Did you know MCLA regularly lends its expertise to the Berkshire community, from college prep seminars to developing employment pipelines between the College and major local employers?
The greenhouse connected to MCLA's Venable Hall, right across from the Amsler Campus Center, is now home to seedlings that will become veggies and herbs for sauces, salsas, and pickles. When students return to campus next semester, they'll be able to try a few varieties of an "MCLA Pickle" created by MCLA Dining Executive Chef Tony Fiorentino.
Jake Daigneault '21 knew he wanted to survey a diverse population. "I realized we have this whole alumni network potentially available to us," he said. Steele and Daigneault reached out to the MCLA Alumni Office, which sent Daigneault's survey out to the alumni community. He ended up with more than 400 responses--much higher than the usual number of survey respondents for senior thesis work.
John and Cecelia Kennedy met at MCLA, both members of the Class of 1978. They've been married almost 40 years, but their time at the College didn't just bring them together. It also helped nurture their shared values about giving back to the community and helping empower young people.
According to Kate Gigliotti, MCLA's senior director of constituent engagement, 2020 was a record-breaking year for alumni volunteers. In the 2020-21 academic year, 440 alumni volunteered their time, spending 2,650 hours helping with programs that support students and recent graduates, plus 1,250 hours spent volunteering through alumni leadership roles, including the Alumni Association Board of Directors and other alumni boards and committees.
Crystal Wojcik '21, a business major at MCLA with a concentration in accounting, is staying local after graduation, starting her career as the finance director for her hometown of Adams, Mass.
In May, Courtney Keefe will finish her master of education from MCLA. Summer sessions helped keep her on track as she earned her degree.
A team of six interns is helping the MCLA Institute for Arts and Humanities meet its goals this year, driving everything from programming to graphic design to community engagement.
This name change better reflects what students are learning as they work towards careers in medicine, epidemiology, nutrition, health policy, and more.
After earning her bachelor's degree in mass communications, master of education, and completing Leadership Academy, Hoosac Valley High School Principal Colleen Byrd is back at MCLA, working toward her special education director's license.
