Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “Profiles”

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Thomas Boupha

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Brittany Eldridge | Observer Contributor

Thomas Boupha, 19, is in his third semester and talked about what he has learned as a media communications major.

Boupha stated that he wishes to establish his own YouTube channel in the future. He hopes that his media classes will help him achieve his goal.

He enjoys dancing and fishing. His favorite type of dancing is hip-hop, but Boupha claims that he is interested in a variety of types of dance.

Boupha lives in Gardner and works as a dishwasher at Cruisers Malt Shoppe. read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Human Services Club

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Briana Shelly | Observer Contributor

Cassparina Carlson, a Human Services major, talked about the Human Services Club and what it means for the community.

Carlson, President of the Human Services Club, described her club as a group of people who are involved with giving back to the community and servicing people.

“I really want to get as many people, especially young people, involved,” Carlson said.

Carlson is hoping that she will get some newcomers to join the club and help make a difference in the community. read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Delta Alpha Phi

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Chad Blouin | Observer Contributor

Photo by Cassie Roy

Amy LaBarge and Amanda Robichaud promoted Delta Alpha Pi, an international honor society, at Fall Fest.

Robichaud, the club president, was adamant about the club’s mission to promote and recognize the high achievements of students with disabilities. Members of the chapter are there to promote disability awareness and pride, and to also help foster friendships through various activities on campus. 

Club Advisor, Amy LaBarge, was optimistic about the club’s future citing the growing number of chapters all throughout the country. As of now, the honor society stands at 140 chapters with one-eighth of them located in Massachusetts. read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Graphic & Interactive Design Club

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Brittany Eldridge | Observer Contributor

Photo by Cassie Roy

The Graphic & Interactive Design Club seeks out new members with an interest in aiding the local Gardner community.

Gina Khouth, the President of the Graphic & Interactive Design Club, urged individuals with an interest in both graphic design and community projects to join the club. 

Members of the GID Club learn how to create designs for t-shirts. They also participate in projects that aid the community such as the Thanksgiving raffle and food pantry. Individuals involved in the club also participate in organizing a trip to New York City.  read more

(Archive October 2018) Clubs & Campus: Creative Writing Club

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Sophia Schlegelmilch | Observer Contributor

Photo by Cassie Roy

The Creative Writing Club offers students the opportunity to connect with other writers and to have their work published and is welcoming all new members.

Michele Walsky, a Professional Writing major, is the president of the club. She joined the club last fall, after taking a creative writing course with Professor Michelle Valois. Walsky says the class inspired her because it focused on “the love of words, not so much the organization. It was about breaking the rules, and it was very freeing.” Walsky has since completed and published a novel.  read more

(Archive October 2018) John Walsh: Dean of MWCC Leominster

By editorialteam on March 28, 2025

By Mark Revesai | Observer Contributor

One of John Walsh’s recent acts as Dean of MWCC’s Leominster campus was to order a new show of artwork hung in the halls of the school, made up of material from the Gardner campus’ Photography (above) and Graphic and Interactive Design (below) departments.
Photos by Thomas Hill Jr.

John D. Walsh, Dean of the Leominster campus, said the campus is small, approachable, and he hopes it continues to be a place of choice for students.

Walsh, 51, who has held this position for seven years, said his job is equivalent to that of a high school principal, in that, he works with students, staff, and faculty. He sees the campus as the “front porch” of this college adding that the campus is small and easy to manage. 

Prior to this position, Walsh served as the College Admissions Director and Registrar on the Gardner campus for eight years. read more

(Archive September 2018) Fighting the Addiction to End the Affliction

By editorialteam on March 5, 2025

By Maurisa Weld | Observer Contributor

Mental Health Counselor Melissa Manzi deals with opiate addiction on a regular basis. Though students don’t usually seek out treatment with Manzi, she said students come to her for help when loved ones are battling addiction.

An Opiate Addiction Awareness Seminar was held and focused on, in addition to addiction, mental health. “I’ve had several students who have watched their parents overdose,” Manzi said, “and others who have had a total of three friends die to opiates.” read more

(Archive September 2018) Spin Street Cred Into College Cred in Hip Hop Class

By editorialteam on March 5, 2025

By Maurisa Weld | Observer Contributor

Photos by Maurisa Weld
Ashlaw, student/s dancing

Did you know you can “break, pop and lock” and have it count towards a degree? If you always wanted to bust a move, Street Dance/ Hip-Hop is now offered as an accredited elective with no prior dance experience required.

Choreographer and instructor Brittany Ashlaw has been dancing since she was two years old and has been teaching dance arts for 10 years. Ashlaw said teaching at the college is different than at studios because she can incorporate discussion and dance history into the movement lessons.  read more

(Archive September 2018) A New President, A New Precedent

By editorialteam on March 5, 2025

By Ayana Brodeur-Edmonds | Observer Contributor

Photo courtesy of MWCC
President James L. Vander Hooven

It has been an eventful year for the community since President James L. Vander Hooven took office at MWCC. After a year of changes, President Vander Hooven and the community share their thoughts on where MWCC is now.

When Vander Hooven first looked into MWCC, he says that he was very impressed by the students and faculty. He “loved” the programs offered at MWCC, and said, “It [Working at MWCC] just seemed like a really great opportunity for me.” So far, his time at the college has been enjoyable. Vander Hooven has gotten to explore the community, and get a “deeper understanding” of what goes on here at the Mount.  read more

(Archive May 2018) The Science of Finding Your Niche

By editorialteam on February 20, 2025

By Alan Wong | Observer Correspondent

Model of a human skeleton found in the science wing.
Photo by Brianna Stevens

You never know where a path will lead you. Biology professor William LeFrancois got into science because he wanted to become a doctor when he was younger. LeFrancois was a pre-med major and tried to get into medical school, but was not selected due to lack of experience. In order to gain experience, he became an instructor. He enjoyed the school scene so much, he decided to stick with teaching instead. 

LeFrancois’ favorite part about teaching is interacting with students and helping them understand concepts in their majors. He also thinks helping students is fun and said that he feels better when they understand.  read more