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Posts published in “News”

Remembering Professor Wyman

By editorialteam on September 11, 2022

A Passionate, Devoted, and Talented Professor Who Will Be Missed by All Of MWCC

By Maddie Willigar | Editor-in-Chief

Mount Wachusett Alumnus and English Professor, David Wyman, unexpectedly passed away on August 12. His presence on campus is one many will miss, and Wyman will be remembered by those at MWCC as someone passionately devoted to his beliefs, students, and poetry.

            Regarding the news, President Vander Hooven said, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of David Wyman. David was an extraordinary educator, completely dedicated to his students. The Mount has lost a passionate teacher and friend. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many colleagues who will miss his love and friendship.” read more

MWCC’s Disability Support Services

By editorialteam on September 11, 2022

Coordinator Explains What Accommodations Are Available to Students

By Halli Coulter | Observer Contributor

Mount Wachusett Community College is made up of almost 4,000 students, with only about 20% who utilize Disability Support Services. Amy LaBarge, Coordinator of MWCC’s Disability Services, outlined the support offered to eligible students and how one can go about using them.

LaBarge explained that the department supports and accommodates all disabilities and said she feels that the students who utilize these services find them helpful.

 “At MWCC, we promote a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and equity,” LaBarge said.  read more

Supporting Equity and Inclusion: The Mount’s Inaugural Chief Diversity Executive

By editorialteam on September 11, 2022

Equity and Inclusion: Mount Wachusett’s Inaugural Chief Diversity Executive

By Maddie Willigar | Editor-in-Chief

Newly appointed Chief Diversity Executive, Stephanie Williams, started her position at the Mount on April 4. Though the pandemic delayed this position from being created sooner, President Vander Hooven and Williams believe this role will foster an inclusive environment where students can be successful.

            Before Williams started in April, Vander Hooven said that the biggest quality he was looking for when searching for someone to fill this position was someone who had “significant experience in leading in complex organizations.” read more

The Insulin Affordability Discussion

By editorialteam on September 11, 2022

The Prices of Diabetes Supplies Remain Dangerously High, but at What Expense?

By Amanda Fales | Observer Contributor

Editor’s Note: This article was written a few months prior to Professor David Wyman’s unexpected death on August 12.

            The cost of insulin has skyrocketed and has left people with diabetes struggling to get what they can’t live without. This issue has been felt worldwide and has impacted some of the faculty at Mount Wachusett firsthand. 

            According to the CDC article “What is Prediabetes,” “Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas” used to control blood sugar. For those with diabetes, going without this drug could cause them to become ill or even die. read more

A Ripple Effect: The Skip From Abortion to Marriage

By editorialteam on September 11, 2022

An Opinion on Why the Overturn of Roe v. Wade Could Impact More Than Women’s Rights

By Nikki Ramos | Observer Contributor

Forty-nine years after the milestone decision, the U.S Supreme Court made the controversial choice to overturn Roe v. Wade. In his concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Justice Clarence Thomas asserted, “Substantiative due process…has harmed our country in many ways and accordingly, we should eliminate it from our jurisprudence at the earliest opportunity.” This bold statement implies that all other cases supported by the substantiative due process clause should be re-examined by the Supreme Court. read more

Gassing Up for Class

By editorialteam on May 4, 2022

Though Fuel Prices Add a Layer of Complexity, They Won’t Impact the Summer and Fall Schedules

By Maddison Willigar | Assistant Editor

Gassing Up for Class

Between the increasing availability of in-person courses at MWCC and the rising gas prices across the US, Business and Economics professor Elmer Eubanks brought a request to the Academic Senate on March 22 to consider increasing the number of online classes between the summer and fall semesters to combat this. However, because the schedules had already been set for both semesters, President Vander Hooven recommended that students communicate with faculty about any needs or struggles they might be facing. read more

Editorial: A Duty to the Press

By editorialteam on May 4, 2022

By Daniel Dow | Editor-in-Chief

Across America, the nation has seen a decline in local news and an increase in what social scientists are calling “news deserts.” News deserts, or media deserts, describe an area that has little to no local news coverage. Although this may not be the norm for all Americans, as news deserts tend to affect more rural areas, it is a growing trend that bears national consequences.

The rise of media deserts is a choice by citizens to not financially support local news that connects the community–local journalists who stir city and town conversation by breaking the latest news to its readers. This should cause concern for all US citizens, as the lack of news is a threat to social and democratic values. read more

Op-ed: A Mount Wachusett Experience

By editorialteam on May 4, 2022

A Long Look Back by the Editor-in-Chief

By Daniel Dow | Editor-in-Chief

My journey started at Mount Wachusett at the height of the pandemic after leaving a 10-year career, with a GPA of 1.8, and on academic probation. I will transfer in the fall to the University of Wisconsin-Superior as I start my own business as a copywriter and editor, a GPA over 3.0, and as a member of the TRIO program. My return in 2021 could not have been a more different experience, and as I leave the Mount to attend my transfer school, I know I will miss the community I found. read more

Christianity and Satan in Politics

By editorialteam on May 4, 2022

An Opinion on the Separation of Church and State

By Andi Cunningham | Observer Contributor

Religion in the United States is a hot-button issue. Christianity has 230-250 million members or 65%-75% of the US population. Often, other religions are looked down upon by the Conservative right. Say the word Satanist or Islam within this circile, and all hell breaks loose. 

With that said, The United States of America is a pluralistic nation in its forming. Originally founded for its religious freedom, it has been confused that the United States is a Christian nation, founded on Christian principles. read more

MWCC’s Earth Day Events

By editorialteam on May 4, 2022

Director of Student Life Discusses College’s Celebration of Our Planet

By Amanda Fales | Observer Contributor

Earth Day has been celebrated yearly on April 22 since 1970, and numerous events took place on the Mount Wachusett campus to show appreciation for this annual holiday that celebrates a place that billions of people call home.

            The day also offers an opportunity to brainstorm ideas to help curb the impacts of climate change and discussions on what can be done to prevent environmental issues from getting worse. To help this effort, Mount Wachusett hosted its own celebrations for the week of April 25-28. read more