MCLA Welcomes New Board Members, Thanks Departing Trustees for Their Service
6/13/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce that the Honorable
Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, has appointed several new members to its
Board of Trustees. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives,
and a deep commitment to the future of the college. MCLA also expresses its sincere
gratitude to those trustees who have completed their terms, acknowledging their invaluable
contributions to MCLA’s success and legacy.
“Reclaiming Revolution: Intersections of Remembrance and Resistance” Opens May 2 at
Gallery 51
4/18/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), in collaboration with MOSAIC, will present
“Reclaiming Revolution: Intersections of Remembrance and Resistance,” a group exhibition
that explores the role of art in social change. Curated by Max Fyfe, J.C. Innocent,
Mannie McBride, Cleo Murphy, and Enaya A. Ogletree, the exhibition features senior
capstone work that addresses themes of heritage, grief, identity, sustainability,
and transformation.
MCLA Announces $30M Comprehensive Campaign: Pathways, The Campaign for MCLA
4/17/25
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) hosted alumni, friends, and community
partners for an Immersive Campus Experience announcing Pathways, The Campaign for
MCLA.
MCLA to Host the 23rd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference on April 24
4/16/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold the 23rd annual Undergraduate
Research Conference (URC) on April 24 to recognize students for their work and dedication
in producing academic projects.
MCLA Announces 2025 Commencement Speaker and Honorees
4/11/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce the speaker for
its 126th Commencement Exercises will be Kiese Laymon, an award-winning author, the
Libbie Shearn Moody Professor of English and Creative Writing at Rice University,
and a 2022 MacArthur Fellow. This year’s Commencement will be held Saturday, May 17,
2025, at 11 a.m., in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.
MCLA to Hosts Panel Discussion on U.S. Immigration Under Trump’s Second Term
4/2/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites the public to a thought-provoking
panel discussion, Immigration in the United States During Trump 2.0, on Thursday,
April 10, at 5 p.m. in Murdock Hall, Room No. 218. This event is free and open to
all.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series to Feature Mark Winterer on Green Roofs and Urban
Rewilding
3/31/2025
Mark Winterer, co-founder and owner of Recover Green Roofs will give a presentation
on Green Roofs: Rewilding Our Cities on April 9 as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar
Series and the MCLA Environmental Studies Department.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series to Feature Beth Lambert on Restoring Rivers and Rewilding
Wetlands in Massachusetts
3/31/2025
Beth Lambert, director of the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER)
will give a presentation on Restoring Rivers and Rewilding Wetlands in Massachusetts
on April 2 as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series and the MCLA Environmental
Studies Department.
MCLA Opens Registration for Summer Course Sessions
3/24/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has opened registration for its 2025
summer courses, offering flexible and affordable learning opportunities for MCLA students,
high schoolers, community members, professionals, and visiting college students.
MCLA to Host Virtual Information Sessions for Graduate Programs
3/13/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host a virtual information session
on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, for individuals interested in advancing their careers
through MCLA’s graduate programs. This session will provide prospective students with
an opportunity to explore MCLA’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of
Education (MEd), and Leadership Academy programs, learn about the application process,
and connect with faculty and admissions staff.
MCLA to Host Lecture on Rembrandt, Race, and Visual Culture as Part of Politics of
the Visual Series
2/28/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) MOSAIC will host a lecture titled "Looking
at Rembrandt with Roland Barthes and Derek Walcott" by Caroline Fowler at 5:30 p.m.
on March 5.
MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Kelly Link to Visit MCLA as Spring 2025
Visiting Writer
2/28/2025
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) English & Philosophy Department will
host acclaimed author Kelly Link as the Spring 2025 Visiting Writer. Link will present
An Evening with Kelly Link on Thursday, March 13, at 6 p.m. in the Center for Science
& Innovation Atrium. This event is free and open to the public.
Northeast Wilderness Trust President and CEO to Present at MCLA’s Green Living Seminar
2/12/2025
Jon Leibowitz, President and CEO of the Northeast Wilderness Trust, will give a presentation
titled “Rewilding in an Unlikely Landscape: The Recovery of the Northern Forest of
the Northeastern United States” on February 19 as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar
Series.
Renee Seacor to Present on The Future of Wolves at MCLA’s Green Living Seminar
2/12/2025
Carnivore Conservation Director Renee Seacor will give a presentation on the future
of wolves on February 26 as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series.
MCLA’s MOSAIC Presents “ReWritten,” a Multimedia Dance-Theater Performance Exploring
the Relationship Between Melville and Hawthorne
2/10/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its public arts program, MOSAIC,
will present ReWritten, a multimedia dance-theater performance examining the complex
relationship between authors Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The evening-length
production, created and performed by dance artists Matthew Cumbie and Tom Truss, will
take place at MCLA’s Venable Theater on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m.
MCLA to Host Virtual Information Session for MBA, MEd, and Leadership Academy Programs
on February 13
2/3/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host a virtual information session
on Thursday, February 13, 2025, for individuals interested in advancing their careers
through MCLA’s graduate programs. This session will provide prospective students with
an opportunity to explore MCLA’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of
Education (MEd), and Leadership Academy programs, learn about the application process,
and connect with faculty and admissions staff.
For the Sixth Year, MCLA and Habitat for Humanity Partner to Offer Free Tax Assistance
to Those in Need
2/3/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration
will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services
to qualified residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
starting February 10.
Urban Forester Sarah Greenleaf to Present on Urban Rewilding at MCLA’s Green Living
Seminar
2/3/2025
Urban Forester Sarah Greenleaf of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and
Recreation (DCR) Greening the Gateway Cities Program will present on tree planting
challenges in cities and sustainable urban forest management on February 5 as part
of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series.
New Exhibition at MCLA’s Gallery 51 Presents: “Women Walking to Water: A Wilderness
Mindset Convening”
1/30/2025
MCLA’s Gallery 51 and MOSAIC to present “Women Walking to Water,” an exhibition of
artwork created in response to regular walks to a mountain cold swimming/dipping hole
in the Greylock range foothills.
MCLA Announces The Campagna Kleefeld Center for Creativity in the Arts
1/21/2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce plans for a state-of-the-art
creativity and teaching center. The Campagna Kleefeld Center for Creativity in the
Arts is made possible through the generosity of artist and author Carolyn Mary Kleefeld.
This transformational gift will support the construction of the Campagna Kleefeld
Center for Creativity in the Arts on the corner of Porter and Church Streets. Carolyn’s
support will enhance all students’ experiences on campus — linking the arts with academic
disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to business and computer science
— and will serve as an essential part of the MCLA learning experience.
MCLA Environmental Studies Department Announces 2025 Green Living Seminar with Theme
“Rewilding Our World”
MCLA’s annual Green Living Seminar Series returns with a series of lectures on the
theme of “Rewilding Our World.” Presentations occur every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in
the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation (FCSI) Room 121.
1/17/2025
MCLA Theatre Program to present “The Method Gun” December 6-8
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Theatre program announces its second
show of the 2024-2025 season, “The Method Gun.” This daring and thought-provoking
work by Kirk Lynn and the Rude Mechs, re-imagined under the direction of Professor
Laura Standley, will take place December 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and December 8 at 2 p.m.
12/2/2024
MCLA’s Greylock LEAD Academy Completes Second Successful Year
The Greylock LEAD Academy, a Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) program
to help new students integrate into college life, has completed its second expanded
year thanks to continued support from Greylock Federal Credit Union (Greylock).
11/7/2024
MCLA Theatre Announces Four Productions for 2024-2025 Season
11/1/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Theatre program announces its 2024-2025
season, featuring four productions that blend timeless classics with daring contemporary
theatre. From Shakespeare's critique of moral hypocrisy to an inventive exploration
of love and information in the digital age, MCLA Theatre continues to push boundaries
and engage audiences with bold, imaginative storytelling.
Ariana Chiapella, Ph.D. to give Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues
Lecture
11/1/2024
Ariana Chiapella ’12, a faculty member with the Rubenstein School of the Environment
and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, will present the Fall 2024 Elizabeth
and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 14,
in MCLA’s Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation.
MCLA Announces the MountainOne Fund, the College's First Hybrid Endowment
10/30/2024
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation, Inc. announces it has received
a generous $500,000 gift from MountainOne that will create the College’s first hybrid
endowment. The MountainOne Fund, the largest commitment in MountainOne’s history,
will support multiple priorities over the next five years. The hybrid strategy allows
MountainOne’s leadership to shift its funding focus from year to year to match their
goals for supporting MCLA and community needs.
MCLA to Host Book Talk by Dr. Derron Wallace as Part of Commonwealth Honors Program
Lecture Series
10/25/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host a special lecture by Dr. Derron
Wallace, a renowned sociologist of race, ethnicity, and education.
Renowned Printmaker Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. to Return to MCLA Campus for Workshops,
Presentations
10/16/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the return of renowned printmaker,
Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. to North Adams for events taking place from Oct. 22 to Oct.
24.
MCLA to Host Fall Open House Events for Prospective Students
10/10/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces a series of fall open house
events and tour days starting Monday, Oct. 14.
MCLA Launches "Politics of the Visual" 2024-25 Lecture Series
10/8/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the launch of its 2024-25 lecture
series, Politics of the Visual, organized by MCLA Associate Professor of English &
Visual Culture Dr. Victoria Papa, and supported by Hardman Special Initiatives and
MOSAIC. This dynamic series will explore critical questions about the political dimensions
of visuality, the power structures behind perception, and the phenomena of spectacle
in contemporary culture.
MCLA to Host Panel of Drag Performers to Celebrate Queer Identities and Performance
Art
10/3/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites the community to a thought-provoking
evening of discussion and insight featuring a panel of local drag performers as part
of the annual Lavender Lecture.
MCLA Alumni Association to Hold Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Alumni and Friends
of the College
9/30/2024
On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, the MCLA Alumni Association will hold its annual Alumni
Awards Dinner to recognize distinguished alumni and friends of the College for their
accomplishments. The event will run from 5-7 p.m. in MCLA’s Feigenbaum Center for
Science and Innovation.
MCLA Ranked Top Public Liberal Arts College in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report
9/24/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has earned the No. 6 spot on U.S. News & World
Report’s list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation, after earning the
No. 7 spot for the past three consecutive years. The College’s continued commitment
to affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S.
News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges
in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts
colleges in the country.
MCLA’s MOSAIC Presents “Dizzy Spellz” – A Fusion of Jazz, Tap, and Hip-Hop Celebrating
Afro-Futurism and Dizzy Gillespie’s Legacy
9/17/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is excited to announce “Dizzy Spellz,”
a captivating performance blending jazz, tap, and hip-hop, presented by MOSAIC, MCLA’s
public program dedicated to open arts and intersectional culture.
MCLA Professor Dr. Hannah Noel Haynes to Present Myths & Monsters of New England Talk
9/11/2024
MCLA Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. Hannah Noel Haynes will present on
Myths & Monsters of New England this fall based on the class she taught in the spring.
MCLA Physics Department to Host NASA Airworthiness Deputy Dr. K. Renee Horton for
Speaker Series - DATE CHANGE
9/10/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Physics Department will host its second
speaker this September as part of a larger campaign supported by funding from the
American Institute of Physics (AIP) Foundation through its TEAM-UP Together Expanding
Expertise, Championing Excellence & Leadership (TUT EXCEL) program.
MCLA to Host Inclusive Democracy Election Panel
9/6/2024
In an effort to understand and move past the era of polarized politics, MCLA will
host an Inclusive Democracy Election Panel this September that invites students and
community members to explore ways to engage and improve our democracy.
MCLA Physics Department to Host NASA Airworthiness Deputy Dr. K. Renee Horton for
Speaker Series
9/5/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Physics Department will host its second
speaker this September as part of a larger campaign supported by funding from the
American Institute of Physics (AIP) Foundation through its TEAM-UP Together Expanding
Expertise, Championing Excellence & Leadership (TUT EXCEL) program.
