to get the companies to advocate on this program, too,' said Duffy. To be eligible, students must be at least 18, authorized to work in the U.S., have a high school diploma or equivalency, be able to start work after the training, and pass a background check. For more information or to enroll, visit or contact career counselor Mike Blasco at mblasco@ or 413-552-2801. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
HCC honors faculty and staff at annual awards ceremony
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke Community College recognized six faculty and staff members during its annual end-of-year awards ceremony. The annual ceremony, held on Wednesday, May 21, highlights exceptional service, dedication, and teaching across the campus community. English professor Elizabeth Trobaugh of Amherst received the college's highest faculty honor–the 2025 Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair for Teaching Excellence Award. As part of the recognition, she will lead the academic procession and deliver the faculty keynote address during HCC's 78th Commencement on May 31 at the MassMutual Center. 'I'd like to thank everyone at the college for creating the ecosystem that allows me to do what I love so much, which is to be in the classroom with students,' Trobaugh said from the stage of the Leslie Phillips Theater. 'I know the work that you do is what enables me to do the work I do, which gives me so much pleasure and the opportunity to see students succeed, and that is the biggest gift. I am grateful to my students, who, over these 20-plus years, continuously, perpetually inspire me to do my best for them, because they are working hard and pursuing something so valuable and noble.' Trobaugh joined the HCC faculty in 2003 and has more than two decades of experience inspiring students in the classroom. She holds a bachelor's degree from Tufts University and both a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. Her connection to the college is also personal–her three children and son-in-law are all HCC alumni. 'I know how wonderful it is to be a proud parent of an HCC alum,' she added. 'I've seen how HCC changes lives.' The Elaine Marieb Award, named in honor of the late professor emeritus and HCC alum Elaine Marieb, recognizes a full-time faculty member for excellence in classroom teaching. The award includes a stipend for professional development and a one-year appointment to the honorary chair. In addition to the Marieb Award, five other employees were honored for their contributions: Christina Royal Equity in Action Award: Adina Gianelli of Conway, assistant professor of criminal justice Idelia Smith Adjunct Faculty Award: Erin Jackson of Glastonbury, Conn., instructor in the veterinary technician program Outstanding Professional Staff Award: Allison Wrobel of Holyoke, HCC registrar Outstanding Classified Staff Award: Lindsy Providenti of Granby, administrative assistant in the BSTEM division Outstanding Part-Time Staff Award: Lucien Dalton of South Hadley, math tutor and engineering pathways coordinator The ceremony celebrated the commitment of faculty and staff to student success and institutional excellence, reinforcing HCC's mission to transform lives through education. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Vendors and volunteers sought for Holyoke's 4th of July event
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Holyoke has announced that the annual 4th of July festivities are set for Friday, June 27th. The community is invited to enjoy entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for children at Holyoke Community College beginning at 6 p.m. The fireworks display will start at dusk. 'Dr. Beach' names this Massachusetts beach in top 10 of 2025 Vendors interested in joining the event are encouraged to contact the Parks and Recreation Department for a permit application at 413-322-5620 before June 13th. Those interested in volunteering can call the mayor's office at 413-561-1600. If the event has to be postponed due to weather concerns, it will be rescheduled for Sunday, June 29th. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HCC Student Innovation team advances to national finals
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – A trio of Holyoke Community College students is heading to Washington, D.C., next month after their sustainable cooling system project for AI-driven data centers earned them a spot in the finals of a prestigious nationwide innovation competition. Jacob Bissonnette of Holyoke, Anjou Edwards of Westhampton—both business administration majors—and Nora Goncalves, an engineering major from Williamsburg, were selected as one of 12 finalist teams for the 2025 Community College Innovation Challenge. Massachusetts millionaires tax is funding these public schools The annual contest is organized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation. Their project, titled 'Green Computer Processing – Reducing Data Energy Consumption,' aims to build a closed-loop cooling system designed to recapture lost energy and reduce waste in large-scale computing centers. It was one of only two projects from Massachusetts to reach the final round, alongside a team from Middlesex Community College. 'It's an amazing feeling, because it wasn't just the culmination of all our efforts, but the efforts of everyone who's been supporting us this far – the faculty, our coaches, the whole school helping to put us up,' said Bissonnette. From June 9–12, the team will participate in an 'Innovation Boot Camp' in Washington, where they will receive coaching on business planning, stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, and market dynamics. The boot camp concludes with a student poster session on Capitol Hill with STEM leaders and congressional stakeholders, followed by formal pitch presentations to determine the winning teams. The competition, now in its ninth year, is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking among community college students by challenging them to solve real-world problems using STEM-based approaches. Teams consist of two to four students and a faculty or administrator mentor. 'Congratulations to the 2025 CCIC finalists,' said Walter G. Bumphus, President and CEO of AACC. 'The finalist projects showcase the incredible talent and creativity of the nation's community college students. I am proud to stand with our partners at the National Science Foundation to provide this forum to advance these student leaders as they become our future scientists, entrepreneurs, and engineers, addressing real-world issues and positively impacting our daily lives.' The HCC team is advised by Michele Cabral, professor of accounting at the college. 'The national Community College Innovation Challenge is designed to enable community college students to discover and demonstrate their capacity to use STEM to make a difference in the world and to translate that knowledge into action,' said Cabral. 'Jacob, Anjou, and Nora will be the first group of students ever representing HCC on this national stage.' Holyoke Community College appoints first Latina Chief of Police Bissonnette and Edwards were originally recognized as 'Ultimate Achievers' during HCC's inaugural campus Innovation Challenge last fall. Goncalves joined their team in the spring to prepare for the national contest. Top teams in the challenge will receive cash awards of $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second, and $1,000 for third, along with access to patent experts to help further develop their ideas. 'Even if we don't make it to the top three, we still get to have this amazing experience and add that to our resumes,' said Bissonnette. 'It's incredible for our professional development.' 'We'll get to network with experts in the field, politicians, and people who know how to get patents,' added Edwards. 'So, if you want to make this business into something more serious, which is our goal, this is the perfect first step.' Other finalist projects in this year's competition addressed a range of issues, including food insecurity, burn treatment, aviation safety, nicotine addiction, neonatal care, fire prevention, and assistive technologies. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
