BCC's '40 Under Forty' Awards Night Scheduled

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold its annual 40 Under Forty awards celebration on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 5-7 pm.
 
The event will be held under a large tent near Paterson Field House. Tickets are $65 and are available at www.berkshirecc.edu/40-under-forty.
 
40 Under Forty honors talented millennials and Generation Z professionals in the Berkshires who have shown their support for the region through leadership, community service, and a dedication to improving the quality of life for those living and working in the community.
 
Because COVID-19 caused last year's event to be rescheduled, this year's celebration will honor 2020 winners. 
 
Shela Levante, Director of Development, said the celebration has become an anticipated event in the Berkshires, and that the 2020 event was missed. 
 
"We felt strongly that last year's winners deserve recognition in spite of the fact that the event had to be rescheduled," she said. "We wanted to make sure they had their moment to shine, and we're so pleased to be able to hold the event in person." 
 
Masks are required inside the tent and recommended outside the tent.
 
Nominees for 40 Under Forty must be 39 years old or younger as of April 1 of the award year and must work in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Nominations can be submitted by a co-worker, peer, or family member. A panel of judges reviews the nominations and score them according to four criteria:
  • Career path — How fast has the individual risen? How is his or her rising career path unique or unusual?
  • Commitment to the community — Does the individual volunteer? In what capacity?
  • Outside recognition — Has this individual been recognized by any industry or community groups?
  • Overall nomination — Is the nomination complete? Is it thorough and thoughtful?
Applications for the 2022 cohort will open in fall 2021. For more information, contact the Office of Advancement at (413) 236-2185 or 40under40@berkshirecc.edu.

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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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