Editor’s Note: We had so much business news this week that we decided to break Business Briefs into two parts. This is the second part.
Bard College awarded $124,936 by the Heising-Simons foundation to simulate and detect potential biosignatures
Annandale-On-Hudson— Bard College is pleased to announce that it has received $124,936 from the Heising-Simons Foundation for a five-year project to simulate and detect potential biosignatures from exoplanets. The project, led by Assistant Professor of Physics Clara Sousa-Silva, will look for potential markers of life beyond Earth by expanding our understanding of how molecules behave in different atmospheric environments.
“Currently, the most pressing limitation in the characterization of planets, and, ultimately, the detection of life, is our lack of understanding of molecules and their environmental interactions,” professor Sousa-Silva explains. “My research proposal aims to address this problem through a combination of quantum chemistry, astrobiology, and planetary sciences.”
Professor Sousa-Silva’s previous work focused on simulating spectra (the band of colors produced by the separation of components of light by wavelength) for biosignature gases. Now, with the development of more advanced observational technologies, she is able to apply that work more directly by studying the atmospheric spectrum of exoplanets and identifying molecules connected to life. In 2019, professor Sousa-Silva was named a 51 Pegasi b fellow with the Foundation. The fellowship, which is named for the first exoplanet discovered orbiting a Sun-like star, provides three years of postdoctoral support to early-career scholars in planetary science and astronomy.
The Heising-Simons Foundation is a family foundation that funds work that advances sustainable solutions in climate and clean energy, enables groundbreaking research in science, enhances the education of our youngest learners, and supports human rights for all people.
***
Bard College awarded funding for a visiting assistant professor position in Korean Studies
Annandale-On-Hudson— Bard College is pleased to announce that it has received funding from the Korea Foundation to support the hiring of Soonyoung Lee as a visiting assistant professor in Korean Studies for the 2023-2024 academic year. This hire is the first step toward building a Korean Program at Bard. The hire is part of a broader effort to expand the Asian Studies Program, including the Asian Diasporic Initiative, begun in 2021, and Bard’s first-ever Korea Week in April 2022.
“We are beyond delighted to receive the support of the Korea Foundation to begin offering Korean language and literature courses at Bard for the first time,” said Nathan Shockey, associate professor of Japanese, who worked together with Heeryoon Shin, assistant professor of art history and visual culture, to bring Korean courses to Bard. “This grant gives us the opportunity to meet the long-standing student interest in and demand for Korean Studies, and we are excited to continue growing Korean at Bard as part of our expansion of the Asian Studies program.”
Soonyoung Lee joins Bard from the University of California, Riverside, where she received her PhD in Comparative Literature and Foreign Languages in 2023. Professor Lee’s areas of research and teaching interests include contemporary Korean literature and film, Korean popular culture, East Asian film, Cold War studies, trans-Asian cultural studies, critical race theories, and postcolonial studies. She will teach courses on Korean literature, cultural history, and introductory courses to Korean language, including an online network course with Bard High School Early Colleges and the Open Society University Network (OSUN).
The Korea Foundation is a non-profit public diplomacy organization established in 1991 to promote awareness and understanding of Korea, and to enhance goodwill and friendships throughout the international community. To date, the Korea Foundation has established 156 professorships in 99 universities across 18 countries.
***
Bard College awarded $300,000 by the Booth Ferris Foundation to support the Center for Ethics and Writing
Annandale-On-Hudson— Bard College is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a two-year, $300,000 grant by the Booth Ferris Foundation to support the establishment of the Center for Ethics and Writing. The center, directed by Dinaw Mengestu, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of the Humanities and director of the written arts program, reimagines the study of literature and writing as both an academic and social practice, one that asks students to translate the skills they develop in the classroom as critical readers and writers to some of the most pressing and divisive social issues of the moment.
The Center for Ethics and Writing engages in many activities, including developing an interdisciplinary approach to teaching ethics and writing that empowers students to develop narratives that reflect the experiences and concerns of their communities; partnering with local and national nonprofit organizations, including PEN America, to provide students opportunities to produce publishable narratives on social justice topics; promoting the values of free expression through a fellows program that brings in international, at-risk writers and artists; offering multi-day micro-workshops with artists and activists on topics related to current course offerings; providing training for community college faculty; and developing digital platforms including an online journal and podcast series.
In its first year, the center will provide an impressive array of programs. It has offered courses such as Writing While Black, Writing as Resistance, and Risk and the Art of Poetry and has hosted four micro-workshops by writer and activist Yasmin El-Rifae; Dana Bishop-Root, the director of education and public programs at the Carnegie Museum of Art; Fahima Ife, poet and associate professor of ethnic and critical race studies at UC Santa Cruz; and Emily Raboteau, writer, critic, and Professor at CUNY. In partnership with PEN America’s Artist at Risk Connection, an inaugural cohort of international fellows will begin this fall. Participating fellows’ freedom of expression is under threat due to their creative practices. Their work will be published alongside writing produced through center-supported courses in the center’s online journal, to be launched later this fall. The center is also partnering with Bard Microcolleges in Harlem and Brooklyn, and the Bard Prison Initiative, to develop courses that empower students to express their cultural and gendered experiences.
