MCLA Trailhead Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

THE MAGAZINE OF THE COMMONWEALTH’S LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE

On Stage The MCLA Theatre Program presented “Antigone” from November 3-12, 2023.

Trailhead WINTER 2024 James F. Birge, Ph.D.

Richard Glejzer, Ph.D.

PRESIDENT

Bernadette Alden DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Barbara T. Chaput CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Gina Puc ‘07

Lead Writer & Editor Amy Krzanik

CHIEF OF STAFF

CONSTITUENT ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Jeannette Smith, Ph.D.

Design Julie Hammill

VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Joseph DaSilva VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Managing Editor Kate Gigliotti

PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

WWW.HAMMILLDESIGN.COM

Robert P. Ziomek ’89 VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

To view a digital version of Trailhead, scan here

The MCLA Magazine is published annually in print and online for alumni and friends of the College.

Address changes: alumni@mcla.edu

CONTENTS

Trailhead WINTER 2024

FEATURES

6 Pass It On Taz Ramos ’22 Is a “Natural” Teacher

8 Innovative MBA Program MCLA, Berkshire Innovation Center partner for hybrid business degree

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18 Remembering Dr. Steven Green More than 200 alumni, friends, and family celebrated the life of the MCLA professor emeritus

MORE

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In Our Own Words: WJJW Memories

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Alumni Spotlight: Bentley Munsell ’15

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Alumni Spotlight: Delano “Akairo” Mills ’23

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Steve Abellie ’07, MBA ’13

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Fall Lectures

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2023 Alumni Association Award Honorees

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MCLA Bookshelf

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Interview with the Author: Alexandra Nichipor ’12

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Alumni Office on the Road

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Class Notes

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IN OUR OWN WORDS: We asked alums to help us celebrate WJJW’s 50th anniversary by sharing their memories of working at the College’s radio station.

Here is what they said.

READ MORE!

DURING MY SENIOR YEAR, I HELPED PRODUCE THE RADIO PLAY ‘SORRY, WRONG NUMBER.’ IT WAS A LOT OF FUN, AND A COOL EXPERIENCE. ANOTHER OF MY FAVE MOMENTS WAS WORKING ON OUR SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW, ‘GROOVY MUSIC FOR GROOVY PEOPLE.’” —Lizz Furtado ’91

THE RADIO STATION WAS ALWAYS A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE FUN, ENGAGE IN SOMETHING CREATIVE, AND BREAK SOME NEW GROUND WITH ARTISTS THAT WERE JUST STARTING OUT LIKE R.E.M., PEARL JAM, THE CULT, THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, AND LENNY KRAVITZ ... WHEN COLLEGE RADIO TRULY HAD ‘LEFT OF THE DIAL’ CHOPS. I’M GLAD TO SEE THE COLLEGE HAS CONTINUED TO INVEST IN THIS MEDIUM. IT’S IMPORTANT. IT MATTERS.” —Matt Wolfe ’92 WJJW 50th reunion celebration during 2023 Homecoming Weekend

I DID A REGGAE SHOW AND, WHEN I STARTED IT, WE DIDN’T HAVE MANY RECORDS AT THE STATION. I WROTE TO AS MANY RECORD LABELS AS I COULD TO SEND ALBUMS, NEW AND OLD, TO THE STATION TO SUPPORT MY SHOW, AND SOON BUILT UP A DECENT CATALOG. BUT MY FAVORITE SHOW WAS FRIDAY MORNINGS FROM 5-9 A.M.: ‘ILL IN THE HEAD WITH JED.’ I LOVED MY TIME ON AIR. I EVEN GOT TO PROMOTE AND PLAY MUSIC FROM THE BAND I WAS IN, ANIMAL FARM. [THESE WERE] SOME OF MY BEST MEMORIES AT NASC.”

THANKS TO SCOTT FLEISHMAN EGGING ME ON, I BROADCASTED THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S HOME BASKETBALL GAMES FROM 1998-2001.

IT WAS A BLAST! I LEARNED A LOT.” —Shaun Wyman ’01

—Jed Hazard ’90 1983 2

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1986

THE WORST MISTAKE I EVER MADE WAS HAVING A PUNK ROCK SHOW SENIOR YEAR EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT: 95% VINYL RECORDS, TWO-MINUTE SONGS. IT TOOK ME 30 MINUTES TO PULL RECORDS FOR 15 MINUTES [OF MUSIC] AND AN HOUR POST-SHOW TO CLEAN UP ALL THE VINYL ON THE FLOOR. BUT I LOVED IT SO MUCH THAT I CONVINCED MY DAUGHTER TO JOIN WUML AT UMASS LOWELL. SHE ASKED ME TO BE ON HER FINAL SHOW BEFORE GRADUATING LAST YEAR.” —David Faulkner ’93

Jason Lindholm and I were picked to be station music directors and, in a short time, started reporting to CMJ and got record company help to update our library. Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten,’ Soundgarden’s ‘Badmotorfinger,’ Meat Puppets’ ‘Too High To Die,’ and Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ were all breaking at once in the summer of ‘91. By September, the record labels were sending us about 40 packages a day. There was rarely a time students weren’t taking airtime because the culture of Grunge was exploding. Hip-Hop was also huge, with Public Enemy, Cyprus Hill, and even Vanilla Ice getting airtime.

The station only had two Technics turntables, both started differently, cheap Sears and Technics CD players, cart machines that got hot enough to heat up the studio, a reel tape deck that had been breaking down since 1989, and a boom mic that had to be held up by a wire coat hanger attached to the drop ceiling. The mixer was from 1958, as were all dials and manual. This was college kids banging things together and making the station sound like a revolution and, in many ways, destroying what commercial stations sounded like. When something happened on air, it had the effect of the way people were talking outside. Enjoy WJJW and happy 50th.”

—Scott Sena ’92

“I HAD A LATE SHOW AND PLAYED ALL SORTS OF TUNES. I REMEMBER PUTTING ON ‘IN-A-GADDADA-VIDA’ [BY IRON BUTTERLY] WHENEVER I NEEDED TO USE THE LADIES’ ROOM. I LOVED BEING A DJ AT WJJW — GREAT MEMORIES!”