MCLA Welcomes Three New Faculty Members for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
9/4/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce that three new
faculty members will be joining the Trailblazer community for the College’s fall semester:
Dr. Normadeane Armstrong, Dr. Mohsen Danesh, and Dr. Laura Hancock.
MCLA Education Department to Host Professional Development Evening at Berkshire Innovation
Center
9/4/2024
The MCLA Alumni Association and the MCLA Division of Graduate and Continuing Education
(DGCE) will gather at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) in Pittsfield this September
for an evening of professional development and networking.
MCLA to Host 2024 Constitution and Citizenship Day with Electoral College Lecture
8/29/2024
MCLA will host the annual Constitution and Citizenship Day with a special presentation
for students and community members later this month. Joining other colleges and universities
across the country, the federal holiday was established in 2004 and first celebrated
in 2005, recognizing the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, in
Philadelphia, PA.
27th Annual MCLA Athletics Golf Classic to be held September 23
8/28/2024
The 27th annual MCLA Athletics Golf Classic will be held Monday, Sept. 23 at Wyndhurst
Golf & Club in Lenox. The Golf Classic serves as a major fundraiser for the College’s
Athletic Department. Over the years, the Classic has netted $25,000–$40,000 annually
to support MCLA’s student-athletes.
MCLA Radiologic Technology Program Maintains 100% Employment Rate for Graduates
7/22/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that its Radiologic Technology
program continues to succeed, boasting a 100% employment rate for graduates over the
last five years. This achievement marks a significant milestone since MCLA became
the teach-out partner for Southern Vermont College’s (SVC) Radiologic Sciences program
in 2019, following SVC’s closure.
MCLA Board of Trustees Adds Three New Members
7/18/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce Massachusetts
Governor Maura Healey has appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees, Darlene
Rodowicz, Dr. Yvonne Spicer, and Buffy Lord ’98 who was voted to represent the MCLA
Alumni Association. All three trustees begin their terms of service this summer.
MCLA’s Gallery 51 to Debut "MOTHERING IN MIGRATION” Exhibition Celebrating Immigrant
Mothers, Opening July 26
7/17/2024
MCLA’s MOSAIC announces the upcoming exhibition “MOTHERING IN MIGRATION” and opening
reception at Gallery 51.
MCLA Receives Accreditation from New England Commission of Higher Education
7/16/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce it has received
its decennial accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
MCLA to Host Two Information Sessions for Graduate Programs
7/12/2024
MCLA’s Division of Graduate & Continuing Education (DGCE) will host two information
sessions for those interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA)
or Master of Education (MEd). The information sessions will be available in person
and online in North Adams this July and August.
MCLA Admissions to Host Saturday Preview Days and Campus Tours for Prospective Students
7/9/2024
MCLA invites prospective students to tour the College campus and learn about the admission
and financial aid process during four Saturday preview days in July and August.
Northern Berkshire YMCA Relocates to MCLA for Summer Camp Program
6/27/2024
This summer MCLA will host the Northern Berkshire YMCA Camp Abenaki as a community
partner of the organization’s new “Northern Berkshire Y Without Walls” concept.
MCLA to Host the 2024 Leadership Conference and Keynote Presentations
6/26/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the campus will host the 2024
Leadership Conference from July 5 to 7 – the culminating experience for the Leadership
Academy 2023 cohort.
MCLA to Host Virtual Information Session for Graduate Programs
6/4/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host a virtual graduate information
session for Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd)
on Wednesday, June 12 at 5 p.m.
MCLA’s Gallery 51 to Debut "MIGRITUDE" Exhibition Celebrating Immigrant Artists, Opening
June 1
5/23/2024
In collaboration with the Studios at MASS MoCA and The Berkshire Immigrant Center’s
Iris Residency, MCLA’s Gallery 51 will open the “MIGRITUDE” exhibition next month.
MCLA to Host Open Studio in Bowman Hall During Berkshires ArtWeek for 29 PRESS
5/7/2024
MCLA invites the community to an open studio event in Bowman Hall for 29 PRESS during
Berkshires ArtWeek.
MCLA to Host Graduate Programs Info Session at Berkshire Innovation Center
5/7/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host information sessions for its
graduate programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education
(MEd) on Tuesday, May 14 at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield.
A virtual session will be held on May 30 at noon.
MCLA’s Black Student Union to Host Professional Development Summit
4/25/2024
MCLA’s Black Student Union (BSU) will hold its first professional development summit
at Gallery 51 on April 27 from 1 to 6 p.m. to promote engagement, wellness, and leadership
within the black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) community. This event
is free and open to the public, regional college students, and Berkshire residents
and youth.
MCLA’s Free Tax Assistance Program Helped Return Over $1M Refunds to Community in
Five Years
4/25/2024
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts (MCLA) celebrates its five-year anniversary, marking a half-decade of dedicated
service to the community. In that time, students helped return more than $1 million
in refunds to taxpayers. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the
program has continued to thrive, offering vital assistance to individuals and families
in need.
MCLA Gallery 51 Debuts Senior Art Project “Synthesis: Sluts, Beasts, and Synths”
4/18/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) debuts its 2024 senior art project featuring
work by students Skylah Zayas, Hailey Rolon, and Matt Flanagan. “Synthesis: Sluts,
Beasts, and Synths”’ is a confrontational inquiry about love, imaginative beasts,
and post-punk/industrial music.
MCLA Alumna to be Recognized by State University System for 2023 Outstanding Educator
Award
4/11/2024
MCLA alumna Lindsay St. Pierre-McGinnis M.Ed. ‘08 has been nominated for the 202 Outstanding
Educator Award by the Massachusetts State University System at the Massachusetts State
House on April 25.
MCLA to Host Virtual Information Session for Graduate Programs
4/3/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host a virtual graduate information
session for Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd)
on Thursday, April 18 at 5 p.m.
MCLA Announces Tamar Sarai as 2024 Hardman Journalist in Residence
3/18/2024
Writer and journalist Tamar Sarai will deliver the Hardman Journalist in Residence
Lecture on Monday, April 8, at 6 p.m., in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation
Atrium. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Summer Course Registration Now Available at MCLA
3/18/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that registration for summer
class sessions is now open. Registration is open to MCLA students, interested community
members, high school students, those pursuing a master’s degree, and college students
wishing to transfer credits back to their home institution.
Environmental toxicologist and author Emily Monosson to give Elizabeth & Lawrence
Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture
3/12/2024
Emily Monosson, author of “Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic” (W.W. Norton Press,
July 2023) will present the 2024 Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues
Lecture at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, April 10, in Murdock Hall Room 218. Monosson has
written four previous books, including “Natural Defense” and “Evolution in a Toxic
World.” She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
and lives in Montague, Massachusetts. A Q&A session will follow the lecture.
MCLA to Host Two Graduate Program Information Sessions
3/11/2024
MCLA will host a virtual information session on Thursday, March 14, and an in-person
session on Wednesday, March 27 for its Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration
(MBA) and Master of Education (MEd) as well as the Leadership Academy.
MCLA to Host the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference on April 18
3/5/2024
On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold
the 22nd annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) to recognize students for
their work and dedication in producing academic projects.
MCLA English Professor to Conduct Research in Iceland this Summer Through Fellowship
Opportunity
2/16/2024
This summer, MCLA English Professor Dr. Jenna Sciuto will spend three months in Iceland
to examine transatlantic connections, gender dynamics, and saga realism in Icelandic
feminist writer Svava Jakobsdóttir.
MCLA Philosophy Professor Releases a Comparative Study of an African Concept of Justice:
“Ubuntu”
2/16/2024
MCLA Philosophy Professor Paul Nnodim has released his sixth book, “Ubuntu,” A Comparative
Study of an African Concept, with co-editor Austin Okigbo, associate professor of
ethnomusicology, African Studies, and global health at the University of Colorado
Boulder.
MCLA Announces 2024 Commencement Speaker and Honorees
2/16/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce the speaker for
its 125th Commencement Exercises will be Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee
Band of Mohican Indians. This year’s Commencement will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024,
at 11 a.m., in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium. Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts sits on the ancestral land of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians.
MCLA Physics Department Launches Speaker Series with Recent Grant Award
2/9/2023
The MCLA Physics Department will host its first speaker this month as part of a larger
campaign supported by funding from the American Institute of Physics (AIP) Foundation
through its TEAM-UP Together Expanding Expertise, Championing Excellence & Leadership
(TUT EXCEL) program.
MCLA Announces Music, Gallery and Theater Performances for Winter/Spring 2024 Semester
2/8/2024
The Department of Fine and Performing Arts at MCLA announces the Winter/Spring 2024
programming including cultural events, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and musical
experiences.
MCLA Receives American Institute of Physics Grant to Increase African American Student
Enrollment and Sense of Belonging
2/5/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is proud to announce it has received
$110,351 from the American Institute of Physics (AIP) Foundation through its TEAM-UP
Together Expanding Expertise, Championing Excellence & Leadership (TUT EXCEL) program.
Over the next two years, this funding will advance the College’s efforts to increase
its African American physics student enrollment, increase African American students'
sense of department belonging, and introduce systemic changes to the physics bachelor
of arts degree program to ensure positive outcomes for the department’s African American
students.
MCLA Environmental Studies Department Kicks off 2024 Green Living Seminar with Theme
“Greening New England”
1/31/2024
MCLA’s annual Green Living Seminar Series returned in January and continues through
April presenting a series of lectures on the theme of “Greening in New England.” Presentations
occur every Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation
(FCSI) Room 121.
MCLA and Habitat for Humanity Partner to Offer Free Tax Assistance to Those in Need
1/30/2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration
are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services to
residents in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. MCLA
will offer in-person, drop-off, and virtual tax assistance to qualified taxpayers
beginning February 12.
MCLA Physics Professor's Research Featured as one of the Top 10 Physics Breakthroughs
of 2023 in Physics World Publication
1/26/2024
MCLA Physics Professor Dr. Emily Maher, one of 65 scientists in the MINERvA collaboration
at Fermi National Accelerator Lab (Fermilab), has published work that has been chosen
as one of the Top 10 Physics Breakthroughs of 2023 in Physics World.
MCLA Hosts Tour and Information Session for The College of Saint Rose
12/5/2023
MCLA offers support and encouragement to The College of Saint Rose students, family,
and community. “We are saddened by the news of Saint Rose’s closure and offer support
and care for their students as they navigate their next steps,” said MCLA President
James F. Birge, Ph.D.
MCLA to Host Community Panel “How to Speak About Peace” on November 30
11/28/2023
MCLA faculty and staff invite the campus and North Adams community to a panel discussion
– How to Speak About Peace – to discuss urgent calls for a permanent ceasefire in
Palestine on Thursday, November 30.
MCLA Hosts Celebration of Life for Dr. Steve Green
11/17/2023
MCLA and the Green Family will host a celebration of life for Dr. Stephen A. (Steve)
Green (1938-2023) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, in MCLA’s Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium
and via Zoom.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and MOSAIC in partnership with the Fine and
Performing Arts Department Theatre Program Presents: Fornés Festival
11/13/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and MOSAIC, in partnership with the Fine
and Performing Arts Department Theatre Program, presents Fornés Festival – a year-long
series of events dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Cuban American playwright,
Maria Irene Fornés (1930-2018).
Award-winning Journalist Caleb Gayle to Give 2023 MCLA Hardman Lecture
11/9/2023
Caleb Gayle will present the 2023 MCLA Hardman Lecture at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov.
16, in MCLA’s Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation Atrium.
MCLA to Host Fall Open House November 4 for Prospective Students
10/31/2023
MCLA invites prospective students to a fall open house on Saturday, November 4 from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Amsler Campus Center.
