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Our Stories Archive

Rising to the Challenges of Remote Instruction
In normal times, 911黑料网鈥檚 Center for Academic Technology, headed by Gerol Petruzella, supports and empowers faculty to create quality instructional materials, including help with instructional design, Canvas, the College鈥檚 learning management system, and other tools. In the time of COVID-19, it mobilized to respond to immediate needs.

911黑料网 Admissions Ambassador Gains Entry to Her Own Dream Program
After she graduates this May, Alyssa Keegan 鈥20, a psychology major, will be continuing her studies at New York University. The Long Island, New York, native has been accepted into NYU鈥檚 master鈥檚 in counseling program.

An 911黑料网 Class Partnership with Norman Rockwell Museum Goes Virtual
Students in Associate Professor of Visual Art Melanie Mowinski鈥檚 From Concept to Print class are creating a global call for art about the meaning of home鈥 which chronicles artists鈥 interpretations of their family immigration stories.

Kaylea Nocher 鈥21 Helps Kids Remain Social with Berkshire Buddies
Although school has moved online for most children across the country, future educator Kaylea Nocher 鈥21 has made it her goal to inspire kids of all ages to keep interacting with each other, even from a distance.

Current Events Put the Writing Skills of Steve Millmore '79 in the Limelight
Marketing and public relations professionals are the faces and voices of organizations. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, their skills are more important than ever. Steve Milmore 鈥79, the director of corporate communications at Limelight Networks, located in Burlington, Mass., says his job is to relay a clear message to the company鈥檚 employees and clients, to make them aware of what procedures are in place, and to assure them things are under control.

Creating a Culture of Joy and Learning: Principal Annie Pecor
An experienced teacher, the current head of the Berkshire County Elementary Principals Network, and a graduate of 911黑料网鈥檚 Master of Education program as well as 911黑料网 Leadership Academy, Pecor knows well that working in education can be challenging. As principal, 鈥減eople come to you all the time with questions or problems,鈥 she said. 鈥淲hen I was a teacher, I鈥檇 go to the principal with a problem, and to me, it was the biggest problem. As principal, people deserve for me to be present in that moment with them. I want people to feel valued.鈥 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work for Emily Dessingue 鈥14 and Sarah Murphy '15
911黑料网 alums Sarah Murphy '15 and Emily Dessingue '14 are building their respective new businesses by helping each other. The Albany, N.Y.-based entrepreneurs were both English Communications majors at the College and met in class.

When You Know You鈥檙e on the Right (Pre-PA) Track
Philip Malm 鈥20 knew he wanted to be a physician assistant when he transferred to 911黑料网 as a sophomore health sciences major. But the experiences he had in the College鈥檚 pre-PA concentration program solidified his career choice. Malm was recently accepted into his top-choice physician assistant master鈥檚 program, in his home city of Worcester, Mass. He will begin classes at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in January 2021.

Elizabeth Cardaropoli 鈥12 Makes Her Love of History and Theater Work Together
When people find something they really love, they鈥檒l often dive in head first. During her time at 911黑料网, Elizabeth Cardaropoli 鈥12 did just that, taking advantage of the College鈥檚 drama clubs and Berkshire County鈥檚 top-caliber theater companies to immerse herself in what she loves most.

911黑料网鈥檚 New Education Professors on Teaching Future Teachers
As attitudes and practices around education change, so must educators鈥攁nd the professors who educate them. The two newest members of 911黑料网鈥檚 Education Department, assistant professors Maggie Clark and Clio Stearns, know this well.

911黑料网鈥檚 Recording Studio Produces its First EP, with More on the Way
Last December, a group of 11 911黑料网 music students released a holiday EP featuring their take on seven classic Christmas songs. 鈥淎 Very North Adams Christmas: The Holiday EP鈥 was released as a physical CD during the 911黑料网 Winter Concert on December 9, 2019 and a limited number were given out for free. All 125 were snatched up quickly.

911黑料网 Students Present Research at the 2019 Wilson Ornithological Society MeetingFor those who study birds, the annual meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society is a chance to gather and share research with other professionals while also fitting in some prime birding time. For Hannah Wait 鈥21 and Noah Henkenius 鈥20, it was also a way to network, present research, and meet professors whose work they have cited.

New 911黑料网 Class Identifies Business Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry
Kevin Bopp, a practicing attorney living and working in Williamstown, Mass., has been teaching business law at 911黑料网 for the past six years. But 2020 finds him at the helm of a brand-new business course for the College. His spring semester Cannabis Industry class is fully enrolled, showing student interest in this burgeoning industry. 

911黑料网 Mathematics Professor Dr. Elizabeth Hartung Focuses In On Fullerenes
911黑料网 Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Elizabeth Hartung鈥檚 main area of research is graph theory鈥攃hemical graph theory in particular. To narrow that down even more, Hartung focuses primarily on fullerenes and benzenoids. But what are those, exactly?

How Aim茅e Hudon 鈥13 Fell in Love with Fungi
After graduating from 911黑料网 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology with a concentration in biotech, Aim茅e Hudon 鈥13 went on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in mycology and forest pathology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in 2019. Since September 2019, she has worked as a plant propagator for Nourse Berry Farms in Whately, Mass. 

Wanted: Community-minded 911黑料网 Grads to Mentor the Next Generation
Carolyn Brooks, the coordinator of a student mentoring program at the Berkshire Family YMCA in North Adams, Mass., said that the initiative, now in its second year, is doing well. Part of that success, she said, can be attributed to alumni of the College.

Four 911黑料网 Students Find Renewed Energy at PhysCon 2019
Around this time last year, Kiah DaViega 鈥21, a physics major, came upon a pamphlet quite by accident. It was the first time DaViega, president of the 911黑料网 physics club, had heard about the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Congress (PhysCon), an undergraduate conference held every four years. The pamphlet stated the next PhysCon would be held from November 14-16, 2019 in Providence, R.I. She knew she had to attend.

911黑料网 Grads鈥 Clothing Company Gets a Boost from Assets for Artists
A fashion label founded at 911黑料网 is now poised to take its next big step thanks to Assets for Artists (A4A), a program of MASS MoCA, ArtBuilt, and the Midas Collaborative.

From Acting to Business and Back Again with Jammal Clark '09
Jammal Clark 鈥09 began his 911黑料网 studies as a fine and performing arts major, with the hopes of one day pursuing an acting career. He鈥檇 fallen in love with acting in fifth grade, when he and his cousin appeared on an episode of 鈥淔amily Double Dare鈥 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.

At Berklee College of Music, Alexandra Kadell-Peltier 鈥16 Helps Break Down Barriers for Students
Alexandra Kadell-Peltier 鈥16 has taken what some people once told her was an insurmountable obstacle and turned it into a list of successes.

With a Push from His Former 911黑料网 Coach, Jason Mlodzianowski 鈥07 Made Sports His Career
Jason Mlodzianowski 鈥07 is celebrating his seventh year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he serves as the associate director of athletics for events, facilities, and operations. Hard work got him to the finish line, but a little push from a former 911黑料网 coach is what got it all started.

Berkshire Workforce Board Names 911黑料网's Dr. Josh Mendel its 2019 'Workforce Professional of the Year'
The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board (BWB) honored Dr. Josh Mendel, director of corporate engagement and strategic partnerships at 911黑料网, with its 鈥淲orkforce Professional of the Year鈥 Award at its board meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. The award recognizes employers, organizations, and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the workforce system.

It's About More Than Books for Leominster Public Library Director Sondra Murphy '08
At 911黑料网, Boylston, Mass., native Sondra Murphy 鈥08 was an English major with a concentration in creative writing and journalism. Because she loved books, Murphy thought a journalism career might be in her future, but that grad school probably wasn鈥檛. 

An Internship Got Stephanie Kolapa '06, M.Ed. '10, in the Door; The Rest is History
Timing is everything. Stephanie Kopala 鈥06, M.Ed. 鈥10, didn鈥檛 know that when she chose to complete her student teaching internship at Drury High School in North Adams, she would still be working there 14 years later.