2006

—Carla Holness ’95

I HOSTED ‘TUES NIGHT JAMS’ FROM FOR TWO YEARS AND ALSO DID PLAY-BY-PLAY OF HOCKEY, BASKETBALL, SOCCER, AND BASEBALL WITH A TWO-HOUR SPORTS TALK SHOW, TOO! MISS IT!!!”

WE HOSTED AN IRREVERENT, WACKY, AND INEXPLICABLY POPULAR SHOW ON FRIDAY NIGHTS FOR FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS. IT WAS AN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE WITH WEEKLY GUESTS, MEMORABLE CALL-INS FROM RESIDENTS OF NORTH ADAMS, HILARIOUSLY BIZARRE SEGMENTS, AND A PLAYLIST OF TUNES YOU’D FORGOTTEN EXISTED.” —Tom Rimer ’06 and Clay Neesham ’06

—Michael Walter ’95

I DID ‘MONDAY NIGHT MELLOWS’ FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS AND SERVED AS MUSIC DIRECTOR, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, AND GENERAL MANAGER. GREAT EXPERIENCE. REMEMBER GOING TO CMJ IN NEW YORK CITY.” —Hank Derby ’96

I HAD RADIO SHOWS/SPORTS COMMENTARY DURING MY TIME THERE, BUT MY GREATEST MEMORY OF WJJW HAS TO BE THE DEDICATION AND PROMOTIONAL WORK OF DJ 808 BOBBY CONLON. HE MASTERED THE ART OF ROBO-CALLING EVERY PHONE ON CAMPUS TO LEAVE A MESSAGE ABOUT HIS UPCOMING SHOWS.” —George Scione ’00

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ALUMNI

SP TLIGHT

BENTLEY MUNSELL ’15

A SECOND CHANCE AT SUCCESS: NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT BENTLEY MUNSELL ’15 SHARES HOW MCLA GAVE HIM THE CONFIDENCE TO PURSUE HIS TRUE CALLING AS A NURSE in classes at Berkshire Community College (BCC), but the advising office told me that, although my grades at the time were good, they hadn’t been in the past, and I should stay in school longer before applying to their nursing program. So, I applied to MCLA in the spring of 2011 as a transfer student and started that fall.

“I was shocked that I got accepted into MCLA, but all my professors were supportive. They told me I was welcome there as a 28-year-old guy, that they had a home for me there, that I belonged. ‘Whatever your goals are, let’s see if we can make them happen,’ they said. We discussed what working in health care might look like for me.”

A rocky introduction to higher education could turn a student off for life, but Bentley Munsell ‘15 found tremendous success on his second try.

He graduated from MCLA with a double major in biology and psychology, then earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UMass Amherst in 2018.

Bentley now works at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center as its clinical nurse manager of express care, a position he accepted in August after serving as a charge nurse and staff nurse in the hospital’s emergency department.

“I went to college right after high school, but didn’t do well,” he said. “My best friend’s mother told me: ‘Well, you’re good at working hard, so you should just find a job.’” After working in horticulture from 2001-2010, Bentley relocated to New England, where he began to think about a career change.

“I thought, ‘I like caring for sick plants, so maybe I should enter the health care field.’ I enrolled 4

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Bentley credits Professor Sharon Claffey with helping him hone his research skills, which involved processing data and decision-making.

“I wrote my senior thesis in psychology as a junior,” he said. “Professors Anne Goodwin and Ann Billetz helped me develop my leadership skills and confidence in teaching. I became a teaching assistant for anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and cell biology, which was invaluable for my confidence in talking to people. Having those experiences has made my job so much easier every day.”

Bentley said he didn’t feel confident growing up, but MCLA created an environment where he could try new things. “It was a safe space for me to go through gender transition, and everyone was fantastic and supportive,” he said. “I’m the confident person I am because of my time at MCLA.” While taking classes, Bentley also did a lot of soul-searching and made connections to ensure he would enjoy working in health care. “An access point to becoming a nurse is working as a nursing assistant or an EMT,” he said. “EMT classes fit well with my school and work schedules. I took an EMT class in the fall of 2011 and became an EMT in the spring of 2012, working until the spring of last year at

Northern Berkshire EMS. It was an incredible experience. I got to take care of people in crisis, go into people’s homes, and work in an administrative role.”

After working as an EMT for four years, Bentley began working in the emergency department of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center as an emergency department technician, an EMT inside the hospital. “I realized it is 110 percent what I want to do, where I want to be, and I’ve built many great relationships here,” he said. “It also confirmed my desire to become a nurse and expand my practice and role in health care.”

This fall, MCLA introduced its new nursing bachelor’s degree program, which will make earning a BSN quicker, easier, and less expensive for students like him who want to study close to home. But those aren’t the only reasons Bentley, who serves on the board of the MCLA Alumni Association, is excited about his alma mater’s new program. “MCLA’s new nursing bachelor’s program is fantastic

THROUGH EARNING A LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE, I HAVE A BROADER VIEW OF HEALTH CARE AND PATIENT SITUATIONS.” —Bentley Munsell ’15

for many reasons,” he said. “Through earning a liberal arts degree, I have a broader view of health care and patient situations; I wasn’t laser-focused on hard science, but instead took classes across disciplines. I met people across the spectrum of life because of the coursework and students there. I was also better equipped to start nursing classes because so much of it is about communication and listening, and my prior coursework helped me build those skills. A liberal arts college with a nursing program is fantastic because a BA-degree-prepared nurse has an extended perspective on the human experience and an expanded worldview.

“I’ve found that it also fosters professionalism,” Bentley said. “BA-degree-prepared nurses have a good, conscientious bedside manner, and I find it’s easier for them to transition into leadership roles. For students who wish to gain employment in the health care industry, nursing is a very accessible pathway into the field for people from many walks of life. This program will do a tremendous amount for the people in our community. We desperately need nursing staff and strong clinicians with holistic values, and MCLA is going to fill a huge need.”

Bentley credits much of his current success to his time at MCLA. “For a very long time, I carried failure around with me and thought that I wasn’t going to be able to accomplish much,” he said. “I did accomplish some through horticulture, but it was difficult—my confidence was missing. Going to BCC and doing well for a semester helped, so it was hard when they said I wasn’t a competitive applicant for their nursing program. I felt that failure creeping back up.