MCLA Receives $626,536 for New Equipment from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
10/23/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has received a $626,536 Workforce Development
Grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC). Over the next two years,
this grant will fund the purchase of essential equipment for the College’s biology
and chemistry programs. MCLA was previously awarded $253,542 from MLSC in 2022 to
support its equipment needs.
Massachusetts Teachers Association and MCLA Team Up for COVID Vaccine and Pizza Party
Event
10/19/2023
The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts (MCLA) will offer the new COVID Booster to all community members with or without
insurance in Murdock Hall Room 202 on Friday, October 27 from noon to 4 p.m. Pizza
and snacks will be offered in Murdock Hall Room 218 to all who attend.
MCLA History and Political Science Department to Host Panel Discussion on the Israel-Palestine
Conflict
10/18/2023
In light of the recent tragic violence in Israel and Gaza, the MCLA History and Political
Science Department will host a panel discussion on Monday, October 30. The panel aims
to facilitate a constructive and civil conversation that improves our understanding
of this complex situation. This panel is free and open to the public.
MCLA to Host Information Session for Graduate Programs at Berkshire Innovation Center
on November 9
10/16/2023
MCLA will host information sessions for its Graduate Programs: Master of Business
Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd) as well as the Leadership Academy
on November 9 at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) in Pittsfield. A
virtual session will follow on December 5 at noon.
UMass Amherst Stonewall Center Director Genny Beemyn, Ph.D. to Give 2023 MCLA Lavender
Lecture
10/11/2023
Genny Beemyn, Ph.D. will present the 2023 MCLA Lavender Lecture at 6 p.m. on Wednesday,
Nov. 8, in MCLA’s Murdock Hall, Room 218.
Supreme Court Expert Amanda L. Tyler to Give 2023 MCLA Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis
Public Policy Lecture
10/11/2023
Supreme Court expert and scholar Amanda L. Tyler will present the 2023 Michael S.
and Kitty Dukakis Public Policy Lecture at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, in MCLA’s
Church Street Center Auditorium.
MCLA to Host Fall Open House Events for Prospective Students
10/11/2023
MCLA announces that the first of two Fall 2023 Open House events will take place on
Saturday, October 14.
MCLA Alumni Association to Hold Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Alumni and Friends
of the College
10/10/2023
On Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, the MCLA Alumni Association will hold its annual Alumni
Awards Brunch to recognize distinguished alumni and friends of the College for their
accomplishments. The event will run from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., on campus in Murdock
Hall Room 218, with a special time set aside for photos of awardees from 1:30–2 p.m.
MCLA’s Education Department to offer MTEL Preparation Workshops
10/6/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Education Department will offer preparation
workshops for those considering taking the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure
(MTEL) on October 28 and 29.
Productions Announced for MCLA Theatre and Music 2023-2024 Season
10/2/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Theatre and Music departments announce
the 2023-2024 season of performances with four productions including visiting performing
artists, guest directors, and student directors in addition to two student concerts.
MCLA Ranked No. 7 Top Public Liberal Arts School in 2024 U.S. News and World Report
9/18/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has earned the No. 7 spot on the list of Top
Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year in a row. The College’s
continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected
in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report with additional rankings: No. 1 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility in the state, No. 2 in the country, and No. 22 for National Liberal
Arts Colleges.
MCLA Welcomes Three New Faculty Members For the 2023-2024 Academic Year
8/28/2023
MCLA is pleased to announce that three new faculty members will be joining the Trailblazer
community for the College’s fall semester: Dr. Samuel Bruun, Dr. Yavuz Ceylan, and
Dr. James Page.
MCLA’s LEAD Academy Expands with Key Support from Greylock Federal Credit Union
8/18/2023
LEAD Academy, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)’s almost two-decade-old
program to help new students integrate into college life, is getting a huge boost
thanks to Greylock Federal Credit Union (Greylock).
MCLA and Berkshire Innovation Center Partner for MBA Program to Advance Graduate Experience
and Industry Workforce Needs
7/11/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC)
are partnering on the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program to enhance
and expand experiences and career connections to prepare graduates for innovation-driven
careers in the Berkshires and beyond.
Berkshire Bank STEM Academy Applications Due July 1 for Incoming MCLA Students
6/16/2023
Applications are open for the 2023 Berkshire Bank STEM Academy for incoming first-year
students at MCLA. The program accepts up to 15 students enrolled in a STEM major or
who have expressed interest in STEM fields. The 2023 program will run from July 23
to July 27. The deadline to apply is July 1.
Grace Kelly Quartet to Perform at MCLA’s Venable Theatre on June 15
5/26/2023
Saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Grace Kelly will perform at MCLA’s Venable Theatre
on June 15 at 7 p.m.
MAC Artist in Residence to Unveil Solo Exhibit “Fractured Delights” at Gallery 51
in June
5/25/2023
The MCLA Arts & Culture (MAC) 2022-2023 Benedetti Teaching Artist in Residence, WANG
Chen, will debut a solo exhibition “Fractured Delights” during an opening reception
on Friday, June 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., coinciding with North Adams’ FIRST Friday event.
MCLA Arts & Culture and MASS MoCA to Present New Play Reading “The Celestials” on
June 8
5/25/2023
“The Celestials,” adapted from Williamstown author Karen Shepard's mesmerizing novel,
shines a light on the history of North Adams and Chinese laborers. The play, by Peter
Glazer, debuts at MASS MoCA’s Club B10 on June 8 at 7 p.m.
MCLA Arts & Culture to Host Catherine Monahan for “Conversations of the Material World”
Artist Talk and Mini Installation Tonight, May 5
5/5/2023
MCLA Arts & Culture will host multidisciplinary, Oakland-based artist Catherine Monahan
at Gallery 51 tonight, from 5 to 7 p.m. during the North Adams FIRST Fridays event
for an artist talk and mini installation titled “Conversations with the Material World.”
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces New Senior Art Exhibit “Liminal Spaces: the Overlooked and
the Otherworldly”
4/12/2023
MCLA Gallery 51 will debut a new exhibit, “Liminal Spaces: the Overlooked and the
Otherworldly,” on Thursday, April 20 at 5 p.m.
David Batker Wraps Up MCLA Green Living Seminar with Ecological Economics and Policy
Change Discussion
4/10/2023
David Batker, President of Batker Consulting and Founder of Earth Economics, will
give a talk titled “Using Ecological Economics to Drive Policy Change” at 5:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, April 19 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room
121
MCLA to Host the 21st Annual Undergraduate Research Conference on April 20
4/10/2023
On Thursday, April 20, 2023, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold the 21st
annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) including 122 student participants
and keynote speaker Jenna McElroy ‘16.
Boston College Professor Dr. Andrew Jorgenson to Discuss Militarization, Economic
Growth, and Carbon Emissions at MCLA Green Living Seminar
3/31/2023
Dr. Andrew Jorgenson, Boston College Professor and Chair of the Sociology Department,
will give a talk titled “Guns Versus Climate: How Militarization Amplifies the Impact
of Economic Growth on Carbon Emissions” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12 at the
MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
Jennifer Hashley to Discuss Economics of Climate-Smart Agriculture at MCLA Green Living
Seminar
3/28/2023
Jennifer Hashley, Trisha Perez Kennealy Michael Kennealy Director of New Entry Sustainable
Farming Project, will give a talk titled “Economics of Climate-Smart Agriculture”
at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and
Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA Announces Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Program, First in the Region
3/17/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is excited to launch a four-year Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) program for the fall 2023 semester. This will be the first
BSN program in Berkshire County, and the only BSN program within an hour’s drive in
the rural tri-state corner of Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. This important
nursing education initiative will help address the current and future rural nursing
workforce shortage.
MCLA Improves HVAC Costs with New Steam Line Project with DCAMM Funding
3/13/2023
As part of a critical infrastructure upgrade, MCLA looks to start Phase 2 of a significant
steam/water line replacement project this spring with $11 million dollars allocated
by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM).
MCLA Announces 2023 Commencement Speaker, Dr. Patricia Okker, Recent Past President
of New College of Florida
3/6/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce the speaker for
its 124th Commencement Exercises will be Dr. Patricia Okker, recent past president
of New College of Florida and former dean of the College of Arts and Science at the
University of Missouri. This year’s Commencement will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023,
at 11 a.m., in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.
Registration for Summer Courses at MCLA Now Available
3/2/2023
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that registration for summer
class sessions is now open. Registration is open to MCLA students, interested community
members, high school students, those pursuing a master’s degree, and Berkshires-based
college students who wish to earn credits toward their degree from another institution.
New Group Exhibition, “Layer/Build: Collage Explored,” Opens at Gallery 51
2/24/2023
The latest exhibition at MCLA’s Gallery 51 features six artists in the group show
“Layer/Build: Collage Explored” on view through April 7.
MCLA Announces Boston Herald Journalist Joe Dwinell as 2023 Hardman Journalist in
Residence
2/16/2023
Executive Editor of the Boston Herald and North Adams State College (MCLA) alumnus
Joe Dwinell ‘82 will deliver the Hardman Journalist in Residence Lecture on Monday,
Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation Atrium.
Williams College Professor Dr. Matthew Gibson to Discuss Economics of Climate Change
at MCLA Green Living Seminar
2/16/2023
Dr. Matthew Gibson, Associate Professor of Economics at Williams College, will give
a talk titled “Economics of Climate Change” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1 at
the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
UMASS Prof. Dr. Bogdan Prokopovych to Discuss Stakeholder Management and Corporate
Sustainability at MCLA Green Living Seminar
2/14/2023
Dr. Bogdan Prokopovych, lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS),
will give a talk titled “Stakeholder Management and Corporate Sustainability: CSR
Initiatives, Sustainability Certifications, and ESG Ratings” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
Feb. 22 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA Announces 2023 Commencement Date and Honorees
2/10/2023
MCLA will honor the Class of 2023 by bringing together family, friends, and the campus
community at its 124th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11 a.m.,
in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents “GDP is Gross, Wellbeing is Better” with
Eric Miller
2/6/2023
Eric Miller, Director of Ecological Footprint Initiative at York University, will
give a talk titled “GDP is Gross, Wellbeing is Better” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
Feb. 15 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121. The presenter
will attend via zoom.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents “Doughnut Economics” with Della Duncan
1/30/23
Della Duncan, Renegade Economist, Host of the Upstream Podcast, and Co-Founder of
the California Doughnut Economics Coalition, will give a talk titled “Doughnut Economics”
at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation,
Room 121. The presenter will attend via zoom.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents “The Myth of Progress” with Tom Wessels
1/27/23
Tom Wessels, Terrestrial Ecologist and Professor Emeritus at Antioch University, will
give a talk titled “The Myth of Progress” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the
MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121. The presenter will attend
via zoom.
MAC Helps Fight Winter Woes with Expressive Clowning Techniques in February Workshop
Series
1/27/23
Face the winter woes with a workshop from MCLA Arts & Culture through contemporary
improv and clowning techniques with instructor David Lane.
MCLA and Habitat for Humanity Partner to Offer Free Tax Assistance
1/25/23
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration
are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services to
local residents in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
MCLA will offer in-person, drop-off, and virtual tax assistance to qualified taxpayers
beginning February 6.
MCLA Athletics to Celebrate 2023 National Girls and Women in Sports Day Feb. 4
1/10/23
MCLA Athletics will host two events on Feb. 4 to celebrate National Girls and Women
in Sports Day – an initiative that dates back to 1987 to encourage the participation
of girls and women in sports. Clinic registration is open until Jan. 29.
MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series Begins February 1
1/6/23
MCLA’s annual Green Living Seminar Series begins on Wednesday, Feb. 1, and continues
through April, presenting a series of lectures on the theme of “Capitalism and the
Environment.”
