Summer
2016
Published by the Alumni Office at North Shore Community College
CONGRATULATIONS
NSCC 2016 Grads! NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE celebrated its 50th commencement in May,
conferring over 1,000 associate degrees and certificates to graduates of the Class of 2016. Attendance at this milestone event was unprecedented with the largest class of graduates ever crossing the stage and an equally great turnout of friends and families present to celebrate. Talented student singer Kevin Evangelista began the evening on the right note with his rendition of the National Anthem that brought the crowd to its feet. Nathaniel Montero, Student Speaker and 2015-2016 Student Government Association President, congratulated his fellow grads and noted that while their backgrounds, experiences and goals may differ, their common thread was the desire for self-improvement and the willingness to work hard for it. He highlighted the diversity of NSCC’s student body, reminding the audience that this is where our strength lies: in diversity and in encouraging others so that they may discover strengths they may not have known they had. He urged the audience to consider how they can take that NSCC perspective and carry it forward in their lives.
NSCC’s fourth president and first female president is photographed at this year’s Scholarship Breakfast with NSCC Presidents Emeriti George Traicoff, left, and Wayne Burton, right. For more on NSCC’s Foundation Scholarships, see page 3.
Keynote Speaker Lauren Baker, first lady of the Commonwealth and longtime supporter of education, congratulated the graduates. She said, “I was honored to be asked to deliver the Commencement Address at NSCC’s 50th commencement. I am inspired by these graduates and how they have persevered through many challenges to earn their degrees. I was happy to be able to share in this proud moment for all the graduates and their families.” Also in attendance were James Peyser, Massachusetts Secretary of Education, Stephen Vesey, President, NSCC Foundation, and J.D. LaRock, Chair, NSCC Board of Trustees. 2016 Commencement Keynote Speaker, Lauren Baker, first lady of the Commonwealth. Student Singer Kevin Evangelista performing the National Anthem.Nathaniel Montero, 2016 Student Speaker and 2015-16 Student Government Association President.
Commencement 2016!
This view from Broad Street shows construction and progress on the new wing as of June 28, 2016.
NSCC Honors
Lisa Milso 1959-2015
Lynn Campus Expansion
Celebrating 50 years of Graduates with THE CLASS OF ’67 CELEBRATING OUR 50TH COMMENCEMENT would not have been the same without the presence of members of our very first graduating class, the Class of ’67. These special guests represented NSCC’s original alumni. President Gentile was happy to recognize them at the start of the event, leading the audience in applause for our former students who pioneered the early days of the College. Alumnus John Buckley later said “It was wonderful to see firsthand how the ‘educational seeds’ we planted in 1965 have grown into such a fine educational environment. Keep up the great work.” Prior to commencement, the Class of ’67 alumni visited with this year’s grads as they lined up for the procession, offering congratulations and sharing how their NSCC foundation served them well in careers and life. Members of the Class of ’67 are pictured above; L-R: Kathleen Hurlburt ’67, Vito Calomo ’67, NSCC President Patricia Gentile, John Buckley ’67 and Dave Sargent ’67.
Alumni Corner
2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award Winner VEDAD KONJIC ’05 EACH YEAR AT COMMENCEMENT, NSCC’s Alumni Association Board presents the Distinguished Alumnus Award to a North Shore Community College graduate whose professional and personal achievements bring honor to themselves and to the College. Candidates are chosen on the basis of integrity, character, professional accomplishments, and college or community service. The recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award is Vedad Konjic ’05. Originally from Bosnia, Vedad came to the United States in search of opportunity and found it at NSCC. He began working as a maintainer at the College as he pursued associate, bachelor and master’s degrees — all while working full-time in progressively responsible positions leading to his present role as Director of Building Services & Operations. Vedad’s is a true success story. Like many of the College’s new immigrant students, Vedad’s enthusiasm, dedication, and desire to learn and grow professionally led him to personal and career success, while giving back and making a lasting impact on the advancement of his alma mater. NSCC has great pride in Vedad and gratitude for his work at and on behalf of the College. For more information about this award and how to nominate an NSCC alumnus, visit northshore.edu/alumni/award or contact Nicole Marcotte, Director of Development, at nmarcott@northshore.edu or 978-762-4000 x5527. Vedad Konjic ’05, right, is pictured at commencement where he received the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
IF YOU’VE DRIVEN BY NSCC’S LYNN CAMPUS lately, you’ve seen the progress on our Lynn expansion. The project will include 10 new classrooms, a Student Success Center, Academic Technology Space and more in a 37,000 square foot addition for the 49% of our students who attend classes primarily at the Lynn campus. The new wing is expected to open in early 2017. As we reach the late stages of this project, naming opportunities are available. Those interested in further information about named spaces or general support should contact Nicole Marcotte, Director of Development, at nmarcott@northshore.edu or 978-762-4000 ext. 5527. More information about the project can be found at www.northshore.edu/advancing, including a video rendering of the project. We’ve also posted periodic time-lapse videos of construction progress on NSCC’s youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/nsccmedia.