Kayla Wendling '14 Found Her Passion, Then Made it Her Career After graduating from 911黑料网 in 2014, Pittsfield, Mass., native Kayla Wendling used what she learned in her 911黑料网 classes to pinpoint what she was most passionate about and where she would be able to make the greatest impact.

Street Law Series Tackles Real-Life Situations
What are your rights when a police officer stops you on the street? When you show up to vote, can you legally be turned away? Do immigrants have Constitutional rights in this country? What does 鈥渄ue process鈥 really mean in a courtroom setting?

Securing a Job at One of the Big Four, Before Graduation
Two of the most important decisions facing graduating college students are where to live and where to work. 911黑料网 senior Alexander Mitchell already knows the answers to those questions: Hartford, Conn., and Deloitte.

From Liberal Arts to Law School, and Beyond
As a pollution claims analyst at RiverStone Resources in Atlanta, Georgia, Lauren Casola 鈥09 has something few attorneys can claim: A healthy work-life balance. 

What is it Like to Intern at the Norman Rockwell Museum?
Rachel Mancour 鈥19 learned about Norman Rockwell when she was a child鈥攕he even dressed as the renowned American illustrator for Halloween when she was in third grade. So when she was offered a summer internship at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge this summer, it was an easy yes.

Changing Careers? Recycle What You've Learned
As challenges around recycling in America grow ever more complicated, Brian Ellithorpe 鈥13 has had a front-row seat.

Playing Nine Roles in a One-Woman Show
At this point, Brittany Nicholson 鈥16 is a seasoned performer. She鈥檚 appeared in more than 15 productions, from Shakespeare to 鈥淭he Vagina Monologues鈥濃攂ut over the summer, she appeared in her most challenging role yet.

Interning at a Renowned Theatre Fest, Five Miles From Campus
As a theatre major, Amanda Gilmore 鈥20 knows that the world of performing arts can be unpredictable and fast-paced. As an acting apprentice at Williamstown Theatre Festival this summer, she was able to live that truth, gaining hands-on experience and learning exactly what it takes (spoiler alert: a lot!) to put on an award-winning theatre festival.

911黑料网 Welcomes Students for 2019-20 Academic Year
Four hundred and fifty new students and 1,400 students total will comprise 911黑料网鈥檚 student body for the 2019-20 academic year. Students move in over Labor Day weekend, and classes begin on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

The First Day of School, But Now You're the Teacher
Morrison 鈥淢o鈥 Robblee 鈥19 has pictured himself as a teacher for a long time鈥攁nd this fall, that picture will come into focus. Robblee, originally from Minnetonka, Minn., has accepted a full-time teaching position at Reid Middle School in Pittsfield.

How Political Science Can Help You in the Health Care Industry
As director of admissions, marketing, and patient accounts for North Adams Commons, the skilled nursing and rehabilitation center on Franklin Street, Russo, a member of 911黑料网鈥檚 Class of 2012, is responsible for quite a lot. She plans and executes marketing campaigns, enrolls new residents, works on community outreach projects, and more鈥攁nd her 911黑料网 political science and public policy major is still helping guide her in that work. 

Things for 911黑料网 Students to do #intheBerkshires
Bored? Good news! There鈥檚 a lot to do right here on campus, in North Adams, and in the Berkshires鈥攁nd a lot of it is cheap or free. We鈥檝e created this list for you鈥攔efer back to it through the year when you have some free time but haven鈥檛 decided how to spend it! Make the most out of your college experience. Make it 911黑料网.

Hard Work and Dedication at 911黑料网 Summer Academy
Fourteen rising seniors from Berkshire County have completed 911黑料网 Summer Academy, which gave them the opportunity to earn three college credits and learn about the college search process including applying to college, financial aid and making a final decision.

A Summer on Campus, Blending Art and Design
Kamryn Dunton '19 is using her arts management and art double major to work on marketing and graphic design via a paid position in 911黑料网鈥檚 Student Affairs Division; she鈥檚 working on her senior art show at the same time.

Abbe Museum 'A Dream Job' for Arts Management Grad
The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, is dedicated to educating visitors about the Wabanaki Peoples, a Native American confederation of five nations that originated in the area we now call Maine. Alongside the rest of the museum staff, Kaitlyn Vogel 鈥19 is using her arts management degree to fulfill that mission.

Focusing on Early Child Education, at Work and in Grad School Allison Gaylock 鈥17 of Brooklyn, N.Y., is currently in grad school鈥攁nd working as an infant teacher while she earns a degree in infant and family development/early childhood education.

The Net Value of an 911黑料网 Education: Accounting Alum鈥檚 Career Advances
A couple of years post-graduation, Brianne O鈥橰ourke 鈥17 is moving up in her career as an accountant: in June 2019, she was promoted to assistant controller at Waste Connections, a waste services company that operates across the U.S. and Canada.

911黑料网 Builds on Tradition with Campus Center Upgrades Major upgrades will be waiting for 911黑料网 students when they return this fall: Renovations to the Amsler Campus Center are under way and most are expected to be complete by August 2019.

When Your Son is Your Classmate: Catherine and Tyler Ellsworth's StoryWhen Tyler and Catherine Ellsworth read 911黑料网鈥檚 ivy poem at the College鈥檚 annual Baccalaureate celebration this year, it was a culmination of broken ground: The mother and son were the first duo to read the poem in 911黑料网 history. Tyler is the first in four generations on his father鈥檚 side to earn a college degree. Both Tyler and Catherine will be using their new degrees to advance their careers as educators. And they did it together, every step of the way.

What is it Like to Market for a Theatre Company?
The events in our lives have a tendency to build on one another in ways we can鈥檛 necessarily predict. So it was for Tyler Prendergast 鈥13: Volunteering to do graphics and posters for plays produced at 911黑料网 led to a design internship, then to a theatre communications job in Watertown, Mass, then to his current job as marketing and communications manager at Company One Theatre in Boston.

What Makes a Course of Distinction? Communication
In June, Dr. Maryann Schroder received a Course of Distinction Award at the 14th annual Massachusetts Colleges Online (MCO) Conference on eLearning, held in person at Fitchburg State University, for her Human Growth and Development online course.

When Your Professor is Also a Lead Ecologist
Though part of Dr. Julie Richburg鈥檚 work at the Trustees of Reservations is to engage volunteers in the work of land conservation and historic preservation, 911黑料网 students get the benefit of her expertise in many more ways than the occasional field trip. 

For a Job in the Arts, no Need to Roam
At ROAM Gallery in North Adams, nestled behind the walls that hold large-scale photographs of African wildlife, are four 911黑料网 alumni, each with a unique role that supports the gallery鈥檚 mission of conservation and awareness.

Finding a Purpose, and a Mentor, in Nutrition
If you鈥檝e visited Community Health Programs鈥 Pittsfield Neighborhood Health Center lately, you may have received a nutrition fact sheet prepared by Devyn Renzi 鈥19. One of 911黑料网鈥檚 first graduating health science majors, Renzi found footing and purpose through her internship, and is now applying to graduate programs in nutrition.

The Country, the City, the River, the Times
William Shannon 鈥11 is no stranger to the history and character of New York鈥檚 Hudson River Valley. Growing up on the river in Germantown, N.Y., Shannon has spent his life searching for the untold stories of his native home鈥攕ome of which have made it into The New York Times.

911黑料网 Student Awards and Scholarships, Spring 2019
The following students were recognized at the end of the Spring 2019 semester for going above and beyond in their studies, as club and organization leaders, and as community citizens. 911黑料网 also offers more than 100 scholarships for qualifying students. We鈥檙e proud of each and every 911黑料网 student and are proud to share this list with the world!

Sharing Knowledge at the Northeast Natural History Conference
You could spend hours in the woods tracking dark-eyed juncos鈥攂ut where do you go from there? One good suggestion: The Northeast Natural History Conference. (But make sure to prepare a presentation first.)