Northern Berkshire MLK Day of Service Returns on Jan. 16th
1/6/23
The annual Northern Berkshire MLK Day of Service will return in person on January
16th after a three-year hiatus to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. for a day of volunteering.
MAC’s “Modes of Relationship” Panel Discussion to Explore Art, Race, Nationality,
and Gender
1/4/23
MCLA Arts & Culture (MAC) will host a panel discussion, “Modes of Relationship,” focused
on art, race, nationality, and gender on January 26, 2023, with artist-in-residence
WANG Chen and Mikayla Patton, artist-in-residence at The Studios at MASS MoCA.
MCLA Leadership Academy Applications Open, Information Sessions Announced
1/3/23
MCLA’s Leadership Academy, a postgraduate program for educators seeking administrator
licensure, will host a series of information sessions between January and March for
prospective students.
Making as Consolation: Advent Art with Melanie Mowinski
12/2/22
Join artist Melanie Mowinski at Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield on Thursday, Dec.
8, 9:30-11 a.m. or Tuesday, Dec. 13, 4:30-6 p.m. for Making as Consolation. Both
events are free and open to the public.
Melanie Mowinski’s Holiday Open Studio at Greylock Works
12/2/22
Join artist and MCLA Professor Melanie Mowinski at her studio in Greylock Works on
Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m -2 p.m. for a peek into the processes
that form her book “Collage Your Life.” The events are free and open to the public.
Refreshments will be served.
MCLA Theatre to Perform Experimental Show “The Left Hand of Darkness” This Weekend
11/30/2022
MCLA Theatre will debut “The Left Hand of Darkness” this weekend as a developmental
workshop in conjunction with Associate Professor of Theatre, Laura Standley, her directing
students, and the Theatre Lab.
MCLA Professor to Launch New Book “Deflective Whiteness: Co-opting Black and Latinx
Identity Politics” at Gallery 51
11/18/2022
A book launch will be held on Dec. 1 for Dr. Hannah Noel Haynes, Associate Professor
of Interdisciplinary Studies at MCLA, at Gallery 51.
MCLA Appoints Dr. Jean Clarke-Mitchell, Ph.D., to the Board of Trustees
11/08/22
MCLA announces that Dr. Jean Clarke-Mitchell ‘00, Assistant Professor of Social Work
at Lesley University has been nominated to the MCLA Board of Trustees. She is also
in her second term on the MCLA Foundation Board.
MCLA Alumni to Present at Creative Writing Event
11/07/22
The MCLA English & Communications Department will host 15 alumni for a creative writing
reading and showcase event to learn more about their post-graduate paths on Tuesday,
Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. in Murdock Hall 218.
New Art Lab Installation “Puff” Inspired by First Anthology of African American Literature
11/07/22
A new window installation is on display now through December 9 at MCLA’s Art Lab in
North Adams by artist Lorenzo Baker.
New York Times Bestselling Author & Chair of Princeton's Department of African Studies
Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. to Speak at MCLA’s Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis Public Policy
Lecture
11/03/22
Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. will be joining MCLA to present the 2022 Michael S. and Kitty
Dukakis Public Policy Lecture. Glaude, a New York Times Bestselling Author and the
Chair of Princeton’s Department of African Studies will be speaking about “Race &
Democracy: America is Always Changing, But America Never Changes” on Thursday, Nov.
17 at 7 p.m. in the Church Street Center Auditorium.
MCLA’s Education Department Launches Professional Development Project for Paraeducators
10/28/2022
For the annual county-wide professional development day this November, the MCLA Education
Department will present a new series curated for paraprofessional educators in Berkshire
County.
Award Winning Musician Jake Blount to Perform at MCLA’s Church Street Center
10/27/2022
The community is invited to a concert on Nov. 2 with Jake Blount, an award-winning
musician and scholar based in Providence, RI.
MCLA Education Department Offers MTEL Prep Courses
10/21/2022
Those interested in obtaining teacher licensure in Massachusetts are invited to register
for MCLA’s Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) preparation courses.
Co-founder and Executive Director of 100 Gardens Sam Fleming to Speak at MCLA’s Elizabeth
and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture
10/18/2022
Sam Flemming, co-founder and Executive Director of 100 Gardens will present the 2022
Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture. His presentation will
start at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1 in Murdock Hall Room 218.
Tap for Joy Workshops to be held at the MCLA Art Lab this Fall
10/13/2022
This Fall MCLA Arts & Culture (MAC) is offering free tap dancing workshops by teacher
Jenny Herzog at the MCLA Art Lab.
MCLA and the Berkshire County STEM Network Celebrate STEM Week with Programming for
the Community
10/12/2022
Berkshire County STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Week will be held
on Oct. 17-22. MCLA and the Berkshire County STEM Network will offer virtual programming
for local public-school students, K-12 educators, and the general community.
MCLA Plans Fall Afternoon Day of Service
10/6/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold its annual Fall Day of Service on
Saturday, Oct. 15. Students, faculty, and staff at MCLA will gather on campus at Venable
Gym, then travel to different locations in the Northern Berkshires to do volunteer
work.
MCLA Arts & Culture’s Upcoming Solo Exhibition, “To Know A Veil,” Showcases Conceptual
Work and Student Collaborations
10/4/2022
MCLA Arts & Culture (MAC) will showcase a new solo exhibition at Gallery 51, “To Know
A Veil” by Nathaniel Donnett on October 7.
MCLA Theatre Announces Four Productions for the 2022-2023 Season
10/3/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Theatre announces its 2022-2023 season
of performances with four productions, featuring visiting professional directors and
designers, and a series where students take the lead in experimentation with the writing
and production process.
MCLA Alumni Association to Hold Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Alumni and Friends
of the College
9/26/2022
On Saturday, Oct. 1, the MCLA Alumni Association will hold its annual Alumni Awards
Brunch to recognize distinguished alumni and friends of the College for their accomplishments.
The event will run from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., on campus at the Feigenbaum Center for Science
and Innovation, with a special time set aside for photos of awardees from 12–12:30
p.m.
MCLA Welcomes Seven New Faculty Members for the 2022-2023 Academic Year
9/23/2022
MCLA is pleased to announce that seven new faculty members will be joining the Trailblazer
community for the College’s fall semester: Eunice Uhm, Mariah Hepworth, Omotara Adeeko,
Carter J. Carter, Darren Johnson, Amy Shapiro, and Kara Corlew.
Author and Founder of “The Onion” Scott Dikkers to Present MCLA’s 2022 Hardman Lecture
9/16/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome Scott Dikkers, author, comedy
writer, and founder of humor website The Onion, on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, when
he will present MCLA’s Hardman Lecture, “Fake News in the Age of Misinformation. The
History of The Onion and How the Philosophies and Practices Have Adapted Over Time,”
at 7 p.m. in the MCLA Church Street Center’s Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium.
MCLA Hosts Full Year of Information Sessions for Continuing Education and Graduate
Programs
9/13/2022
MCLA’s Division of Graduate & Continuing Education (DGCE) announces the 2022-2023
schedule of information sessions for those interested in completing a Bachelor’s Degree
or pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The 30-minute information sessions
will be available in-person and online in North Adams and Pittsfield through August
2023.
25th Annual MCLA Athletics Golf Classic to be held September 19
9/13/2022
The 25th annual MCLA Athletics Golf Classic will be held Monday, Sept. 19 at Wyndhurst
Golf & Club at Miraval (formerly Cranwell Resort) in Lenox. The Golf Classic serves
as a major fundraiser for the College’s Athletic Department. Over the years, the Classic
has netted $25,000–$40,000 annually to support MCLA’s student-athletes.
MCLA Continues to Earn Multiple Spots on U.S. News College Rankings
9/12/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ continued commitment to an excellent, affordable
education is reflected in the 2022-2023 U.S. News and World Report rankings: The College
is #7 on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges for the second year in a row,
ranks #33 as a Top Performer on Social Mobility among national liberal arts colleges,
and first among all Massachusetts liberal arts schools. MCLA also continues to appear
on the list of Top National Liberal Arts Colleges.
MCLA Receives Over $250,000 from MA Life Sciences Center to Improve Biology, Chemistry,
and Science Programs
9/9/2022
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, under the Workforce Development Capital Program,
has awarded MCLA a grant to purchase essential equipment to advance the biology, chemistry,
and health sciences fields.
Brenda Burdick to Chair MCLA’s Board of Trustees
9/8/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts announces that Brenda Burdick, Director of Strategic
Communications at General Dynamics Mission Systems, has been elected to the role of
Chair of the Board of Trustees for the College. Governor Charlie Baker appointed Burdick
to the Board in 2018. Burdick was reappointed for a second five-year appointment in
July 2022.
MCLA Hosts Virtual Information Session on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs
7/28/2022
Community members interested in pursuing MCLA’s Master of Business Administration
(MBA) or completing a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to join the MCLA’s Division
of Graduate & Continuing Education (DGCE) for a virtual information session on Wednesday,
August 10, at 5 p.m.
MCLA HOSTS SUMMER SCIENCE AND ROBOTICS CAMP
PRESS ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
7/25/2022
MCLA’s Summer Science and Robotics Camp July 27-29, 2022 - In between specific times,
the group will be stationed in the Robotics Lab in Bowman Hall, room #102 or on the
Campus Quad. Please inquire and set up a time or drop-in for a photo opportunity.
MCLA Hosts Virtual Information Session on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs
7/11/2022
Community members interested in pursuing MCLA’s Master of Business Administration
(MBA) or completing a Bachelor’s Degree are encouraged to join the MCLA’s Division
of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) for a virtual information session on Wednesday,
July 13 at 5 p.m.
MCLA Professor Melanie Mowinski to Hold Book Launch Event at Greylock WORKS
6/23/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Fine Arts Professor Melanie Mowinski
will celebrate the publication of her new book, “Collage Your Life: Techniques, Prompts
and Inspirations for Creative Self-Expression and Storytelling,” with a launch party
Monday, June 27, from 7–9 p.m., at Greylock WORKS in North Adams. The event is free
and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
MCLA Professor Dr. Kerri Nicoll to be Presented with 2022 Peacemaker Award at nbCC
Annual Meeting
6/16/2022
On Friday, June 17, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) will host its
annual meeting and present MCLA Associate Professor of Social Work Dr. Kerri Leyda
Nicoll with the MLK Day of Service Peacemaker Award. The meeting, held at Greylock
WORKS in North Adams, will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Anne Goodwin Receives Course of Distinction Award from the Massachusetts Colleges
Online Consortium
6/15/2022
The Massachusetts Colleges Online (MCO) consortium has announced that Dr. Anne Goodwin
of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has received a Course of Distinction
(COD) Award. Dr. Goodwin, one of fewer than 30 recipients from state campuses across
Massachusetts, was recognized at the 17th annual MCO Conference on eLearning, held
virtually June 2, 2022.
MCLA to Deliver Free College Planning Workshop for Berkshire County Students
6/14/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will present a free intensive college
planning workshop for current Berkshire County high school juniors and sophomores,
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, July 7–29, from 9–11 a.m. High school and college
professionals will provide students with support and assistance in navigating the
college planning process. This program offers an in-depth opportunity for students
to craft a college essay, learn how to communicate with college officials, prepare
for interviews, understand tuition and financial aid, and build the academic and professional
self-confidence to begin the transition from high school to college. The workshop
is an important next step for students to immerse themselves in the strategic process
of college planning.
MCLA Arts and Culture Welcomes Artist Sherwin Rio as Summer 2022 Artist Lab Resident
6/6/2022
MCLA Arts and Culture (MAC) will welcome interdisciplinary artist and researcher Sherwin
Rio to campus this summer via MCLA’s Artist Lab Residency program.
