From the President

Dear Alumni, Donors and Friends,

I write this on a beautiful, sunny, early fall day. I’ve just come from the Welcome Back Barbecue that we host every year to reconnect with one another after the summer and launch a new academic year as a campus community. This year’s barbecue had a special addition to it — a cake-cutting to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Holyoke Community College.

On Sept. 9, 1946, the Holyoke School Committee voted to establish the Holyoke Graduate School, the first incarnation of what is now HCC. For eight decades, HCC has been a place of opportunity, access, and transformation. As I said to students, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees, in celebrating this anniversary, we continue to honor the vision of HCC’s founders, the dedication of generations of faculty and staff and the accomplishments of the many students and alumni whose lives have been shaped here.

Some of those accomplishments are highlighted in this issue of The Connection. Read our interview with Julissa Colón ’13, who was recently named HCC’s first dean of student experience. Julissa began working at HCC as a clerk 16 years ago, at the time a young mother of two with only a high school diploma. With the support of her HCC mentor Irma Medina ’97 — and others — she went on to earn her associate degree from HCC, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston, working full time at HCC all the way.

Inside, you’ll meet elder law attorney Gina Barry ’94, whose love for a special horse led her to establish a nonprofit sanctuary for aging, abandoned, and abused horses. You’ll learn about recent graduate Jeronimo Monsalve ’26, a New York City native who found his way to HCC, discovered a passion for public policy, and is now at Cornell University on a full scholarship.

These stories reflect the determination of students and the enduring commitment of our faculty and staff. For 80 years, this community has provided the support and inspiration that help students overcome barriers and achieve success. As we mark this milestone, we are not simply looking back; we are renewing our commitment to the future.

Sincerely,

George Timmons, Ph.D.
President