Message from the President

Dear Friends,

I am continually inspired by our students, and what impresses me most is how hard they work to get an education.

At Northern Essex, over 80 percent of our students have jobs to support themselves while in college and a third of our students have children at home who they are caring for as well. Juggling college, family, and financial obligations isn’t easy, and it makes the commitment our students have to their education that much more remarkable.

Chemistry Professor Mike Cross wanted to understand the challenges his students deal with so he could better help them succeed. The full-time professor and father of three young children decided to experience first-hand what our students face, and enrolled as a liberal arts student at Northern Essex.

In this issue of alumnecc, you’ll find out how Mike, who has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, is faring as a community college student; learn how Northern Essex is growing its study abroad program; and hear about the college’s participation in #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving.

We are pleased to share these stories and more with you, and thank you for your continued support of the college and our students.

Lane A. Glenn President

Editor: Maureen O’Leary

Contributing Editors: Sarah Comiskey, Ellen Small Davis, Ernie Greenslade, Wendy Shaffer

Art Director: Marty Lapham

Writers: Sarah Comiskey, Ellen Small Davis, Ernie Greenslade, Lindsey Mayo, Maureen O’Leary