From the President

Dear Alumni, Donors, and Friends,

I am energized by what I witness every day at HCC — the profound impact education has to transform lives and open doors to opportunity. Every success story, every moment when a student realizes their potential reminds me why we do this work. It is this daily inspiration that drives my excitement about the journey ahead of us.

This academic year marks a pivotal moment in our history as we embark on developing our third Strategic Plan —  SP 3.0 — a process that will chart our path into the future and ensure we continue serving our students and community with excellence.

HCC’s strategic planning journey began in 2017 with remarkable community engagement. We then thoughtfully refreshed our plan in 2021, resulting in our 2023-26 Strategic Plan, and now we stand ready to launch the next chapter. This isn’t just another planning exercise that will gather dust on a shelf. SP 3.0 will be a living, active document that guides every decision we make and shapes how we serve students and strengthen our community partnerships.

The development of SP 3.0 will unfold throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, and I am thrilled to engage our entire community in this collaborative effort. Because that’s what this must be — collaborative. The best strategic plans emerge when diverse voices come together, sharing perspectives, insights, and dreams for what HCC can become.

Our planning process will be anchored by five strategic frameworks that represent our collective priorities and commitments: “Our Values In Action” — making HCC an exceptional workplace through our dedication to people, culture, and equity; “Academic Distinction” —  elevating our reputation for integrative, responsive, and experiential learning; “Student Experience” — fostering transformational experiences rooted in community and belonging; “Collaboration and Partnership” — serving as a catalyst for community and business impact; and “Workforce and Post-Graduation Success” — preparing students with the skills and confidence to soar.

The stories in this issue of The Connection reflect our shared values. They highlight our commitment to collaboration and partnership, showcase the exceptional student experiences that define HCC, and demonstrate the exciting ways that you can engage — or reengage — with your friends at Holyoke Community College. This is precisely the work that strategic planning ensures we can continue and expand upon. 

We cannot stand still. We must remain passionately committed to our students and their success, continuously innovating and adapting to meet their evolving needs. SP 3.0 will help us do exactly that, positioning HCC to thrive while staying true to our mission: Educate. Inspire. Connect.

I am excited to continue this journey together. Your voices, your insights, and your continued support will be essential as we shape the future of Holyoke Community College.

Sincerely,

George Timmons, Ph.D.
President