“Being able to come to MCLA and build confidence in an approachable environment allowed me to go on to UMass and do well in an 80-person classroom. I was a 33-yearold adult then, but I wouldn’t have been successful in a program of that size without my time at the College.”

DELANO “AKAIRO” MILLS ’23 MCLA ALUM PUBLISHES COMIC FUNDED BY ASSETS FOR ARTISTS CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANT This spring, Delano “Akairo” Mills ‘23 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in studio art and a minor in arts management. This summer, he worked as an admissions clerk at the Springfield Museum and received a $3K grant from Assets for Artists to focus on his artistic practice.

Delano, from Springfield, Massachusetts, was awarded a Massachusetts Statewide Capacity Building Grant this July to fund a website and his first 60+ page comic, “Desert Sunflower Vol. 1: Seed of the Red Sun,” which was independently published and is now available on Amazon.

“Since graduating I’ve achieved what I wanted to: getting a job in a field I’m interested in with decent daytime hours, close to home, and I was able to complete my book, as well,” Delano said. “I’m excited to see what my future holds.”

Delano is a digital illustrator, photographer, character designer, and comic artist who primarily focuses on bringing Black representation and visual aesthetics like Afro-Punk, Afro-fantasy, and Afro-Surrealism into the forefront of sequential art and storytelling.

Navigating the process of publishing a book wasn’t easy for Delano, which is why he chose to self-publish. “The goal of this is to prove that self-publishing is possible and that artists don’t need to rely on publishers — selling their [intellectual property] and losing their creative freedom,” he said. “That is something I value greatly. I now take on the role of everything a publisher does, but at the end of the day I still have my creative freedom and that is invaluable.”

Massachusetts Statewide Capacity Building Grant Program awardees receive an unrestricted grant of $3K, priority access to Assets for Artists online workshops for the year, one individual coaching session with an Assets for Artists trainer, support for setting goals and making an action-oriented plan to reach them, and peer-networking opportunities within the cohort.

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PASS IT ON

TAZ RAMOS ’22 IS A “NATURAL” TEACHER

Whether he’s working as a math tutor or keeping ancient homesteading traditions alive, the MCLA grad is happy when he’s instructing others.

Homesteader, musician, actor, direct support professional, reality TV star: Tarcisio “Taz” Ramos Dos Santos ’22 has worn many hats during his 36 years on this planet. It makes sense then that he would focus on interdisciplinary studies when he enrolled at MCLA as a non-traditional student. But how did someone from the smallest state in Brazil find his way to North Adams?

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Born in Sergipe, located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Taz spent his childhood living off the land, without electricity or running water. He attended high school in the nearby town, fell in love with theater, and decided to make acting his career. He studied theater for social change, working with youth at risk in his hometown, and wrote a book of poetry.

Then, at age 16, Taz found out he was going to be the father of twins. He finished his education while working to support his new son and daughter. Through his acting career, Taz met his former partner who brought him to the United States 11 years ago. He aimed to leave the days of living off the land behind, further his education, and

Taz, far right, at MCLA’s 2022 Commencement exercises

bushcraft skills convinced producers of The History Channel’s “Alone” survival series to invite him to be a contestant on Season 10. Taz was among the 25—out of the more than 40,000 who entered—to be asked to attend a pre-taping bootcamp, after which 10 contestants were chosen to live outdoors in the frigid wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The season finished airing in August, with Taz placing fifth, holding on for 40 days before tapping out due to lack of food.

Photo courtesy Taz Ramos

save money to bring his children to live with him in the U.S. While participating in a survival course in the Utah desert at age 24, Taz realized the set of skills he possessed was valuable, and by pursuing a modern lifestyle he was letting those skills go to waste. That year, he decided to return to hunting, fishing, foraging, and listening to the land.

He eventually found himself on a homestead in the Berkshires, where he was able to reconnect with nature in a way he hadn’t in years. The videos he recorded of himself living in his treehouse, farming, and teaching traditional

“For a long time I was running away from the skills I learned by farming and living off the land,” Taz said. “I thought, ‘Who wants to learn how to survive?’ But I know those things very well, and slowly I returned to the earth and made those things flourish. I was watching this survival show and thinking: ‘I can do this!’”

When Taz enrolled at MCLA in 2018, he became the first in his extended family to earn a college degree. Even though he was a non-traditional student who lived off-campus and worked full time, he became involved in the campus community by becoming a math tutor for the TRIO program.

“Teaching was a skill I already had, and it was nice to have the opportunity to share that with students,” he said. “That was the way I found to be engaged. I’m older and have a lot of life

MCLA WAS WHEN I TRULY GOT ENGAGED IN COLLEGE AND WAS TRULY PRESENT.” —Tarcisio “Taz” Ramos Dos Santos ’22

experience, so most of the students and I were at different stages in our lives. I think it helped the students to have someone to look up to, and I felt that I was offering something. It was really rewarding for me; it’s positive for both sides.”

Taz, who minored in math, said tutoring also helped him improve in his own math studies.

“MCLA was when I truly got engaged in college and was truly present,” he said. “I was supported by the professors and I really enjoyed my time.”

In addition to working as a direct support professional for individuals on the autism spectrum with Columbia County Arc, Taz continues to share his skills with others. He teaches music and drumming on the side, leads workshops on ash tree basketry and bush crafting, and offers guided hikes.

You can also find him performing throughout Western Massachusetts, drumming with Berkshire Bateria, and performing traditional and modern Brazilian music with his own Samba Trio.

His twins, now teenagers, are hoping to come to the U.S. next fall and enroll in college. Let’s hope they #MakeItMCLA!

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MCLA, BERKSHIRE INNOVATION CENTER PARTNER FOR HYBRID MBA PROGRAM This fall, students enrolled in MCLA’s hybrid MBA program will spend six Saturdays immersed in high-tech learning at Pittsfield’s Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC). The rest of the class time will be held online. This innovative, experiential model is aimed at meeting the needs of both students and the advanced manufacturing companies based in Berkshire County and beyond.

The BIC, which officially opened in 2020, provides regional manufacturers and STEM businesses with advanced research and development equipment, state-of-the-art lab and training facilities, and collaboration opportunities with BIC’s research partners, along with internship and apprenticeship programs for local students.

