MCLA to Hold Annual Undergraduate Research Conference

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host its 23rd annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on April 24. The conference is intended to acknowledge students' academic work.

This year's keynote speaker is MCLA alumnus Bentley S. Munsell '15, a registered nurse and nursing leader who advocates for social justice and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in healthcare.

Munsell, who identifies as a queer, transgender man, has been involved in advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in healthcare since 2016. He co-founded the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) DEIB committee, where he has directed outreach and implemented inclusive healthcare training programs. Munsell is currently the clinical nurse manager for SVMC’s ExpressCare and is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Colby-Sawyer College.

The URC is described as an event that highlights MCLA's commitment to inquiry, exploration, and mentorship. The campus-wide event showcases undergraduate research and creative activity across various academic disciplines. Students collaborate with faculty sponsors to develop academic projects, which are presented through oral presentations, poster sessions, or performances.

The full-day event is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. with iced coffee on the quad and conclude at 7:00 p.m. with a student performance. A poster session is planned for 11:00 a.m., and the keynote speaker and lunch are scheduled for noon. Further details regarding the event schedule and locations will be announced.

Students are expected to deliver 15-minute presentations, display posters, and present artistic works, with specialized sessions and performances throughout the day. Media representatives are invited to cover the event, attend presentations, and conduct interviews with students and faculty.

Northern Berkshire United Way: War and Peace

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
09:38PM / Saturday, February 28, 2026

Northern Berkshire United Way is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Each month, we will take a look back at the agency's milestones over the decades. This first part looks at its successes and challenges during the war years.

 

The Community Chest started the decade on the upswing but ended with a decline in fundraising. A bright spot was its establishment of new agencies to help the citizens of North Adams and Clarksburg. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Community Chest ended its first decade on an upswing, even as the clouds were darkening over Europe.

 

But what goes up, must eventually come down. 

 

The 1940 campaign drive again set a goal of $39,600 and volunteers toted up $23,000 at the first meeting.

 

James Hunter Machine was the first to attain 100 percent enrollment with annual gift of $6.13 per person for a total of $1,275. Some 200 businesses and organizations hit their red feather level of 100 percent, including all of the schools as well as State Teachers College. 

 

The litany of businesses and organizations included long-gone establishments such as Simmons Funeral Home, Spofford Motors, McCann Ice Cream Co., C.H. Cutting, West End Market, Apothecary Hall, Florini's Italian Garden, and Pizzi's, along with still existing enterprises like Whitney's Beverage Shop, Cascade Paper and Mount Williams Greenhouse.

 

The now annual dinner was served by the Ladies Aid Society of First Congregational at the YMCA, and attendees were entertained by singers from the Advent Christian Church, directed by the Rev. Martin Ball and accompanied by his wife on the piano. "Assisting in useful capacities" were YMCA junior members Howard Goodermote, Roy Modlinger, Fred Myers, Norman Remillard, George Grenier, Wallace Konopka and Anthony Pessolano.