Deena DiIorio (right) is pictured with NSCC President Patricia Gentile at this year’s North Shore Community College Foundation Scholarship Breakfast.
2016 Scholarship Breakfast THE NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION awarded 166 scholarships totaling $147,456 in financial assistance for the coming academic year at the annual Scholarship Breakfast in May. Held at the Danversport Yacht Club, this event celebrates the academic achievements of our scholarship recipients and the generosity of our scholarship program donors. Deena DiIorio, a 2016 graduate of NSCC’s Health Sciences program and student trustee on NSCC’s Board of Trustees for the 2015-2016 academic year, was the featured speaker. She shared her appreciation for the experience which she described as very meaningful, saying that it helped her find personal and professional growth in addition to her academic experience. Deena will transfer to Salem State University this fall in their Sport and Movement Science program to pursue her long held dream of becoming a physical therapist working with veterans. At the Scholarship Breakfast, she offered thanks to our donors who support scholarships for students like her who work fulltime and struggle, yet do not qualify for financial aid. Deena plans to continue her involvement with North Shore Community College through the Alumni Association, where she will be a most welcome addition.
NSCC Hosts Alumni for STEM Panel THIS SPRING, North Shore Community College held a half-day Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Pathways event for students in these programs. The event featured a panel presentation including two NSCC grads: Anh Dao Tran-Moseman ’88, whose chemical engineering career has led to her current position as Director of Quality Operations at Sanofi-Aventis, and Michael Heim ’04, a Product and Design Engineer at Allegro Microsystems. The panelists shared their experience and answered student questions about education, interviewing, career paths and general career advice. Following the panel discussion, Elizabeth Hart from the non-profit organization Tailored for Success spoke about professional image and attire, followed by roundtable discussions featuring several industry and community resource experts. “Connecting NSCC alumni with students is exactly what we want to be doing, and we are very grateful for their time and participation in student programs,” said NSCC Alumni Coordinator Sandra Rochon. “Our grads know what it takes to be successful. While they generously share their expertise and experience with students, they also demonstrate that an NSCC education provides an excellent foundation for career growth.” If you would like to participate in an alumni panel or mentoring program, please contact Cathy Anderson, Director of Board Relations, at alumni@northshore.edu or 978-762-4000 x5483.
In December, North Shore Community College experienced the tragic and unexpected loss of longtime staff member Lisa Milso, Director of Student Life. Her contagious enthusiasm, generous spirit and endless support of our students is dearly missed. Members of the NSCC community gathered in March to honor her memory and her 28 years of dedicated service to the college. Alumni, students, faculty and staff gathered for a Celebration of Life to remember Lisa’s leadership and support of students with speakers, memories and music provided by Ralph and The Squeezebox Stompers, as well as Fish Science, an NSCC student and alumni band, which performed a song that they wrote in memory of Lisa. The college community also remembered Lisa with a Day of Kindness on May 19th, Lisa’s birthday. The Day of Kindness was a movement to appreciate others, offer a helping hand and share a kind gesture in loving memory of Lisa’s generous spirit. As a further tribute to Lisa, a memorial scholarship has been established in her name through the NSCC Foundation. It was awarded for the first time this year. The Lisa Milso Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an NSCC student who, in addition to academic achievement, demonstrates involvement and leadership in student life, goes above and beyond the call of duty and has made a positive and sustaining impact. If you would like to support the Lisa Milso Memorial Scholarship, donations may be made at www.northshore.edu/giving/donate or by contacting Nicole Marcotte, Director of Development, at nmarcott@northshore.edu or 978 762-4000 ext. 5527.
NSCC hosts J.W. Carney for Law Day lecture CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY J.W. Carney, Jr. was NSCC’s Law Day lecture keynote speaker in May, drawing the largest audience in the 21-year history of this event. He spoke of his work with high-profile cases including his defense of James “Whitey” Bulger, shared stories from his lengthy career in law and answered questions from students and others in attendance. Attorney Carney has handled thousands of cases during his career in Massachusetts District, Superior and Federal Courts. His numerous professional distinctions include peer recognition as one of The Top 100 Lawyers in Massachusetts and Boston Magazine’s identification as one of The Five Best Private Criminal Defense Attorneys in the state.
