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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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Letter: Fitch for the Future

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

I was born, raised, and had a full career as a public schoolteacher and administrator in Massachusetts.

Strong dedication and work ethic in one's career and community roles are of upmost importance to me. For this reason, I'd like to introduce you to my son, Andrew J. Fitch, who is campaigning to be the next Massachusetts state representative in the 1st Berkshire District.

Dedication, work ethic and community efforts define my son. I've witnessed this with my own eyes and have heard similar stories from his contemporaries, teachers, professors, employers and constituents for 41 years.

I'm 65 years old and very cognizant of the fact that the time has come to thank our older politicians for their work and to encourage our next generation to step forward in local, state and federal government. Think of how different and fast moving this world is than it was 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago! This younger generation needs to be embraced for their understanding, growth, hard work and forward thinking. We will all benefit.

Andrew Fitch is for the future. Believe me, I know. He is what is needed at the state level; he will work tirelessly for your community. Get to know him and you'll agree! Visit his website at Andrewfitch.org. Get involved. Go to an event or gathering to meet him, talk with him, tell him your story and your needs, because he'll listen. If you do, I believe you'll agree with me about Andrew, and not just because I'm his Mom.

SARA PROUTY
Moultonboro, N.H.

 

 

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