“In the advanced manufacturing sector, the BIC is where everything is happening,” said Dr. Joshua Mendel, MCLA associate dean of graduate and continuing education for partnerships and programs. “It brings in new businesses, who then use it as an incubation space for new technology.”

He explained that the College’s MBA students will spend time at the BIC learning from the professionals and will be able to support its on-site businesses doing work such as strategic marketing.

“The idea is to complement our MBA program to what’s relevant in our region,” said Mendel. “Most of our MBA students are local, whether they are currently employed, transitioning between careers, or want to become entrepreneurs.”

When students enroll in the College’s MBA program, they also become pseudo-members of the BIC, said Mendel, which means they get invited to lecture series, professional development opportunities, and other BIC events.

“When you are able to work with these rising companies, you are interacting with professionals who are intensely driven,” Mendel said. “These are entrepreneurs who have the funding and want their businesses to thrive, and it makes our students elevate their own game right away.”

SolaBlock is one example of a Berkshire County business that got its start at the BIC, using the Center’s support and resources to help develop a game-changing product: solar masonry units (SMUs) that combine solar technology with standard masonry bricks. SolaBlock’s SMUs “address the need for clean energy in urban and remote locations, offering a vertical solution where conventional solar arrays are poorly suited.”

This summer, Sarah Tomczyk ’23 interned for SolaBlock as an undergraduate MCLA

communications major with concentrations in digital media innovation, broadcast media, and public relations and corporate communications.

“This was my first internship outside of the College, and it opened my eyes to what businesses are like in the real world,” Tomczyk said. “I learned a lot about numbers and data. I helped conduct product research in different markets, and created a presentation the team could show to those considering buying SolaBlock products.”

In addition, Tomczyk created and executed social media strategies for SolaBlock’s Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. “This internship helped me, and I hope my social media strategies helped them see different perspectives from a younger generation.”

Mendel said connecting the College and Berkshire Innovation Center through this innovative MBA program is a win for both entities. “When MBA students are on-site at the BIC, they are exposed to exciting things and can build that into their own learning. Interning with these growing businesses gets them in at the ground level, while at the same time assisting these new companies and our community with its workforce needs.”

JOIN US AT THE BIC ON FEBRUARY 28 FOR AN MBA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS GATHERING. DETAILS TO FOLLOW IN EARLY 2024: alumni.mcla.edu

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DOUBLE ALUMNUS STEVE ABELLIE ’07, MBA ’13 FOUND A WARM WELCOME AS A NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT Meet Steve Abellie ’07, MBA ’13.

Born and raised on the Ivory Coast of West Africa, Steve has been in the Berkshires for the past 25 years. He received both his bachelor’s degree in business and his MBA from MCLA. Based in Pittsfield, Steve is a service coordinator for Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority’s Tenancy Preservation Program, where he has worked for more than nine years. He is also a board member of the Berkshire Black Economic Council.

He began his studies at Berkshire Community College (BCC). After a friend urged Steve to join him at MCLA, he was able to transfer his BCC credits and graduate in two years, while also working full time.

He credits joining MCLA’s basketball team with making him feel included on campus, even though he was a non-traditional student. “They never pointed it out; I was so welcomed,” he said of his teammates, many of whom he still considers friends. Joining the team allowed Steve to feel like part of the College community.

“Being a part of something is so important,” he said.

“That’s what I took away from my time at MCLA: how easy it was to access professors, how approachable they were. We would play pickup basketball on Friday afternoons and some of the professors played with us—that community feeling meant a lot.

“I transfer that to my work as a tenancy prevention caseworker, where we make sure nobody gets evicted or loses housing because of lack of services. It takes a village; we become the consulting partner to housing court and try to keep people in their home, no matter their age, race, or financial background. I really love what I do and I love the people I do it with.”

FALL LECTURES AMANDA L. TYLER

MICHAEL S. AND KITTY DUKAKIS PUBLIC POLICY LECTURE UC Berkeley law professor and Supreme Court expert Amanda L. Tyler spoke to students and gave the 2023 MCLA Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis Public Policy Lecture on October 26.

GENNY BEEMYN, PH.D. LAVENDER VOICES LECTURE

Genny Beemyn, Ph.D., director of the UMass Amherst Stonewall Center and coordinator of Campus Pride’s Trans Policy Clearinghouse, gave the 2023 MCLA Lavender Voices Lecture on November 8.

CALEB GAYLE

HARDMAN LECTURE Award-winning journalist, author, and professor Caleb Gayle gave the 2023 MCLA Hardman Lecture on November 16.

BEING A PART OF SOMETHING IS SO IMPORTANT. THAT’S WHAT I TOOK AWAY FROM MY TIME AT MCLA.” —Steve Abellie ’07, MBA ’13 MCLA

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ALUMNI AWARDS The MCLA Alumni Association honors distinguished alumni and friends who have made outstanding contributions in public or community service or in service to the College.

Congratulations to each of our distinguished honorees!

2023 HONOREES VANGUARD AWARD

KEVIN PINK ’09

Kevin Pink ’09, a lifelong Berkshire County resident, graduated from MCLA with a bachelor’s degree in history, political science, and geography. As deputy director of economic development at 1Berkshire in Pittsfield, Kevin promotes our region as an ideal place to live, work, and visit. He is instrumental in initiatives that support entrepreneurship, connect businesses to each other, and help businesses access resources that allow them to launch, grow, and thrive. Kevin was a member of the team that completed and launched the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, an economic development strategic imperative for the region, in 2019, and he continues to work on implementing and tracking its work.

Kevin volunteers or has served with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program of Berkshire County, the Coolidge Hill Foundation, the Berkshire Youth Leadership Program, the Literacy Network of South Berkshire, and Thanksgiving Angels. In 2016, he founded Trivia With Double Entendre with fellow MCLA alumnus Steve Rogers ‘18, which to date has raised more than $13,000 through charity trivia events, with funds going to the Elizabeth Freeman Center, Berkshire Immigrant Center, the Pittsfield Education Foundation, the NAMAzing Ashland Street Initiative, and other local nonprofits.

SERVICE TO THE COLLEGE AWARD:

BENJAMIN LAMB ’07

Benjamin Lamb’s involvement with MCLA has taken on many forms. While a student, he was a leader in student organizations and served as the student trustee on the Board of Trustees. After graduating with bachelor’s degrees in biology and environmental studies, he served on the Alumni Board from 2012-2018, including as its vice president, was a member of the Vice President of Advancement Search Committee, and has been on the Board of Corporators since 2017.

