'The Place for Me'
'Join me on this journey." – President George Timmons
Editor's Note: George Timmons delivered the following remarks on Friday, April 19, after being inaugurated as the fifth president of Holyoke Community College.
'I am deeply honored to serve as the fifth president of Holyoke Community College.
Like all journeys, this one would not have been possible without the help of many people. I have been fortunate to have the encouragement and love of family and friends, including the many academic leaders, coaches, and colleagues from whom I have learned – and continue to learn – the importance of perseverance, compassion, collaboration, and loving what you do.
To my brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, who were family to me when I was yearning for a sense of brotherhood. My brothers here today epitomize the essence of Honorable Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor. Each day, I try to live by those words.
My parents, for giving me life and the opportunity to do this work.
My in-laws, Frank and Vivian, for their support and encouragement.
My extended family, for years of lifting me up and helping me see beyond my circumstances.
My brother Tyrell. If mom and dad were here today, I know they would be so proud of us. My journey pales in comparison to yours, and as much as I know you look up to me, I want you to know, I need you to know, that you are my hero.
My wife, Frankie. You have shared me with a profession that has often pulled me away from time with you and our kids. You recognized early-on that this was a calling for me, and you gave me space to pursue it. Thank you for your love, friendship, and true partnership.
And finally, I give thanks to my grandmothers, Elizabeth Perry and Ruby Tyson, for without whom I would not be standing here today.
Ruby, now 91, raised me to be the man I am today. A man deeply humbled to be granted the opportunity to lead a truly exceptional community college. Ruby taught me the value of education, which, she always said, will help you find your way, and, once earned, can never be taken away. Through both words and deeds, she taught me the value of a strong work ethic. Even if you're not the smartest person in the room, she told me, no one else can control how hard you work toward your goals.
But how does a kid who grows up in an environment where no one went to college, in a neighborhood where drug deals were the norm, who witnessed family members battle substance abuse, who was never the strongest student or the best athlete, and who was diagnosed with a learning disability in his late-30s ... become a college president?
I'll be honest. Sometimes I pinch myself. The tremendous responsibility of this role – of leading this institution – is not lost on me.
I believe the answer to how I got here is the same collection of qualities that have led to the success of thousands of Holyoke Community College students over our 78-year history: Mindset. Hard work. And people believing in you almost more than you believe in yourself.
From the moment I was first introduced to Holyoke Community College, I knew this was the place for me. I was immediately drawn to words that seemed to jump off the page, calling me to explore the possibility of leading this extraordinary institution: Educate. Inspire. Connect. A mission so simple, so direct, and yet so powerful that there can be no mistaking what we are about.
A college of academic excellence known for helping students overcome barriers to success: A vision that boldly acknowledges that student success requires the combination of rigorous academic programs taught by exceptional faculty and the relentless commitment to supporting students outside the classroom.
I saw myself in these words and was drawn to an institution composed of people who, I quickly learned, are deeply committed to advancing this mission and vision every day.
Today is a celebration: A celebration of diversity, excellence, and of what is possible when you put students first. It's a celebration of our past and our potential. Today is a day to celebrate and reflect upon our strengths as an institution and the accomplishments we have achieved together.
Today is also a celebration of the drive and spirit of those whose vision and commitment to educational access paved the way for Holyoke Community College today. I stand before you as the fifth in a line of inspiring leaders of this institution, including Dr. Christina Royal, who is with us today. Dr. Royal, my thanks to you for handing off an institution poised to innovatively and collaboratively meet the needs of our students and driven to address the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
I also stand on the shoulders of former presidents Bill Messner, David Bartley, and of course, George Frost. I am indebted to each of them.
Understanding and embracing the history of Holyoke Community College was important to me when joining this community as President, and I have had the honor of spending time with a number of truly remarkable alumni over the past few months.
As most of you know, at one time, the college was known as Holyoke Graduate School, and beginning in 1947, as Holyoke Junior College.
The staff at that time consisted of just two individuals: President George Frost and his secretary, Ellen Lynch. President Frost served in essentially every administrative role, functioning as dean of faculty, dean of students, admissions director, registrar, bursar, business manager, clerk, and, sometimes, if the reports are true, janitor. Holyoke Junior College faculty came from our neighboring four-year institutions, and classes were taught in the evenings to accommodate students' work schedules.
I have learned about this part of our history directly from our alumni who lived it. They have taught me that the hallmarks of a Holyoke Junior College education then, remain our foundation today. It is a history I feel privileged to uphold as your president.
For Angela Wright, class of 1954, Holyoke Junior College gave her the opportunity to do everything – participate in drama, student council, and the yearbook committee. But the best part, she said, was that she could work at the city market in the morning before going to class.
For Carl Eger, class of 1956, attending Holyoke enabled him to still take care of responsibilities at home as one of the older siblings in the household.
Peg Wendlandt, class of 1958, spoke of HJC as a family.
Francis Kane and Maurice Ferriter, class of 1956 and 1952, said the education at Holyoke was second to none.
And for Patrick Bresnahan '57 and Michael Sobon '68, after completing their military service, neither had any intention of going to college, but were encouraged by others to take that important step. In fact, Pat said George Frost approached him directly.
Now, some 70-plus years after Pat was approached directly by a certain George and encouraged to pursue a college degree, allow me to be the next George to approach you directly with a call to join me in this important work of increasing access and advancing student success.
Holyoke Community College is a place where lives are transformed.
We are a community that welcomes any individual seeking to find their path. And not only are you welcome here, you belong here.