Mr. Carney began his career as a public defender in Boston from 1978 to 1983. He was appointed Assistant District Attorney for Middlesex County from 1983 through 1988 and was named prosecution team leader handling the most serious cases. Mr. Carney has handled many high-profile cases including the first trial presented in its entirety in New England on cable TV. He has been asked by the courts to represent defendants in some of the most challenging criminal cases, including James “Whitey” Bulger, Tarek Mehanna (a terrorism case) and John Salvi (the murders at Brookline abortion clinics). Attorney Carney (right) is pictured with his paralegal, Joanne Dotolo, a 2015 grad of NSCC’s paralegal program (center) and Kathy Hirbour, Paralegal Program Coordinator (left).
Electronic service requested
One Ferncroft Road • Danvers, MA 01923-0840 978-762-4000 • 781-593-6722
www.northshore.edu/alumni
NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD GERARD “SULLY” SULLIVAN ’97 President
DONNA ROSATO ’03 Vice President
Higher learning • Higher value
LESLEY PETERS ’97
Alumni News is published for NSCC alumni and friends by the Alumni Office, North Shore Community College, 1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA, 01923. News, photos and event listings are welcome subject to editor approval. Please send to: srochon@northshore.edu • Telephone: 978-762-4000, x5481
NANCY BARKER ’10 JULIE HOWLAND ’91 BOB KOHN ’79 NICK LOVASCO ’12 BOB MURPHY ’99
Alumni Trustee
STAFF SANDRA ROCHON Alumni Coordinator
EJYO KATAGIRI
Marketing & Communications
WRITERS/EDITORS SANDRA ROCHON NANCY BARKER ’10 LINDA BRANTLEY
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS NSCC MEDIA DEPARTMENT NANCY BARKER ’10 LINDA BRANTLEY KURT EDDY ’88 MICHAEL SPERLING FAITH HOCTER
UPCOMING EVENTS Career Night: AUGUST 17, 5 PM Corporate & Community Education will be holding a Career Training Info Night August 17th at 5 PM, in room DS106 in the Math & Science Building on the Danvers Campus. Come find out about training for high demand jobs: high tech, health careers, and licensing and trade certifications. We welcome veterans — come speak with NSCC’s Veterans Services about funding eligibility. For more information call 978-236-1200. community.northshore.edu Community College Day at Fenway SEPTEMBER 14, 7 PM Join your fellow NSCC and other Massachusetts Community College alumni for a Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles game at Fenway Wednesday, September 14, 7 PM. Ticket prices are $22 each, and family and friends are welcome! Contact Sandra Rochon, Alumni Coordinator, for more information at srochon@northshore.edu or 978-762-400 ext. 5481. NSCC Open House: OCTOBER 1 Do you have a friend or family member interested in NSCC? On Saturday, October 1st, the Danvers campus will hold an Open House event. Come see the facilities, find out about degree and certificate programs, learn about student support services and more! For more information contact NSCC’s Admissions Department in Danvers at 978-762-4188 or in Lynn at 781-477-2107 or by email at info@northshore.edu.
Fall Forum on Tolerance: OCTOBER 27-28 NSCC’s Forum on Tolerance events initiate educational challenges to help us learn more about one another, bring about empathy and understanding, and make a difference in ourselves, our neighborhoods and our world. On Thursday, October 27th in Lynn and Friday, October 28th in Danvers, NSCC will host fall Forum on Tolerance events “Political Tolerance in a Time of Intolerance.” These are free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend. Additional details will be posted to www.northshore.edu/tolerance in the fall. Halloween Happenings: OCTOBER 6 and OCTOBER 29 NSCC’s annual free Children’s Halloween party at the Lynn campus will be on Saturday, October 29th. Volunteers are welcome to help at the party, sponsor a children’s activity, provide treats for the kids or just bring your little ones for a fun, safe Halloween party. For details contact Brian Falter, Assistant Coordinator of NSCC’s Student Life Services at bfalter@northshore.edu or 978-762-4000 ext. 5490. NSCC’s Alumni Association Board fall scholarship fundraising event will feature renowned spiritual medium Maria Halverson. Join us on Thursday, October 6th at 6 PM to learn about mediumship and experience spirit communication in a fun atmosphere. For more information contact Cathy Anderson, Director of Board Relations, at alumni@northshore.edu or 978-762-4000 x5483.
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ALUMNI BENEFITS NSCC graduates, did you know that: • You can get an alumni discount on noncredit classes at North Shore Community College? Contact the alumni office for details: 978-762-4000 ext. 5481. • You could save on home and auto insurance through Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and our North Shore Community College alumni affinity group? For more information and a quote, contact Paul Minear at 800-782-4415 ext. 50373 and identify yourself as an NSCC alumnus.
Tailored training delivered by industry experts. Maximize your investment with training that will produce results. CTS provides a network of expert trainers and high quality programs bringing specialized curriculum to develop the skills of large or small business teams. Contact Corporate Training Solutions for group training customized to fit your needs and budgets. Elaine Champagne at 978-236-1206 Helene VanDernoot at 978-236-1207 corporate.northshore.edu Alumni News —Summer 2016