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Before joining 1Berkshire—the region’s economic development, marketing, and tourism organization, where he is the vice president of economic development—Benjamin held other positions that brought him in contact with MCLA students. In 2008, he worked jointly at Drury High School and MCLA as an admission counselor. Afterward, he continued to engage with students at the College by volunteering with the Residence Life team, interning in the Student Development Office, mentoring students through career advisement, hiring students as interns, and more.

Benjamin served four terms as a North Adams city councilor, is a trustee of MASS MoCA, board chair for the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, board member of the North Adams Partnership, and cofounder and director of the NAMAzing Initiative. He holds a master’s degree in college student services administration from the College of Saint Rose and is currently conducting dissertation research to complete his Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Nebraska Lincoln.

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD:

LINDSAY ST. PIERRE MCGINNIS, M.ED. ’08 At Hoosac Valley High School (HVHS), STEM educator Lindsay St. Pierre McGinnis serves as a member of the school’s Instructional Leadership Team and its College and Career Readiness Team, where she organizes and hosts panels and events. She developed the HVHS school garden program with a $25,000 grant and has been awarded additional grants to enrich environmental programming at the school.

Lindsay developed a science curriculum for an environmental pathway that includes courses on outdoor leadership, conservation and stewardship, and food system science. She supervises internships for students and worked with her colleagues to designate HVHS an Innovations Pathways school.

An avid outdoorswoman, Lindsay said she feels most alive when her passion for teaching is paired with her love of the outdoors.

As she continues to teach students about the natural world, its interconnectedness, and the impact of humans, Lindsay also hopes to instill values of appreciation so that students will become lifelong learners and leave minimal impact on our planet.

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR EMERITUS AWARD:

ARLENE WYNN ’63

Arlene Wynn was one of the region’s first Black teachers. In 1965, there were no Black teachers among the 106 employed by the Town of Adams, nor any Black children among the town’s 2,185 enrolled students, according to a September 1965 article in The Berkshire Eagle.

When she was interviewed by the newspaper that year, 44-year-old Arlene was teaching English to 4th- 6th graders at Liberty Street School in Adams, as well as serving as chair of the elementary school English curriculum committee. Her pupils responded well to her and that their parents called the school to praise her. Arlene was one of the first teachers at the school to receive a merit raise.

Arlene graduated from Drury High School and attended North Adams State College for two years before receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from Howard University in 1943. She served as a psychiatric technician during World War II, then returned to NASC, taking classes at night and during the summers to become the teacher she always wanted to be. She graduated cum laude in 1963 and received her master’s degree in education in 1965.

Even with her degree, Arlene had a hard time finding a teaching job in Berkshire County, including in her home town of North Adams.

In at least two of the rejections, she felt there might have been discrimination. The superintendent who hired her to work at Liberty Street, J. Franklin Farrell, said he knew when Arlene applied that she was Black. “I didn’t care,” he said.

“As soon as people find out you’re no different, you’re accepted,” Arlene said. “If more people get to know each other, as it has been in Adams, it would do a lot. It can begin with the children.”

COMMUNITY SERVICE & CITIZENSHIP AWARD:

DR. LAURIE DIAS-MITCHELL ’81 Dr. Laurie Dias-Mitchell is an awardwinning K-12 educator, librarian, and school administrator with 10 years of experience as a visiting lecturer. After graduating from North Adams State College with a bachelor’s degree in English and communications, Laurie went on to earn a certificate of advanced graduate studies in administration from MCLA, a master’s in library science from the University of Rhode Island, a master’s in English from Simmons College, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Bethel University.

Throughout her career, Laurie has amassed accolades and awards, published articles, and written grants while navigating a career path

where she started as a school librarian, became a library director, then a principal, and is now the Superintendent of Schools for the Little Compton, Rhode Island School District. Laurie was named the first ever New England Super Achiever by the New England School Library Association 2010. She serves as a member of the board of directors of the Newport County Regional Special Education Program, the East Bay Educational Collaborative, and the Little Compton Prevention Coalition.

Acts of service are deeply integrated into Laurie’s life. In the 1980s, she performed acts of community service in the arts, public library, and literacy sectors. For decades, she organized service-learning projects for students, staff, and community members, spent 15 years volunteering for soup kitchens, more than 10 years volunteering at Hope House AIDS hospice, and 15 years supporting Gentle Arms Teen Living Program. This work continues today with her support of Hoving Home, a nonprofit serving women who have been involved in drug addiction, alcoholism, prostitution, or other life-controlling problems.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD:

JAMES CHAPMAN ’15

After graduating from MCLA in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in math and physics, James spent five years at the Georgia Institute of Technology earning his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 2022 and is currently an assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering at Boston University.

James has published more than 18 journal articles, received more than 1,000 citations on these articles, and given more than 20 conference presentations. He has received 10 prestigious awards recognizing his academic achievements, served as a peer reviewer for more than a dozen journals in the physical sciences and engineering sectors, and served on the organizing committee for conference symposia for the Materials Research Society. James has mentored both undergraduate and graduate students in his research program.

While attaining his Ph.D., James studied how to combine informatics approaches, such as machine learning, with the physical sciences to better understand how materials behave at the atomic level. In 2020, he was awarded the Lamar H. Franklin Fellowship as recognition for this work. During his postdoctoral fellowship, he worked on developing new theoretical methods and simulation techniques to understand how disorder in materials can alter their properties. In particular, he helped develop a new simulation-experiment hybrid framework that was able to identify preferential binding of hydrogen in disordered oxides, leading to a better understanding of these materials for corrosion, battery, and fuel storage technologies. At Boston University, his research lab has been focused on developing new materials for energy and infrastructure applications, with an emphasis on environmental and sustainability consequences.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO NOMINATE AN MCLA GRADUATE OR FRIEND OF THE COLLEGE FOR THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S 2024 AWARDS? Please contact Doreen Kleinman, associate director of alumni engagement, at alumni@mcla.edu.

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MCLA BOOKSHELF

BRYAN LEBEAU, PH.D. ’70 “THE STORY OF THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS, 3RD ED.”

