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

02:51PM / Monday, February 14, 2022Print Story | Email Story

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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North Adams Begins Downtown Christmas Tree Installation

Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
02:42PM / Monday, November 02, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Downtown North Adams took its first official step into the holiday season Monday as city crews began installing this year’s Christmas trees along Main Street.

"The weather is great, and it should be beautiful all week," said Wire and Alarm Inspector Mitchell Meranti. "We will have some great weather to decorate."

Meranti said city workers moved the first tree — a 25-foot blue spruce from Cheshire — at 7 a.m. It was installed closest to City Hall.

The second tree, a 30-foot balsam fir from Adams, was paraded down Main Street in the early afternoon. It will stand at the other end of Main Street near the monument, Meranti said, adding that it was closer to 45 feet before being cut down.

"We cut a lot off of it," he said.

Around 1 p.m., a crane suspended the tree so workers could trim the trunk to fit the stand.

"That is the biggest challenge this year... we need to get it down to 14 inches," Meranti said.

Once the tree fits, Meranti said the crew has to determine its best side. Though the tree is a bit patchy, he remains confident it will look great once lit.

"I need to figure out what side looks the best," he said. "This is a tough one, but we will make it look good."

The city tree lighting will take place Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

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