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: Lenox Apple Squeeze and More
It might look to be a rainy first weekend of fall, but there's plenty to do around the Berkshires.
The 45th edition of Lenox's signature fall festival features more than 100 artisan and food vendors, live music, family activities, and a full street fair experience in downtown Lenox.
The festival is free to attend and will include a day of family fun with music, food and a kids carnival, as well as musical performances throughout downtown.
Eastern States Exposition West Springfield
Through Oct. 4
The Big E is the region's biggest fair with live entertainment, a midway, circus, exhibits, parades, booths, food, agricultural competitions, and presentations by each of the New England states.
Stock up on reading material for the winter: Books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, games, and baked goods. Proceeds benefit the public library.
Friday
Fall Migration for Beginning Birders
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
7-8:30 a.m.
This beginner-friendly walk focuses on bird-finding tips, simple identification cues, and observing bird behavior. The Pike's Pond Loop — a mostly flat trail with accessible features — offers a beautiful scenic view of both the pond and Yokun Ridge in the distance.
American Stories Curator Talks: Service and Sacrifice
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
9:30 a.m.
Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett will describe how during times of war artists and illustrators have worked as reporters, makers of propaganda, and mythmakers. This session will consider the ethical responsibilities of artists, including Norman Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker, involved in wartime image production and will pose questions about memory, accountability, and the relevance of wartime imagery in our society.
What's The Tea @ WCMA
Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown
4-5:30 p.m.
Stop by the museum between 4 and 5:30 to learn about what's happening at WCMA this year. Start off in the lounge with a cup of tea before heading into the galleries for a peek at Object Lab, where you will see works of art classes will be studying this fall. Then make your way upstairs to get a behind-the-scenes look of how the museum is preparing for its new home, opening in 2027. Free and open to all.
'Be Good!' with Paulette
The Foundry, West Stockbridge
7:30 p.m.
Hot off of an international tour, certified clown Daniel Maseda brings well-mannered idiot Paulette to the Berkshires for the very second time with this fan-favorite show that never plays out the same way twice. A good night for anyone who wants to scream at a polite person.
Berkshire Drum and Fife was built on the region's loud heritage, and instructor Michael Eagle wants to keep that tradition thundering into the 21st century. click for more
Northern Berkshire United Way kicked off its 91st campaign drive this week, wrapping up a yearlong celebration of its nine decades supporting local services. click for more