a l u m n i c o n n e c t i o n SPRING 2010 Bill's Bulletin

The Alumni Connection is published two times n 2007, I joined more than 600 other per year by the Holyoke Community College educators in signing the American Alumni Office, Holyoke, , and is College & University Presidents' distributed without charge to alumni and friends I of HCC. Third-class postage is paid at Springfield, Climate Commitment, a document that Massachusetts. commits member institutions to the achievement of an 80 percent reduction Editor: JoAnne L. Rome in greenhouse gases by mid-century. I invite you to read the text at Contributors: www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/ Joanna Brown, Joyce Desorcy '88, Gloria Lomax '75, Kathleen Moore, about/commitment. It is a blueprint for and JoAnne L. Rome action, which HCC is embracing. Design: Peter Hutchins, Litmus Designs It’s a tough time to make changes. Over the past few years, our state funding has Class Notes: News from alumni should be addressed to the been slashed by more than $4 million. Alumni Office, Holyoke Community College, But, by using American Recovery and 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 or Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, HCC has via email to [email protected]. been able to make one-time investments Letters: that will have long-term benefits for the Readers are invited to submit letters and stories HCC President William F. Messner environment and our financial health, concerning HCC and its alumni. Contact the including: alumni director by phone (413) 552-2253 or email: [email protected] (put “HCC Alumni Connection” in • Approximately $1 million to replace 40-year-old cooling towers with energy-efficient the subject line). towers that operate on 50% less horsepower. Class Notes/Change of Address: • More than $90,000 in energy efficient lighting. Please submit the reply form on page 15, or call • A major upgrade of the HCC website to enable it to serve as the primary repository the Alumni Office (413) 552-2704. for information that has traditionally been printed and mailed. 2009-2010 Alumni Council: President Gloria G. Lomax ‘75 Some of you may have heard of the Holyoke Community College Foundation, Inc. First Vice President Roadway project. The goals of the project are to increase safety and reduce congestion Gertrude E. Monson ‘97 on Homestead Avenue by creating a new entrance on Westfield Rd/Route 202. Secretary Marsha Ryan ‘70 Alumni Council Members: The foundation is working closely with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Joanna Brown, ex officio Species Program (NHESP), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Holyoke Angela M. Belisle, R.N. ‘77 Conservation Commission (ConComm), and the City of Holyoke to produce an Laura L. Brennan ‘79 environmentally sensitive design that protects adjacent woodlands and vernal pools. Carol Bright ‘75 Dawn R. Bryden ‘89 Carrie Buckner ‘77 In addition to a commitment to green practices, HCC now offers both Sustainability Cleveland Burton '86 Studies degree options and green workforce training opportunities. As you read this Eddie Corbin ‘68 edition of the Alumni Connection, I think you’ll see that HCC’s commitment to this Geraldo Cotton ‘06 issue didn’t begin yesterday—and stretches far into a future that will be made better by Geoff Croteau ‘99 our efforts today. Margaret DeJesus ‘90 Joyce D. Desorcy ‘88 Serena Fuller '77 I want to close by announcing a program beginning fall 2010 that will enable HCC Gail Indyk '85 students, staff, and alumni to earn a BA from Elms College, while fulfilling the majority Diane Lessard '06 of their degree requirements at HCC. There is a long history of collaboration between Elizabeth A. Murphy ‘74 Elms and HCC, and we look forward to working together to provide a quality education Mark Olier ‘05 that is convenient and affordable. Shawn Robinson ‘05 James Sheehan ‘74 Sincerely, Rhonda Soto ‘97 Nancy Spagnoli '83 Karen Thompson-Brown ‘04 Vandelyn T. Wright ’83 William F. Messner

Alumni Connection 2 Spring 2010 Letter from the Alumni Relations Director

Dear alumni, find out how efficient it is. Substantial his issue focuses on the theme rebates are available this year for of sustainability. In the 40 years Energy Star rated furnaces and central Tsince the first Earth Day in April air conditioning. Inexpensive rope caulk 1970, many welcome changes have or weather stripping around windows taken place. Until the "bottle bill" was and doors and foam gaskets behind passed in 1982, I always had to side- electrical outlet plates will also reduce step broken glass on the shoulders of heating costs. Finally, be sure to check the road. These days, I rarely see broken your furnace filter monthly. glass on the roadside, as more people • Lighting accounts for 15% of average recycle glass bottles, paper, cardboard, utilities costs. Replace high-energy metal, and plastic. halogen or incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use Other positive changes include: one fifth the energy and last up to ten • Families no longer burn garbage in open times longer. cans in back yards, as many once did. • Water heating accounts for 13% of an • The Connecticut River and many others, average home's utility costs. Run your are much cleaner than in decades past. hot water until it is up to its highest temperature, then fill a glass with it and • More people are reducing their use of test it with a kitchen thermometer. The pesticides and herbicides. Director of Alumni Relations Joanna Brown hot water temperature should be 120 • People are substituting low- degrees, maximum. If it is higher, turn I hope that you will enjoy reading this energy fluorescent for high-energy down the temperature setting on your issue and that you will find these hints incandescent bulbs. hot water heater. Also, install low-flow helpful. showerheads and run only full loads of • Local farmers' markets and community Sincerely, gardens are gaining in popularity. laundry, preferably with cold water. There is still much to be done. How can • Other ways to save energy (there are YOU reduce your carbon footprint and more on the www.energy.gov site): 1) Cover pots when cooking and also help to slow the growth of greenhouse Joanna Brown when storing food in the refrigerator gases? Let me share some suggestions Director of Alumni Relations (uncovered, refrigerated food generates that I have gleaned from websites such (413) 552-2253 moisture, which makes the refrigerator as www.energy.gov, the Department of [email protected] Energy site: compressor work harder). 2) Wash your dishes by hand, or run only a full • Start by having a free home energy dishwasher. 3) Hang out clothes to audit (in Massachusetts, visit www. dry, or in winter, hang them indoors masssave.com to get a free energy to generate needed moisture. 4) Use audit and see videos about money- public transportation, ride-share, walk, saving energy conserving tips, or call or ride a bicycle. 5) If you drive, keep (866) 527-7283. If you live outside of your tires properly inflated and engine Massachusetts, call your local electric, tuned, and combine trips to minimize gas, or utility company. driving. 6) Close blinds and drapes to • Heating and cooling account for 45% minimize heat loss in the winter and of an average home's utility costs. heat gain in the summer. 7) Shut the Installing a programmable thermostat doors and seal off heating and cooling to customize heat settings during ducts to unused rooms. 8) Experiment different time periods will result in a with wearing more layers of clothing 10-15% reduction in heating/cooling and lowering your thermostat in the costs (rebates for programmable winter. In the summer, open a window or thermostats are available in most turn on a fan, rather than running the states). If your furnace is 10 years old or air conditioning. 9) Avoid automatic car- older, consult with your fuel company to starters; an idling car gets zero mpg.

