Feb. '25 News Blog
News briefs from the HCC campus and beyond
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Philanthropic Purpose
In terms of dollars, the first-ever fundraiser organized by the new HCC Student Philanthropy Council couldn’t exactly be described as a bonanza. On National Hot Chocolate Day, the council sold hot chocolate packs in the Campus Center to raise money for student scholarships – “Giving Back with Hot Chocolate Packs!” – and made $12. But collecting donations wasn’t entirely the point. “We had a lot of people stop by who said they were interested in joining the council,” said SPC co-president Samantha Stackpole. As Stackpole and her co-president Sebastian Cruz have already learned, in the world of philanthropy, friend-raising is just as important as fundraising. “At least 20 people signed up,” she said. “A lot more than we expected, so we’re really happy with that.” The council works closely with the Institutional Advancement team and meets bi-weekly in the Scholarship Resource Center. “We’re trying to educate students on what philanthropy is and what it looks like on campus,” said council advisor Laura White, HCC assistant director of donor relations. The club organizes its own events and activities, like a hat and mitten drive for Margaret's Pantry (now through April). Members also help out with larger campaigns, such as the upcoming March 4 “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives” 24-hour giving day. “Philanthropy has always been a big part of my life,” said Stackpole. “I’ve done a lot for the Make a Wish Foundation and the Scleroderma Foundation of New England. The Student Philanthropy Council, she said, “was kind of perfect for me. I felt like I found my purpose at HCC.” PHOTO: Student Philanthropy Council co-presidents Samantha Stackpole, left, and Sebastian Cruz, hawk hot chocolate during a fundraising event in the Campus Center.
In for Lunch
Alumni Donald Jourdian ’78, right, and his wife 
Wendy Taylor-Jourdain ’02 recently visited the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute for a special culinary arts luncheon. The Easthampton couple enjoyed a New Orleans-inspired lunch prepared by students in HCC’s culinary arts program. Now retired, Don spent 25 years working as a member of the national guard security force at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield. He graduated from HCC with his associate degree in law enforcement, then earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a teaching certificate from Westfield State, followed by six years as a military police officer in the U.S. Air Force. Today he enjoys singing with the Greater Westfield Choral Association, the Second Congregational Church of Westfield and Voices of the Valley in Southampton. After graduating in 1977 from Tufts with a degree in occupational therapy, Wendy returned to school for a certificate as a pharmacy technician. Together, they often volunteer at area churches and food pantries.
'Like Family to Me’
Former Holyoke City Councilor Todd McGee ’92 is the latest alum to take a seat on the HCC Board of Trustees. McGee, a tax attorney and director of estate and business planning for MassMutual Insurance, was appointed to the board last fall by Gov. Maura Healey. “I loved Holyoke Community College,” said McGee. “It has been part of my life for a very long time. I felt like an adopted son to President David Bartley. He always guided me along my career. I’m excited to be on this board. Anything I can do to help out, I will, because Holyoke Community College is really a family to me.” McGee represented Ward 7 on the Holyoke city council for 18 years until 2023. As council president, he briefly served as acting mayor in 2021 after the resignation of Mayor Alex Morse. McGee attended his first board meeting in person on Jan. 28, joining fellow alum and Trustee Nayroby Rosa ’10, who was appointed to the board in 2023 by then-Gov. Charlie Baker. Rosa is director of community engagement and resident services for OneHolyoke CDC. PHOTO: Todd McGee ’92 joins President George Timmons and Nayrobi Rosa ’10 for the monthly meeting of the HCC Board of Trustees.
