alumnecc Spring 2017 Volume 12

Message from the President

Dear Friend of the College,

Most students who enroll at Northern Essex have a career goal in mind. An internship can often be a great addition to their resumes, providing valuable work experience and contacts, with the potential for a job offer.

Recognizing the importance of internships for both students and employers, NECC’s new strategic plan includes expanding opportunities for real-world work experience, building on the excellent work that our Office of Career and Experiential Education has already begun. The placement results for our internship program are impressive. We are quite proud that close to half of the students who have taken advantage of our program have landed fulltime or part-time jobs with their internship employers.

As part of NECC 2020, our new strategic plan, we will grow this program, expanding access to internships for our students, and enhancing mentoring, job shadowing, and other initiatives designed to ensure our students are on the path to rewarding careers when they graduate.

In this issue of alumnecc, you will read about students who have landed jobs as a result of their internships as well as learn about the many ways you can get involved with NECC—from running a road race to donating to the NECC Fund. You’ll also learn how our drug and alcohol counseling program addresses one of the most pressing problems in our community today by preparing counselors who are on the frontlines of the opioid addiction crisis.

There are many exciting things happening at Northern Essex today. As always, I am deeply grateful to our community partners, the alumni, donors, and business and community leaders, who support this college in myriad ways. Thank you!

Lane A. Glenn President

Contributing Editors: Sarah Comiskey, Ellen Small Davis, Ernie Greenslade, Maureen O’Leary, Wendy Shaffer

Graphic Designer: Susan Stehfest

Writers: Sarah Comiskey, Ellen Small Davis, Ernie Greenslade, Joseph Girard-Meli

fEA tur E s

4 n ECC d o E s i ts pA rt to Addr E ss Addi C tion Crisis

6 int E rnships lEA d to J obs for n ECC stud E nts

8 b E yond g r A duAtion: stAying Conn EC t E d with n ECC

10 on CA mpus / in th E Community

4 6 8 10 12 14

12 mA king A d iff E r E n CE 14 A lumni n

Mary Crockett ‘96 Program Director, Gloucester Opioid Treatment Center

NECC Does Its Part To Address Addiction Crisis

The best part of Mary Crockett’s job as program director of an opioid addiction treatment center is watching people change their lives knowing she had a part in that transformation.

“It’s amazing,” she says. “They may come to us emotionally and physically exhausted, and, after treatment, they’re productive members of the community, working, raising families, and contributing to society in other ways.”

Crockett is just one of the many graduates of NECC’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Program who are on the frontlines of the addiction epidemic, helping patients during their recovery. And with growing awareness of addiction, the demand for substance abuse counselors is stronger than ever.

Approximately 50 students are enrolled in the college’s 12-month program, and graduates have a 100 percent placement rate, says Brian MacKenna-Rice, program coordinator.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for substance abuse counselors is $39,270 and employment is expected to grow 22 percent between 2014 and 2024 which is much faster than average growth.

The great majority of students in the program are adults who are working and raising families while in college and many attend college part-time.

Crockett enrolled at Northern Essex after a couple of decades working as a florist in the Greater Boston area. The field interested her because, like so many, she knew people who were struggling with addiction. Once in the program, she found “that I was good at it, and I liked it.”

Her certificate led to an Associate Degree in Human Services and she eventually transferred to UMass Boston where she earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling. For more than 20 years, she has worked in methadone clinics and detox facilities in roles ranging from counselor to director.

In her job as program director of the Gloucester Opioid Treatment Center, Crockett oversees the day to day operations of a medication-assisted opioid treatment program with responsibility for 240 clients from the Cape Ann area. She has worked at eight different facilities during her career and come into contact with many co-workers who are graduates of Northern Essex’s program. “I see NECC graduates employed at all levels of care. Through its graduates, the college is playing an active role in addressing addiction issues within our communities.”

“Approximately 50 students are enrolled in the college’s 12-month program (drug and alcohol abuse counseling) and graduates have a 100% placement rate.”

- Brian MacKenna-Rice, coordinator, NECC Human Services Program

Internships Lead to Jobs for NECC Students

From accounting firms to marketing departments, student participants of Northern Essex Community College’s Internship program are finding long-term work at local employers.