MCLA Benedetti Teaching Artist-in-Residence Conrad Egyir’s Solo Show, ‘Travelogue,’
Opens June 10 with Support from Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant
6/6/2022
Conrad Egyir, MCLA’s inaugural Benedetti Teaching Artist in Residence, will unveil
a solo exhibition, “Travelogue,” on Friday, June 10, at MCLA Gallery 51 on Main Street
in North Adams, with an event to mark the opening from 5-7 p.m. on June 10. This event
is free and open to the public; “Travelogue” runs until September 2022.
Press Advisory/Photo Opportunity:
MCLA Alumni Association to Hold Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Alumni and Friends
of the College 5/31/2022
On Saturday, June 4, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Alumni Association will
hold its annual Alumni Awards Brunch to recognize distinguished alumni and friends
of the College for their accomplishments. The event will run from 10 a.m. to noon
at Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation on the MCLA campus, with a special
session for photos of awardees from noon to 12:30 p.m.
MCLA C4 Initiative Releases New Podcast, ‘Thinking Like a Region,’
5/31/2022
The Creative Compact for Collaborative and Collective Impact (the C4 Initiative) is
releasing a new podcast, “Thinking Like a Region,” which explores connections between
deep engagement in the arts and 21st-Century workforce skills.
MCLA Gallery 51 to Host Artist Talk and Book Signing with Photographer Lydia Panas
June 3
5/20/2022
MCLA Arts and Culture (MAC) will host an artist talk and book signing with photographer
Lydia Panas from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 3, at MCLA Gallery 51 on Main Street in
North Adams. A screening of Panas’ work will follow at MASS MoCA from 9-10 p.m. Both
events are free and open to the public.
MCLA to Hold Annual Educator Recognition Awards Event May 26
5/16/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, in collaboration with the Berkshire County
Superintendents’ Roundtable, will hold its annual Educator Recognition Awards event
on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 4:30-6 p.m. in Murdock Hall Room 218 on MCLA’s campus.
Press Advisory/Photo Opportunity
MCLA to Hold 123rd Commencement Exercises on May 14
5/9/2022
After two years of virtual ceremonies, MCLA is thrilled to honor the Class of 2022
in person, bringing together family, friends, and the campus community, at its 123rd
Commencement Exercises on May 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.
While this is a ticketed event for graduates and their families, members of the media
are welcome to cover MCLA’s Commencement ceremony.
Press Advisory/Photo Opportunity
MCLA Hosts Reception for 2022 Congressional Art Competition May 5
5/5/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will host Congressman Richard E. Neal’s public
reception and viewing of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition submissions tonight,
Thursday, May 5, from 6-7 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation
on the MCLA campus.
MCLA Class of 2020, 2021, and 2022 Art Exhibition, ‘Stigmas and Stories: Changing
the Narrative’ Opens with a Reception on May 6
4/28/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Gallery 51 will host “Stigmas and Stories:
Changing the Narrative,” featuring artwork from students in the Classes of 2020, 2021,
2022, with an in-person opening reception at the gallery from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday,
May 6, 2022.
MCLA to Present Virtual Info Session on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs
May 3
4/28/2022
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 5 p.m. on May 3 for community members interested in the College’s Master
of Education (MEd) and teacher licensure programs, Master of Business Administration
(MBA), Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Master of Education program,
Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion programs.
MCLA Athletics Announces Multi-Year Plan, Including Hockey and Facility Upgrades
4/21/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Athletics Department announced a multi-year
plan to enhance the College’s athletics programming for years to come, including the
return of men’s ice hockey to North Adams along with the implementation of a women’s
ice hockey program. Plans also identify athletic facilities upgrades including replacement
of the turf at Shewcraft Field, and a fundraising campaign to support the installation
of turf at the baseball and softball fields.
MCLA to Hold 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference April 21
4/20/2022
On Thursday April 21, 2022, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold its 20th
Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) to recognize students for their hard
work and dedication in producing outstanding academic projects.
MCLA to Hold Science and Robotics Camp for Grades 4-7 from July 25-29, 2022
4/20/2022
MCLA’s summer Science and Robotics Camp is back this year from July 25-29, with hands-on
STEM activities that culminate in a Robot Demolition Derby.
BerkshiresCanCode Announces Launch of Initial Program: Front-End Web Development Course
to Begin May 10
4/13/2022
CanCode Communities, a nonprofit organization training non-traditional talent for
software career opportunities, today announced the launch of its initial BerkshiresCanCode
program: Front-End Web Development. Registration is now open for the 12-week course,
which starts on May 10 and runs through July 26.
MCLA to Hold 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference April 21
4/12/2022
On Thursday April 21, 2022, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold the 20th
Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) to recognize students for their hard
work and dedication in producing outstanding academic projects. This all-day event
will feature a student poster session, individual presentations, and group work that
encompasses the time and dedication MCLA’s students have put into their academic endeavors
in the past academic year.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Bicycling in Berkshire County: History
and Future’ with Nicholas Russo April 20
4/8/2022
Nicholas Russo, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission’s Senior Transportation
Planner, will give a talk titled “Bicycling in Berkshire County: History and Future”
at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and
Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Williamstown Composts!: Lessons from a
Community Composting Pilot Program’ with Nancy Nylen and Ann McCallum April 13
4/4/2022
Nancy Nylen and Ann McCallum of Williamstown Composts! will give a talk titled “Williamstown
Composts!: Lessons from a Community Composting Pilot Program” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
April 13 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA Announces Speaker, Honorary Degree Recipients for 2022 Commencement
3/25/22
After two years of virtual ceremonies, MCLA is thrilled to honor the Class of 2022
in person, bringing together family, friends, and the campus community, at its 123rd
Commencement Exercises on May 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.
MCLA to Present Virtual Info Session on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs
March 29
3/23/22
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 5p.m. on March 29 for community members interested in the College’s Master
of Education (MEd) and teacher licensure programs, Master of Business Administration
(MBA), Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Master of Education program,
Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion programs.
MCLA Theatre to Present “Intimate Apparel” Beginning April 1
3/22/22
The Theatre Program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will present “Intimate
Apparel,” a delicate play about a fiercely resilient Black woman during the dawn of
the 20th century, in person at MCLA’s Venable Theater, beginning Friday, April 1,
2022, through Sunday, April 10, 2022.
CARE SYLLABUS to Present New Module, ‘I Can’t: Feeling Through Burdens of Care’ Starting
March 21
3/18/2022
CARE SYLLABUS, a justice-oriented public education and community resource featuring
original text, visual media, recordings, and virtual live events by activists, artists,
and academics, will present a new module, “I Can’t: Feeling Through Burdens of Care”
beginning March 21.
MCLA Professor Amanda Laury Kleintop to Present “Abolishing Property Rights in People
in the U.S. Civil War and American Memory” on April 5
3/18/2022
MCLA Assistant Professor of History Dr. Laury Kleintop will present “The Balance of
Freedom: Abolishing Property Rights in People in the US Civil War and American Memory”
at noon on April 5, via zoom.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Carbon Farming in Urban and Suburban Areas’
with Dr. Nathan Phillips April 6
3/18/2022
Dr. Nathan Phillips, a professor in Boston University’s Department of Earth and Environment,
will give a talk titled “Carbon Farming in Urban and Suburban Areas” at 5:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, April 6 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room
121
MCLA Computer Science Department Receives $100,000 Skills Capital Grant
3/17/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has received a $100,000 Skills Capital Grant
from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education to support the update of the
College’s Hardware and Robotics Lab, operated by the MCLA Computer Science department.
These updates will provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on learning experience
in network security, network administration, and software development.
MCLA Student Government to Hold Hybrid Sam Gomez Road Race
3/17/2022
The MCLA Student Government Association’s 44th annual Sam Gomez Road Race will be
a hybrid event this year, with an interactive virtual race from March 25-April 1 and
an in-person event on April 2.
MCLA Professor Gregory Scheckler to Present “The Tectonics of Form: Change and Impermanence
in New Contemporary Drawings and Paintings” on March 24
3/15/2022
MCLA Professor of Fine and Performing Arts Gregory Scheckler will present “The Tectonics
of Form: Change and Impermanence in New Contemporary Drawings and Paintings” at 5:30
p.m. on March 24 in Murdock Hall, Room 218, on MCLA’s campus.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Public Health and Community Based Participatory
Research in Urban Environmental Justice Communities’ with Dr. Madeleine L. Scammell
March 23
3/8/2022
Dr. Madeleine L. Scammell, Boston University School of Public Health, Associate Professor
of Environmental Health, will give a talk titled “Public Health and Community Based
Participatory Research in Urban Environmental Justice Communities” at 5:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 23 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room
121.
Registration for MCLA Summer Sessions is Open
70+ classes to choose from
3/7/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts opened online registration for its three summer
sessions on March 1, 2022.
MCLA Professor Lisa Arrastia to Present “Oral History Remix: Disrupting Notions of
Difference” on March 10
3/4/2022
MCLA Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Lisa Arrastia will present “Oral History
Remix: Disrupting Notions of Difference” at 6 p.m. on March 10, via zoom, as part
of The Mind’s Eye Spring 2022 Works in Progress Lecture Series.
MCLA History and Political Science Department Presents Panel Talk on Recent Russian
Invasion of Ukraine
2/28/2022
MCLA’s History and Political Science Department will present a hybrid panel talk on
the recent Russian attack on Ukraine at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, in Murdock Hall
Room 218 on the MCLA campus. This event is free and open to the public and will also
be broadcast via Zoom.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Residential Landscaping to Support Pollinators’
with Dr. Susannah Lerman March 9
2/28/2022
U.S. Forest Service Research Ecologist Dr. Susannah Lerman will give a talk titled
“Residential Landscaping to Support Pollinators,” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March
9 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Community Strategies for Addressing the
Plastic Pollution Crisis’ with David Sayer March 2
2/23/2022
David Sayer of Beyond Plastics and Sustainable Saratoga will give a talk titled “Community
Strategies for Addressing the Plastic Pollution Crisis,” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
March 2 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA to Present Virtual Info Sessions on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs
2/16/2022
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 5p.m. on Feb. 22 for community members interested in the College’s Master
of Education (MEd) and teacher licensure programs, Master of Business Administration
(MBA), Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Master of Education program,
Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion programs.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘How and Why to Increase Plant-Based Lunch
Options in Schools’ with Amie Hamlin Feb. 23
2/14/2022
Amie Hamlin, executive director of The Coalition for Healthy School Food, will give
a talk titled “How and Why to Increase Plant-Based Lunch Options in Schools” at 5:30
p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation,
Room 121.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Transportation’s Responsibility to the
Climate: Our Role in Decarbonization’ with Katherine S. Fichter Feb. 16
2/7/2022
Katherine S. Fichter, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary
and Chief of Climate and Decarbonization, will give a talk titled “Transportation’s
Responsibility to the Climate: Our Role in Decarbonization,” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
Feb. 16 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA, Habitat for Humanity Collaborate to Offer Free Tax Assistance to Those in Need
2/2/2022
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration
will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services
to local residents in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Pittsfield Grey to Green: Inclusive Planning
for Environmental and Climate Justice’ with Allison Egan, Feb. 9
1/31/2022
Allison Egan, senior planner at the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, will give
a talk titled “Pittsfield Grey to Green: Inclusive Planning for Environmental and
Climate Justice” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for
Science and Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Presents ‘Sustainable Zoning and Municipal Building
Decarbonization Strategies’ with Kai Palmer-Dunning Feb. 2
1/27/2022
Kai Palmer-Dunning, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) Buildings and Communities
Associate, will give a talk titled “Sustainable Zoning and Municipal Building Decarbonization
Strategies” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science
and Innovation, Room 121.
MCLA Gallery 51 Presents ‘Come Inside: Works by Joshua AM Ross’ Feb. 4 - May 20, 2022
1/24/2022
MCLA Gallery 51 announces its next exhibition, “Come Inside: Works by Joshua AM Ross”
will run from Feb. 4, 2022, to May 20, 2022, with an opening event in person at the
gallery on Main Street in North Adams from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 4.