Routledge

MICHAEL GLENZEL ’91 “RAISING CANE (CRACK OF DAWN, BOOK 2)”

AlienAlmanac Books

CHRISTY BUTLER ’89 & JAN BUTLER “NEW HAMPSHIRE DESTINATIONS”

Independently published

MARY LEE DONOVAN ’83

MICHAEL D. LEE ’95

“Let Me Call You Sweetheart” Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins

“NAVIGATING MEDICARE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW”

ALEXANDRA NICHIPOR ’12 (AS LUNA MCNAMARA)

SETH KERSHNER ’07

“PSYCHE & EROS”

University of Georgia Press

If you’re an author and would like to see your book listed in a future publication, or know of an alumni author with a recently published work, please contact alumni@mcla.edu.

“BREAKING THE WAR HABIT”

William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins

DISCOVER MCLA AUTHORS Visit www.indiebound.org to order one of this issue’s featured books.

DESMOND REED ’07

BRIAN MOORHEAD ’09

CHRISTOPHER HANTMAN ’14

“THE COLA POP CREEMEES: OPENING ACT”

“TALES FROM SHELF 804: AN ANTHOLOGY”

Birdcage Bottom Books

Independently published

“WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A MARTYR IN THIS PLACE?: A COLLECTION OF POEMS ON GRIEF AND LOSS”

Independently published

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INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

ALEXANDRA NICHIPOR ’12 STUDYING THE WORLD GAVE ME A LOT MORE TO TURN TO FOR FICTION WRITING.” —Alex Nichipor ’12

Under the pen name Luna McNamara, Alexandra Nichipor ‘12 has written a novel described as “a joyous love story for the ages.” “Psyche and Eros,” released in June 2023 by William Morrow (an imprint of HarperCollins), is a reimagining of the Eros and Psyche myth from Greco-Roman mythology. The book was also published in the UK by Orion Press and has received translation deals in 11 international territories.

How did an MCLA double major in sociology and philosophy, with a minor in women’s studies, end up becoming an author with one of the largest publishers in the world?

“I did a lot of creative writing in my early teen years, but only had time for academic writing while in college,” said Alexandra, who went on to earn a master’s degree in the study of women and gender in world religions from

Harvard University in 2015. Originally from Ayer, Massachusetts, Alexandra was able to travel abroad with MCLA Professor Petra Hejnova to a women’s conference in the United Arab Emirates and worked as an English teacher in China with help from MCLA Professor Kailai Huang.

“Studying the world gave me a lot more to turn to for fiction writing,” she said.

“When I was a student, studying sociology was great because it gave me a sense for how human beings come together, and philosophy explained what they did when they got there,” she said.

“MCLA holds a special place in my heart because it gave me the chance to indulge in unfettered academic inquiry. I could pursue my interests and it gave me a sense of the vast variety of knowledge.”

10,000-word version of the tale. The ancient Greek setting was something she had studied while at MCLA. For her foreign language requirement, she studied ancient Greek language and literature with Professor Gerol Petruzella. “In the novel, I reference the vocabulary and philosophical ideas I learned in his classes,” she said.

Alexandra initially began writing “Psyche and Eros” while working full time at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, studying the effects of diet and exercise on cancer survival rates. “I was so busy,” she said, “and wished I had more time to write. Then the pandemic hit, and suddenly I had so much time.”

A friend suggested Alexandra pitch her novel to agents and she began doing that in early 2021.

She ended up querying around 50 agents, which she said is actually a low number. After signing with an agent in January 2022, she spent a few more months editing the book and, in late March, began going on submission to publishers. A fourhouse auction ensued.

Alexandra is currently working toward her master’s degree in social work from Simmons University, with a goal of graduating next year. Meanwhile, she is editing her second book — a retelling of “The Argonautica,” set to publish in 2025.

READ MORE:

The idea for her first book started percolating around 2018, when Alexandra wrote a short,

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AT HOME & AWAY During the past year, the MCLA Alumni Office celebrated at home and took to the road, making stops in Denver, D.C., Florida, New York City, Albany, Worcester, Salem, Foxborough, and more!

We loved meeting new friends and reconnecting with old pals. To find out where we’ll be next, follow us on social media: @mcla_alumni

HOMECOMING WEEKEND & ALUMNI AWARDS During Homecoming Weekend, October 20-22, the 2023 MCLA Alumni Association Awards Brunch was held (see page 10), along with tours, talks, reunions, a family carnival, and more.

CELEBRATING MCLA’S GOLDEN GRADS During this May’s Commencement exercises, we welcomed back our Golden Graduates (alumni who graduated from the College 50 or more years ago) and celebrated the Class of 1973 with special 50th anniversary events. This year’s celebrations are scheduled for May 10-11, 2024 — stay tuned for details!

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RED SOX GAME IN FORT MYERS, FL & WOOSOX IN WORCESTER

FOXBOROUGH AREA REUNION

SPRINGFIELD AREA REUNION

DENVER AREA REUNION

SOUTH COUNTY REUNION

D.C. AREA RECEPTION

AUGUST 17

March 10 & August 18

JULY 26

JULY 30

SEPTEMBER 9

SEPTEMBER 13

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Bernard Alexander, Kevin Ellingwood, Paul Pereira, Rachel Quackenbush, and Gerry McDonald

Bernard Alexander and former MCLA Head Coach John Quattrochi

ATHLETICS

HALL OF FAME The 2023 MCLA Athletics Hall of Fame Induction was held Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3 West Events at The Norad Mill in North Adams. This year’s inductees were James “Jim” Ellingwood (ice hockey, awarded posthumously), Girard “Gerry” McDonald (ice hockey), Bernard Alexander (men’s basketball), Paul Pereira (men’s soccer), and Rachel Quackenbush ‘16 (softball). “It was a great night with five amazing inductees, all of them well deserving of the award as athletes and as people,” said Adam Hildabrand, MCLA Recruiting and Athletic Alumni Coordinator and Head Men’s Soccer Coach. “At the conclusion of the evening, what stood out for me were the themes of family, togetherness, loyalty, and tradition.”

Kevin Ellingwood, who accepted the award in honor of his father, his mother Marilyn, and MCLA Hall of Fame inductee Andrew Marhoffer ‘83.