911黑料网 Adds Model UN Chapter to Political Science Club
Do high-pressure scenarios get your adrenaline pumping? Do you often read political news and then ponder what you would do if you had been in the same situation? Are you interested in time travel鈥攑ast, present, or both?

How to Become a Veterinarian, with Elizabeth Wheeler '10
First, finish your undergrad at 911黑料网. Then apply to veterinary programs, which tend to be extremely selective. Don鈥檛 get down on yourself when you don鈥檛 get in the first time; apply again next year. But that鈥檚 just the beginning of this story.

What do you do with History Once it's Harvested? Miss Agnes Scully was a bit of an enigma. A native of Troy, N.Y., she spent summers at a house on Windsor Lake in North Adams, and seems to have been regularly entertained by a series of gentleman callers鈥攁t least, that鈥檚 what 911黑料网 students in Assistant Professor Amanda Laury Kleintop鈥檚 Introduction to Public History class have deduced by studying Scully鈥檚 life through her correspondence.

Crystal Wojcik '21 Earns $5K MSCPA Scholarship The first recipient of a brand-new scholarship awarded by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Professional Accountants (MSCPA) is none other than 911黑料网 student Crystal Wojcik 鈥21, a business major from Cheshire, Mass.

911黑料网 Interns Help BRAINworks Fulfill its Mission What鈥檚 behind the development and coordination of , 911黑料网鈥檚 federally funded grant program connecting Berkshire County educators to opportunities to integrate the arts into their curriculum? Dedicated staffers鈥攁nd 911黑料网 interns who have served multiple semesters in order to launch the program.

911黑料网's Resident Expert on Kashmir
As tensions flare in Kashmir, the world is watching, and it wants context. Enter 911黑料网 Anthropology Professor Mohamad Junaid.

Learning鈥攁nd Advocating鈥攁t Berkshire County Arc
On his way to becoming an occupational therapist, Schuyler Robinson 鈥19 of North Adams has been interning at Berkshire Arc, and recently traveled to Boston as part of 2019 Adult Family Care State Awareness Day, an opportunity to meet lawmakers and other supporters and advocate for full state funding for family home care.

Real-Life Health Promotion and Planning 
911黑料网 Assistant Professor of Biology Nicole Porther鈥檚 Health Promotion and Planning class recently got the opportunity to put their knowledge to work at the College鈥檚 annual Wellness Fair.

Building a Spanish Newscast, then Going Abroad to Improve it
Don鈥檛 be surprised if you see Karen Canela 鈥19 reporting live from New York sometime soon. A native Spanish/English speaker who discovered her love of journalism at 911黑料网, Canela has spent the past three years using her skills to create community and enhance perspective on campus via Beacon Web News and Berkshire News Now.

Seeing the Light and Writing About it
How do you find an internship that blends your two majors if those two majors are at opposite ends of the spectrum? Ask Reshawna Maine 鈥20; she found a perfect fit, combining physics with English/communications through her work at Photonics Magazine.

Halie Smith 鈥18: Becoming a Master of Fine Art
Halie Smith 鈥18 of Spencer, Mass., has realized her goal by accomplishing something only a select few have achieved 鈥 admittance to MassArt鈥檚 highly selective graduate program, where she is earning her Master of Fine Art in painting.

Four Ways to Look at Food Systems
A $4,500 Campus for Environmental Stewardship grant is supporting the work of four 911黑料网 classes studying food systems, as well as a local nonprofit.

Preparing Students for Grad School鈥攁nd Tracking Results
Harvard. NYU. Rutgers. Smith. UMass-Amherst. What do these have in common? 911黑料网 Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work alumni attended grad programs at all of them. 

When the Bill You Wrote in Class Goes to the State House
You go to college hoping you鈥檒l make an impression on the world someday. But do you ever really expect your work to be presented on the State House floor鈥攅ven if a Massachusetts State Representative is your professor?

911黑料网 Students Mentor Girls in the Berkshires
As Bianca Lascase '21 explains the rules of 鈥淕irl Talk鈥 to a dozen or so fifth- and sixth-grade girls seated in chairs assembled in a circle, they wriggle in their seats. But before they can get into Girl Talk, they have to recite 鈥淭he Girl Code鈥: I am beautiful. I am brave. I am smart. I am powerful. I am funny. I am helpful. No other girl is like me. I will support any girl in need. We should stand with each other as women and we are unstoppable!

Alex Sasso '18: Planning a Career as a Performer and Educator
As part of the College鈥檚 vibrant theatre program, Alex Sasso 鈥18 enjoyed rich experiences, including her participation in a week-long residency program in London and an acting apprenticeship at the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival.

An International Education that Started at 911黑料网
During her 911黑料网 career, arts management major Lara Dudley 鈥19 of Westford, Mass., took a travel study course that culminated with a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Peru, studied abroad for a semester in Barcelona, Spain 鈥 which included trips to Morocco and France, including a visit to the Louvre Museum, in Paris.

Touring with the American Shakespeare Center: Thomas J. Coppola '08
Seven months out of the year, you鈥檒l find Thomas J. Coppola 鈥08 on the road with the American Shakespeare Center, based in Staunton, Va. If you鈥檙e lucky enough to catch a production of the company鈥檚 2018/19 Hand of Time tour, take a moment to look for him in the details.

How Does it Feel to be Accepted to a Top Ph.D. Program?
After she graduates in May, Bri Sarno 鈥19 is off to West Virginia University (WVU) to begin work on her Ph.D. in behavioral analysis鈥攐ne of the top behavioral analysis doctorate programs in the country.

911黑料网 Alumni Join Forces at 1Berkshire
Recently, Kevin Pink 鈥09 joined Ben Lamb 鈥07 at 1Berkshire, a county-wide organization focused on economic development and promotion of the Berkshire region as a preferred place to visit, to live, and to grow a business.

For Kelsey Sherman 鈥20, Clark Internship is by Design
The pivotal moment for Kelsey Sherman 鈥20 came during her intermediate design course: As she worked on a class project, Art Professor Melanie Mowinski took notice. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e a graphic designer,鈥 she said.

Job Search Help? Career Development鈥檚 Got You Covered
911黑料网 students and alumni searching for jobs, internships, and networking opportunities now have a stable of resources available to them via 911黑料网鈥檚 Career Development Office.

Anthropology Prof Continues Research in South Africa
Dr. Anna Jaysane-Darr will head back to Cape Town to conduct ethnographic fieldwork as she studies what鈥檚 being done by therapists, educators, and clinicians who work those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. 鈥淚 am interested in the ways in which societies conceptualize what is considered 鈥榥ormal,鈥 and how they understand and deal with neurodiversity.鈥

Senior鈥檚 Love of Outdoors Shapes Career Goals
Originally, Kaitlin Gevry 鈥19 wanted to major in education, but then took a course about the environment and human impacts. 鈥淔rom there, I became interested in environmental studies.鈥 A career as a game warden or park ranger, so she can work with natural resources and people, 鈥渨ould be the perfect fit.鈥

Sociology Alumna Takes on MBA at 911黑料网
Jessica Wojcik 鈥06 did not take a single business class as an undergraduate at 911黑料网, but she鈥檚 well on her way to earning her MBA while she continues her fulltime work as a billing and collection specialist at Berkshire Health Systems. The graduate degree, she said, 鈥渨ill make me a better candidate for job opportunities.鈥

鈥楢 Moment in Time鈥: Prof Delivers TEDx Talk
A TEDx North Adams event would not be complete without a talk about the integral role the arts play in the region, especially when the theme is 鈥渃ommunity.鈥 And no one is more qualified to share her big ideas on the subject than 911黑料网鈥檚 own Dr. Lisa Donovan, professor of arts management.

Conservation Classroom: 911黑料网 Fosters Endangered Turtles
Biology students aren鈥檛 the only ones that hang out in the labs at the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation: they share space with some very special reptiles as 911黑料网 participates in a conservation program that aims to increase the number of Red-Bellied turtles, which are native to Plymouth County, Mass.