Greylock Opera Collective, led by MCLA Faculty, Plans February Productions of ‘My
Way of Life’ in North Adams and New York City
1/20/2022
The Greylock Opera Collective will premiere the show “My Way of Life,” written by
MCLA Professor of Music Michael Dilthey, with two productions, one in North Adams,
and one in New York City, on Feb. 3 and 4, respectively.
MCLA Athletics Plans Events, Activities for National Girls and Women in Sports Day
on Feb. 5
1/19/2022
MCLA Athletics will host adult sports clinics for women on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022
as part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Held on the MCLA campus, advanced
registration and payment are required.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Begins Jan. 26
1/18/2022
MCLA’s annual Green Living Seminar Series begins on Wednesday, Jan. 26 and continues
through April, presenting a series of lectures on the theme of “Greening the City.”
MCLA Leadership Academy Plans Virtual Info Sessions in February and March
Applications accepted through April 30
1/6/22
MCLA Leadership Academy, a postgraduate program for educators looking to take the
next step in their careers, will hold a series of information sessions in February
and March for prospective students. Leadership Academy faculty and administrators
will be available to answer questions about the program and application process.
MCLA Department of Business Administration Earns ACBSP Accreditation
12/2/21
MCLA’s Department of Business Administration has earned accreditation from the Accreditation
Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation covers all the
department’s business degree paths, as well as the College’s Master of Business Administration
program.
MCLA Degree Completion Program to Hold Reunion Event Dec. 4
11/19/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold a reunion event for alumni and current
students of its Degree Completion Program from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the
MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. All alumni of the College’s Degree
Completion Program are welcome to attend.
MCLA Community Members Recognized at North Adams Neighborly Awards
11/18/21
The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) recognized several in MCLA’s campus
community during its annual Neighborlies awards ceremony on Nov. 17.
MCLA Offers Virtual Info Session on Radiologic Technology Program Nov. 16
11/9/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold a virtual information session on the
College’s Radiologic Technology concentration at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16.
MCLA Welcomes Musician Todd Reynolds for Concert on Nov. 18
11/8/21
International musician and part-time North Adams resident Todd Reynolds will perform
at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Church Street Center at 7:30 p.m. on Nov.
18. Current MCLA students, as well as MCLA alumni, will perform as opening acts.
MCLA-Pittsfield to Feature Dana Schildkraut as November Artist of the Month
10/28/21
Dana Schildkraut, an award-winning artist, will be the featured artist at MCLA-Pittsfield
for November, with work on display at the College’s Pittsfield location at 66 Allen
Street. Schildkraut’s work will be exhibited for the entire month, and an opening
artist reception will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, during the city’s
First Fridays Artswalk, sponsored by the City of Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development.
MCLA Student Shawna Hennessey Named 2021-22 Melville Fellow by Berkshire County Historical
Society
10/27/21
MCLA student Shawna Hennessey ’22 has been chosen as a Melville Fellow for 2021-22
by the Berkshire County Historical Society, along with two other students from local
colleges.
Dr. Kebra Ward Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to South Africa to Develop a
Physics Education Research Program at Nelson Mandela University
10/26/21
The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board are pleased
to announce that Dr. Kebra Ward of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has received
a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to South Africa. Dr. Ward will lecture at Nelson
Mandela University as part of a project to examine the use of interactive engagement
activities in the first-year physics series to address under-prepared student learning.
MCLA to Distribute State, Federal Funding Directly to Students
10/21/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will continue distribution of $1 million in
federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF), as part of the American Rescue
Plan, in 2021, along with $689,200 via the state-funded MassGrant Plus program.
MCLA Announces Bob Davis of the Wall Street Journal as 2021 Hardman Journalist in
Residence
10/18/21
Wall Street Journal Senior Editor Bob Davis will be Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts’ 2021 Hardman Journalist in Residence from Nov. 1-2. As part of his residency,
he will offer a community lecture at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, in the First Floor
Atrium of the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. This event is free
and open to the public and will be delivered in person with a hybrid virtual option.
Live Theatre Returns for MCLA’s 2021-22 Season
10/13/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Theatre announces its 2021-2022 season
of performances, which will be offered in person on MCLA’s campus. These four productions
feature guest directors, student directors, and experimental productions that give
students agency in the writing and production process.
MCLA Celebrates STEM Week with Virtual Programming Oct. 18-22
10/12/21
MCLA and the Berkshire STEM Network will offer virtual programming for local public
school students, K-12 educators, and the general community during Berkshire County
STEM Week (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) from October 18-22.
MCLA Plans Fall Day of Service Oct. 16
10/12/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold its annual Fall Day of Service on
Saturday, Oct. 16. Students, faculty, and staff at MCLA will gather on campus, then
travel to different locations in the Northern Berkshires to do volunteer work.
MCLA to Hold In-Person and Virtual Admission Events this Fall
10/7/21
The Office of Admission at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is hosting in-person
tours and events, including open houses on Oct. 23 and Nov. 13. Prospective students
and their families are welcome to register for open houses, Saturday tours, and virtual
events that offer information and perspective about academics, student life, financial
aid, scholarships, and more.
Poet Meg Day to Speak at MCLA Lavender Voices Lecture Oct. 20
10/6/21
Award-winning poet Meg Day will speak at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts at
6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, in Murdock Hall Room 218, as part of the College’s
Lavender Voices Lecture Series.
MCLA Arts and Culture Welcomes 2021-22 Artists in Residence
10/4/21
MCLA Arts and Culture, formerly the MCLA Berkshire Cultural Resource Center, will
offer events and exhibitions from three visiting artists in 2021 and 2022: Conrad
Egyir, Nathaniel Donnett, and Joshua Ross.
MCLA to Present Virtual Info Sessions on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs
10/29/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a series of
virtual information sessions this fall for community members interested in the College’s
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Graduate Certificate in Business Administration,
Master of Education program, Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion
programs.
Author and Correspondent Jamie Ducharme to Speak at MCLA’s Annual Public Policy Lecture
Event
9/23/21
Jamie Ducharme, an author and TIME magazine correspondent, will be Massachusetts College
of Liberal Arts’ 2021 Public Policy lecturer. She’ll speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday,
October 7 at the College’s Church Street Center Auditorium. A remote viewing option
will also be available, and both options are free and open to the public.
MCLA-Pittsfield to Feature Ian Mosher as October Artist of the Month
9/21/21
Recent MCLA graduate Ian Mosher will be the featured artist at MCLA-Pittsfield during
October, with work on display at the College’s Pittsfield location at 66 Allen Street.
Mosher’s work will be exhibited for the entire month, and an opening artist reception
will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, during the city’s First Fridays Artswalk,
sponsored by the City of Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development.
MCLA History and Political Science Department Presents ‘Of Ebony Embers: Vignettes
of the Harlem Renaissance’ Oct. 5
9/21/21
The History and Political Science Department at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
will present “Of Ebony Embers: Vignettes of the Harlem Renaissance” a virtual musical
theatre event, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5, via Zoom.
MCLA Welcomes Four New Faculty Members
9/16/21
MCLA is pleased to welcome four new faculty members to campus for the fall 2021 semester:
Andrew Best, Assistant Professor of Biology; Rebecca Relyea, Assistant Professor of
Radiologic Sciences; Yavuz Ceylan, Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry; and
Sean Scanlon: Visiting Assistant Professor of History.
MCLA Plans Sept. 17 Constitution Day Lecture Featuring Dr. Paul M. Collins Jr.
9/15/21
The History and Political Science Department at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
will hold its annual Constitution Day Lecture at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17 in Murdock
Hall Room 218 on the MCLA campus.
MCLA Presents Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture with Vivek Shandas Sept. 23
9/15/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will present the annual Vadnais Environmental
Issues Lecture with Vivek Shandas at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23 in Murdock Hall Room 218.
A remote viewing option is also available.
MCLA Continues to Climb U.S. News College Rankings
#7 Public Liberal Arts College
#21 National Liberal Arts College for Social Mobility
9/14/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ continued commitment to an excellent, affordable
education is reflected in the 2022 U.S. News and World Report rankings: The college
has risen to #7 on the list of Top Public Colleges, and risen to #21 as a Top Performer
on Social Mobility and first among all Massachusetts schools. MCLA also continues
to appear on the list of Top National Liberal Arts Colleges.
MCLA-Pittsfield to Feature Sgt. Justin Biasin as Artist of the Month
9/3/21
MCLA Sergeant Justin Biasin will be MCLA-Pittsfield’s featured Artist of the Month,
with work on display at the College’s Pittsfield location at 66 Allen Street. Biasin’s
work will be exhibited for the entire month, and an opening artist reception will
be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, during the city’s First Fridays Artswalk.
MCLA Announces the First Recipients of the Henry B. and Mary D. Holt Scholarship
9/2/21
MCLA is pleased to announce the first recipients of a new annual scholarship created
to support the College’s students. The Henry B. and Mary D. Holt Scholarship was established
in 2021 to honor the Holts for their lifelong commitment to the arts, and is supported
by Frederick and Renee Keator of the GRFHM Foundation.
MCLA Welcomes Three new Vice Presidents
8/31/21
This academic year, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts welcomed three new vice
presidents to its executive team: Joseph DaSilva, Vice President of Administration
and Finance; Dr. Richard Glejzer, Vice President of Academic Affairs; and Dr. Jeannette
Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs.
MCLA Professor Lisa Donovan Receives Irene Buck Award
8/24/21
Arts|Learning, a state advocacy agency for arts education, has named MCLA Professor
of Arts Management Lisa Donovan its 2021 Irene Buck Service to Arts Education Award
recipient.
MCLA to Hold Convocation on Aug. 31
8/23/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold an in-person Convocation ceremony
for first-year students at noon on Tuesday, August 31, at the Amsler Campus Center
Gym.
MCLA Offering College Classes to High School Students via Student Diplomacy Corps
8/5/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education worked this summer with Student
Diplomacy Corps (SDC) to offer college classes to 101 high school students from 15
U.S. states and four different countries, including two from Berkshire County.
MCLA Receives $1.9 million in American Rescue Plan Funding to Distribute to Students
8/4/21
MCLA will receive $1.9 million to distribute directly to enrolled students from Higher
Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) that are part of the federal American Rescue
Plan (ARP).
It’s Not Too Late: MCLA Accepting Applicants for Fall Degree Completion Program
7/27/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education is accepting applicants to the
College’s fall Degree Completion Program, a cohort-style program that begins Sept.
1 for students looking for a non-traditional path to a bachelor’s degree.
MCLA Athletics Golf Classic Returns August 2
7/19/21
The MCLA Athletics Golf Classic will make its return Monday, Aug. 2 at Berkshire Hills
Country Club in Pittsfield after a one year absence due to the pandemic. The Golf
Classic serves as a major fundraiser for the College’s Athletics Department. Over
the years, the Classic has netted more than $40,000 in funds to support the MCLA’s
student-athletes.
MCLA to Hold Virtual Info Session on Degree Completion, Certificates on July 15
7/12/21
Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. The session will offer details about the College’s
bachelor’s degree completion program, as well as its Network Security and Principles
of Accounting certificates.
MCLA to Hold Virtual Info Session on Graduate and Continuing Education Programs July
7
7/1/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7. This information session will offer details
about the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd),
Teacher Licensure, and Leadership Academy programs.
Venable Theater Renovations to be Completed for Fall Student Return
6/29/21
MCLA’s Venable Theater is now poised to offer students an improved hands-on experience
to hone their craft thanks to renovations made possible by the Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick
Trust. Funds provided by the Trust, totaling $100,000, were used to replace seating
and improve lighting in the theater, home to the College’s Theatre Program. The renovations
also expanded accessibility through the demolition and renovation of restrooms to
make them Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, and the installation of
an interior platform for ADA seating which includes rails, doors, and a lobby counter.
