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: Mount Greylock, Shakespeare Day
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend including birding, theater, and more to welcome the warmer weather.
Mount Greylock Summit Opening Day
Mount Greylock, Adams
Welcome the warm weather on the state's highest peak. Bascom Lodge opens Saturday at 10 a.m. A live raptor demonstration is at noon on Saturday; beekeeping presentation from 11 to 2 and presentation on the Greylock Glen at 5:30 on Sunday.
The War Memorial will also be open. Tours and a presentation on the "Tower of Remembrance" will be held on Sunday and Monday at 1 and 2 p.m. Meet at the bronze map.
Shakespeare & Company Community Day
70 Kemble St., Lenox
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event features live demonstrations and performances, scavenger hunts, film screenings, food trucks, and dozens of other local nonprofits sharing the ways they serve the Berkshires — and beyond.
Radical Reptile Series
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Second of a three-part series on reptiles and amphibians introduced by The Reptile Nook. This Saturday will focus on the world of lizards, and next Saturday on snakes.
The 39th annual arts and crafts festival with more than 100 vendors. Free and family friendly with live performances, food trucks and local restaurant and downtown business specials. Held on Main and School streets.
Introduction to Bird Watching
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Interested in learning about the birds and trying to catch a glimpse of all the different types? Join Mass Audubon and practice birding. Bring your own binoculars, some loaners available.
The market is open every Saturday. Every week, locally grown food, flowers, and plants will be available, along with other local vendors. The market accepts and offers doubling SNAP, HIP, WIC, and Senior market coupons. More information is here.
Lee Farmers Market
The Town Park
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The market offers locally grown produce, prepared foods, locally created arts and crafts, and herbal products. YogaLee offers free community yoga from 9:30 to 10:30 on the first Saturday of each month.
The market accepts SNAP, HIP, Senior Coupons, and WIC Coupons and also offers Market Match. More information here.
Lenox Farmers Market
St. Ann's Church
Fridays: 11 to 3.
This market is open every Friday through Sept. 12 and features fresh produce, pastries, cheeses, and more.
Brooke Harrington scored four goals, and Abigail Rodhouse had a hat trick as Wahconah won its second straight Western Mass title and the rubber match against the Mounties in the third one-goal game between the teams this spring. click for more
The graduates of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' 127th commencement were sent off with the charge of "don't stop now" to make the world a better place.
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