Posts tagged as “faculty”

(Archive November 2016) Shivers Trembles with Uncertainty About Trump Presidency, Remains Hopeful

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

Can We Persevere? Yes We Can-dace!

By Jason D. Greenough | Web/Social Media Editor

For some, it has been a tough week following the Presidential election. The atmosphere surrounding the results that brought Donald Trump into the position of commander in chief has been filled with varying amounts of fear, anger, sadness, and uncertainty, throughout different demographics of the American populace.

Here at MWCC, Students and faculty alike are trying to sort through their own feelings on the events that transpired on November 8^th, with some feeling what they can only equate to grieving, others feeling frustrated and perplexed at how their country has come to this, and others who are cautious, yet hopeful, that the 45^th President of these United States will change his ways from the behavior we have witnessed throughout the last 18 months. Candace Shivers, Associate Professor of Human Services and Sociology here at the Mount, has something to say about the effect that a Trump presidency might have on college students, such as commuting costs. read more

(Archive November 2016) Michelle Valois Says Raise Taxes on 1%

By editorialteam on September 4, 2024

By Rebekah Chiasson | Assistant Editor

Just one day before the election, Democrat and professor at MWCC, Michelle Valois feared internal conflict within our nation if Trump were to be elected. According to ABC, CNN, USA Today, her fears came true with nation-wide Trump protests felt in California, Chicago, and Washington just days after the election of future President Trump. Valois explained, “I am very nervous for the poor and working and middle class, but I am more nervous for Muslims, Mexicans, all people of color, immigrants (legal and illegal), the LGBTQ community, especially trans youth,” and added, “If Trump cannot pass legislation that adversely affects their lives, I fear that his supporters might feel that it is now okay to harass and hurt these most vulnerable and marginalized people.” read more

(Archive May 2016) Ibsen and Hansberry and Miller, Oh My!

By editorialteam on September 3, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Observer Contributor

Every other year, MWCC offers a one of a kind class called Modern Drama, taught by Professor Susan Blake.

In Modern Drama, students read and discuss popular plays from the 20th century, like Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, and Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, along with a handful of others, plus a professor who is passionate about the topic. “I always loved plays,” Professor Blake said, “I’m always looking for new plays and playwrights.” read more

(Archive April 2016) Profiling: Heather Conn

By editorialteam on August 27, 2024

Making Science Fun

By Andrew Hoenig | Assistant Editor

Photo courtesy of Heather Conn

Gardner, Mass. – Professor of Sciences Heather Conn is looking to make learning science fun for students at Mount Wachusett Community College by bringing a young and energetic teaching style.

Conn, 43, has been a professor at the Mount for almost 11 years teaching a wide variety of sciences on campus including Anatomy I and II, Physiology I and II, Environmental Chemistry, Life Sciences for Allied Health, Geology, and Paleontology.

“I like being a jack of all trades,” said Conn. read more

(Archive December 2011) Professor Profile: Welcome Molly Jarvi

By editorialteam on August 21, 2024

By Christopher Kyprianos | Observer Contributor

Molly Jarvi and Bruin
Photo by C. Kyprianos

Molly K. Jarvi will be joining the Mount Wachusett Community College family in the spring of 2012 as an adjunct Professor and will be based at the Leominster satellite campus. She brings with her a strong desire to serve the academic community, a robust educational background, and a hardy dose or real-world experience.

She received her MBA in Management from Fitchburg State College 2009 after having received her BA in Communication Studies from Bridgewater State College in 2006. Subsequently, Jarvi accepted an AR specialist position with SimplexGrinnell, based in Westminster, Mass. Since that time, she has made several progressive moves within the company and in April 2010, progressed into a Senior Sourcing Specialist position. read more

Beyond Critique

By editorialteam on December 27, 2023

Director of Assessments Amanda Henrichs’ Mission to Cultivate Joyful Learning

By Katie Holgerson | Assistant Editor

Amanda Henrichs has been the Director of Assessments at the Mount for about 2 years and uses they/them pronouns. Originally from Oregon, Henrichs reflected on how different their life was in the Beaver State, mentioning that they were “milking goats and making porridge.” They explained the geographical distinctions between Oregon and Massachusetts, noting that Oregon experiences more rainfall and is “always gray,” with mountains for skiing and even a desert known as the High Desert on the other side. Henrichs recommends visiting Crater Lake, describing it as “incredible, it’s an old volcano that is filled in.” read more

Profile: Kerrie Griffin

By editorialteam on September 20, 2023

MWCC Professor Shares her Passion for Psychology

By Isabelle Mascary | Observer Contributor

Assistant Professor of Psychology & Human Services Kerrie Griffin has been teaching at the Mount since 2008. Her greatest passions involve socialization, advising, and helping her students grow, often drawing on her own experiences to do so.

Griffin attended the University of New Hampshire, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology and a graduate degree in counseling. “I went back for a second degree because I was comfortable there and had such a great undergraduate experience,” she shared. read more

Profile: Candace Shivers

By editorialteam on May 18, 2023

Professor Talks Leadership, Social Justice, and Empowerment

By Isabelle Mascary | Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy MWCC

Candace Shivers, a seasoned professor with nineteen years of experience at the Mount, started as an adjunct in 2003 and became a full-time professor in the following year, teaching Sociology, human resources, and psychology classes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from American International College, as well as a Master’s degree from Assumption College. As a member of the Union and Board of Directors of the National Education Association, the largest labor local in the United States, she is deeply committed to her profession. What she enjoys most about being an educator is engaging with her students and having conversations about current issues. “I enjoy the process of learning together, and if I could just be in front of the class, having these conversations, I would be happy,” she said. read more

‘This is Me Giving Back’

By editorialteam on April 12, 2023

Assistant Dean of Students Sabine Dupoux Shines Light on Her Journey as a First Generation College Student

By Isabelle Mascary | Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Sabine Dupoux

In the midst of the pandemic two and a half years ago, Sabine Dupoux became the Assistant Dean of Students at the Leominster campus and has been a part of the Mount family ever since. She is a first generation Haitian-American graduate with her Master’s degree in Business Administration.

She oversees the food pantry in Gardner and Leominster and also oversees the management operations of the Leominster building to ensure safety for faculty, staff and students. “My role is to ensure that students are successful inside and outside of the classroom,” she said. read more

A Mess to Clean Up

By editorialteam on April 12, 2023

Students and Faculty at the Mount Share Thoughts on Environmental Crises after Ohio Spill

By Katie Holgerson | Observer Contributor

Following a recent train derailment in Ohio, there are growing concerns over the potential health and environmental impacts caused by the spillage of hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride and butyl acetate into nearby rivers.

The incident occurred on February 3rd, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio, causing all the town residents to evacuate due to the hazardous chemicals involved. In addition to public health concerns, the derailment caused an explosion and spillage of chemicals into nearby rivers, leading to the death of several fish. Efforts to control the situation through a controlled burn resulted in several chemicals being released into the atmosphere. Concerns have risen as people on social media have reported that the air in the area smelled of chlorine and chemicals, although the government assured the area was safe to return. It is worth noting that studies show the younger generation, including 32% of Gen Z and 28% of Millennials, are more concerned about global warming and other environmental issues and have taken actions for the planet in 2021. read more