Two Paths, One Campus: Mother & Son Attend 911黑料网 Together
When she attended a 2017 open house event at 911黑料网 with her son, Brian Adelt 鈥21, as he considered his college options, Stephanie Melito 鈥19 of Adams was impressed. But it wasn鈥檛 until she found herself unemployed several months later that she decided to finish the degree she started at the College back in 2008.

Alligators, Sharks & Manatees: Students Explore the Everglades
Five students had the adventure of a lifetime over the winter break when they encountered some South Florida wildlife on a nine-day trip with their environmental studies class. Their professor, Dr. Daniel Shustack, designed the travel course鈥檚 experiences to include wading, swimming and paddling on kayaks through various habitats.

Alumni Reopen North Adams Cafe
As students, Julia Daly 鈥17 and Nick Tardive 鈥17 often hung out at the Parlor Cafe, but never dreamed they one day would run it. That鈥檚 exactly what happened last October. Since then, they have made the Ashland Street cafe 鈥 which serves breakfast and lunch, along with a variety of beverages 鈥 their own.

 

Tarantulas, Snakes and Scorpions: Junior Enjoys Unusual Internship

Caitlin Ryan 鈥20, who majors in environmental science and minors in biology, served an internship at the Berkshire Museum, but her work had nothing to do with the arts 鈥 instead, she worked with some local mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects that live in representations of Berkshire ecosystems.

Music & Philosophy Grad Finds Perfect Job at NEFA
Dual degree graduate Falyn Elhard 鈥18, a classically trained soprano who performed at various campus and community events while a student at 911黑料网, said it was a love for singing that led them to major in music. The performances also contributed to their enjoyment of arts administration.

911黑料网 Welcomes New Director of Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations
911黑料网 welcomes a new director of alumni engagement and donor relations: Kate Gigliotti, who brings years of experience in alumni programming and development to 911黑料网鈥檚 Office of Advancement.

Award-Winning Alumnus鈥 Unique Lens on the Berkshires
Ben Mancino 鈥14, who recently won a second place honor from the 2018 International Photography Awards, says his 911黑料网 education unlocked opportunities that continue to propel his career forward. 鈥淚 am able to travel to new parts of the world and transform rare moments into beautiful artwork.鈥

Student Arts Entrepreneur Starts Stationery Biz
After assisting letterpress artist Melanie Mowinski with the 鈥50 Card Project,鈥 Amanda Romanelli 鈥19 served an internship at Lever, Inc., a small business incubator. She didn鈥檛 stop there: she went on to form her own business. 鈥淎ll of these amazing opportunities, and more, are thanks to 911黑料网 and the amazing arts community in North Adams.鈥

Discovering 911黑料网鈥檚 60-Acre Forest
Did you know that 911黑料网 includes its own 60-acre forest? Located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains and just a short walk from the main campus, it鈥檚 filled with mature, second-growth mixed hardwood trees, and is used for teaching, ongoing research, ecological monitoring, outdoor classes, student-led projects, and more.   

New Alumna Enjoys Recruiting Work as She Fills Technology Positions
As an 911黑料网 student, Michelle Laga 鈥18 served two internships, which helped her gain confidence and skills she uses today as a recruiting specialist. 鈥淚t is important that students serve an internship because it helps them determine if they are in the right field. They also will get experience: internships are great resume builders.鈥

New Prof Specializes in Transnational Studies
Assistant professor Dr. Guangzhi Huang focuses his research on urban developments in contemporary China, and the interconnection between urbanization in China and Africa. 鈥淗aving a global awareness and being able to use an interdisciplinary approach to understand social issues are vital to the growth of students, whom we are training so they may become responsible global citizens.鈥

Biology Internships Provide Unique Learning Experiences
Page Ellsworth 鈥19 is one of several students who are serving animal care internships this year. She takes care of crayfish and mosquitofish, and observes their natural behaviors. 鈥淭hey demonstrate to me how they fight over territory, interact with one another, feed, and just simply are themselves.鈥

Alumnus Reports on Western Mass for WGBY-TV
A recent story on reviving the Hoosic River in North Adams brought Brian Sullivan 鈥12 full circle: He returned to the home of his alma mater for his job as a multimedia journalist for PBS television station WGBY鈥檚 鈥淐onnecting Point,鈥 based in Springfield, Mass. 鈥淚 do it all, from start to finish.鈥

New Prof Shares Love of Psychology with Students
Dr. Sara Steele, who joined our Department of Psychology this fall, discovered her love of teaching very early on in her doctoral training. 鈥淚t is still hands down one of my favorite things to do. It lets me share my passion with students, while learning more and more about the growing field each day!鈥

Business Student Eyes Corporate Accounting Career
Crystal Wojcik 鈥21 arrived on campus as a psychology major, but a single business course she took as a core requirement completely redirected her career trajectory. Now she鈥檚 working with Dr. Chali Nondo to prepare a research paper she wrote for his course, 鈥淢oney, Banking, and Global Financial Markets,鈥 for publication in a scholarly journal.

Comp Sci Major Serves Research Internship at Cornell
Celine Manigbas 鈥20 spent last summer at Cornell University, where she learned about bioinformatics and conducted research at the Boyce Thompson Institute. 鈥淚 learned a lot about the ever-changing and advancing field ... and it was exciting to work with the cutting-edge programs on research that is relevant to the real world.鈥

Alumna to Work with Teach for America in Atlanta
This spring, Miesha Adams 鈥18 will take her degrees in psychology and sociology and head south to Atlanta, Ga., to participate in Teach for America (TFA), where she will teach middle school math and science for two years. 鈥911黑料网 allowed me to take advantage of every opportunity that pushed me toward my goals.鈥

911黑料网 Students Benefit from Internships at The Clark
Two students this semester are among the first from 911黑料网 to participate in the Rodgers Internship Program at the renowned Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in nearby Williamstown, Mass. Luke O鈥橞rien 鈥19 and Danielle Prestogomo 鈥19 are serving internships in the museum鈥檚 advancement and education departments, respectively.

An Alumna鈥檚 Wild Career in Montana
As an undergraduate student at 911黑料网, TaylorJae Taber 鈥17 vowed to have a career that specialized in wildlife conservation and endangered species. Now she cares for seven grizzly bears, six gray wolves, an array of raptor species, and a colony of Uinta ground squirrels at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Mont.

A Summer with Sea Turtles
Jordan Teixeira 鈥18 spent his summer as an intern at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City, N.C. There, the environmental studies major cared for wounded sea turtles, including those injured by fishing hooks and boats. This semester he鈥檚 serving an internship with the Hoosic River Watershed Association, in collaboration with Dr. Elena Traister.

Students Present at Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Conference
Undergraduate research co-chairs Dr. Justin Golub and Dr. Jenna Sciuto recently took 10 911黑料网 students to the Northeast Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity Conference at SUNY Geneseo. At this COPLAC-sponsored event, they introduced their work to other students and faculty from campuses across the region.

Campus Community Members Receive Local Service Awards
Members of our campus community volunteer their time and talent to help make the region a great place to live. Jackie Kelly 鈥17 was among those recently recognized with a 鈥淣eighborlies鈥 award. 鈥淜nowing that I can make a difference in my community ... reminds me that I am in the right place,鈥 she said.

STEM Academy Starts Junior on the Path to Research & Medical Career
After she completes her Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and psychology, Shannon Prouty 鈥20 plans a career as a research neurosurgeon. Just as she is majoring in two programs on campus, she intends to earn joint Ph.D and MD degrees at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Mass.

