Press Releases, March 2009
For Holyoke High, Dean Tech seniors and families
March 2, 2009
HOLYOKE—Holyoke High School and Dean Technical seniors and their families can get help completing financial aid forms on March 26, 6-8 p.m., at the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development at Holyoke Community College. Sponsored by AVANZA 2 COLLEGE, financial aid counselors will guide students through online submission of their completed Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA).
For more information, please contact Harold Santiago, HCC Admissions Counselor, (413) 552-2579 or hsantiago@hcc.edu.
For Chicopee High, Chicopee Comprehensive seniors and families
March 2, 2009
HOLYOKE—Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive seniors and their families can get help completing financial aid forms on March 26, 6-8 p.m., at the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development at Holyoke Community College. Sponsored by AVANZA 2 COLLEGE, financial aid counselors will guide students through online submission of their completed Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA).
For more information, please contact Harold Santiago, HCC Admissions Counselor, (413) 552-2579 or hsantiago@hcc.edu.
Aid Provided on First-Come, First-Serve Basis
March 2, 2009
HOLYOKE – Daunting as they are, filling out the eight-page Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a must for prospective and continuing Holyoke Community College students, given the real opportunities to receive financial aid. The priority deadline to file is May 1, and state and most federal grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
And to ease the burden of sorting through questions as potentially befuddling as “What types of student aid interest you?” to “What income tax return did your parents file or will they file for 2008?” HCC is sponsoring “FAFSA Fridays” each Friday with one session at 10 a.m. and then again at 3 p.m. at the college’s Financial Aid Office in Frost Building, Room 201. No appointment is necessary and sessions run for about ½ hour.
HCC financial aid experts will be on hand to assist prospective and continuing HCC students with any of their questions and help them fill out the online FAFSA form. For more information, call the HCC Financial Aid office at (413) 552-2150 or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to download forms or start filling out the FAFSA on your own.
Please bring the following to FAFSA Friday sessions:
Your 2008 Federal Income Tax Return (& your spouse’s if applicable)
IRS Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ (whichever is applicable)
Your parents’ 2008 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent)
Your 2008 untaxed income records (& your spouse’s, if applicable)
Your Social Security Number
Your Temporary Assistance to Needy Families records
Your Welfare records
Your Veteran’s Benefits.
March 3, 2009
MEDIA ADVISORY
What: The 2009 Higher Education Legislative Breakfast
When: Friday, March 6, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: PeoplesBank Room, Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development, HCC
HOLYOKE— The 2009 Higher Education Legislative Breakfast will be held this Friday, March 6, at 8:00 a.m., in the PeoplesBank Room, Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development at Holyoke Community College. The event is sponsored by Berkshire Community College, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Westfield State College. Twenty two area legislators have been invited to attend the event.
Program
Welcome
Bill Messner, HCC President
Access & Fees
Bill Messner, HCC President
Budget
Ira Rubenzahl, STCC President
Collaboration and Increased Capacity
Bob Pura, GCC President
Legislative Comments
Senator Michael R. Knapik
Senator Benjamin B. Downing
Representative Michael F. Kane
March 4, 2009
MEDIA ADVISORY
What: College for a Day
When: Friday, March 19, 2009
Time: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: PeoplesBank Room, Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development, at HCC
HOLYOKE— More than 100 adult learners from Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties are expected to visit Holyoke Community College on March 19 for the sixth annual College-for-a-Day program, organized by the System for Adult Basic Education Support (SABES) program at HCC.
The visitors, many of whom are also ESOL students, are all in various stages of finishing their general educational development degree (GEDs). College for a Day will offer a taste of college with a series of mini-classes and information sessions outlining the services available to them at HCC, as well as a keynote address by a graduate of the program.
“The goal is to introduce students to the college experience,” said Michele Sedor, SABES associate coordinator. “We hope that doing so will inspire them to continue their education.”