Alumni Connection 3 Spring 2010 Getting to Green

Green Pioneers continues to tweak her own abode. She ong before “green jobs” were a recently installed a radiant floor heating recognized career track, HCC system that uses water to heat the home. Lalums were staking their claims Another unit recaptures warmed air to to eco-friendly futures—in business, heat the water for her shower. Both government, and the arts. Recently, reduce her dependence on electricity. we asked some of these green pioneers how they turned their love of the “It’s what I love to do,” she says. “And, environment into a sustainable career. in a small way, it does reduce my carbon While their paths were strikingly footprint.” different, all of them share an ability to translate knowledge into action, and A Changing Career passion into purpose. Growing up in Springfield, Tom Orszack ’72, always thought it would be great to Keeping Things Natural get a job “working in the outdoors.” That Heather Ruel in her office at the U.S. Dept. As an HCC student, Eva Thomas, ’73, concept has changed considerably since of Fish and Wildlife never took a science class. Instead, he first arrived at HCC in the winter of the West Springfield native earned an 1970. Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and moved to California where she indulged “At first, I thought I’d become a game in her passions for the outdoors, organic warden,” says the retired Massachusetts gardening, and natural cooking. All of Department of Environmental Protection these interests seem to converge when administrator. “Then I saw how much she bought her first home. they made. I figured there’d have to be another agency where I could do some “When I started remodeling my own good work.” home, I brought it down to the studs, and I began experimenting with all of the Orszack found his launching pad in ways I could recycle and reuse materials,” 1974, when he began working for the says Eva, now an environmental building Springfield Conservation Commission. As consultant. “I found I could conserve the Environmental Specialist, he helped to money by conserving materials.” enforce the newly promulgated Wetlands Protection Act, which protects certain Eva Thomas in front of the Palo Alto log cabin Thomas learned her trade by consulting lands from development. where she recently installed eco-friendly radiant with experts and rolling up her sleeves. floor heating, and a water heater that uses ambient She built her next house, which had “What attracted me then, and kept me air to heat her shower. thermal insulated windows and a thermal in the field, was the fact that I was being siphoning system that kept it naturally paid to go out in the woods—urban or cool. All lighting fixtures used eco-friendly suburban—and work with people to see CFL bulbs and were installed in locations how things could work.” that maximized their efficiency. Laundry water was used to hydrate the garden, In 1979 Orszack joined the Massachusetts and the specially designed plumbing Department of Natural Resources (now system did away with the practice of the Department of Environmental running the hot water. The total electric Protection), where he worked for more bill for this 3000-square-foot home? than 20 years in a variety of positions. In About $25 a month. some capacities, he worked mainly with government officials, private contractors, These days, Eva runs an environmental and the public, informing them of building consulting agency out of her the requirements of environmental home – a log cabin in the mountains laws. At other times, he conducted above Palo Alto. While she helps her inspections or gave expert testimony Environmental expert Tom Orszack clients do eco-friendly renovations, she on an environmental issue. Throughout

Alumni Connection 4 Spring 2010 Getting to Green

his career, one thing remained constant “Buying the dirt to save “I’d never been successful at school—not however: the need to keep learning. the critters” since the third grade—so when I decided Long walks in her childhood home of to go to HCC, I told myself I would take a “There were always new trainings to keep Stafford, CT made Heather Ruel a life-long class that I was really interested in,” says you up on things,” he said. “I went to nature lover. Ruel, now a realty specialist with the U.S. Smoke School—where we had to calibrate Department of Fish and Wildlife. “And that our eyes to assess the smoke coming “I used to get up before anyone else and class was environmental science.” out of a smoke stack—and I went to Odor go out fishing in the stream down the School, where you learned to recognize road,” she says. “I’d have a piece of string, Ruel’s instincts were on the mark. After volatile organic compounds. “ a safety pin, and a little bit of hot dog. I’d graduating from HCC 2001, she went catch that fish, clean it, and we’d eat it for on to earn a BA and a MA in Geography Retired for more than seven years, Orszack dinner.” from UMass. She also became involved can finally enjoy the outdoors without in her town’s Conservation Commission studying it. Ruel continued to hike and explore the and helped remove invasive plant species outdoors as an adult (“I know every inch along the Connecticut River. These days, “But when I see my old (work) friends, of the Holyoke range,” she says), but it she helps the federal government acquire I’m always curious what’s happening wasn’t until she was a married mother of land that can be used for wildlife refuges. with different projects,” he says. “I can’t three that she considered making a career help it.” change. That decision involved some risk. continues on page 8

cut her political teeth on one of the “I very much enjoy meeting with most hotly contested environmental people and talking to them about the debates of the 1980s: a proposal to issues they care about,” she says. “And site a waste-to-energy incinerator environmental issues will always be in Holyoke. Concerned about the important to Holyoke, where we have a toxins the plant would deposit in natural resource—the dam—that allows the air and water, Pluta engaged in a us to make low-cost energy. “ massive public education campaign, eventually convincing officials to drop Pluta’s confidence surprises no one— the project. least of all, her fellow HCC alums. With her latest electoral victory, she joins a “It wasn’t my first foray into politics—I growing list of HCC alumni who have had been involved in fighting the found their calling in the political arena,