Alumna Manages New England Carousel Museum
A minor in public history proved to be the perfect choice for Cassandra Lavoie 鈥18, now the manager of the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Conn. 鈥淚鈥檝e already been able to apply my [research] skills and my writing numerous times at the Carousel Museum, in just the last six months!鈥

Alumna Finds Dream Job in NYC
Madelyn Gardner 鈥13 recently left her beloved Berkshires and the wonderful non-profit theatre organization where she got her start for an exciting new position in New York City 鈥 as the public relations and external communications manager for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Senior Serves NYC Community in Summer Internship
Over the summer, Jaret Gonzalez 鈥19 of the Bronx, N.Y., served an internship as a co-educator for Manice Education Center in nearby Florida, Mass. Created for New York City youth, 鈥淭he best thing about this organization is the exposure to nature and support provided to children who are often overlooked or not yet empowered.鈥

Alumna Set to Run in 2019 Boston Marathon
For years, Sarah Lieneck 鈥14 dreamed of running in the Boston Marathon. Next spring, she will participate in this well-known race as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, with Boston鈥檚 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Because she has a personal connection with the organization, 鈥淚 know that will help me run the 26.2 miles.鈥

Area High School Student Spends Senior Year at 911黑料网
Mount Greylock Regional High School senior Isabella Nicastro is getting a jump start to her college career by spending her entire last year of high school at 911黑料网. 鈥911黑料网 has provided me with an amazing opportunity,鈥 she said. 鈥淎ll of my professors are so helpful, the campus is beautiful, and the resources are unlimited.鈥

New Prof Brings Experience from Chinese Journalism Outlets
Initially interested in radio journalism as an undergraduate student in Beijing, China, Dr. Qian Wang realized over the years that what she really likes about journalism is its nature of telling the truth and empowering people. 鈥淭his is especially precious in our day and age when the industry struggles to survive the fast-evolving digital world.鈥

STEM Academy Launches Students鈥 Success
How does 911黑料网鈥檚 Berkshire Bank STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy measure its success? Through its students, like Phoebe Pelzer '18, who go on to earn their degrees, enjoy outstanding internship opportunities, attend graduate school, and secure great jobs in their chosen fields.

Alumnus Earns Third Bachelor鈥檚 on Way to Nursing Career
After he completed double majors in biology and psychology at 911黑料网, Bentley Munsell 鈥15 headed to UMASS-Amherst to attend a 17-month, accelerated program to earn his nursing degree. His experiences at 911黑料网 equipped him for success, both in nursing school and as an emergency department nurse.

New Sociologist鈥檚 Research Focuses on Gender
According to 911黑料网鈥檚 newest sociologist, Dr. Travis Beaver, parents are discouraging their sons鈥 participation in feminine activities for fear they might be bullied. This fear is not unfounded, and highlights how femininity is devalued, he said. 鈥淚 think this has harmful ramifications for our society.鈥

鈥楳y Chance to Advance鈥: Head Start Exec Director Lauds 911黑料网 Degree Completion Program
Brett Westbrook 鈥15 recently took the helm as the new executive director of Berkshire County Head Start. 911黑料网鈥檚 degree completion program, she said, gave her the jump start she needed to advance her career. 鈥淭he support and encouragement we received as a class from all of the professors and advisors during the cohort experience was amazing.鈥

Dr. Jerome Socolof Joins Arts Management Degree Program
Two things inspired Dr. Jerome Socolof to teach arts management 鈥 a love of the field and the industry鈥檚 need for arts managers who have studied and are trained to hold those positions. Coupled with the opportunity to encourage new and diverse voices in the field, 鈥淭he decision to teach rather than practice was an easy one.鈥

Poli Sci Prof鈥檚 Research Attracts International Audience
Dr. Samantha Pettey鈥檚 research recently gained a much wider audience after the London School of Economics asked her to write a piece for its American political science blog, United States Centre. 鈥淎cademic research is not always read by 鈥榯he masses,鈥 so being able to share my work with people is humbling.鈥

Courtney Llewellyn 鈥07 Takes on Jeopardy!
Only a few hundred people make it on the popular TV show Jeopardy! each year, but this fall Courtney Llewellyn 鈥07 was one of them. Her recent appearance fulfilled a longtime goal for this trivia whiz, who called the experience 鈥渂reathtaking.鈥 鈥淚 feel extremely lucky that everything lined up for me the way it did.鈥

911黑料网 Bio Student Also An Elite-Level Cyclist
Biology major Paige Williams 鈥20 is an elite-level cyclist who trains throughout the Berkshires and southern Vermont. She competes in USA Cycling collegiate athletic events throughout the region, and in January placed 12th in an elite, U23 (under age 23) women鈥檚 race in Connecticut, where she represented 911黑料网.

Meet 911黑料网's New Comp Sci Professor, Dr. Guodong Wang
Dr. Guodong Wang is particularly interested in the ways that technology allows us to interact. 鈥淐omputer science is a practical field, and the software industry requires teamwork. I believe students should have extensive hands鈥恛n experiences in solving actual problems, rather than just a theoretical study of the subject.鈥

Working Hard and Inspiring Future College Grads: Emily Dessignue 鈥14
As the director of business development, Emily Dessignue 鈥14 travels throughout the United States to find, qualify, and bring in business for Cresa, a global commercial real estate advisory firm. Soon, she plans to head back to 911黑料网, to show a group from Girls Inc. what college life is all about.

English Grad Lands 鈥楧ream Job鈥 at The Clark
Nicollette Tanzi 鈥17 recently began work at The Clark in Williamstown, Mass., which allows her to work in the Berkshires鈥 vibrant arts community. The College, she said, 鈥済ave me the tools and confidence I needed to begin my journey into the adult post-collegiate world. I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today if it wasn鈥檛 for 911黑料网.鈥

Meet Dr. Mohamad Junaid, Cultural Anthropologist
Dr. Mohamad Junaid uses ethnographic and historical methods to study state violence and political subjectivity. This includes his research into youth politics in his home of Kashmir, which he sees as part of other, much larger global justice movements that recently have arisen, and have been suppressed, across the world.

Bio Grad Shines as a BMC Nurse
911黑料网鈥檚 biology program prepared Susan Bloom 鈥16 for success in a competitive, intensive nursing program. Now a registered nurse, she works at Berkshire Medical Center. 鈥淭here is nothing better than standing outside a room and hearing the roommates tell each other what a great nurse you are! I can鈥檛 wait to grow in this profession.鈥

Building HADES: Physics Major鈥檚 NSF-Funded Research Opportunity
Jordan Darling 鈥19 recently participated in a highly competitive research experience program at the University of Rochester. Because scientists believe that warm dense matter may be found inside the cores of giant planets, brown dwarfs, and small stars, 鈥淏uilding HADES will help us understand how these certain bodies form in space.鈥

New Creative Writing Prof Focuses on Fiction, Friendships
The newest member of 911黑料网鈥檚 Department of English/communications brings to campus her expertise in creative writing, particularly fiction. Dr. Caren Beilin hopes her students will learn ways to keep working at what they love. 鈥淚 also hope my classes can be places where important, critical, life-intensifying friendships are made.鈥

Business Prof Shares Theory with International Audience
Conference attendees heard from Dr. Thomas Whalen, associate professor of business, over the summer when he presented his work in Granada, Spain, and Peabody, Mass. While his paper is set for publication next year, students in our MBA program will benefit from his expertise this fall when he shares the presentation with them.

Campus Radio Job Leads to Internship at Top 40 Station
Jacob Vitali 鈥20 returns to campus this semester as president of 911黑料网鈥檚 student radio station, WJJW, after having spent his summer working for AMP Radio, a Top 40 station in Boston. 鈥淚鈥檝e been told there鈥檚 a lot of pressure that accompanies working in a top 10 city, but WJJW prepared me incredibly well for this opportunity.鈥

With Her Bachelor鈥檚 Completed, Campus Police Sergeant Pursues M.Ed
Now that she's earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in interdisciplinary studies and business, Laura Lefebvre 鈥17 next will pursue her M.Ed at 911黑料网. 鈥淚 am designing and customizing two of my classes in my master鈥檚 program. They want you to succeed. 911黑料网 is not so big that you are just a number.鈥

Environmental Studies Major Tackles Habitat Restoration in California
Katie Howe 鈥20 spent part of her summer in Northern California, where she participated in an internship that involved removing non-native plants to protect the watershed, which saved a grove of trees, worked with a local fish and wildlife biologist, and discovered a passion for working outdoors.