The event will be held in the PeoplesBank Room (301)at the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development on the HCC campus. The agenda is as follows:
8:30-9:00 a.m. Coffee and registration
9-9:30 a.m. Welcome and keynote speaker
9:45-10:45 a.m. Session 1 Classes (rooms to be announced)
11:00 a.m. - noon Session 2 Classes (rooms to be announced)
12:15-1:30 p.m. Lunch
March 9, 2009
HOLYOKE – Interested in college, but need help getting ready? Holyoke Community College and the Community Education Project will offer a free, eight-week, intensive prep course to help adult learners get ready for the ABE/Transition to College and Careers program in Fall 2009. The course runs from April 7 – May 28, and classes meet Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students will receive instruction in basic English reading and writing, basic math to pre-algebra, and computer and study skills. Counseling is available in English or Spanish.
This course is for anyone 18 or older who has either earned a GED or graduated from high school five or more years ago. Space is limited – register today! For more information or to register, please call (413) 552-2852 or email edreyfuss@hcc.edu.
March 9, 2009
HOLYOKE—Busy home and work schedules make online learning a valuable option for those who wish to pursue an education. HCC now offers two options: strictly online classes, and classes that combine limited classroom with online participation. Are you interested in online learning but not sure how it works? Enroll in HCC’s free online Distance Education Open House, Wednesday, March 25, 6:30-8:00 p.m., and let an HCC instructor introduce you to online education. Discover whether online is right for you! Contact dladvising@hcc.edu to register.
March 9, 2009
MEDIA ADVISORY
What: 13th annual Tech Prep Career Fair
When: Thursday, March 19
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Bartley Center for Athletics & Recreation, HCC
HOLYOKE – The thirteenth annual Tech Prep Career Fair will take place Thursday, March 19, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the David M. Bartley Athletic & Recreation Center at Holyoke Community College.
Sponsored by the Hampden-Hampshire Tech Prep Consortium, consisting of Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and 14 area high schools, the fair annually draws more than 400 high-school students to learn first hand about a variety of careers, including business, clean/sustainable energy, construction, health, hospitality, information technology, and manufacturing technology. Local companies, organizations, and colleges will provide interactive, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and discussions to help students better understand the nature and scope of the enterprise.
Partial List of Participants
Participating Companies & Organizations
CareerPoint Career Center
Futureworks Career Center
Green Industry Park
Hamilton Sundstrand
IBEW #7
Mass Highway Department
Northampton Aeronautics
United Water
Universal Plastics
US Air Force
Whalley Computers
Demonstrations
Hamilton Sundstrand: waterless toilet and spacesuit
Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services: crime scene
Massachusetts Highway Department: remote computer control of a traffic light
United Water: wastewater treatment demonstration
Participating Post-secondary Institutions
Greenfield Community College
Holyoke Community College
National Aviation Academy
Porter and Chester Institute
Springfield Technical Community College
Participating High schools
Chicopee Comprehensive
Chicopee High School
Dean Tech
Easthampton High School
Hampshire Regional High School
Holyoke High School
Lower Pioneer Valley Career & Technical Education Center
Pathfinder Regional Vocational High School
Putnam Vocational
Smith Vocational
Tantasqua Regional High School
Westfield High School
Westfield Vocational
For information contact Cari Carpenter, (413) 552-2824 or ccarpenter@hcc.edu.
New exhibit open to public
March 10, 2009
HOLYOKE—The Taber Art Gallery at Holyoke Community College will feature Dualities, an exhibit of the work of Bernard Banville. Born in Haute-Rive, Quebec, in 1950, Banville emigrated to Western Massachusetts in 1962, and began exhibiting his art in juried shows in his twenties. His art has been exhibited locally and in shows in Belgium and Germany, and is in the J. Paul Getty Museum (Jean Brown Archives), as well as numerous private collections. The exhibit runs March 9 through April 9. An artist’s reception will take place March 25, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., with a gallery talk at noon. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
The Taber Art Gallery is conveniently accessed through the HCC Library in the Donahue Building. Hours are M-W 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thurday 2-6 p.m.; and Friday 8-11 a.m. during regular school session.