Photo: Dennis Hohenberger, papercitybuzz.com Dennis Hohenberger, Photo: closure of a neighborhood school, too— including two of her predecessors, but it gave me a good idea about how Holyoke Mayors Michael Sullivan ’77 the political process works,” say Pluta, and Danny Szostkiewicz '87, State who earned her BA in political science Representative, Michael Kane ’90, and from Mount Holyoke College. “I got former Speaker of the Massachusetts comfortable in the political arena.” House of Representatives (and HCC President), David M. Bartley Congressman John Olver and Mayor Elaine Fast forward 25 years and Elaine Pluta ’54. Several of them joined Pluta Pluta at the Mayor's Inaugural Ball is still comfortable with the rough-and- on November 30, 2009, when HCC tumble of public dialogue. She’s had a officially feted Holyoke’s first female From Environmental Issues to lot of practice. In addition to working mayor at a gala reception, held in the City Politics, Holyoke's First as an aide to Congressman John Olver, Kittredge Center. Woman Mayor is Fearless (D-Amherst), she has served on the Holyoke City Council, where constituent “Elaine exemplifies what Holyoke olyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta, services are the name of the game. Community College stands for,” said ’92, is no newcomer to She’s grateful to have that experience David Bartley. “She showed the world Henvironmental issues. The now, as she assumes the role of mayor that opportunity starts right here.“ HCC alumna and mother of three in her hometown.

Alumni Connection 5 Spring 2010 Around Campus

From Bruised Knuckles to Smiles Renovation transforms OSDDS Built before the Americans with Disabilities Act altered building in the OSDDS waiting area. codes, the complex of offices comprising HCC’s Office for It’s a simple accommodation Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services (OSDDS) was that allows Fernandes to wait usable but not at all comfortable for the students it served. outside the flow of hallway traffic and interact with those “The doorframes were narrow for wheelchair users; we had lots sitting on the bench. of bruised knuckles and scraped wood” said Maureen Conroy, OSDDS director. “Because there wasn’t enough room to turn a Budget considerations forced wheelchair around, leaving required backing straight out.” the project to be divided into two phases. With five offices Student Justin Fernandes chats But after months of construction, the offices now feature renovated, the next phase will with OSDDS Learning Specialist extra-wide doorframes and entry spaces that enable a tackle four more, along with Debra Geoffroy outside the wheelchair to easily enter and turn around. Adjustable desks the Assistive Technology space. renovated OSDDS and round tables accommodate staff and visitors. Conroy hopes that the project will inspire others to consider all members of the community “I love it!” said student Justin Fernandes, demonstrating when building or renovating space. “It’s neither complicated how neatly his wheelchair fit in the space alongside a bench nor expensive to make things work for everyone,” she said.

Honors Convocation Raul Matta ’07 (shown with professors Diane Beers (left) and Deborah Fairman (right), was the keynote speaker at Honors Convocation on October 12. A 2009 graduate of Hampshire College, Raul is an outreach worker for the Center for Education Prevention and Action in Holyoke. He was also featured in the January 8, 2010, issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, in a feature titled “Holyoke Community College Builds on its Transfer Tradition.” Read the story at www.chronicle.com/article/ Holyoke-Community-College/49457/.

HCC Alumni E-Publication Initiative Reply Form Care to Comment? In October 2010, HCC will undergo Yes, I want to help HCC conserve natural resources and direct college funds a comprehensive evaluation by the where they are most needed. Please sign me up to receive email notification Commission on Institutions of Higher when the Alumni Connection may be viewed online. Education of the New England Association of Name: Schools and Colleges. Those who wish to address substantive mat- E-mail address: ters related to the quality of the institution may submit written, signed comments to the Address: address below. Comments must be received City: by October 27, 2010, and include the name, address, and telephone number of the per- State: son providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential. Zip: New England Association of Schools and Colleges Phone: 209 Burlington Road Please return to: HCC Alumni Office, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA Bedford, MA 01730-1433 01040 by June 30, 2010 E-mail: [email protected].

Alumni Connection 6 Spring 2010 Around Campus

LC noted in League for Innovation in CC HCC’s Learning Communities (LCs) were featured on the website of the League for Innovation in the Community College this past fall, in a story that emphasized the critical role they have played in leading the campus in innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and excellence in learning.

LCs are team taught, interdisciplinary courses that engage students in viewing a common theme through multiple lenses. For example, the LC “Counting Crime” incorporated "Basic Mathematics" and "Introduction to Criminal Justice." Students examined the intersection of race, crime, and justice, while also focusing on understanding and interpreting the numbers behind the research.

There is strong evidence that LCs help underprepared students prepare, prepared students advance, and advanced students excel.

Media Arts Center Opens A grand opening on October 28 gave the college the opportunity to show off its new Media Arts Center (MAC). Dedicated to instruction in electronic media and photography, it is the only place in where students can access sophisticated digital equipment and instruction without being in the major.

The 10,500 sq. foot facility includes specialized studios and classrooms dedicated to animation, game design, sound and video production, digital imaging, and photography. Digital and conventional photography are together under one roof, with labs dedicated to wet-process color and black and white photography, alternative photographic processes, and digital processing. A comfortable lounge is equipped with two large flat screen monitors displaying student work, and an interactive touch-screen kiosk for interactive multimedia.

A 60-seat black box performance space equipped with lighting, video projection, and sound system was put to good use by HCC alumnus Dan O’Neill ’09 (pictured right), who created a riveting multimedia piece for the grand opening.