Gallery 51 to Reopen for North Adams First Friday Event July 2
6/28/21
MCLA’s Gallery 51 will reopen with a reception for the exhibit “Hostile Terrain,”
from 7–9 p.m., on July 2. The gallery is joining the City of North Adams’ First Friday
event, where downtown shops and galleries remain open until 8 p.m. on the first Friday
of each month.
MCLA to Hold Virtual Info Session on Graduate and Continuing Education Programs June
15
6/8/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15. This information session will offer details
about the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd),
Principles of Accounting certificate, Network Security certificate, Teacher Licensure,
Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion programs.
MCLA-IAH Closes out Symposium and Launches Regional Campaign
6/3/21
From Tuesday, June 1 to Thursday, June 17, 2021, the MCLA Institute for the Arts and
Humanities (MCLA-IAH) will host its annual Summer Symposium, a series of four events
on the theme of accountability.
The series will close on June 17 from 2-4 p.m. EST with an experiential poetry workshop
offered by The Mastheads, led by architect Tessa Kelly and poet Sarah Trudgeon. The
workshop will launch INSCAPES, a yearlong regional campaign designed to highlight
the creativity of all residents across the Berkshires through public poetry prompts
and text-based art installations.
MCLA, in Partnership with Curative Medical Associates, to Host a COVID-19 Vaccination
Clinic
6/2/21
MCLA, in partnership with Curative Medical Associates. will host a COVID-19 vaccination
clinic at its Church Street Center, located at 375 Church Street in North Adams, from
10 a.m.–1 p.m., on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. The site will offer a first dose of the
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which has been approved for emergency use in those ages 12
and older. For a minor to be vaccinated, a guardian must either be present at the
clinic or complete an electronic consent form.
MCLA’s Institute for the Arts and Humanities Announces Four-part Summer Series
5/19/21
The MCLA Institute for the Arts and Humanities (IAH) will host its annual Summer Symposium
from Tuesday, June 1–Thursday, June 17, 2021. The four-part Zoom event is produced
in collaboration with BRIDGE Inc.’s Inclusive Leadership Cohort (ILC), Berkshire Taconic
Community Foundation (BTCF), Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), and the Berkshire
Cultural Assets Network (BCAN), and is free and open to the public.
MCLA Receives $20,000 Grant from National Endowment for the Arts
May 13, 2021
MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) has been approved for a $20,000 Grants
for Arts Projects award to support the MCLA Institute for the Dismantling of Racism.
This project will educate and support staff members of historically White art institutions
in creating and implementing an anti-racist agenda within the arts, one person at
a time. BCRC’s project is among the more than 1,100 projects across America, totaling
nearly $27 million, that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts
Projects fiscal year 2021 funding.
MCLA Food Pantry Receives $3,000 Grant from James and Robert Hardman Fund
May 12, 2021
The MCLA Food Pantry has received a $3,000 grant from the James and Robert Hardman
Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Shelby Dempsey ’21 chosen as MCLA’s ‘29 Who Shine’ Award Recipient
May 12, 2021
Shelby Dempsey ’21 has been chosen as MCLA’s recipient of the Commonwealth’s “29 Who
Shine” award, which recognizes 29 outstanding graduates from the state higher education
system. Governor Charlie Baker will recognize Dempsey and 28 other students during
a virtual YouTube Live ceremony on May 13 at 2 p.m. held by the Massachusetts Department
of Higher Education (DHE).
MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge Announces Three Winners
May 10, 2021
The MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, held virtually from May 3–May 7,
2021, saw the College community come together to view and vote for three winning pitches.
MCLA MBA Program Presents ‘Friday Focus’ Panel May 7
May 4, 2021
At noon on Friday, May 7, MCLA’s Master of Business Administration Program will present
the last event in its “Friday Focus” series of free virtual panels on entrepreneurship
and small business in the time of COVID-19.
MCLA Community Invited to Vote on 2021 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge
April 29, 2021
The MCLA community is invited to view and vote on MCLA senior business plan pitches
during the College’s virtual 2021 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge (IEC). Voting
is open from 5 p.m. on Monday, May 3 to 8 a.m. on Friday, May 7, and any member of
the MCLA community (student, faculty, staff, alumni, or general community member)
is eligible to vote once during that time.
BRAINworks in Berkshire County: Increasing Creative Capacity Through Arts Integration
April 23, 2021
The Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network (BRAINworks) is releasing the publication,
BRAINworks: Increasing Creative Capacity Through Arts Integration in Berkshire County,
detailing the work to cultivate creative capacity in Berkshire County.
MCLA and MassHire Partner to Support 2021 Berkshire Virtual Career Week April 26-30
4/21/21
As part of the Berkshire Compact for Education, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts,
MassHire and other community partners will help showcase careers in the Berkshires
the week of April 26-30 through Berkshire Virtual Career Week. The event aims to engage
high school students, mainly in grades 10-12, in career awareness and exploration
through a blend of live Zoom sessions with local professionals and scheduled broadcasts
on Pittsfield Community Television.
MCLA Arts Management Class Presents 24-Hour Theatre Festival April 30-May 1
4/20/21
MCLA’s Advanced Performing Arts Management (APAM) class will present a 24-HR Theatre
Festival from 7 p.m. on April 30 to 7 p.m. on May 1, with a final showcase at 7 p.m.
on May 1. Coordinated by students with faculty mentorship, the final performance of
this virtual festival is open to the public with advance registration.
MCLA Undergraduate Research Conference to be held Virtually April 22
4/15/21
MCLA will hold its 19th annual Undergraduate Research Conference virtually this year
on Thursday, April 22. Students will have the opportunity to showcase the hard work
they’ve done on various academic projects throughout the year, including scholarly
and creative work, across all academic disciplines.
MCLA Adds Class to Summer Sessions Offerings: “I Can’t Breathe”
4/15/21
As part of its first Summer Session from May 31-June 11, 2021, MCLA will offer an
education course titled “I Can’t Breathe:” Racial Capitalism at the Intersections
of Race, Social Class, Space, and School,”(EDUC 364) taught by Dr. Lisa Arrastia,
assistant professor of education.
MCLA Annual Senior Art Exhibition Opens Virtually April 22
4/14/21
MCLA’s annual senior art exhibition, #Blindsight2021, will open virtually at MCLA
Gallery 51 on April 22 featuring the work of Alex Gaspar ’21, Ian Mosher ’21, Tala
Rousseau ’21, Drew Thomas ’21, and Ashanti Thomas ’21.
MCLA DGCE to Present Info Session on State Employee Tuition Waiver April 28
4/13/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) and the Office of Student
Financial Services will hold a virtual info session at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April
28, providing overviews of DGCE’s programs and sharing information about the tuition
waiver available for Massachusetts state employees and their spouses.
MCLA Receives $28K Grant from Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
4/9/21
MCLA has received a $28,720 Higher Education Innovation Fund Grant from the Massachusetts
Department of Higher Education (DHE), which recently announced a slate of $1.7 million
in grants for the state’s public colleges. These grants fund initiatives that help
colleges work toward racial equity in Massachusetts public higher education.
MCLA Greenhouse Showcases Campus Sustainability Efforts
4/7/21
MCLA’s Venable Greenhouse is full of seedings, thanks to the efforts and teamwork
of MCLA Dining, Facilities, and the Campus Sustainability Committee.
MCLA to Present Virtual Info Session on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs
April 13
4/7/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13. This information session will offer details
about the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Graduate Certificate
in Business Administration, Master of Education program, teacher licensure programs,
administrative licensure, Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion programs.
Dr. Elizabeth R. DeSombre to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk April 14
4/5/21
Dr. Elizabeth R. DeSombre, Camilla Chandler Frost Professor of Environmental Studies
at Wellesley College, will give a talk titled “Individual Behavior and Global Environmental
Problems” as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
April 14, 2021.
MCLA Announces Honorary Degree Recipients, Commencement Exercises for Classes of 2020
and 21
4/2/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will hold its 121st and 122nd Commencement exercises,
recognizing the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021, in two virtual ceremonies on May
15 and 16.
MCLA MBA Program Presents ‘Friday Focus’ Panel April 9
3/30/21
At noon on April 9, MCLA’s Master of Business Administration Program will present
a free virtual panel on entrepreneurship and small business in the time of COVID-19,
as part of its “Friday Focus” panel series examining the pandemic’s impact on business
and economic development.
Dr. Chien-fei Chen to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk April 7
3/30/21
Dr. Chien-fei Chen, director of education and diversity and research associate professor
at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will give a talk titled “Factors that Influence
Household Adoption of Energy Efficient Appliances” as part of MCLA’s Green Living
Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
CARE SYLLABUS Project Receives Cultural Council Grant
3/23/21
CARE SYLLABUS, a joint project of MCLA’s The Mind’s Eye and MASS MoCA, has received
a $3,200 grant from the Cultural Council of the Northern Berkshires.
MCLA to Present Panel on COVID-19 Vaccine Featuring Public Health Experts April 8
3/22/21
MCLA will host a virtual panel, “Closing the Gap on Herd Immunity,” featuring three
experts in public health at 5 p.m. on April 8. Topics covered will include COVID-19
vaccine access, misinformation, and a look ahead as vaccines become available to wider
segments of the population in Massachusetts and across the U.S.
Dr. Jason Seacat to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk March 31
3/22/21
Dr. Jason Seacat, professor of psychology at Western New England University, will
give a talk titled “Promoting Recycling Behaviors in Massachusetts” as part of MCLA’s
Green Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
MCLA Education Department to Share Ethnographies at Hearing Collective Event March
21
3/19/21
Students in the undergraduate and graduate education programs at MCLA will share one-minute
audio-ethnographies during a virtual Young People’s Archive Hearing Collective event
at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 21.
MCLA Student Government to Hold Virtual Sam Gomez Road Race April 10-17
3/19/21
The MCLA Student Government Association’s annual Sam Gomez Road Race will take place
virtually from April 10-17. This year’s race will benefit the Northern Berkshire Community
Coalition in North Adams.
MCLA Faculty Authors Present Panel on Book Writing and Publishing April 6
3/16/21
MCLA faculty members from different academic departments will present an April 6 virtual
roundtable discussion about their most recent and forthcoming book publications from
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 6. Featured speakers will share information about their
books, writing practices, and publishing processes.
Dr. Angela Sanguinetti to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk March 24
3/15/21
Dr. Angela Sanguinetti, research environmental psychologist at the University of California,
Davis, will give a talk titled “How Emissions Information Can Prompt Travelers to
Purchase Greener Flights” as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
MCLA Division of Graduate and Continuing Education to Hold Info Session March 23
3/12/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will present a virtual information
session at 4 p.m. on March 23 for community members interested in learning about MCLA’s
graduate and continuing education programs, including bachelor’s degree completion,
Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, teacher licensure programs,
and MCLA Leadership Academy.
With Name Change, MCLA Adds Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Community Education
3/9/21
With a name change officially approved by state and College governance, MCLA’s former
bachelor of science in community health education will now become a bachelor of science
in public health and community health education.
Dr. Christie Manning to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk March 17
3/8/21
Dr. Christie Manning, director of sustainability at Macalester College in Saint Paul,
Minn., will give a talk titled “The Psychology of Sustainable Behavior” as part of
MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
MCLA MBA Program Presents ‘Friday Focus’ Panel Series Examining Leadership, Entrepreneurship,
and Finance in the time of COVID-19
3/4/21
MCLA’s Master of Business Administration Program is presenting a free series of virtual
panels examining leadership, entrepreneurship, and finance in the context of the COVID-19
pandemic.