Music Prof Shares Work at Conferences in Prague and Athens
Professor of music Dr. Christine Condaris shared her expertise this summer at conferences held in the Czech Republic and Greece. In lieu of the traditional lecture-style music appreciation course for non-musicians, she proposes an entirely hands-on experience where students learn to compose, notate, perform, and improvise.

New Women鈥檚 Lacrosse Coach: Kaitlin Feeney
A lacrosse player since the fifth grade who participated in the sport throughout her college years, 911黑料网鈥檚 new women鈥檚 lacrosse coach will share an important level of understanding with the student athletes with whom she will work, and a variety of experience as a collegiate coach for multiple institutions.

Arts Management Alumna Lands Position at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Arts management alumna Cecilia Wright 鈥16 recently began work at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which contains one of the most comprehensive collections in the Americas. 鈥淚t is amazing to work in a building where you are surrounded by incredible pieces and have the opportunity to appreciate them on a daily basis.鈥

Alumna to Earn MBA in her Fight against Homelessness
Audra McMahon 鈥17 utilized the College鈥檚 degree completion program to finish her bachelor鈥檚, with a major in interdisciplinary studies and a focus on leadership. This fall, she will continue to study at 911黑料网 when she begins work on her MBA. 鈥淚 have a passion for the work I do and for social justice.鈥

In Her New Role, 2018 Grad Draws on Arts Education Experience
When Erica Barreto 鈥18 arrived at 911黑料网 she had no idea what kind of career she wanted, but several opportunities, including an internship to help create a regional arts network, led her to what she loves. 鈥淭he greatest reward of my work is being able to positively impact the community.鈥

Renowned Artists Contribute to 911黑料网 Art Collection
A 鈥淢egaplanet鈥 by renowned glass artist Josh Simpson is on view in Admissions. It, along with Academy Award-winning artist Stephen Hannock鈥檚 sweeping landscape painting in our Center for Science & Innovation and Jarvis Rockwell鈥檚 innovative assemblage works in Bowman Hall, are part of 911黑料网鈥檚 impressive collection of art.

Music Student Joins Berkshire Theatre Group this Summer
Trevor Wheelock 鈥19 is spending his summer as the pianist for Berkshire Theatre Group鈥檚 production of Tarzan. 鈥淭he best aspect of this position is the opportunity to be involved with a highly successful and credible regional theatre company to do something that I absolutely enjoy doing. It never feels like work to me.鈥

From Student to Principal
Fewer than 3 percent of Massachusetts鈥 school principals are under the age of 30, but as the recently named principal of New Hingham Regional Elementary School, 25-year-old 911黑料网 alumnus Jesse McMillan 鈥14, M.Ed 鈥17 is one of them.

Admissions Welcomes New Grads as New Counselors
Kolumbia Cook 鈥18 and Oscar Castro 鈥18 have a lot in common. They not only are new graduates of 911黑料网鈥檚 business administration program, they also recently were hired as the campus鈥檚 newest Admissions counselors. 鈥淚 knew I wanted to continue to work in higher education. This position utilizes everything I learned,鈥 Cook said.

Area Business Leaders Enhance MBA Program
A recent presentation to Dr. Nancy Ovitsky鈥檚 MBA students by Zogics CEO Paul LeBlanc is one example of how the local business community enriches our students鈥 education as they learn how applications of the theory and content from their coursework are succeeding in the real world.

High School Seniors, Recent Grads Get an Early Start to College
Fifteen Berkshire County high school seniors, including Kelby Lesage and Casey Meczywor, are getting a jump start on college thanks to 911黑料网 and Berkshire Community College鈥檚 (BCC) Summer Academy 2018, a Commonwealth Dual Enrollment program offered for the third time in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

BWN Grows 400 Percent While Providing Valuable, Hands-on Experience
Julia Teixeira 鈥20 will start out her junior year with the confidence that she can succeed in the broadcast media field due to the many opportunities she has had at 911黑料网. The soon-to-be executive producer of Beacon Web News (BWN) brings a wide variety of experience to her new position, which begins in September.

Professors Help Soc Major Expand on His Dreams
Michael Masley Hannett 鈥19 never thought he would study sociology until one of his professors noticed that he did well in her class, and suggested that he add sociology as a major. That was just the one of many ways his professors enhance his education. 鈥淭here aren't many schools that care as much as 911黑料网.鈥

DownStreet Art 2018 Celebrates Success amid City鈥檚 Growth
This summer鈥檚 DownStreet Art season goes beyond a celebration of art: The festivities commemorate the progress that North Adams has made through the initiative鈥檚 partnerships with new businesses, galleries, tourists, and residents, as the city enjoys continued cultural growth.

911黑料网 Profs Team up to Advance STEM Teaching Strategies
First-year students who study in 911黑料网鈥檚 health sciences programs will benefit this fall from a specialized section of Dr. Erin Kiley鈥檚 鈥淚ntroduction to Statistics鈥 math course, which she and two other faculty 鈥 who teach biology and community health education 鈥 recently developed at the STEM Pedagogy Institute in Durham, N.H.

Film Grad Aids Puerto Rico: 鈥楬ow Can I Help?鈥 
Ryan Scutt 鈥09, educational and studio production coordinator of Catamount Access TV in Bennington, Vt., recently produced a feature-length documentary film. 鈥淩ebuilding Puerto Rico鈥 recounts the story of 24 volunteers who rebuilt homes for victims of Hurricane Maria.

Working Adults Realize Lifelong Dreams by Completing Degrees
Over the past 20 years, Rose Borgnis 鈥18 had tried several times to finish her bachelor鈥檚 degree, 鈥淏ut something would always happen,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 had given up.鈥 However, thanks to 911黑料网鈥檚 degree completion programs, she and other graduates realized their lifelong dream when they received their diplomas in May.

English Prof鈥檚 Upcoming Book Examines Law, Sexuality & the Color Line in Literature
Dr. Jenna Sciuto, associate chair of undergraduate research, is writing a book based on research of her own Her upcoming publication, Policing Intimacy, examines representations of colonial inheritance, fragmented subjectivities, and sexual violence in literature about the United States South, Haiti, and Rwanda.

Tech Teamwork: 911黑料网 Collaborates with BCC
Gerol Petruzella, 911黑料网鈥檚 associate director of academic technology, collaborates with a Berkshire Community College (BCC) colleague to present monthly 鈥淭eaching First鈥 workshops for faculty, which focus on teaching processes, pedagogy and technology. This year鈥檚 series concluded with BCC faculty attending 911黑料网鈥檚 11th Annual Tech Fest.

Four New Faces in 911黑料网 Leadership
It's an exciting time for the College as new colleagues include Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Christopher MacDonald-Dennis and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Emily Williams. Alumni Gina Puc 鈥07 and Bob Ziomek 鈥89 also will join the campus鈥檚 leadership team this summer.

Gaining STEAM: Teacher Quality Program Empowers Educators
After a remarkable five-year run that included two extensions and paved the way for additional education projects such as the Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network project (BRAINWorks), the Berkshire Early Learning Lab Improving Teacher Quality (ITQ) program will conclude at the end of September.

Alumna Helps Co-workers Earn their Degrees
When Laura Lefebvre 鈥17 and Sierra Holland 鈥18 walked across the Commencement stage last month to accept their diplomas they had much more in common than that shared moment. In addition to being co-workers, they had another colleague cheering them on. Samantha Lincoln 鈥15, MBA '17, got them started on their educational journeys.

Meet Dr. Nicole Porther: New Community Health Prof
When 911黑料网 added the Community Health Education major last fall to address a growing demand for health care educators, the addition brought Dr. Nicole Porther to campus. A specialist in public and community health, she joined the campus not only as an assistant professor of biology, but also as the new program鈥檚 coordinator.