Kittredge Grant Helps Musician Create More Than Music Second year student Jeffrey Gilmartin knew his idea to make highly-customized, yet affordable, guitar pedals had struck the right chord when he was named recipient of this year's Kittredge Mini-Grant.

Established by HCC alumnus Michael Kittredge '73, the $500 annual award enables HCC’s budding entrepreneurs to obtain further skills in their chosen field, attend conferences, or purchase materials needed to enhance their business.

Gilmartin said the $500 will be used to make a prototype of a "boutique" guitar pedal, an electronic circuit board that connects the electric guitar and the amplifier to create unique sound effects and tones. Gilmartin said his pedal will combine an echo-like sound with a higher octave tone.

Although customized pedals are costly to purchase, Gilmartin said his goal is to develop a model that could be mass-produced at a lower cost, and still maintain the tonal integrity of a boutique pedal. Jeffrey Gilmartin accepts Kittredge Mini-Grant from adjunct faculty member Pam Baran '79 “I always wanted to go to the next step but couldn't afford to do it. Now I can," he said.

Alumni Connection 7 Spring 2010 Getting to Green

continued from page 5 “I help buy the dirt so we can save the Growing Green Jobs critters,” she quips. Then becoming If we train them, the demand will come serious, she adds “We protect the habitats for people, for wildlife, for plants, so we olyoke Community College is • Working with local community can all enjoy them.” not waiting for the economy group, Nuestras Raices, HCC is Hto suddenly sprout leaves. sponsoring a solar boiler technician On good days, the job involves site visits. Supported by state and federal training for Holyoke youth, ages She oversees properties from Virginia to grants, community partners, and 18 to 24. Participants gain a basic the Canadian border. On bad days, well, burgeoning social awareness of the understanding of photovoltaic cells, Ruel doesn’t really know if she has bad environment, HCC is training the next rudimentary plumbing, and energy days. generation of green entrepreneurs, conservation—knowledge they employers, and workers now. can use on the job or in additional “I became involved in land conservation education. Future plans include • The MassGREEN Institute: HCC has because I realized that all of the places English language classes that joined a statewide initiative that is I love would disappear if I didn’t,” she augment skill-based training in green creating a single, standardized, green says. “My job is to make sure that land is careers. job training program at each of the protected. I can’t imagine doing anything state’s community colleges. Working “We can’t predict what industries will else.” with community partners we are take off, so the idea is to teach green— training employers to develop green give people the basics—so they can get jobs like weatherization and energy into entry-level jobs,” says HCC’s Vice auditing. President of Business and Community Service Jeffrey Hayden. “Some might • The Pathways Out of Poverty grant use their skills in a new field we haven’t allows HCC to give as many as 70 yet contemplated. Others might decide unemployed Holyoke and Springfield to back up their training with more residents training that can lead education. We want them to have directly to entry-level jobs. This options.” grant allowed HCC to offer four-week training courses in weatherization, energy auditing, and insulation in fall 2009 and spring 2010.

In memoriam: We are saddened to learn of the passing of the following members of the HCC community:

Robert Dana '49 Deborah M. Ferriter '75 Genny Lyn St. Peter '06 Alfred W. Charbonneau '54 Mary T. (Kennedy) Pope '75 Adam Washburn '06 William T. Walker '54 Jeanne Y. Viens '75 Martin R. "Marty" Anderson, food service manager at HCC John A. Trudeau '56 Henry J. Hurteau '79 Laurie M. Stevens, Edward J. Foley '57 Carol A. (Bushey) Ottomaniello '79 former ceramics instructor at HCC Michael Penna '58 James N. Sullivan '79 Michael P. Szwed, Eleanor A. Murray '63 Victoria Denise Velez '81 retired professor of Economics Stanley J. Miles, Jr. '71 Dorothy G. Aloisi '82 and Finance Allen C. Champagne '73 Kevin Baush '90 Benedict E. Tarnauskas, retired HCC staff David J. Kosiol '73 Liza L. Basile '91 Patrick E. Turner '74 Deanne E. Delisle '99

Alumni Connection 8 Spring 2010 Letter from the Alumni Association President

Dear Alumni, difference financially, but it will show the e are an Alumni Association respect you have for someone very special that has already disproven the to you. Wmyth that community college alumni rarely give to community colleges. One of our alumni said, "I give because attending HCC changed the course of my Now, we are hard at work creating new academic and personal life. Community possibilities. Our Alumni Association colleges are the only institutions of is beginning to play a major role in higher learning dedicated to offering that supporting the quality of education at opportunity to all who seek it." Holyoke Community College. For example, an alumna has recently endowed a new I am counting on you to become part of scholarship fund, and two other alumni this work. Please write your check today or have endowed beautiful study areas in go online to www.hcc.edu/donate so that Donahue and Frost Buildings. we can deliver the support that Holyoke Community College needs and provide In a challenging economic time, such proof to all who doubt that community expressions of generosity are noteworthy. college alumni are passionate about Alumni Association President Gloria G. Lomax ‘75, supporting community colleges. Professor Emeritus Our annual fund dollars are just as important, because millions of dollars have Sincerely, been cut from our state higher education funding, while more and more students are turning to HCC. Gloria G. Lomax '75 By donating, you will be expressing your commitment to this college—the students, President, Holyoke Community College The HCC Foundation 2009 Giving the faculty, and the staff. If you contribute Alumni Association report is now online. To view it, your gift "in honor of" or "in memory of" please visit www.hcc.edu and then a favorite professor, staff member, relative, click on "Alumni and Friends" or friend, your gift will not only make a

2010 HCC Annual Fund (closes June 30, 2010) Enclosed is my contribution of: ❑ $______❑ $25 ❑ $35 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ $300 ❑ $500 ❑ $1,000 ❑ $2,500 ❑ $______I/we wish to contribute to the following fund: ❑ Where the need is greatest ❑ Scholarship fund ❑ Equipment for classrooms & labs ❑ Other: ______Name(s): ______Graduation year or years attended: ______Address: ______City/Town: ______State: ______Zip: ______Home/Cell telephone: ______Email: ______Employer: ______Position/Title: ______❑ My/our check is enclosed, payable to HCC Foundation Inc., (2010 fund drive ends June 30, 2010) ❑ My/our gift will be matched by: ______(please submit matching gift form) To charge a gift, please call (413) 552-2546 or visit our secure donation page at hcc.edu/donate ❑ I wish to give anonymously. Please do not publish my name in the 2010 Annual Giving Report Please mail to: HCC Foundation, Inc., 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. For more information please call (413) 552-2253.