March 11, 2009
HOLYOKE— A series of youth baseball clinics will be offered at Holyoke Community College’s Bartley Center for Athletics this month. Sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric and the HCC baseball team, HCC coaching staff and players will provide instruction on pitching, catching, hitting, bunting, throwing, fielding, base-running and sportsmanship. Clinics for youth ages 12-14 will meet Tuesday March 24 and 31; and clinics for those ages 8-11 will meet Friday, March 27 and Monday, March 30. No pre-registration necessary. Clinics begin at 7 p.m. and end promptly at 9 p.m. Cost is $10 per athlete per night, payable by cash or check at the door. Athletes are asked to bring a clean pair of sneakers to protect the gym floor. For information contact Terry Murphy, (413) 552-2172, or tmurphy@hcc.edu.
Annual HCC Jazz Festival April 3-4
March 16, 2009
HOLYOKE—Trumpeter Marvin Stamm, accompanied by the Amherst Jazz Orchestra conducted by UMass music professor David Sporny, will kick off the two-day Holyoke Community College 12th Annual Jazz Festival, April 3-4. The concert will be held in the Leslie Phillips Forum at 8 p.m. Friday, April 3. Tickets available at the door. Admission is $10, $8 for students and seniors.
Saturday events will run from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., and are free and open to the public. These include:
Performances on the half hour by participating high school jazz bands and combos, HCC Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Vocal Ensemble, and Jazz Improvisation Combo.
Jazz clinics by Marvin Stamm, and Combo Performance Workshops and Jazz/Jam Discussion Sessions with participating high schools.
Concluding concert at 4-6 p.m., with Marvin Stamm, Jazz Festival faculty, and a select combo of students representing each participating school.
About Marvin Stamm:
Discovered by the legendary Stan Kenton, Stamm has performed or recorded with Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman Sextet, Quincy Jones, Stanley Turrentine, and others. Downbeat has lauded Stamm’s “gorgeous tone on the trumpet and flugelhorn.” JazzTimes said “the Memphis native has chops and talent in abundance. He can burn on bebop changes, or mellow out on a ballad, all the time maintaining the lucid consistency that enthusiasm and experience engenders.” Jazz Review declared, “Stamm is a musician's musician, performing flawlessly…”
This two-day event is sponsored by the HCC Music Department, the HCC Music Club, and Gerry’s Music Shop in South Hadley. For information, contact Robert Ferrier at (413) 552-2480 or rferrier@hcc.edu.
Unsure about a college major? Ready to make a career change?
March 16, 2009
HOLYOKE—High school juniors and seniors and adults considering a career change are invited to an HCC Open House on April 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m., in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development at Holyoke Community College. Learn about nearly 100 degree and certificate programs, and make an informed college and career decision. Get information on financial aid/payment options, and assistance filling out your FAFSA. Talk to faculty and staff in academic departments and student services. Special mini-sessions every half hour, campus tours at 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Inspire your future! For information, call (413) 552-2321.
Program provides test preparation for foreign TOEFL candidates
March 16, 2009
HOLYOKE— The Center for Business & Professional Development at Holyoke Community College is now offering preparation courses for candidates for the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). Individuals take the TOEFL for college entrance, eligibility for certain licensing in the U.S., and to meet the requirements of a variety of jobs.
According to Keith M. Hensley, HCC executive director of workforce and economic development, “All too often, TOEFL candidates are unprepared to pass the test the first time. This means further delays in accomplishing their goals as they have to retest. The TOEFL iBT exam is offered at the HCC High Stakes Testing Center and we frequently see the same test takers come back time and time again attempting to attain an acceptable score. For this reason, we have designed and are offering a comprehensive prep course to assist TOEFL candidates in achieving passing scores the first time.”