NECC’s internship program was revamped in 2014 by Director of Career and Experiential Education Ashley Moore, who realized that while some of the college’s programs were afforded practicums and internships, others — such as business and journalism/communication — were not.

Now, many Northern Essex students in those majors have not only completed their internships, but also been offered jobs by their employers — letting them kickstart a career in their chosen field even before they’ve finished their two-year degree.

“My internship was at Bradford & Bigelow Inc., and I was hired for a full-time position a month after I completed my internship,” says accounting major Fausto Caba. “The internship program opened the doors for me to get where I am.”

Caba is hardly alone in his experience. Since the program’s debut in the spring semester three years ago, over 40 internship education students have been offered part- or full-time work at their job site after completing their required hours.

The success of the program can be traced to its focus on getting students valuable experience in their chosen field; Moore and the faculty from each department aren’t interested in miring students in the usual “intern getting coffee” clichés.

Opposite page, top to bottom, L-R: Tim Field at Muzzy Lane; the intern recognition luncheon; Rachel Milette at Inhouse Worldwide; George Moriarty, NECC executive director of workforce development and corporate relations and Fausto Caba; Gabriel Cordero at HC Media, Lucy Ouellette and Sales Manager Dan Charest at Coca-Cola of Northern New England; Jeanne Hallisey; and Thomas Shamma at The Eagle Tribune.

On the contrary, since the internship program works to match the most qualified students with positions that line up with their interests and skill sets, employers are often eager to set Northern Essex students up with real-world work. The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce stands out as an example of this — they were so impressed with accounting major Jeanne Hallisey that they hired her for a full-time position.

“I landed the Member Services Coordinator position and started the day after my last semester started, so I was suddenly working full-time and going to school full-time,” says Hallisey, “but I wear a lot of hats and wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Other students have completed the internship program to find jobs within NECC itself. Computer and Information Sciences major Gary Cooke, for example, now serves as the integration specialist in the management information system department.

“The internship prepared me to work in an MIS environment with some very talented, intelligent people,” Cooke says. “All in all, it was an incredible experience, and the outcome is exactly what I had hoped for.”

Email: Sign up to receive the alumni e-newsletter by submitting an alumni profile form at www.necc.mass.edu/alumni-info

Beyond Graduation: Staying Connected with NECC

It’s no coincidence that the term “commencement” signifies a start. Though your time as a student might end the moment you step across the stage to receive your diploma, your relationship with the college is only just beginning.

Every individual who has graduated from NECC is automatically considered a member of our alumni community. For some, that means taking advantage of the vast range of opportunities available to them — whether it’s joining an advisory committee, volunteering for campus events, following our social media networks, attending a reunion, or donating to the college’s NECC Fund.

LinkedIn: Northern Essex Community College Alumni Group

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2057768

For alumni like Patricia Lyon ’13, remaining active with the NECC community was a no-brainer. She recalls with great fondness the strong community vibe that she felt everywhere from the classroom to the campus walls, which were crowded with event posters throughout each semester. Despite having a long commute and heavy workload, Lyon found that she was able to play an active role in campus life — becoming a member of both the National Honor Society and Business National Honor Society by the time she completed her studies.

Facebook: Northern Essex Community College Alumni

https://www.facebook.com/northern.essex.9/

It was this connection with the campus community that led Lyon, upon graduating, to look into alumni volunteer opportunities.

“I was inspired to give back in any way I possibly could,” she says. “I wanted to do my part to help NECC grow and help others know of the wonderful opportunities available.”

With this conviction, Lyon worked with professors like Patricia Morrow to help out current students. Before long she joined the Business Advisory Council, and later served as a speaker at a business intern panel discussion. Her involvement in this latter event inspired her to apply for a spot on the Alumni Advisory Board, on which she continues to serve.