Alumni Connection 9 Spring 2010 Class Notes

1953 bending. Alumni who are purchasing agents 1972 Henry P. Monaghan is Harlan Fiske are welcome to call him at (413) 532-9022. Victor Kamont is majoring in Addiction Stone Professor of Constitutional Law Studies and Photojournalism at Pierce at Columbia University. Monaghan was Robert Coulter and his wife enjoy life in College in Woodland Hills, CA. He won honored at a June 2009 symposium, a retirement community in Texas. Lots second place for News Photo of the "The View from the Curmudgeon's of social and educational activities keep Year, the award for Best Cub (new) Lair." Monaghan’s papers from that them busy, and, although retired, they Photographer, the Editor's Choice symposium were published in the March are substitute teachers in the local school Award, and the John Gallo Scholarship. 2010 Columbia Law Review. In winter district and seasonally employed with the Next semester, he will be the chief 2010, he introduced Attorney General of IRS. They especially appreciate Texas in photographer for the college newspaper, the Eric H. Holder, Jr. at an January and February, when they don’t have and serve on the Bull Magazine staff. event in which Holder received the Medal to shovel the driveway or scrape the car. Alumni may listen to his online show for Excellence from Columbia University. "Happy Hour" at kpcradio.com, or contact Bill Harris was honored in June 2009, Monaghan's recent article, "Supremacy him at (310) 924-9144 or kpcradio.com. with his second Emmy Award for Best Clause Fundamentalism," was published in News Anchor from the Michigan Chapter the April 2010 Columbia Law Review. 1973 of the National Academy of TV Arts and Peter G. Warren left telecom after 20 Sciences. Bill and son Christopher also 1956 years as an electrical engineer. Already received two Emmy nominations for a Arthur G. LaMirande grew up in South possessing an MS in Electrical Engineering series of first-hand reports documenting Hadley and played the organ in many area from UMass, he earned an MS in Bill's 2008 prostate cancer diagnosis, churches, serving as the interim organist Bioinformatics from Brandeis University in surgery, and recovery. In January, Bill was at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield in 2004, worked two internships in biotech, inducted into the Michigan Associated fall 1999. The organist at St. John's Church and assumed a full-time position at Wyeth Press Broadcast Journalism Hall of Fame. in Elizabeth, NJ since October 2006, in 2006. Warren writes, "I've always LaMirande currently resides in Manhattan. 1970 appreciated the start that HCC gave me... He is scheduled to perform on May 1, 2011, That experience, including the generous Gary R. Wolpert is attending college for at St. Thomas Church in , and and warm-hearted attention of several the fifth time. After graduating from HCC, during the 2011-2012 season at St. Patrick's great teachers there, helped me to build he earned BA, MS, and MBA degrees. He Cathedral in New York City. my confidence (which was pretty low at is currently studying diagnostic medical the time), so that I was able to go on to sonography at Fox Business Institute in 1963 , from which I graduated West Hartford, CT. He has been an adjunct Howard B. Greaney was successfully Magna Cum Laude in 1975." professor at Westfield State College, a vice re-elected for his second consecutive president of international marketing and term as member-at-large on the School 1975 sales for a technical company (annually Committee for . Michael D. logging 100 days of international travel), Kubic is senior and has five patents to his name. 1966 vice president, Norene Roberts is an historical consultant 1971 corporate to the Massachusetts International Festival controller, and chief David L. Dupont, currently the principal for the arts (MIFA), which is spearheading accounting officer at , will assume a new the rehabilitation of the in at Alliance Data position on July 1 as superintendent of the Holyoke. Roberts is writing a nomination to Systems in Texas. Holyoke Public Schools. He received his place the theater on the National Register Prior to joining BA in American History from UMass and of Historic Places. Those interested in Alliance, Kubic served as vice president of his MA in Administration from Westfield restoring the Victory Theater can email: finance for Kevco, Inc. and vice president and State College. He has been the principal [email protected]. corporate controller for BancTec, Inc. Kubic at Peck Jr. High School, Lynch Jr. High holds a BA from UMass and is a CPA in the School, and Dean Technical High School. 1969 State of Texas. Wayne Cordes is president of Tech Fab, He also held the position of director Inc., of South Hadley, MA, a precision metal of operations at the Holyoke School Watson B. Laughton recommends alums fabricating business. Their products include Department. visit the Library of Congress and the Post customized CNC machining, laser cutting, Office Museum in Washington, D.C. He robotic welding, and precision forming and says that the Library of Congress will "rock

