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A Top College, Again: The MCLA Community Reflects on Success

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As a top ten public college, MCLA has a lot to offer: more than 100 scholarships, a liberal arts curriculum that helps students learn across academic disciplines, tons of student activities, and support ranging from student-led tutoring to the TRIO Program, which focuses on helping low- income, first-generation, or disabled students get the most out of their college experience.
 
These are all important facets—and no doubt part of why MCLA also continues to appear on U.S. News’ list of best colleges for social mobility—but the MCLA community, who work here, live here, and learn here, has more to say about why MCLA has been named a Top Ten College for nine of the last 11 years, and keeps climbing the rankings lists each year.
 
"I think MCLA is a top college because of the quality of education it provides," said Domenica Gomez ’23, who attends MCLA while working as an admission ambassador, giving tours to prospective students. "Throughout my college experience I have had the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance from professors that genuinely care about your educational success and
make long-lasting connections that will help shape my future."
 
Kayla Hollins ’12, MCLA’s director of admission, came to MCLA from New York City and has helped thousands of students learn more about the College before they apply. 
 
"MCLA is a top ten college because it is filled with true trailblazers—first generation students, students who live far from campus, undeclared students, and more," she said. "These are students who took a chance on our small community—and our community continues to deliver a quality education. MCLA is a place for all students to learn how to be a leader. As an alum, I pride myself on being a Trailblazer, and as the director of admission, I hope to recruit more of us to the institution."
 
MCLA professors bring their classes to experience everything in the Berkshires, from tracking salamanders in the MCLA forest and Mount Greylock State Reservation to working with museum staff on arts and education projects. 
 
"We have incredible access to the arts," said Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski. "MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country, is one of our teaching labs. I think that experiential element related to the arts, the environment, and the beauty of the land is what continues to make us a top ten school."
 
"I think the institution, meaning the people who are at its core, understand and stay true to the ultimate mission: providing a quality affordable liberal arts education to a student population that is not especially advantaged," said Dennis Ducharme ’82, president of the MCLA Alumni Association. "The college provides amazing support through a great student to faculty ratio and with many layers of services geared to maximize retention and graduation rates. The result is an educational experience that puts our students on an upward trajectory, both financially and as engaged members of their communities."
 
Want to learn more about MCLA? Talk to the Office of Admission, or plan a visit, at www.mcla.edu.

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Weekend Outlook: Wilco Weekend & Summer Fun

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
It's Wilco Weekend in North Adams and an estimated 10,000 people will be descending on the city. The band curates the every other summer three-day Solid Sound festival at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. It's too late to get tickets — the event's sold out! — but you can hear some of the performances in the downtown area. Or, you can listen for free on NEPM (New England Public Media) 88.5.
 
Check out the other events happening this weekend including parties, craft, and more

Friday

Karaoke Night
Dalton American Legion
Time: 9 p.m.

Sing your heart out at karaoke night.

More information here.

Berkshire Prides Birthday Bash
Stationary Factory, Dalton
Time: 7 p.m.

Celebrate 10 seasons of Berkshire Pride with a birthday dance party. There will be games, treats, face painting and more.

More information and tickets here.

Musical Bingo Fundraiser
Adams Theater
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of fun, music, and bingo with DJ Bizz to help support the theater's summer season.

More information and tickets here.

Summer Movie Night at Clapp Park
Clapp Park, Pittsfield
Time: 8:30 p.m.

Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy "Zootopia 2" and you will also be able to buy popcorn and soda.

More information here.

'A Hundred Words for Snow'
'62 Center, Williamstown
Time: 2 & 7:30, Friday-Saturday
 
After her father’s unexpected death, 15-year-old Rory discovers that he was planning a trip for the two of them to the North Pole. So, she picks up his ashes, her passport, and her mother’s credit card, and sets out to make good on his plans. Produced by the Chester Theatre Company. 
 
Tickets and more information here.
 

Saturday

Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate summer at the library with musical performances, lawn games, crafts, and free ice cream.

The balloon twisting workshop and the adult Escape the Mummy’s Tomb will need to be signed up for.

More information here.

Hudpuckers & Team Contraband car show
Wahconah Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the second year, join Hudpuckers Pub for its annual car show with also motorcycles and trucks.

More information here

Craft Lab
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Drop into the library every Saturday and Monday for a free craft, this Saturday is painting rocks.

More information here.

Bennington Pride
Pleasant Street, Bennington, Vt.
Time: 10 to 4
 
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