New Jobs, Internships, Master鈥檚 Programs: 2018 Grads Take on the World
There鈥檚 no limit to where an 911黑料网 education may take our students. We are proud of our newly graduated Class of 2018, who are on their way to great things with prestigious first jobs, admittance to top graduate schools, and exciting new internships that will launch their careers.

Living History: Students Explore Civil Rights Movement Where It Happened
Lakeria Darkins 鈥20 thought she was familiar with the Civil Rights Movement before she took Dr. Ely Janis鈥檚 history course on the topic, then traveled with him and the class throughout the American South to see where history happened, speaking along the way to people who were on the front lines of the experience. The result was eye-opening.

Three Conference Presentations Highlight Student鈥檚 First Year
Noah Henkenius 鈥21 embraced undergraduate research, presenting his poster, 鈥淪ediment Transport and Salinity of the Hoosic River鈥 not only at 911黑料网鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Conference, but also at the Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference at UMASS-Amherst, and at the Northeast Natural History Conference in Burlington, Vt.

Psych Grad Goes West to Follow Her Passion
In addition to developing her skills as a researcher, 鈥911黑料网 provided me with countless opportunities to grow as an individual and a student,鈥 said Rose Mastico 鈥18. A six-time Undergraduate Research Conference presenter who also wrote a senior thesis, this fall she鈥檚 headed to graduate school where she will serve a cognitive neuroscience assistantship.

Journey to Japan Includes Bonus Stopover in China
A day-long layover on their way to Japan provided students with the opportunity to explore China as they toured the Forbidden City and Central District of Beijing. Once in Japan, the students visited a variety of places, including Tokyo, the ancient capital of Kyoto, castle town Matsumoto, and the seaside city of Kamakura.

鈥楺ueer San Francisco鈥 Trip Provides Life-Changing Experiences
Led by anthropology professor Dr. Sumi Colligan, 911黑料网 students had a unique opportunity last year to explore queer history in that city. As a result of the success of that first trip, Colligan returned this past spring with nine more students who were eager to learn more of San Francisco鈥檚 rich LGBT history.

History Grad Starts Career at Historic Landmark in Stockbridge
Tianna Darling 鈥18 participated in a variety of activities at 911黑料网, including Dance Company. She also was an admissions ambassador. 鈥淲hen I came to 911黑料网 I was extremely shy and would never have thought that, four years later, I would be leading tours around campus or helping to direct a club with 60 active members.鈥

English Prof Leads 10th Trip 鈥楢cross the Pond鈥
As part of Dr. Rosanne Denhard鈥檚 鈥淎rts of Medieval & Renaissance Britain鈥 class, students explored landmark sites, visited art galleries and museums, and took in theatrical productions. 鈥淓ngland was overall just an amazing experience,鈥 said Michael Masley Hannett 鈥19. 鈥淚 learned about another culture far more than I could have in a textbook or from a website.鈥 

Chinese Exchange Student Wraps up Business Degree at 911黑料网
As part of 911黑料网鈥檚 2+2 Dual Degree Academic Exchange program with Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, Yuki Li 鈥18 of Suzhou City, Anhui Province, China, not only will earn her Chinese degree but also another bachelor鈥檚 degree here in the United States, once she graduates from 911黑料网 this summer.

Psychology Student Wins Pamela Dennis 鈥82 Scholarship
Two- time 911黑料网 Undergraduate Research Conference participant Bri Sarno 鈥19 is this year鈥檚 winner of the Pamela P. Dennis 鈥82 Scholarship. 鈥淚 was unbelievably surprised to hear my name called for this scholarship,鈥 said Sarno, who works two jobs to support herself as she attends college. 鈥淭his is such an incredible honor.鈥

Digital Course Lets Arts Students Explore Hoosac Tunnel鈥檚 Dark History
Thanks to a digital course they took through COPLAC, Erica Wilcoxen 鈥19 and Cassie Lavoie 鈥18 discovered the nearby Hoosac Tunnel鈥檚 dark past. 鈥淓very time we visited the North Adams Public Library, we came away with more and more information,鈥 Wilcoxen said. 鈥淓ach piece unraveled more layers that we had not considered.鈥

Haiti Trip Offers Profound Insight into Life beyond the U.S.
Students who traveled to Haiti this spring expected to provide service. What happened was much more profound, as they experienced firsthand how the villagers live. There鈥檚 no electricity or running water: their lives lack many of the modern advances of the 21st 鈥 or even the 20th 鈥 century, that those in the U.S. take for granted.

Senior鈥檚 Entertainment Biz Wins 2nd Annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge
Graduating senior Shannon Cahill 鈥18 is on her way 鈥 not only to the Commencement stage, but to a career that just got a very big boost. She will continue to build Greylock Sound, her performing arts booking and promotion agency. 鈥淭his was an incredible opportunity that I am increasingly thankful for.鈥

Students Enjoy Rare Opportunity for Cuban Immersion
For the first time, 11 students traveled to Cuba over spring break. Led by Dr. David Cupery, the travel course immersed them in the rich diversity and the controversies that surround this Caribbean island. The experience allowed for a deeper understanding of issues related to Cuban history, politics, culture, and society.

Record-breaking URC at 911黑料网 Draws Hundreds of Student Presenters
Aletta Brown 鈥19 is one of the many student researchers who will present their work at 911黑料网鈥檚 16th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on Thursday, April 19. With about 150 presentations, it will be 911黑料网鈥檚 largest research conference to date. The event also includes an art tour and the Philosophy Mini Conference.

Paris in the Spring
Ten students 鈥 along with Diane Scott, associate professor of arts management, and Dr. Lisa Donovan, professor of fine and performing arts 鈥 experienced Paris in the springtime when they visited landmarks such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Montmatre, and the Catacombes. The trip also included an excursion to Versailles, France.

Scientist James Chapman 鈥15 to Deliver URC Keynote Address
James Chapman 鈥15, now pursuing his Ph.D at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will deliver the keynote address at the 16th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on Thursday, April 19, at 12:30 p.m. in the Amsler Campus Center gymnasium, where he will speak on 鈥淢aterials Informatics: A Fresh Perspective from the Past.鈥

Oscar Castro 鈥18: Business Major, Student-Athlete, Leads 鈥楳en of Color鈥
In addition to his business studies and life as a student-athlete, Oscar Castro 鈥18 found an unexpected passion 鈥 his leadership in a relatively new organization known as the Men of Color Initiative. 鈥淸N]ow our bond is so strong it feels like they are my brothers. I can count on them, and they can count on me.鈥

鈥楽o Far, I Love Taxes鈥: Accounting Students Attend Major Industry Workshop
Before attending an accounting workshop hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers one of the largest accounting and attestation firms in the world 鈥 Jared Grise '18 wasn't interested in a career with a big firm. He and three other students, including Yuki Li '18, discussed job opportunities, career paths, and how to make the transition from student to accountant.