The Booth Ferris Foundation was established in 1957 under the wills of Willis H. Booth and his wife, Chancie Ferris Booth. The Foundation funds a variety of nonprofit organizations in the areas of arts and culture, K-12 and higher education, and parks and outdoor spaces.
***
Grand Marshal of 67th Annual Fall Foliage Parade announced
North Adams— Jim Holmes has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the upcoming 67th Annual Fall Foliage Parade presented by 1Berkshire. The parade will be held in downtown North Adams on Sunday, October 1st at 1 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “Once Upon a Time in North Berkshire”, a celebration of children’s books and fairytales.
Jim Holmes has been connected to education in North Berkshire for decades having served as a teacher, a school committee member, and most recently working with the North Adams Police Department on its reading with the department program. In 2013, Jim was to be selected “Teacher of the Year”.
While working at (then) North Adams State College, Jim decided to begin a career in education. He earned his degree in 1996 and began a 20-year career teaching. He credits his cooperating teacher Lynn Reilly with advice that he carried with him for his entire career: “Don’t worry about the kind of teacher you want to be, but know the kind of teacher you don’t want to be.”
“As I began my teaching career at Conte Middle School, I promised myself I would call at least one parent every week over the course of the school year to say something nice about their children,” Jim stated.
Jim began working with the North Adams Police Department as a teacher because he “felt it was imperative that students have positive interactions with the North Adams Police Department.” Jim developed a forensics program which ran for many years until his retirement. After his retirement, he stayed involved with the department and many of their officers. “When COVID hit and school was not in session, we began reading to students and their families and to this day Officer Thomas and I have kept the reading alive.”
The parade committee invites the entire Berkshire community to participate in this year’s parade. The theme of “Once Upon a Time in North Berkshire” invites a lot of creativity. There are a variety of ways to get involved including, but not limited to signing up to have a float, entering a band/music unit, or a marching unit. We are also looking for volunteers for the parade committee or help on parade day with the lineup or as a banner carrier. Lastly, sponsorship of the parade helps with making the parade bigger and better each year. For more information about how you can help, please visit 1berkshire.com.
***
Berkshire Community College joins Governor Healey to Launch MassReconnect, a program offering free community college for Massachusetts residents ages 25 and up
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) President Ellen Kennedy joined Governor Maura T. Healey yesterday at MassBay Community College to launch MassReconnect, a new program establishing free community college for Massachusetts residents ages 25 and older. Governor Healey awarded $100,000 to each of Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges to support the quick implementation of the program this fall.
“MassReconnect will be transformative for thousands of students, for our amazing community colleges, and for our economy,” said Governor Healey. “It will bolster the role of community colleges as economic drivers in our state and help us better meet the needs of businesses to find qualified, well-trained workers. We can also make progress in breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty by helping residents complete their higher education credentials so they can attain good jobs and build a career path. Our administration is grateful for the partnership of the Legislature to move forward on this critical program that will make our state more affordable, competitive and equitable.”
“There has never been a more important time to make higher education accessible to all,” said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. “Governor Healey’s commitment to fund MassReconnect makes it clear that the Commonwealth values education — and the role it plays in filling jobs in a multitude of industries. We’re so proud to help make that happen at BCC.”
This funding covers the full cost of tuition and fees and includes an allowance for books and supplies at each of Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges. Additionally, each community college will also receive $100,000 from this funding to support student and community program awareness, staffing, and program administration.
In order to qualify for MassReconnect, students must:
- Be 25 or older on the first day of classes;
- Be a permanent Massachusetts resident for at least one year at the start of the enrolled term;
- Have not previously earned a college degree (associate or bachelor’s); and
- Enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at a community college.
There are approximately 700,000 Massachusetts residents who have some college credit but no degree. MassReconnect will help bring back these students to finish their degrees, with the additional funding and support they may have been lacking the first time.
***
High School Students complete grant-funded internships though MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board’s summer youth employment programming
Berkshire— The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board has facilitated 27 youth in the completion of paid summer internships at 14 businesses throughout the Berkshire community.
Internship Sites include Berkshire Arts Center, Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Pediatrics/CHP, Bloom Creativity, Clarksburg School Summer Camp, Hotel Downstreet, Emporium Antiques & Art Center, Historic Valley Campground at Windsor Lake, Kayla Civello Training LLC, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Moresi & Associates, Porches Inn, Red Shirt Farm, and Williamstown Farmers Market.
This program is made possible by the generous donations provided by the First Congregational Church of Williamstown, A Better Community, MountainOne, Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance, Berk12, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center and its youth department.