Alumni Connection 10 Spring 2010 Class Notes

your world," with its huge collection of of the UMass Amherst Alumni Board. He 1988 mini-museums on every topic imaginable. resides in and loves living in St. Barbara Lamirande-Smith completed The George and Ira Gershwin room was Gregory's Parish in Dorchester. her BSN from UMass in 1999 and her MEd particularly of interest to him because he in Occupational Education from Westfield loves music. 1984 State College in spring 2010. She teaches Cynthia A. Bishop is business at Dean Technical High School in Holyoke. 1978 development manager/vice president Alex Sajkovic serves on the executive at Science Applications International Lisa Napiorkowski has been named committee of PioneerValleyLocalFirst. Corporation (SAIC) in northern Virginia. assistant director of the Council on Aging org, a group of business owners who Bishop, who plans to retire this year, at the Senior Center in South Hadley, MA. encourage citizens to returns to Western MA to see relatives An administrative secretary to the South buy locally. The group is committed and friends and research her family's Hadley town administrator for many to meeting the energy, food, housing, history in the Holyoke History Room, years, she has worked for the Town of transportation, and other community currently housed in the HCC Library. She South Hadley since 1988. needs in ways that are locally sustainable. traveled to Scotland in 2009 with the New Sajkovic's business, ASN Stone, located at England Historical Genealogical Society 1989 518 Pleasant St., Northampton, sells stone (NEHGS) to conduct research on her Eugene (Gene) Black is completing and does full installation on residential great-grandparents, who emigrated from his bachelor's degree at the University and commercial projects. Please visit Scotland to Holyoke in the late 1800s. Without Walls at UMass, Amherst. Certified www.asnstone.com or call Sajkovic at to work with people with autism and (413) 586-5180. 1985 Asperger Syndrome, he currently works Laurie Beauchemin received her Masters in residential settings, public schools, and James Schelfhaudt is a photographer of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Family community agencies. living in Cape Neddick, ME. He earned an Nursing from Frontier School of Midwifery AS from HCC, and a BA in English from in Hyden, KY in October 2009. She 1990 the UMass. Originally drawn to black has been a perinatal nurse at BayState Carol Lawson received her BS from and white photography, Schelfhaudt has Medical Center for 21 years. She is Western New England College in 2007 embraced digital photography for the grateful for the scholarship she received after taking 17 years to complete her added dimensions of color, convenience, from the HCC Alumni Association during degree one course at a time. She has had creative control, and wide latitude for her graduate program. six of her creative poems published by two error. Alumni are invited to visit his different publishing houses and has done website at www.compasspointgallery.com. 1986 freelance reporting and photography for Cleveland Burton retired from Lenox/ the Chicopee Register. Bruce Zimmerman earned his BA in music American Saw, a division of Newell from the University of Miami in 1981, his Rubbermaid, where he had worked for Gregory S. Schneider is co-founder of 3BL Master of Music from the University of 36 years. He is on the board of directors Media. 3BL stands for Triple Bottom Line— Hawaii in 1984, and his Doctor of Musical and executive committee of the Regional People Planet Profit. Schneider's company Arts from the Hartt School of Music in Employment Board of Hampden County, creates and distributes news and content 1986. Bruce is composer and owner and serves as chair of its Youth Council of about corporate social responsibility, of Sound Productions, a film scoring Hampden County. He a member of the HCC sustainability, and cause marketing for project studio in Windsor, CT, where for Alumni Council and is also on the executive businesses and non-profit organizations. more than 17 years he has composed board of Putnam Advisory Council, which The company uses blogs, videos, podcasts, music for Saturday Night Live, PBS, FOX will be breaking ground this fall to build a press releases, email, Twitter, Facebook, Network, and Warner Brothers, among new high school by 2012. and other Web 2.0 technologies to reach others. He has won three EMMY Awards and influence people. Alumni are invited to (New England Region) for Outstanding 1987 visit 3blmedia.com Individual Achievement in Original Peter Tallman was recently re-elected Aaron M. Vega was elected to the Music Composition for his work in public for his sixth term as City Councilor-at- Holyoke City Council in November 2009. television. large in Holyoke. He has been a member After HCC, he earned dual bachelor of the Air National Guard for 19 years, degrees in Psychology and Theater/Film 1983 and is a tech sergeant with the 104th from Keene State College. He worked Paul J. Hohenberger is associate director of Fighter Wing, stationed at Barnes with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns development at the College of Engineering Airport in Westfield, MA. at UMass Amherst and an elected member continues on page 12

Alumni Connection 11 Spring 2010 Class Notes

continued from page 11 profit organization that provides Instructor at Holyoke Works, teaches for four years and has had films air on paid employment and training to classes in Microsoft Office products, and PBS, HBO, TLC, and at international film homeless and formerly incarcerated offers World of Work workshops, including festivals. He is currently working on a men. She received her MAP in public customer service, time management, and documentary for the Media Education administration from UMass Boston in communications. Foundation in Northampton, MA. Alumni 2002. can see his clips at www.vegaclips.com. 2004 Edna M. Vega and his wife, Debra, own a yoga and 1994 Yvette Weldon Cammock received a MM Alvarado is a dance studio at Open Square in Holyoke, from Cambridge College in 2004. She parent educator/ MA. Alumni are invited to visit the studio is education coordinator for The Key mentor/coach or www.vegayoga.com. Program at the Department of Children under a five-year 1991 and Families in the Holyoke office, Healthy Marriage June S. Henneman took a class at HCC where she manages the educational federal grant in 1988 at age 70. She enjoyed it so much needs of children in intensive foster or program, working that she kept coming back to take more residential care. at Holyoke/ classes. Gail Indyk (retired director of adult Chicopee/Springfield Head Start, Inc. support programs) convinced her to get 1997 She received her BA in Human Services/ Robin MacRostie is owner of her degree, which she earned with honors Counseling from the University Without choreographicdesign.com in Amherst, at age 73. Interested in history, reading, Walls at UMass Amherst. Her son, Jordan MA, a graphic design business that uses and traveling, she has been to Europe Rivera, is a first year student in HCC's images to create graphic representations ten times, and just returned from Hawaii. Criminal Justice Program. of businesses that can be used in Her granddaughter in London gives her marketing, online and offline. She works a good reason to visit. June lives on the 2005 with local and national clients to design Susan Hall land in Belchertown that her great-great logos, websites, newsletters, business graduated grandfather bought in 1790. stationery, and promotional materials. from Wellesley 1993 Alumni are invited to visit her website College in June Rebecca Davis or contact her at (413) 549-6403 or 2009. Selected graduated [email protected] to go abroad in from American January 2007 International 1998 as part of a Wendy Wright is the new human resource College in "History and and development administrator at the 1995 with a Culture in Jamaica" winter session, she Carson Center For Human Services. BSBA. In 2003 discovered Children and Community for She had previously been the director of she received Change (3Cs), for which she designed human resources and development officer her MBA in and was awarded a Susan G. Knafel at Abilities Unlimited, which merged with Accounting from the University of '52 International Internship that took the Carson Center. She graduated from Phoenix-Cleveland. She will be an adjunct her to 3Cs as a camp administrator the Smith College in 2000, with a major faculty member in fall 2010 at Phoenix following summer. She has researched in Governmental Studies and minor in University in Ohio. Becky is currently vice and given presentations on aspects Psychology. president of the National Association of of Hurricane Katrina, including post- disaster environmental justice issues. Black Accountants, Cleveland Chapter, 2000 a member of the Cleveland Black MBA She currently works for the Boston Jacqueline Lozada Association, and a mentor for college Public Schools as a substitute teacher received her students entering the accounting field. and is creating a tutor program for low BA in Business She participated in a 150-mile Bike achieving students. Management Ride Campaign for Multiple Sclerosis. at Westfield Though living in Ohio, she still considers 2006 State College in Lynne Marie Wanamaker was selected to Greenfield, MA home. 2004. She is the bring her "Compassionate Conditioning" Office Systems Maura E. Greaney is director of Technology development at The Doe Fund, a non- continues on page 15