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Michaela DiNicola, Rachel Quackenbush, and Amanda Alibozek

MCLA ALUM ALLIE MARTINEAU’S ART AND WRITING CAREER TAKES A SWEET TURN “I’ve wanted to write and illustrate since I was in kindergarten and that plan has never changed,” said Allie Martineau ’17. The MCLA writing major and gender studies minor went on to earn their master’s degree in writing for children from Simmons University in 2019.

They now work as the communications and marketing coordinator for the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, based in Amherst, Massachusetts.

A self-taught illustrator, Allie took art classes in high school, but prioritized writing in college. “I was very shy during my freshman year, but during my sophomore year I made friends and we got a townhouse together,” they said. “My Resident Advisor (RA) thought I would do a good job as an RA, and I did that for two years. Being in a leadership position was huge for me.” During their time at the College, Allie was also a member of the crafting club, National Residence Hall Honorary, Campus Intersections, and the Queer Student Union. “I didn’t truly ‘come out’ until after college,” they said, “but a lot of my art now is about being queer and trans.”

Allie had their first solo art show, “Blooming from Secret Gardens,” last October at The Bloomery by Bloom Local, a project that centers and celebrates LGBTQ+ creativity in the Connecticut River Valley. They also illustrated their first book, “Ice Cream and Me,” for local celebrity Steve Herrell, the founder of Herrell’s Ice Cream.

“Steve’s family was putting together a list of artists; he wanted someone local to illustrate his book,” Allie said. “I was on the list, they showed him the style of my work, and he picked me. It turned out we already knew each other—he’s a friend of my family!” “Ice Cream and Me” came out in late 2021 and can be purchased online and in Hampshire County bookstores.

Allie’s job at the Hitchcock Center is to share the organization’s mission of teaching those of all ages to care about nature and the world around them to be better prepared to address the climate crisis. The Hitchcock Center staff is small but mighty, and practices what it preaches—the Center is housed in a Certified Living Building, a net-zero energy structure that harvests and recycles its own water, uses composting toilets, and was constructed with responsibly sourced, nontoxic materials.

In their spare time, Allie (@AllieTheBrave) works as a freelance writer, artist, and illustrator: “Art is what I make for myself, illustrating is what I get paid to do.” They have illustrated book bags for the Bolton Public Library, worked at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art as a bookseller and social media manager where they hosted and directed the Bookshop Talk video series, and penned children’s book reviews for Publishers Weekly.

“My dream of becoming an author and illustrator of books for young readers has guided everything I do,” they said.

“What I really appreciate about MCLA as a liberal arts college is that you have an opportunity to learn absolutely everything; you can curate your experience. I took all kinds of writing courses—creative writing, journalism, poetry, poetics—and I use a little bit of everything now.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALLIE’S WORK alliethebrave.com

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HE WAS A RELENTLESSLY POSITIVE PERSON WHO LIFTED UP EVERYONE AROUND HIM. North Adams is often seen as parochial and unwelcoming to outsiders, but Steve established himself as a fixture in the community. One thing that strikes me since his death is the number of people who mentioned that he was one of the first people they met when they came to North Adams.”

Richard Taskin, local attorney, adjunct faculty member in MCLA Department of History and Political Science

Steve and wife Susanne Walker

REMEMBERING

DR. STEVE GREEN

DR. STEVE GREEN, AN EXTRAORDINARY LEADER AND COLLEAGUE WHO SELFLESSLY SERVED MCLA FOR 35 YEARS AND THE GREATER NORTH ADAMS COMMUNITY FOR CLOSE TO 50 YEARS, PASSED AWAY ON SEPTEMBER 12 AT THE AGE OF 85.

Steve was, and always will be, a legend who embodied MCLA’s mission to promote excellence in learning and teaching, public service, and active and responsible citizenship. He taught some 3,500 students and advised hundreds more. He was the epitome of a servant leader. Steve was known to be one of the first on campus in the morning and the light in his office could be seen burning late into the evening, fondly remembered as akin to a lighthouse beacon bringing everyone safely to shore.

His work with MCLA was infinite. Steve began his career as an instructor in the Department of Sociology/Anthropology in August 1973, achieved tenure in 1979, and earned full professorship in 1984. He went on to serve as dean of undergraduate studies and chair of the Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work Department and played a key role in the development of the Sociology Department. Steve enthusiastically stepped into administrative roles for the

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institution, having served as associate dean of academic support services and twice as the acting vice president for academic affairs. In 2004, Steve accepted a promotion to the permanent role of vice president of academic affairs, where his work is still evident today.

Steve received many accolades. He was named New England Sociologist of the Year by the New England Sociological Association in 2006. In 2009, he received the Athletics Service Award, given to an individual who has demonstrated continued support and allegiance to the intercollegiate program at the College. In honor of his personification of this award—always ever-present on the Trailblazer sidelines— this award was renamed the Dr. Steve Green Athletic Service Award.

Steve shepherded the Steve Green Community Engagement Fund, providing support for countless students doing service-based

learning. He was a stalwart champion for the emeritus faculty group and convened twice yearly gatherings where faculty could share their research and be together in community.

He served on boards and committees for the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, and co-founded the Al Nelson Friendship Center Pantry.

“We are better, the institution is better, and North Adams is better to have had Steve as a teacher, mentor, leader, colleague, advocate, and friend,” said MCLA President James F. Birge, Ph.D. “Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Green’s loved ones. I extend my personal condolences to each of you who feel this immeasurable loss having known and worked so closely with Steve. Your good work carries on his legacy.”

STEVE WAS SIMPLY REMARKABLE. He embodied the best of what we aspire to be. No matter what stage of his life or point in his career, his impact on others was profound and deeply felt. Steve was a hero and inspiration to me and so many others. He always made you feel important, heard, and valued—he made everyone feel that way—he did not judge. He had the gift of leading people to understand their impact and potential. Steve was humble, loyal, a hard worker, and committed to his family, friends, and community. He was the quintessential servant leader who dedicated his wisdom, grace, and time to lifting up others and the larger community. We will all be able to see further and do more because we will be standing on his shoulders.”

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE On Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, more than 200 alumni, friends, and family celebrated the life of Dr. Steve Green in the MCLA Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium. Dr. Green was posthumously conferred the degree of Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.