Alumna Earns Master鈥檚 Abroad, Embarks on International Career
Melody Rolph 鈥14 earned her master鈥檚 degree at the University of Freiburg. Now she lives and works in Munich, Germany, as a community manager for InterNations, the largest international community for people who live and work abroad. 鈥911黑料网 really prepared me with many people skills to excel in future jobs such as this one.鈥

From Museum Intern to Museum Educator: Alexandra David 鈥17
Now a museum educator for the Tsongas Industrial History Museum at the Lowell National Historical Park in Lowell, Mass., Alexandra David 鈥17 said the turning point in her education was an introduction to museum-based learning. 鈥淚 realized, 鈥榃ow. I really like this!鈥欌

911黑料网 Earns 鈥楢鈥 for Women Coaching Women
鈥淏lazing trails in these areas and showing young women that they can grow up and serve in leadership positions is important. It gives them confidence. Women are in the minority in athletics leadership, so it鈥檚 really important that we are empowering and mentoring women in those ways. This mindset really can change the industry as a whole.鈥

Rhea Werner 鈥15: From 911黑料网 to a Ph.D in London
A recent graduate of City University London, Rhea Werner 鈥15 plans to continue her education in England as she pursues her Ph.D in arts management. 鈥淥ne of my favorite parts of London is its vibrancy. I can go to Camden and see the eclectic shops and street art, or walk along the Thames and see the architecture.鈥

Sophomore Seeks 鈥楤eauty Empties鈥 for Recycling Competition, Scholarship
Abbi Luczynski 鈥20 needs your help as she aims to help divert one million 鈥渂eauty empties鈥 from landfills this year, and win a $5,000 scholarship in the process. Her goal? To collect 5,000 empty beauty and personal care recyclables. 鈥淚 love the idea of taking something and turning it into something new.鈥

Working with Teens, Alumna Librarian Uses Knowledge Honed at 911黑料网
What started as volunteer work morphed into a fulltime job that Emily Boughton 鈥15 loves. As the new young adult specialist at the Athol Public Library Center Library, she uses what she learned from 911黑料网鈥檚 art and psychology programs to benefit the entire library, and its patrons.

Plotting a Path to Graduation: New Software makes it Easier
911黑料网 recently introduced remarkable new software that makes it easier than ever before for students to plan their path to graduation. Degree Works provides an easy-to-read, ongoing review that shows what courses students have completed, and what鈥檚 up next.

A Liberal Arts Approach to Teaching: Siobhan Greene 鈥17
Education and history major Siobhan Greene 鈥17 is a high school teacher on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota, where she relies on her education as she teaches various topics. 鈥淭he broad base of the core curriculum at 911黑料网 has greatly helped me with my wide range of classes.鈥 

Senior鈥檚 Art Challenges What it Means to be an American
The self-portraits that Nicole Stearns 鈥18 creates are both personal and political, as her art challenges what it means to be American. 鈥淢any people think that I look white. So I question the notion of what it means to label someone by their race, and how that鈥檚 not always clear-cut.鈥

Pitch Perfect: Alumna Mirrors 911黑料网 Successes after Graduation
At 911黑料网, Rachel Quackenbush 鈥16 studied psychology and played on the women鈥檚 softball team. As an alumna, she continues her involvement in both endeavors. 鈥淎ll my professors 鈥 both in psychology and in social work 鈥 were very supportive of me as a student athlete. They were always flexible with game schedules and make-up work.鈥

Senior Creates Fashion Show with a Berkshires Twist
One of the most creative activities during 911黑料网鈥檚 Black History Month celebration is a project by Adazae Shepherd-Edwards 鈥18. A fine and performing arts major who concentrates in arts management, minors in dance, and specializes in modern dance and ballet, she is behind the upcoming 鈥淢any Nations, One Thread Fashion Show.鈥

Junior to Have Byline in Law Magazine
A paper by interdisciplinary studies major Justin Therrien 鈥19, titled 鈥淲ithdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords,鈥 soon will be published in the University of Chicago Undergraduate Law Magazine. Therrien wants a career in environmental law. 鈥淚 have been very interested in the environment for a long time, and anything that has to do with protecting it.鈥

Communications Alumna Takes on NYC
On her way to achieve her goal of a career in television broadcasting, Shadea Blyther 鈥16 headed to New York City, N.Y., where she works as a writer and an editor for Bronze Magazine. 鈥淚 feel like this is the start. I am happy where I am for now, and will keep moving forward.鈥

Alumnus Founds, Curates Black WWII History Museum
A collector of military memorabilia for the past 60 years, Bruce Bird 鈥85 founded and curated the Black World War II History Museum with his assortment of military firearms, hundreds of artillery rounds, and more. But it wasn鈥檛 until he was 37 that this history alumnus attended the College, where he honed his expertise.

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! 911黑料网 Rolls Out Career Software
It鈥檚 the perfect time for this year鈥檚 seniors to get a jump start on finding their first positions as newly graduated alumni. Just launched by the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE), 鈥淭he Career Trail Online鈥 is a software portal that helps to prepare students for employment through a wide variety of services.

Alumnus Applies Agroforestry Technologies in West Africa
Jason Brown 鈥13 is an agroforestry volunteer for the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa. 鈥淸911黑料网] environmental studies courses proved to be a great foundation when I transitioned to graduate school. I firmly believe that a liberal arts education provides you with the necessary foundation, and increases your versatility in today鈥檚 global society.鈥

Cornell Grad, Buxton School Development Director Pursues MBA
It wasn鈥檛 long after Suzy Konecky 鈥20 began her position as the development director at Buxton School in nearby Williamstown that she decided to pursue her MBA at 911黑料网, where she is enjoying the classes. 鈥淚 appreciate the really small group setting and the cohort model. The professors have been excellent..鈥

'Diversity Fellows' Teach Through Performance Art
It鈥檚 an opportunity for the campus to continue its conversation on diversity as the 鈥淒iversity Fellows鈥 spend a two-week residency at 911黑料网 to show students and faculty how they might use performance as a method of communication by uniting theory, politics, and the arts, through a wide range of activities.

Williams College Grad Picks 911黑料网 for MBA
After earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics at Williams College, Mohammed Rashid 鈥20 chose to attend graduate school at 911黑料网. 鈥淭hrough my research, I learned that the MBA program was excellent, intense, but very manageable. Additionally, the cost is much more affordable, compared with some of the other schools out there.鈥

鈥楳aybe They Need a Chance to Run Around鈥: 911黑料网 Prof鈥檚 Recess-Focused Research
Dr. Dale Fink examines elementary school recess in an upcoming article for the Journal of School Health. He found that most teachers withhold recess as a disciplinary consequence, 鈥渋n spite of the fact that 100 percent of them reported that they thought students received important benefits 鈥 physical, social, or both 鈥 from participating in recess.鈥

鈥50 Card Project鈥 Asks Viewers, 鈥榃hat鈥檚 Your 51?鈥
It started with a single card and an idea that Melanie Mowinski, associate professor of visual art, had after the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. Soon, she found herself involved in a project in response to an emotionally charged political climate. On Thursday, Jan. 25, all 50 cards may be viewed in 911黑料网 Gallery 51鈥檚 first exhibition of 2018.

Senior Refines Digital Skills with 911黑料网 Internship
Messaoud Kerris 鈥18 recently created a promotional video for the Entrepreneurial and Innovation Challenge. "Every time I shoot a video I know exactly how I want it to be before I shoot. I don't write anything down: I simply begin directing and shooting on set, and adjust as I film. I am a one-man crew."

It鈥檚 Easy to Get Involved on Campus: One Psych Major鈥檚 Story
Up until the time he began to apply to various colleges, psychology major Theodore 鈥淭J鈥 Jones 鈥20 had never heard of 911黑料网. In fact, it was his mother who decided 鈥 on a whim as they traveled to Albany, N.Y., one day 鈥 that they should stop by to take a look. 鈥淚 fell in love with the place.鈥

Class President Lines Up Job Before Graduating
She won鈥檛 graduate until May, but Shannon Esposito 鈥18 already has her first job lined up; a marketing and communications position in New York City. 鈥淢y professors pushed me to be the very best, and to take my well-rounded liberal arts education and make it what I want it to be.鈥

Alumnus Inspires High School Students with Creative Curriculum
Extremely popular among his students at nearby McCann Technical School, history teacher Ken Recore 鈥10 M.Ed 鈥12 does not limit the material he presents to his ninth and tenth grade students to mere dates and facts to memorize. Instead, to keep the curriculum fresh, he presents it as a series of stories and themes.

Sophomore: 911黑料网 Inspired a Passion for Politics
The newest president of 911黑料网鈥檚 Political Science Club, Joseph Bellas 鈥20, double majors in history and political science. Also on the Student Activities Council (SAC), he serves as the Saturday Night Spotlight Chair. 鈥淚 would definitely recommend the College to others, as there are a lot of unique opportunities here, and many ways to get involved.鈥