Alumni Connection 12 Spring 2010 Alumni in Action

Study Area Dedicated Distinguished Alumni Beauty in the Urban Landscape On June 4, 2009, nearly 150 business Art enthusiasts persons and friends attended the 32nd flocked to the Distinguished Alumni Award Dinner. Presented with our 2009 Distinguished Museum in Alumni Award are, from left: Steven M. Holyoke to view Mitus '80 and Moria E. Mitus '93, and on the work of Caleb the far right, Gregory R. Dubreuil '88. Colon ‘06 during Second from right is Nadine A. Dubreuil his October 2009 '85, spouse of Gregory Dubreuil. exhibit. On Colon’s canvases, the brick At a reception celebrating the beautiful factories, canals, and streets of Holyoke new study area on the second floor and the region sing with life and color. of Donahue Building that Margaret A. McCarthy ‘78 donated in memory of their AV Equipment Honors Memory brother, Lt. Joseph J. McCarthy '70, a of Dance Instructor former member of the Holyoke Police Members of Troupe Sahibat gathered on Department, are (right to left) McCarthy, June 25, 2009, to present their donation her sister, Ann Marie Nawolski, and of an LCD projector, DVD playback unit Nawolski's daughter, Peg Kelley. and portable projection screen to the dance studio at the Bartley Center, in 2009 Volunteer of HCC Goes South for the Winter memory of Rose Champagne Superneau the Year Honored In January 2010, Vice President of '99, former dance instructor at HCC. Institutional Development Erica Broman joined a gathering of retired HCC faculty and staff in Florida. Seated from left are: Erica Broman, Dr. David M. Bartley '54, and Bette Bartley. Standing from left are: Dr. Elaine Ironfield, Dr. Toby Tamarkin, retired CT State Senator Thomas Dowd, Dr. Elaine Marieb '80, Harvey Howell, Victor Thomas, Lois Donohue, and Eve Pictured, from left: Gloria G. Lomax Thomas. '75, HCC Alumni Association president; Lori McCarthy; Melinda Thomas; Jackie Annette Davis- Harris '04, recipient of Champagne (Rose's mother); Sue the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award, Zielenski; and Karen Ferroni. (Troupe was feted by HCC faculty, staff, students, member Robin Rieske was unable to be family and friends during the Alumni present). Summer Celebration on June 17, 2009. Davis-Harris, founder of the "Waiting Broadcasting with Alumni Support to Excel" student club, now known as Alumni contributions funded the purchase "Unity Club," graduated from UMass and Media Arts Center of new audio equipment for two recording plans to continue her work in human Alumni studios in the WCCH radio station. services. Pictured: seated, James Sliski, Association Pictured with some of the new equipment president of Unity Club; standing from President are (from left): Kevin Renaud '11, Ricky left: Professor Jackie Griswold, honoree Gloria Lomax, MacPhail '11, Jaclyn "Miss Jay" Quesnel Annette Davis-Harris, Senior Programs Professor '10, and Jim Coordinator Dorothy Blair, Learning Pat Sandoval Fogarty, Specialist Wayne Nelson, and Assistive '87, and adjunct Technology Specialist Robert Baran '94. retired professor Jeanne Hatch took in faculty the October grand opening of HCC’s new member. Media Arts Center.