We are a place where parents can return to the classroom after years of being away and find a community that welcomes and uniquely supports them; a place that provides speakers of other languages with opportunities to develop new skills and find paths to meaningful careers; a place that, over the course of our entire history, has delivered a second-to-none academic experience.
To the educators, employers, elected officials, donors, alumni, and many friends gathered here today, I approach you with a call to champion the work of our community colleges. I challenge you to help HCC continue to deliver a nationally recognized community college education and experience through your advocacy, partnership, and financial support.
We will partner with anyone who cares about building a brighter future for our community. Because an investment in Holyoke Community College is an investment in this region.
Let's remind our community that education is the great equalizer, and that community college is where it all begins.
More than $10.2 million students are enrolled in our community colleges, representing 38 percent of all undergraduates nationwide, and over half of adults in our country with a bachelor's degree attended community colleges in their postsecondary trajectories.
Let's remember that knowledge is power. To whom much is given, much is required. A college education arms you with the critical thinking, problem solving, technical and teambuilding skills our world needs today.
But we are not just providing an education to the students enrolled in our courses. We are enabling students to set an example for their families. To earn a livable wage. To address challenges within their community. To chart a completely new path – filled with potential – for themselves and their children. We are elevating society.
At Holyoke Community College, we have done so much foundational and innovative work to set us up for where we are today. Our strategic plan continues to guide us; and our success is being measured in the ways we are prioritizing teaching and learning, equity and student success, workforce development and transfer, and financial sustainability.
The stakes have perhaps never been higher, as our nation and families in our own communities continue to question the value of a college degree. But I believe with all my heart that this is the best path to economic and social mobility.
Today's challenges require good thinking. And Holyoke Community College is where the journey begins.
Among the things that inspire me about Holyoke Community College is our commitment to living our values of innovation, collaboration, kindness, inclusion, and trust. Do you know what these values have in common? Each word suggests the need for others; for unity and togetherness. None can be accomplished alone.
I believe we are better together - that what we are doing here at Holyoke Community College is bigger than any one individual.
Our job is to create the conditions under which students will be inspired to succeed. We must enlighten and empower them to reach their goals. We do this by trusting one another to do our best work, by celebrating the diversity of perspectives that make us great, and by simply being good human beings.
I see a future for Holyoke Community College that is shaped by individuals from all backgrounds who choose to focus not on what divides us, but on what brings us together.
I see us responding to student needs and finding solutions to challenges with an energy and passion that make us the model for our peers.
My commitment to you is to do my best to lead Holyoke Community College in ways that amplify its impact on every life it touches, allowing each of us to realize our potential.
I have had the pleasure of meeting many of our students and getting to know them over the last semester-and-a-half, and doing so has been a source of great joy. They have talked to me about how Holyoke Community College feels like a family, and they mention specific faculty and staff by name who have been instrumental in their success.
They are the first in their family to go to college. They have dreams of owning their own business, of running for office; or becoming a teacher, nurse, veterinarian.
They have shared with me how grateful they are for our Food Pantry and the Thrive Student Resource Center, for the sense of community provided through El Centro and ALANA Men in Motion, and for the guidance of tutors in our writing and math centers.
They've shared that sometimes, even with all of these resources and supports, they still question their ability to keep going – to finish what they started.
When I was an undergraduate student at Norfolk State University, with one year left before earning my degree, I ran out of financial aid. I had no way to pay for another year of college and began to question my ability to finish what I started.
I had been Student Government President, so I was fairly well-connected on campus. I was able to play a role in university events and initiatives, most of which were led by Carolyn Bell, then the Associate Vice President for Advancement and Director of Community Relations at Norfolk State. Carolyn learned about my dilemma. And what happened next would shape the entire trajectory of my career.
Carolyn spoke with Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, then president of Norfolk State University. Dr. Wilson, acting solely on Carolyn's endorsement of me, funded my final year at Norfolk State University through the president's discretionary fund.
I was able to finish what I started. And that was just the beginning.
Mindset, hard work, and people who believe in you almost more than you believe in yourself... remember I mentioned these three points? There's a method to the madness.
I believe these are the keys to finding our unique purpose. As president of Holyoke Community College, it is my obligation - my purpose - to remind our students and community of the power of all three.
And so, number one: Look in the mirror and believe that you are capable of greatness. It begins with you. Mindset is everything, and you have the ability to manifest your success by beginning to see it for yourself. Faculty and staff: thank you for seeing beyond our students' circumstances, like Carolyn Bell did with me, and for helping them bring their dreams to life.
Number two: Out-work everyone else. No one can determine how hard you work toward your goals. Get involved, put yourself in situations that challenge and surprise you, and let people get to know you. Develop the discipline to remain focused on what matters most – and go after it with everything you've got.
Finally, recognize that throughout your journey, there will be people who will pour into you because they know you are meant to do extraordinary things. Carolyn Bell used her influence, knowledge, and wisdom to help others – and I feel blessed to have been one of many beneficiaries of her personal mission. HCC is filled with "Carolyn Bells" – people who care deeply about our students' success.
Friends and colleagues, together, we envision Holyoke Community College as a college of academic excellence known for helping students overcome barriers to success. We are called to advance that vision, in different ways, each and every day.
In the end, when a single student finds their calling, discovers a talent, turns their life around, hones a skill, or finds the courage to speak up, the world becomes a better place. Potential becomes reality. We all benefit. That is the work we are doing at Holyoke Community College, and I can't think of a better way to spend a life.
And so, as the grateful fifth president of Holyoke Community College, I invite you to join me on this journey to Educate. Inspire. Connect.
Thank you."
PHOTOS: President George Timmons delivers his inauguration speech on April 19, 2024.