Patricia Lyon, Assistant to the Deputy Director of Athletics, UMass Lowell

Stories like this are easy to come by. As NECC’s alumni community grows, so does the number of ways to stay involved. Today’s graduates of Northern Essex are encouraged to volunteer for a variety of campus events and initiatives, including the annual Campus Classic 5K, the spring networking night, and the alumni career panel program. Updates on these and other events are available on the NECC website.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a member of NECC’s first class, the college is sure to have something for you. Here are some of the additional ways you can stay engaged with your alma mater:

J O in O ur SOC ial MED ia n ETWO rk: NECC’s Alumni Office is active on Facebook and LinkedIn! Joining these pages will help you stay up-to-date on alumni activities and connect with your peers. Be sure to check out LinkedIn for job postings and networking opportunities, or create an account on NECCLink. www.necc.mass.edu/necclink.

SubMiT an aluMni PrOfilE fOrM: We’d love to hear what you’ve been up to since graduating. If you have news to share, please fill out an alumni profile form available on the NECC website. You might just be featured in our next magazine or newsletter! www.necc.mass.edu/alumni-info.

D O naTE TO T h E n ECC fun D: Help ensure the success of our students by contributing to the college’s NECC Fund, which provides for student scholarships and academic programs. Alumni can give online, by phone, or by mailing a check to the Office of Institutional Advancement. Visit necc.mass.edu/giving for more information. for additional information on alumni activities, please visit www.necc.mass.edu/alumni.

NECC to Hold Deaf Studies Reunion

SavE ThE DaTE! On JunE 3, nECC will host a special reunion for all graduates of the interpreting and deaf studies program. revisit the nECC campus for the chance to reconnect with friends and peers and enjoy a range of refreshments and discussions. All activities will take place in the hartleb technology Center on the haverhill Campus.

looking for other ways to stay up-to-date with the deaf studies program? Join the nECC interpreting and deaf studies Alumni page on facebook or email ksampson@necc.mass.edu to find out how you can get involved with the planning of this event. Clockwise, L-R: Networking Night, NECC Fund funded visit to the SALT Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine, Liberal Arts Alumni Panel

THE COMMUNITY

NECC PROFILE

Ashley Moore

Whether she is helping a student research the right internship, update a lackluster resume, or find just the right career path, Ashley Moore is all in. Moore herself took an unconventional educational route. A former accountant, it was only after working in the field that she realized her calling and pursued a degree in higher education. Now that she’s here, Northern Essex students benefit from her personal experience and professionalism.

Exeter, New Hampshire

Profession: Director of Career and Experiential Education

I love traveling (my husband and I have a goal to visit all 50 states), yoga, golfing, swimming, and skiing.

Last book read: TheFiveDysfunctionsofaTeam,Patrick Lencioni and TheDefiningDecade:WhyYourTwentiesMatter — AndHowtoMaketheMostofThemNow,Meg Jay.

Latest accomplishment: In addition to rebuilding NECC’s internship program from the ground up, recently being asked to publish an article for the National Career Development Association (NCDA) Magazine, Higher Education section.

“You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” —

Jim Carrey

I was born and raised in New Hampshire. Although I love the New England seasons, particularly summer and fall, I have a strong desire to travel and to seek out new adventures. I value my family, close friendships, my career, personal and professional development, and health and fitness. I am extroverted and positive in nature and am always excited about new opportunities and challenges that allow me to use my

Why I do what I do: As a career changer myself, I take great pride in helping others discover their path. I especially love working with community college students who are at various stages of their career journeys. Hearing students’ stories of overcoming challenges, celebrating their accomplishments, and working in a role where I help others daily, makes each day worthwhile.

Top, L-R: El-Taller @ NECC staff: Eric Guerrero, Nate Baez, and Tayisha Diaz, El Taller @ NECC menu

Bottom, L-R: Inside CoCoRay’s, Ray Gonzales and Mother, CoCo, at CoCoRay’s

NECC is Best for Vets

For the second year in a row, Military Times has designated Northern Essex as one of the best colleges for veterans in the country, one of only 25 two-year colleges nationwide to receive this prestigious honor.

NECC was named a “Best for Vets: Colleges 2017” based on a rigorous selection process which evaluated the college in several categories, with culture and academic outcomes bearing the most weight.

