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Local Students Earn Williams College Degrees

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College President Maud S. Mandel today conferred bachelor of arts degrees to local graduates at the college's 230th commencement. Mary-Claire King, an award-winning geneticist at the University of Washington who first discovered the breast and ovarian cancer gene, was the principal speaker.

Adams

Jonathan R. Hall, son of Mrs. Allison Hall and Mr. Brian Hall of Rockville Centre, N.Y., majored in chemistry and mathematics. Hall was the president of the Williams Outing Club and a Junior Advisor. He graduated with honors in chemistry, was a Fulbright Scholar, a Class of 1960s Scholar in Chemistry, Roche Fellowship recipient, Class of 1945 World Fellowship recipient, and a member of Sigma Xi.

Dalton

Jeffrey A. Pullano, son of Mark and Michelle Pullano, majored in chemistry. Pullano was a member of the Williams College Jazz Ensemble and the Williams Oral Health Society. He was a student assistant to the athletic trainer, a chemistry lab teaching assistant (TA), grading TA, peer tutor, and a tutor at the Math and Science Resource Center.

Pittsfield

Anna Black, daughter of Valerie Anderson and David Black, majored in physics and statistics. Black was a board member of the Green Revolving Fund. She was a TA for the departments of computer science, economics, statistics, and the Center for Environmental Studies. She graduated with honors in physics and was elected to Sigma Xi and the national statistics honor society Mu Sigma Rho.

Anna Leonard, daughter of Sandra Keen and Richard Leonard, majored in psychology. Leonard participated on the Neighborhood Leadership Team and was a research assistant in the psychology department. She received the Patricia Goldman-Rakic Prize in Neuroscience, graduated cum laude with honors in physics, and was elected to Sigma Xi.

Merudjina Normil, daughter of Ms. Roselie Honlah, majored in comparative literature. Normil was a member of Kusika, Ritmo Latino, Black Student Union, Students of Caribbean Ancestry, and Cap and Bells. She is also a recipient of the Ernest Brown Africana Arts Prize and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.

Williamstown

Jake B. Foehl, son of Mr. and Mrs. Foehl, majored in statistics and was a member of the men's golf team.

Rachel Burr Gerrard, daughter of Jenny and Steve Gerrard, majored in psychology. Gerrard graduated magna cum laude, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and made dean's list. She participated in the Williamstown Elementary School Big Sibling Program and was a host for Williams Trivia Night.

Eric Daniel Hirsch, son of Alan and Marjorie Hirsch, majored in history. Hirsch was on the men's soccer team and worked for the Office of Sports Information.

Matthew John Hogan, son of Sue and John Hogan, majored in economics and was on the men's lacrosse team.

Nyein Chan T. Soe, son of Thet and Marlar Soe, majored in physics. Soe was captain of club tennis and made dean's list.

 


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Williamstown Charter Review Panel OKs Fix to Address 'Separation of Powers' Concern

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Charter Review Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to endorse an amended version of the compliance provision it drafted to be added to the Town Charter.
 
The committee accepted language designed to meet concerns raised by the Planning Board about separation of powers under the charter.
 
The committee's original compliance language — Article 32 on the annual town meeting warrant — would have made the Select Board responsible for determining a remedy if any other town board or committee violated the charter.
 
The Planning Board objected to that notion, pointing out that it would give one elected body in town some authority over another.
 
On Wednesday, Charter Review Committee co-Chairs Andrew Hogeland and Jeffrey Johnson, both members of the Select Board, brought their colleagues amended language that, in essence, gives authority to enforce charter compliance by a board to its appointing authority.
 
For example, the Select Board would have authority to determine a remedy if, say, the Community Preservation Committee somehow violated the charter. And the voters, who elect the Planning Board, would have ultimate say if that body violates the charter.
 
In reality, the charter says very little about what town boards and committees — other than the Select Board — can or cannot do, and the powers of bodies like the Planning Board are regulated by state law.
 
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