BCC Welcomes Vice President of Institutional Advancement

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has named Louise Lydon as Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA).
 
"I am thrilled to be joining Berkshire Community College. As I learn more about the school and its historic connections to Berkshire County, I am struck by the depth of passion that everyone I met has for BCC," Lydon said. "Clearly, BCC is a special place."
 
Lydon has spent more than 20 years in higher education advancement roles, working at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania; George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and, most recently, as the Assistant Dean for Law Advancement at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. There, she partnered with university leadership in engaging donors to solicit multimillion-dollar gifts and spearheaded a $36 million comprehensive campaign for the law school.
 
In her role as VPIA, she is the chief advancement officer for the College. As such, she advises President Ellen Kennedy on the management and operation of alumni relations and donor relations. The VPIA also serves on the President's Executive Council and Cabinet, providing guidance to maximize philanthropic impact. Other responsibilities include developing, executing and evaluating donor engagement. This includes annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, legacy giving, donor and alumni relations, research and prospect management, advancement services, donor cultivation, stewardship and communications/marketing.
 
In collaboration with BCC leadership, Lydon will drive campaign planning to ensure the school's ability to raise capital matches its ambitions to broaden its positive impact on Berkshire County. "A key focus in my first year is making sure BCC is campaign-ready," she said.
 
A first-generation college graduate, Lydon earned a bachelor's degree from Seton Hill University. She is passionate about providing educational opportunities to students of all backgrounds and experiences. She lives with her husband in Cheshire, Massachusetts.

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Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.

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