Courses begin April 7 and run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm-8pm. Enrollment is limited and now underway. For information, contact (413)552-2122, (413)552-2500, or kittredgecenter@hcc.edu.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 – 8:00 a.m. – Room FR309
AGENDA
1) Call to Order
2) Approval of Minutes of the January 27, 2009 Meeting (ATTACHMENT I)
3) Personnel Actions:
a) Appointments, Reappointments and Non-reappointments for Non-Unit Professional Staff, Unit Professional Staff & Faculty (ATTACHMENT II)
b) Request for Tenure (ATTACHMENT III)
c) Change in Rank (ATTACHMENT IV)
MOTION: To empower the President of the College to approve all personnel actions prior to the next meeting.
4) Report of the Finance Committee – Trustee Lavelle
5) Report of the Committee to Plan a Trustee Retreat – Trustee Caulton-Harris
6) President’s Report:
a) Nursing Accreditation Report
b) Donation to troops in Afghanistan
c) Legislative Breakfast
7) Other Business
a) Upcoming Events:
i) Picknelly Luncheon – Friday, April 24, 2009 – 12:00 Noon – FR265
ii) President’s Dinner – Thursday, April 30, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. – FR265
iii) Board of Trustees Retreat – Friday, May 29, 2009 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – FR309
iv) Commencement – Saturday, May 30, 2009 – 10:00 a.m. Bartley Center
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING – TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2009
Q&A with filmmaker to follow screening
March 24, 2009
HOLYOKE— Re-Defining Deaf, a film by activist Ryan Commerson, will be shown at HCC on Tuesday, March 31, 6-8:00pm, in the Leslie Phillips Forum, Building C. The 40-minute film draws on the work of cultural studies theorist Stuart Hall to assess the current state of the Deaf community and discuss control of the media as a means of changing the representation of what it means to be D/deaf. The film, presented in ASL with English subtitles, will be followed by a question & answer session with Commerson. Open to all HCC students, staff, and faculty, and to members of the Deaf community, including interpreters, ASL/Deaf Studies/Interpreter Training educators and students, and those that work with the deaf/hard-of-hearing population. Admission is free. Sponsored by the HCC Deaf Studies program. For information contact Claire Sanders, Deaf Studies Department Chair, at csanders@hcc.edu or VP: 866-864-2742.
Trumpeter Marvin Stamm, Amherst Jazz Orchestra Headline at HCC
Annual HCC Jazz Festival April 3-4
March 30, 2009
HOLYOKE—Trumpeter Marvin Stamm, accompanied by the Amherst Jazz Orchestra conducted by UMass music professor David Sporny, will kick off the two-day 12th Annual Jazz Festival at Holyoke Community College, with a concert in the Leslie Phillips Forum at 8 p.m. Friday, April 3. Tickets available at the door. Admission is $10, $8 for students and seniors.
On Saturday, jazz clinics, discussions, and performances will take place from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., including a jazz concert at 4 p.m. Saturday events are free and open to the public, and feature:
? Performances on the half hour by participating high school jazz bands and combos, HCC Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Vocal Ensemble, and Jazz Improvisation Combo.
? Jazz clinics by Marvin Stamm, and Combo Performance Workshops and Jazz/Jam Discussion Sessions with participating high schools.
? Concluding concert at 4-6 p.m., with Marvin Stamm, Jazz Festival faculty, and a select combo of students representing each participating school.
About Marvin Stamm:
Discovered by the legendary Stan Kenton, Stamm has performed or recorded with Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman Sextet, Quincy Jones, Stanley Turrentine, and others. Downbeat has lauded Stamm’s “gorgeous tone on the trumpet and flugelhorn.” JazzTimes said “the Memphis native has chops and talent in abundance. He can burn on bebop changes, or mellow out on a ballad, all the time maintaining the lucid consistency that enthusiasm and experience engenders.” Jazz Review declared, “Stamm is a musician's musician, performing flawlessly…”
This two-day event is sponsored by the HCC Music Department, the HCC Music Club, and Gerry’s Music Shop in South Hadley.
For information, contact Robert Ferrier at (413) 552-2480 or rferrier@hcc.edu.