Lawrence

Campus Serves Mexican Fare

There are two new eateries on Northern Essex’s Lawrence campus. El Taller @ NECC is in the atrium of the Dimitry Building on Franklin Street and CocoRay’s is at 420 Common St.

El Taller @ NECC is operated by Eric Guerrero of the restaurant royalty Guerrero family that has operated Café Azteca on Common Street for 25 years and El Taller on Essex Street for the last four. El Taller @ NECC serves traditional, homemade Mexican food from a modified, budget-friendly menu, with the community-minded vibe of the flagship restaurant.

Around the corner, CocoRay’s, operated by Ray Gonzalez, is the first restaurant to occupy the new “incubator” Revolving Test Kitchen, which is the latest project from the Lawrence Partnership. His dishes are Mexican with a Puerto Rican touch.

Previously, Gonzalez served tacos and tostadas from a food truck. He embraced the opportunity to serve his cuisine from a brick-and-mortar restaurant. CocoRay’s will operate from this location for 12 months before moving to a permanent location.

Jeff Williams, NECC’s director of veterans’ services, says the overall “quality of life” for NECC’s military-connected students continues to expand and improve. He cited the student NECC Veterans and Service Persons Organization, the veterans writing group, the dedicated veterans’ services office, and voluntary faculty and staff training to address veteran-related issues and concerns.

Educating faculty is a priority of his says Williams. “It’s the faculty who are working on the frontlines with these students.”

Military Times is an independent source for news and information for service members and their families. Williams can be reached at jwilliams@necc.mass.edu

Jeff Williams, NECC’s Director of Veterans’ Services

Why i Give

retired nECC English professor, linda desjardins ‘72

“i continue to give to the nECC fund because i want students who may be doubtful of their capabilities to experience the growth and pride and opening up of a world of possibilities that nECC can bring them. i t worked for me! my associate degree in liberal arts was a springboard to my 40-year teaching career at nECC, where it all began.”

Ways to Give

> Gifts of Cash

gifts of cash enable funds to be made available for immediate use by nECC and are fully tax deductible. to make your gift, simply complete and return the enclosed envelope with your check made payable to nECC foundation, inc. or give online at www.necc.mass.edu/giving.

> Securities

gifts of appreciated securities offer significant tax advantages to the donor. please call institutional Advancement for further information and instructions for their transfer.

> Matching Gifts

many companies match contributions made by a current or retired employee or spouse. Contact your human resources department if your employer has such a program and, if so, obtain the proper forms and forward them to institutional Advancement.

> life income Gifts

you may make a charitable contribution to nECC and also receive income for life while obtaining significant tax advantages.

> bequests

Any asset may be transferred to nECC by bequest. the gift may be made under your will, through a trust, or by designating nECC as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan.

> Gifts of real Estate

you may make gifts of real estate and gifts of future interests in real estate and obtain tax savings.

nECC’s institutional Advancement o ffice can provide you with additional information about the many ways of giving to nECC. Call or email Jean poth, vice president of institutional advancement; executive director, nECC foundation, inc. at 978-556-3624 or jpoth@necc.mass.edu.

Standing atop Mount Washington after finishing a 7.6 mile race up the mountain, which to Desjardins “represents the idea of reaching a goal, an accomplishment, like earning one’s degree at NECC.”

Laptop Lending Program Is Popular with Students

Thanks to a $3,600 NECC Fund Grant, Northern Essex students with a valid NECC library card can now borrow one of five Dell laptop computers from the Haverhill or Lawrence campus libraries.

Each laptop comes with a rugged carry-case and is equipped with Microsoft Office Suite 2013 as well as internet access capabilities. The laptops can be checked out for up to 48 hours with a seven-day wait period between renewals.

“They are routinely being loaned out,” says Mike Hearn, NECC’s director of library services. “The students are very excited about the program. We’ve had a lot of positive comments.”

The laptops were borrowed over 100 times during the fall semester. Hearn said the students appreciate the program. “They understand it’s a privilege … they know if something happens to the equipment it jeopardizes their right to use it again.”

Employers Sought for NECC’s 3rd Annual Networking Night

Want to help out current students?