***
Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc.’s 10th Anniversary brings new after-school educational programs
Richmond— Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Berkshire HorseWorks is expanding into the educational space with the addition of “Horse Powered Reading” (HPR) which will be offered as an after–school option. In addition, “In the Company of Horses: Art Journaling Experience”, which piloted earlier this summer, and the popular “Ranch Life 101”, an experiential life skills initiative, will be offered after-school.
Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc., a mission-driven nonprofit, which has been offering Eagala Model and Eagala-based equine-assisted, experiential activities and trail ride lessons to include more life skills curriculum for children, families, and those at risk with mental health and behavioral challenges, as the needs of the community have shifted. Call 413-698-3700 or email info@berkshirehorseworks.com to learn more
***
Berkshire Community College announces eight new staff, a promotion, and a title change
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of eight new staff members, a promotion, and a title change.
Sheaden Callahan joins the BCC SUCCESS team as Clerk IV. She graduated from MCLA with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has resided in the area since then. Previously, she was a registration and reception assistant for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BCC. As the clerk for the SUCCESS department, Callahan connects students to campus resources such as academic coaching, workshops and visits to four-year schools. In her free time, she enjoys walking, trying new foods and relaxing with a book.
Caitlin Davis joins BCC as the Assistant to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. A resident of North Adams, Davis brings previous executive assistant experience in various non-profits across Massachusetts, including work at the Trustees of Reservations and the Center for EcoTechnology. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, photography and traveling.
Eleanore Goerlach joins BCC’s Library and Learning Commons as Library Assistant III. Previously, she was a database technician for the Old Colony Library Network. Goerlach brings six years of public library experience to the team and will be responsible for cataloging physical and digital materials, inter-library loans and print serials management. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in anthropology from UMass Amherst and a master of library and information science from Simmons University. A lifelong resident of Lanesborough, Goerlach is an enthusiastic hiker who enjoys listening to audiobooks while wandering in the woods.
Sharon Greb joins BCC as Comptroller. With more than 20 years in professional accounting roles, she most recently worked for Alliance Rx Walgreens Pharmacy. In addition, Greb worked as an accountant for Berkshire Roots and spent 18 years with Berkshire Health Systems. A resident of Pittsfield, she is a graduate of both BCC and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), where she majored in accounting.
Jonathan Herforth joins BCC’s Facilities Department as Maintainer I. A resident of Pittsfield, Herforth was previously employed as a security officer with Allied Universal at BCC and at Wayfair in Pittsfield. He enjoys building trucks and spending time with his son Jaxson and his pit bull Athena.
Megan Lussier joins BCC as Director of Admissions and Recruitment. A native of Berkshire County, Lussier comes to BCC with almost 10 years of experience in higher education. Before joining BCC, she worked at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in the Office of Admission, starting as an entry-level admission counselor and working her way to Senior Associate Director. Lussier holds a master’s degree in higher education from Merrimack College and a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Westfield State University. In her spare time, she enjoys being with friends and family, golfing, skiing, reading, traveling and exploring the Berkshires.
Alicia Starsja joins BCC as an Academic Counselor in the TRIO Program. Most recently, she was the TRIO Program Assistant at BCC. A Berkshire County resident, Starsja is an alum of BCC and the TRIO program and is passionate in supporting students through their higher education journey. In her role, she assists students in enhancing skills for success, helping them work towards personal, academic and professional goals. She earned a certificate in human services and an associate social work transfer degree from BCC, a bachelor’s degree in social work and social sciences from the College of Our Lady of the Elms and a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University.
Ann Stevens has been promoted to HR Operations & Benefits Manager. Previously, she was the Employee Services Coordinator, a position she held since September 2020.
Karrie Trautman is now serving as Interim Director of Financial Services. Previously, she was Coordinator of One Stop Operations. She has been employed at BCC since June 2013.
***
Northern Berkshire Adult Education (NBAE) will be hosting an open house event at its new location
North Adams— Northern Berkshire Adult Education (NBAE) will be hosting an open house event at its new location, the North Adams Armory, on Wednesday, August 30th. Community members are encouraged to stop in from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to talk with Director Annie Pecor, a teacher, or an advisor to learn more about adult education offerings for the upcoming year. All are welcome.
Services being offered during the academic year include: adult education classes, GED preparation, English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, and a MassSTEP culinary arts program offered in partnership with McCann Technical School. This program provides students with both hands-on culinary arts experience, as well as adult education instruction. Students exit the 16 week program with their ServSafe certification, OSHA-10 certification and prepared to take the GED test. Staff will be onsite to conduct enrollments, complete assessments, show guests around the new space, and answer any questions.
The North Adams Armory is located at 206 Ashland Street in North Adams. No registration for the event is required. Questions about the event or the programs can be emailed to Annie Pecor at apecor@napsk12.org or calling the office at (413) 412-1118.