Spencer Moser, MCLA director of civic and community engagement

AS VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, STEVE WAS THOUGHTFUL, FAIR-MINDED, AND ALWAYS ACTED IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COLLEGE. HE MAINTAINED THAT MIX OF AUTHENTICITY AND GOOD HUMOR AFTER RETIREMENT—WHENEVER I SAW STEVE AROUND NORTH ADAMS, OUR CONVERSATION WAS A LIFT IN MY DAY.” Anthony Daly, MCLA Department of History and Political Science

STEVE GREEN WAS THE HEART AND SOUL OF MCLA. He loved the college with every ounce of his being.

But he loved teaching most of all. He didn’t just teach sociology—he also taught empathy, compassion, and understanding. He made us laugh and his passing will make us cry for a very long time. But I know the day will come that when I think of Steve, I will remember him and smile.”

Michele Ethier, professor emerita, MCLA Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

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CLASS NOTES Diane Johnson Skorupski ’70 has had four children’s books written about her life as a school librarian in Tucson, Arizona. Copies of the books — “Our Librarian Won’t Tell us Anything!” “Fire Up with Reading!” “The Great Dewey Hunt,” and “But I Read it on the Internet!”

— all written by Toni Buzzeo, have been donated to MCLA’s Freel Library.

Thomas Mowatt ’78, an associate professor of science, retired in the summer of 2022 after 44 years of teaching the sciences at every level. He is now an Adirondack outdoor guide (hiking and camping) and full-time artist living in northern New York State.

Clerks Association’s certified municipal clerk designation, which is achieved by attending educational courses and passing a 250-question aptitude test measuring knowledge of state law in categories such as election procedures, vital records, campaign and political finance, ethics, and public records.

Courtney Llewellyn ’07 was promoted to editor-in-chief of Lee Newspapers, based in Palatine Bridge, New York. She is in charge of editorial content for their publications: Country Folks Newspapers, Country Folks Grower Magazine, and the website Country Culture.

After serving MCLA in multiple dean roles over a 16-year period, Theresa O’Bryant ’86 has been appointed general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston.

After graduating with a degree in sociology, Jenny Biechele ’00 moved to Los Angeles and worked in the non-profit sector until she moved to Hawaii in 2014. She now works in hospitality and loves it. Jenny is married to Jake, and they have five amazing animals. Recently, she has been volunteering remotely for MCLA by sending welcome postcards to new students.

“College was a game changer for me,” she said.

“I’ll forever be grateful for MCLA and do all I can to support it and North Adams.”

Kristen (Eldred) Estelle ’05 has been serving as the elected Town Clerk of Goshen, Massachusetts, for the past five years. She recently qualified for the Massachusetts Town

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Jolyn Unruh M.Ed. ’18, an English and drama teacher at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, won the Kapteyn Prize from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation in May. The honor, which is awarded to teachers who exemplify excellence in an array of roles within their school community and exhibit outstanding character traits, comes with a $10,000 award for the teacher and a $2,000 award for the school.

Nick Colabella ’20 is the sole graphic designer for the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut, as well as the graphic designer and digital marketer at Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield, Massachusetts.

Kelsey Sherman ’20 was recently promoted to creative director of Five Towers Media in Saratoga Springs, New York, where she also serves as lead website designer.

Brian Longtine ’79 recently retired from Raytheon Technologies after a 38-year career in program finance control.

In June, Mary Lee Donovan ’83 was promoted to executive editorial director at Candlewick Press, the children’s book publisher located in Somerville, Massachusetts. In May, she celebrated her 32nd anniversary with the company.

In January, Kaitlin Wright ’18 was appointed city clerk of her hometown of Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Jessica Sokol ’07 and Kevin Sullivan ’06 welcomed their first child, Bear Davis Sullivan, to the world on April 25.

Katie Brelsford ’10 has opened her own bookkeeping firm, KB Accounting, based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Rebecca McCauley Mahaffy ’13, a registered nurse in the operating room at the St. Luke’s campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, New York, was chosen as a Healthcare Hero of the Month by her local newspaper.

Alexa (Hebard) McDonough ’14 recently accepted a position at Legendary Entertainment in Burbank, California.

Anika Pommers-Dear ’17 earned a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island in May. Anika lives in New York City and is looking for new career opportunities.

Jeremiah Figueroa ’22 now lives in Providence, Rhode Island and has obtained securities licenses. He is a financial advisor for a regional bank’s wealth management division.

YOUR CLASSMATES WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOU! VIEW OR SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE

bit.ly/MCLAclassnote or email your Class Note to alumni@mcla.edu

Congratulations to the following faculty and staff members on their retirements from the College in 2023:

Betsy Bishop, Facilities Department Jennifer Alibozek, Graduate and Continuing Education Glenn Lawson ’77, Freel Library Janice Dzbenski, Department of Public Safety Maya Bonatz, Human Resources/Payroll Office

JOIN US! We invite you to join us for these upcoming events: JANUARY 15, 2024 MLK Day of Service

APRIL 7, 2024 Sam Gomez Road Race

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 Men’s Hockey Pre-game Meetup in Dartmouth

APRIL 19-20, 2024 Spring Alumni Weekend

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 Women’s Hockey Pre-game Meetup in Shrewsbury FEBRUARY 24, 2024 Southwest Alumni Gathering in Arizona

MAY 10, 2024 50th Reunion Weekend for Class of 1974 + Baccalaureate Ceremonies

MAY 11, 2024 Commencement Ceremony

+ Recognition of Golden Graduates

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND ADDITIONAL ALUMNI EVENTS, VISIT alumni.mcla.edu/events

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD ELECTIONS Nominations Open Until January 22, 2024 Elections: February 1–March 15, 2024 Results Announced: April 2024 LEARN MORE AT ALUMNI.MCLA.EDU/ALUMNI-ASSOCIATION

WINTER 2024

MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

375 Church Street North Adams, MA 01247

MCLA.EDU THE MAGAZINE OF THE COMMONWEALTH’S LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE

CLASS NOTES Moved? Married?

Promoted to Manager?

Tell us! EMAIL ALUMNI@MCLA.EDU

READ CURRENT CLASS NOTES ONLINE BIT.LY/MCLACLASSNOTE