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Nursing, Wellness Dean Is Keynote Speaker at BCC Commencement

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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 Council OKs Privacy Measure, Sees Bridge Update

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The state plans to remove some of crumbling concrete on the Dalton Avenue bridge and wrap its repairs into a project with the rail trail. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council is taking steps to protect its own privacy, as well as public comment speakers' privacy. 

On Tuesday, councilors voted to remove their home addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with 70 Allen St., or City Hall, to improve safety. It was brought forward by Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody, Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, and Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham. 

"This is an easy proposal to support," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said. 

While this doesn't completely block their addresses from public view, as they are listed elsewhere as residents, it makes them a little harder to access. 

Moody pointed out that a Virginia city councilor was set on fire last year by a member of the public. NBC News reported that the attack stemmed from a personal matter. 

"I don't think anybody worries about me being able to defend myself, but I do have children, and I worry for them," Moody explained. 

Warren pointed out that they have done the same for those who speak at public comment. When he was first elected into office years ago, people picketed at his home for his stance on a School Committee issue. 

"Back then, it wasn't that big a deal. Now we find ourselves in very divisive times," Warren said. 

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