Alumni Connection 13 Spring 2010 Alumni Letter

I enlisted the help of the New England and held many fund raisers. Again, my Forestry Foundation in Littleton, husband and I wrote grants and obtained Massachusetts, who sent a Land Protection funding for the project. We then asked the Specialist to help us develop a plan to save citizens of our town to vote to fund the our watershed area. When a 78-acre parcel balance. The town voted overwhelmingly of forest became available for sale in our to purchase the land. We now have over neighborhood, I wrote the landowner and 500 acres of conservation land protected asked if he would consider working with us. forever in our watershed, including two miles of frontage along Purgatory Brook with a Months went by until I received a phone waterfall and scenic views of North Pack, call from the landowner. My neighbors Pack Monadnock, and Temple Mountains. and I agreed to try to raise the money to purchase the land and if we were Each year, our town votes for a “Grand successful, New England Forestry Marshall,” a citizen who has made a Foundation would own and manage the significant contribution to the town. I y love of the outdoors began land and permanently protect it from had the great honor to be elected Grand when I joined the outdoor club development. We had under a year to raise Marshal that year for my volunteer work Mat Holyoke Community College. the money, or it would go on the market. in conservation. If there is a place in your I have wonderful memories of being neighborhood or town that you love, don’t with great people on adventures hiking, We sold t-shirts, held raffles, flea markets, be afraid to try to protect and save it for backpacking, cross country skiing, yard sales, and concerts at local coffee the next generation. I have learned that rock climbing, white water rafting, and houses, and attended parades, holiday one person cannot do it all by themselves, caving. It has been well over 30 years fairs and pancake breakfasts. My husband but one person can make a difference. since then, but enjoying the outdoors and I wrote grants to foundations and remains a significant part of my life. organizations near and far. We received Joanne G. Draghetti '76 When my husband and I moved to our a check for $5,000 from Paul Newman’s small New Hampshire town (population charitable foundation! The Nadeau Forest, 2,200) fifteen years ago, I felt lucky to named after the landowner, was purchased be in a rural place surrounded by forest in 2004 and is now permanently protected and wildlife and be able to hike outside by the New England Forestry Foundation. my door, without having to drive to get to trails. Shortly afterward, I was asked to join my town’s Conservation Commission, We Love Letters! Our town had conservation land along where I have been instrumental in helping We welcome hearing from our the Purgatory Brook Watershed, but secure another 250 acres of forest and alumni and enjoy reading the letters most of the land was not protected undeveloped land along the watershed we receive, which we publish in from development. Like many small abutting Nadeau Forest. In 2008, we the Alumni Connection whenever New England towns, ours began to learned that 250 acres would soon be possible. If you would like your have “growing pains” as “McMansions” auctioned for about $500,000. With current photo published along with began to spring up. I felt we had to only 10 days and $100,000 in our Town your letter, please send it to us do something to preserve this unique Conservation Fund, I called a local land electronically. We are also happy to place before it was too late, but thought, trust. After much discussion, they were include a photo of you during the era “What can one person do?” I contacted able to find an anonymous donor willing you attended HCC. We reserve the conservation groups in my area to see if to put up the money to temporarily buy right to edit letters to conform with they could help. Most said there wasn’t the property and call off the auction. We space and editorial requirements. much you could do unless you had money were given two years to raise the money to Please direct letters to: to buy land or got landowners to donate purchase the land, otherwise it would be Joanna Brown property for conservation. I decided to sold for development. HCC Alumni Office begin a volunteer group to try to raise 303 Homestead Avenue money to save our beautiful forests and Within one year, I helped the Conservation Holyoke MA 01040 watershed. I got together like-minded Commission raise much of the money to FAX: (413) 552-2479 people in my town and we began meeting purchase the land. We went to the local Email: [email protected] to put our ideas together. Rotary Club, churches, schools, businesses,

Alumni Connection 14 Spring 2010 Class Notes

continued from page 12 September 2009 and will be stationed at Abigael Marie Sicard is a graduate of fitness and martial arts program to the Westover Air Force Reserve Base. the New England Center for Cosmetology National Women's Martial Arts Federation & Esthetics Education. A licensed (NWMAF). Wanamaker, a member of the 2008 cosmetologist and owner of Abbsolute Alejandro Ramirez attended HCC in the teaching team at Valley Women's Martial Salon & Day Spa in Sunderland, contact fall 2007 and spring 2008 semesters, then Arts in Easthampton, holds black belts her at (413) 397-9988 or visit www. continued at Bristol Community College in two styles of Okinawan karate and abbsolutesalon.com. until summer 2009. He studied at Patten is a certified personal fitness trainer University and received his minister's working with private clients. Visit www. 2009 license in June 2009 and his Endorsed Kathleen M. Scholpp passed her exam and compassionateconditioning.com or call Community Service Chaplain credentials is now a certified Pharmacy Technician. her at (413) 527-8317. in August 2009. Now pastor of the Third She has completed her externship in both 2007 Church of God in New Bedford, MA, he Institutional and Community Pharmacy. Jorge Mora was among the first dual- may be reached at (508) 674-5690 or enrolled students at Chicopee High School [email protected]. and HCC . He enlisted in the Army in

Class Notes/Change of Information Tell us about your volunteer Name:______or other activities in a class note (see below). Class year:______

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Please return this form to: Alumni Office, HCC, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040, fax to (413) 552-2479, or email to [email protected] with subject line of “HCC Notes” by June 1, 2010.

Alumni Connection 15 Spring 2010 NON-PROFIT ORG. a l u m n i c o n n e c t i o n U.S. POSTAGE PAID Holyoke Community College Alumni Office PERMIT NO. 820 303 Homestead Avenue SPRINGFIELD, MA 01101 Holyoke, MA 01040 www.hcc.edu

Spring Events Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. Commencement will be under a tent on the HCC soccer field. Ticket holders admitted first; the public may attend on a space-available basis.

Tuesday, June 8, 5-9 p.m. Distinguished Alumni Award Dinner, honoring Kay Althoff '82 and Danny Eaton '74. Please join us as we honor two alumni who have been instrumental Earn a BA from Elms College at HCC! in building communities involving HCC A new partnership between HCC and Elms College now makes it possible for you to alumni: Kay Althoff has directed the take classes at HCC and earn your BA from Elms. Frances Perkins Program at Mount Starting in fall 2010, Psychology and Business (accounting and management) Holyoke College for more than 20 degrees will be offered, with English and Early Childhood Education to follow in 2011. years, and Danny Eaton is founder and producing artistic director of the Classes will be held on the HCC campus on Friday evenings and Saturdays to Majestic Theater in West Springfield, accommodate working adults. Financial aid is available! Priority registration MA. Registration required by Friday, deadline is July 16, 2010. Want to learn more? Info sessions will be held at HCC on May 21 at 4 p.m. Please call (413) Tuesday, May 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m. and at Elms on June 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m. 552-2704 to request an invitation, or For details, contact the Elms College Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing register online at www.hcc.edu (click on Education at (413) 265-2490 or email [email protected]. "Alumni and Friends").

Futures Inspired