NECC is seeking local alumni professionals to attend its annual networking night, which will be held on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in room TC-103 A&B of the Haverhill Campus Hartleb Technology Center. The event will serve as an opportunity for business representatives to connect with students for jobs and internships, discuss different career fields and share information about the importance of networking and communication in professional settings.

Light refreshments will be served, along with free LinkedIn headshots. For more information, please contact Ashley Moore at amoore@necc.mass.edu or Deb LaValley at dlavalley@necc.mass.edu or register online through NECC’s Career Services website www.necc.mass.edu/career-services.

In Memoriam

Mr. Walter J. Miranowicz, Jr. ‘63

Ms. Barbara M. Saunders ‘68

Mr. John Benjamin ‘70

Ms. Carol Thompson ‘70

Mr. Thomas A. Towler ‘70

Mr. Thomas W. Sheehy ‘74

Ms. Jean A. Kozack ‘80

Mr. Joseph C. Courtney ‘81

Mr. Steven L. Smith ‘82

Mr. Raymond A. Germain ‘86

Mr. Ernest R. Cormier ‘89

Ms. Velva M. Kraunelis ‘90

Mr. Charles M. Cioffi ‘92

Mr. Scott J. Gleed ‘97

Ms. Dawn M. Queenan ‘02

Mr. Mark T. Mencis ‘06

Alumni News

TOM lEG ar E ’73, has been appointed to Director of Change Management for Tufts Health Plan. Tom previously operated his own consulting practice and led organization design and change management initiatives.

S TE v E S WEE n E y ‘74, President and CEO of Chartwells Educational Dining Services, is retiring after a twenty-year career in the field. His company serves over 300 colleges and universities nationwide.

MiChEllE TrEMblay ’87 has been named Controller/Director of Budgets at Northern Essex Community College. Michelle started in her new role this January.

S TE v E n Privi TE ra ’08 was awarded several prestigious honors in 2016, including the Accounts Receivable Manager of the Year Award and the Department of the Year Award by the Institute of Finance and Management. He will serve as a guest speaker at the Accounts Receivable & Order-to-Cash (AR02C) annual conference in Florida later this year.

val E ri E D’Erri CO ‘14 has received media recognition for her ongoing work in domestic violence prevention. Her story was featured in The Eagle Tribune.

kE i T h l innan E ‘16, CO lby Mai O la ‘16, and J O r Dan rOPE r ‘16 were recently featured in the Daily Item for their athletic achievements. All three were players on the nationally-ranked Knights baseball team, which placed second in the nation among U.S. Division III junior teams for 2016.

Alumni Advisory Board

The Northern Essex Alumni Advisory Board is a dedicated group of graduates who lead the college’s efforts to maintain and strengthen relationships with alumni and community members. The board meets regularly to plan alumni events, organize fundraising drives, and allocate student scholarships and awards. Interested in learning more? Contact Lindsay Graham at lgraham@necc.mass.edu .

Back Row, L-R: Joseph C. Edwards, Jouel Gomez, Gerald A. Sewell, Patricia L. Lyon, Alice M. Wormald, Linda G. Lamb, Darlene M. Beal, Pamela J. Carr, William J. Klueber

Front Row, L-R: Lindsay A. Graham, Susan M. Bonenfant, Maria J. Bevilacqua, Dawne M. Young, Elaine A. Barker, Rosemary B. Klueber, Richard J. Padova

Not shown: Kevin F. de Carvalho

MASSACHUSETTS C O MM UNITY C OLLEGE DAY AT FENWAY PARK

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros

for the second year in a row, fenway park will host a special Community College day during one of the red sox’s last home games of the season. for more information, contact lindsay graham at lgraham@necc.mass.edu.

Let ’s Go Red Sox!

fifth

registration is now open! Join the annual Campus Classic 5k and fun run on nECC’s picturesque haverhill campus. runners and walkers of all levels are welcome and encouraged to take part. post-race activities will include an awards ceremony, music, and more. you won’t want to miss out! proceeds benefit the nECC fund. for additional information, please contact lindsay graham at lgraham@necc.mass.edu.

www.necc.mass.edu/campus-classic