Nursing, Wellness Dean Is Keynote Speaker at BCC Commencement

12:16PM / Saturday, April 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College has selected Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness Lori Moon as the keynote speaker for commencement exercises sy 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at Tanglewood in Lenox.

"Lori Moon embodies the spirit of Berkshire Community College. She is a graduate of BCC, a former?practical nurse faculty member, and now the leader who has transformed our nursing program into a model of excellence, accountability, and care," said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "Her hospice nursing background, her belief in second chances, and her deep commitment to students make her not just an ideal speaker — but the right one."

Moon joined the college in 2016 as an assistant professor in the Practical Nurse Program, where she discovered a passion for nursing education and mentoring future health-care professionals. After three years, she was appointed dean of nursing and program administrator for both the associate degree and Practical Nurse programs. In 2022, her leadership role expanded further when she became dean of nursing, health and wellness, providing guidance and vision for Allied Health, Health Sciences, and Fire Science programs.

During her time at BCC, she has built meaningful connections with colleagues and students alike, and she takes great pride in seeing her former students out in the community making a difference in the lives of others.

A BCC alumna and first-generation college student, Moon earned her associate degree in nursing in 1990. She continued her education through an RN-to-BSN program offered by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst on the BCC campus in 1992, and later went on to complete her master's in nursing education from UMass Amherst in 2019.

Before transitioning to academia, Moon spent 20 years in hospice nursing, a calling that remains especially close to her heart. Her career also includes being a substitute school nurse, as well as roles at Berkshire Medical Center and with the Visiting Nurse Association. She will retire from her role at BCC at the end of this summer and says she looks forward to continuing part-time work in nursing and, most importantly, spending cherished time with her three beloved granddaughters.

More information on commencement and end-of-year activities here.

Tags: BCC, graduation 2026,

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Pittsfield's Highland Restaurant Closing After 90 Years of Business

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:52PM / Monday, August 03, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Highland Restaurant will close after 90 years of serving locals pasta, seafood, and other Italian favorites.

On Sunday, the restaurant announced on social media that August will be its last month in business.

"In 1936, The Highland Restaurant opened its doors with overarching goals of bringing people together, serving great food, and creating lasting memories. For 90 years, generations of families, friends, and neighbors have made The Highland part of their lives. It has been our privilege to be part of yours," a Facebook post reads.

"As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we have also reached a natural conclusion. It is with a rush of mixed emotions that we announce August will be our final month in business."

The eatery at 100 Fenn Street, right next to City Hall, is owned by Pasquale, Gerardo and Dario Arace. The owners wrote that The Highland has always been more than a restaurant: "It has been our family's home and life's work."

They hope that every time people think of The Highland, it is with a smile.

"We are endlessly grateful to our employees, with some being with us for more than 50 years, for their loyalty, dedication, and friendship," the post reads.

"Above all, thank you to the people of Berkshire County and beyond. Your support, kindness, and memories have sustained us for nine decades. We hope The Highland will always be remembered not just for the meals we served, but for the moments shared around our tables."

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