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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MountainOne Financial, Mechanics Bancorp Receive Aprovals To Merge

10:44AM / Friday, December 12, 2025

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne Financial, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of MountainOne Bank, and Mechanics Bancorp, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, announced that all regulatory approvals required to complete the merger of the two mutual holding companies have been received.

The merger transaction is scheduled to take place on Jan. 1, 2026, at which time the newly combined mutual holding company will operate under the name MountainOne Financial, MHC, and will have approximately $1.9 billion in assets.

MountainOne Bank and Mechanics Cooperative Bank will continue to operate as two separate, independently chartered community banks, and will each retain their existing names, headquarters locations, leadership teams, and boards of directors. Furthermore, customers will not experience any disruption, nor do they need to take any action.

Bringing together two organizations allows the newly combined mutual holding company to take their time in evaluating opportunities to collaborate where doing so strengthens service, enhances operational efficiency, or supports long-term sustainability.

Upon completion of the merger, Robert J. Fraser will serve as Chairman and Joseph T. Baptista Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined Mutual Holding Company, MountainOne Financial, MHC. Fraser will continue in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of MountainOne Bank and Baptista will also remain as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mechanics Cooperative Bank. There are no staff reductions associated with the merger.

"This merger is a strong step for both organizations," said Robert J. Fraser. "It reflects shared priorities and a clear focus on bringing long-term value to our customers and community. We are proud of the work that brought us here and confident in the direction ahead. Our customers, employees, and communities remain at the center of our decisions."

"We are excited to move forward together," said Joseph T. Baptista Jr. "This merger positions us to grow, invest, and serve with even greater impact. Our teams are energized by our shared vision, and we are looking forward to the opportunities it creates for our customers and communities. MountainOne Financial, MHC will carry on each legacy organizations’ commitment to mutuality, which places its customers and communities at the center of organizational decision-making. MountainOne Bank and Mechanics Cooperative Bank each have deep roots in their respective communities and have prioritized an ongoing commitment to remain local, accessible, and engaged."

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