Dr. Nell Putnam-Farr to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk March 10
3/1/21
Dr. Nell Putnam-Farr, assistant professor of marketing at Rice University, will give
a talk titled “Framing Messages to Make Them Appealing” as part of MCLA’s Green Living
Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
MCLA Professor and Author Caren Beilin to be 2021 Hardman Scholar-in-Residence
2/26/21
Dr. Caren Beilin, an assistant professor in MCLA’s English & Communications Department,
will offer a free community conversation at 5:30 p.m. on March 9, 2021, via Zoom,
in her role as this spring semester’s Hardman Scholar-in-Residence.
MCLA to Open Registration for Summer Sessions March 1
2/22/21
Registration for MCLA’s three summer sessions will open March 1, 2021, and the majority
of summer classes will be taught online this year.
Dr. Ona Egbue to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk March 3
2/22/21
Dr. Ona Egbue, associate professor of informatics and engineering systems at University
of South Carolina Upstate, will give a talk titled “Factors that Influence Electric
Vehicle Adoption” as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
March 3, 2021.
Teachers College Press to Hold Panel on New Book by MCLA Professor Lisa Donovan Feb.
26
2/18/21
Lisa Donovan and co-author Sarah Anderberg will host a virtual panel discussion, “The
Art of Curation to Deepen Practice in Teaching and Learning.” at 3 p.m. on Feb. 26
as part of the launch of their new book “Teacher as Curator: Formative Assessment
and Arts-Based Strategies,” published by Teachers College Press.
MCLA Presents ‘Lavender Voices: A Conversation with Alex Morse’ March 3
2/17/21
MCLA will present a virtual conversation with Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse at 6 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 3. Part of MCLA’s Lavender Lecture series, Morse will share his story
with viewers, with moderation by MCLA Assistant Professor of Sociology, Anthropology,
and Social Work Dr. Travis Beaver.
Lori Bird to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk Feb. 24
2/17/21
Lori Bird, director of the World Resources Institute’s U.S. Energy Program and Polsky
Chair for Renewable Energy, will give a talk titled “Factors that Influence Demand
for Green Power” as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
Feb. 24, 2021.
Dr. Lisa Watson to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk Feb. 17
2/10/21
Dr. Lisa Watson, associate dean of research and graduate programs and associate professor
of marketing at the University of Regina, will give a talk titled “Consumer Demand
for Fuel Efficient Vehicles and the Role of Social Marketing” as part of MCLA’s Green
Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
Dr. Ralph Buehler to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk Feb. 10
2/5/21
Dr. Ralph Buehler, professor and chair of urban affairs and planning at Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, will give a talk titled “Cycling for Sustainable Cities”
as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10,
2021.
MCLA receives $20K from Berkshire Bank Foundation for summer STEM Academy
2/4/21
The Berkshire Bank Foundation has awarded MCLA $20,000 to fund the Berkshire Bank
STEM Academy, which accepts up to 20 incoming first-year students enrolled in a STEM
major or who have expressed interest in STEM fields.
Rachel Fey to Present MCLA Green Living Seminar Series Talk Feb. 3
2/2/21
Rachel Fey, senior director of public policy for Power to Decide, will present a talk
titled “Preventing Unplanned Pregnancy” as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series
at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021.
MCLA Gallery 51 Virtual Video Art Exhibit ‘A Tourist in Your Own Home’ to Open Feb.
13
2/1/21
MCLA Gallery 51’s new virtual exhibit, “A Tourist in Your Own Home,” will open Saturday,
Feb. 13, with an opening event held virtually at 2 p.m. on Feb. 13.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Virtual Series Begins Jan. 27 With Talk From Dr. Seth Wynes
1/25/21
MCLA’s annual Green Living Seminar Series begins on Wednesday, Jan. 27 and continues
through April, presenting a series of virtual lectures on the theme of “Individual
Actions and Environmental Sustainability.”
MCLA, NBCC, Williams to host annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Jan. 18
1/13/21
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, along with the Northern Berkshire Community
Coalition and Williams College, invite the MCLA and wider community to participate
in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday,
Jan. 18.
MCLA to Hold Virtual Info Session on Graduate and Continuing Education Programs Jan.
13
1/5/21
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13. This information session will offer details
about the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Graduate Certificate
in Business Administration, and bachelor’s degree completion program.
MCLA-IAH to Host Final ‘Unlikely Conversation’ Dec. 14, Featuring Thasia Giles (Jacob’s
Pillow), Talya Kingston (Wam Theatre), And Meghan Labbee (MASS MoCA)
12/09/20
The MCLA Institute for the Arts and Humanities (MCLA-IAH) will host “Unlikely Conversations:
From Intern to Industry,” the final part of its three-part Fall 2020 Unlikely Conversations
Series, from 5-6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 14. The Zoom event will feature local
arts and culture leaders as panelists, including Thasia Giles, Talya Kingston, and
Meghan Labbee.
‘Masked Voices: Disclosing Inception,’ MCLA’s Senior Art Exhibition, Opens Virtually
Dec. 7
12/02/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) senior art students will launch their
website exhibition, “Masked Voices: Disclosing Inception” online on December 7, 2020,
followed by an online reception and artist talks from 1-1:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. The
exhibition will feature artists Liz Brick, Zoe Villane, and Tanner Parrino, all members
of the MCLA Class of 2020.
MCLA Leadership Academy to Hold Virtual Info Sessions on Dec. 15 and Jan. 26
11/30/20
MCLA’s Leadership Academy will hold virtual information sessions at 4 p.m. on Dec.
15 and 7 p.m. on Jan. 26. Aspiring school leaders interested in pursuing their administrator
licensure or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in educational leadership
are invited to join MCLA’s Leadership Academy director and a panel of alumni for a
discussion about the program and application process.
MCLA Theatre Presents ‘Connections: A Festival,’ a Virtual Theatre Experience, from
Dec. 4-6
11/23/20
For its second show of the season, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Theatre
Department will present a collection of one-act play readings titled “Connections:
A Festival” from Dec. 4-6.
MCLA Donates COVID-19 Tests to North Adams Public School System
11/20/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will donate up to 150 Coronavirus test
kits to North Adams Public Schools (NAPS) available for optional testing for all hybrid
or in-person NAPS staff on Monday, November 23. NAPS will be administering the tests
at special testing clinics throughout the district.
MCLA to Hold Virtual Info Session on Graduate and Continuing Education Programs Dec.
2
11/19/20
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold a virtual information
session at 4 p.m. on Dec. 2. This information session will offer details about MCLA’s
Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program, Master of Business Administration, Master of
Education, Teacher Licensure programs, and MCLA Leadership Academy.
MCLA, MASS MoCA Present ‘CARE SYLLABUS,’ Community Resource that Explores Meaning
and Discourse Around Care and Related Concepts
11/13/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts professors, MASS MoCA educators, curators, and
artists, and partners at other academic and cultural institutions in the Northern
Berkshires are working together to present “CARE SYLLABUS,” a justice-oriented public
education and community resource featuring original text, visual media, recordings,
and virtual live events by activists, artists, and academics.
MCLA Center for Teaching and Learning to Present Virtual Event with Dr. Robin DeRosa
Nov. 23
11/12/20
MCLA’s Center for Teaching and Learning will present a virtual event with Dr. Robin
DeRosa, co-director of the Plymouth State University Open Learning and Teaching Collaborative,
from 3:30-4:45 p.m. on Nov. 23. Titled “Zooming Humans: A Framework for Teaching During
Times of Crisis,” DeRosa will present on how educators can respond to the challenges
of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MCLA Institute for Arts and Humanities Continues ‘Unlikely Conversations’ Series on
Nov. 18 with Talya Kingston and Heather Bruegl
11/12/20
The MCLA Institute for the Arts and Humanities will host “Unlikely Conversations:
From Intent to Action,” part two of its three-part Unlikely Conversations series,
from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
MCLA Gallery 51 to Present Alumni Art Exhibit with Virtual Opening Nov. 18
11/06/20
MCLA Gallery 51 will hold a virtual opening celebration for its 2020 Alumni Art Show
at 5 p.m. on November 18. Co-hosted by the MCLA Alumni Office and featuring curated
works by 12 MCLA alumni who graduated between 1971 and 2019, the show will be on display
from November 18-December 11, 2020.
MCLA to Hold Virtual Info Session on Degree Completion Program Nov. 16
11/04/20
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will hold a virtual information
session on the College’s Degree Completion program at 4 p.m. on Nov. 16. Community
members interested in completing their bachelor’s degree are encouraged to attend.
MCLA to Present Virtual Info Session on MBA Program Nov. 12
11/03/20
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will present a virtual information
session at 4 p.m. on Nov. 12 for community members interested in the College’s Master
of Business Administration degree and Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
MCLA FPA Presents ‘THE RACE 2020’: A Virtual Theatre Experience, Tackling The Politics
of 2020
10/26/20
The first show of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Theatre Department’s
Fall 2020 season is Sojourn Theatre’s reflective ensemble-based performance The Race
2020. The play, performed by Sojourn every four years since 2008, explores questions
about how we navigate collective and individual decision making during the regularly
challenging times of national election cycles.
MCLA Presents Virtual Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture
with Susan Natali of the Woodwell Climate Research Center on Nov. 19
10/26/20
MCLA will present its annual Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture
virtually on Nov. 19, featuring Dr. Susan Natali, leader of the Woodwell Climate Research
Center’s Arctic program.
Massachusetts State Universities Offer a Golden Ticket to Economic Opportunity
10/26/20
Those of us from modest upbringings love a good “rags to riches” story. In Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl – or “Willie Wonka”– a working-class boy gets
the golden ticket that will ultimately deliver him and his family from economic despair.
For many in Massachusetts, that golden ticket can be your local state university.
We say this because of who our students are; how well the nine state universities
are serving them; and where they go when they graduate.
MCLA Adopts Test-Blind Policy for Fall 2021/22
10/20/20
In support of MCLA’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in
recognition of the public health crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MCLA
Office of Admission will be waiving the SAT/ACT testing requirement for students who
apply for Fall 2021 and Fall 2022. MCLA will also be piloting a test-blind/test-free
policy for Fall 2021 applicants.
MCLA-IAH to Host 'Unlikely Conversations: From Art to Impact' as Part of MCLA Day
of Dialogue Oct. 21
10/15/20
As part of its “Unlikely Conversations: From Art to Impact” series, The MCLA Institute
for the Arts and Humanities will host cartoonist Liza Donnelly for a virtual conversation
from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21. This event is part of MCLA’s third
annual Day of Dialogue, a virtual day of events, workshops, and webinars on the theme
of creating change through community, action, and organizing. This event is produced
in collaboration with the Norman Rockwell Museum, one of MCLA-IAH’s 2020 community
partners.
MCLA Foundation Elects New Officials at Annual Meeting
10/12/20
At its annual meeting, held virtually on Oct. 5, 2020, the MCLA Foundation unanimously
elected foundation corporators and board members, including one Foundation board member
seeking a second term.
MCLA Professor Emeritus Frances Jones-Sneed to Moderate 14-Week Community Read with
Clinton Church Restoration
10/12/20
Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed, emeritus professor of history at MCLA, will moderate a 14-week
virtual community read of W.E.B. DuBois’ “The Souls of Black Folk,” held by Clinton
Church Restoration in Great Barrington, Mass. The community read will feature guest
scholars who will discuss each chapter as well as enduring themes and concepts in
African American life and culture.
MCLA Marks Berkshire County STEM Week with Programming for K-12 Students and the Community
10/1/20
For Berkshire County STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Week, Oct.
19-23, MCLA and other county partners will offer virtual programming for local public
school students, K-12 educators, and the general community.
MCLA Plans Third Annual Day of Dialogue on Oct. 21
10/1/20
MCLA will hold its third annual Day of Dialogue, a campus-wide alternative day of
education with suspended day classes, on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
MCLA to Hold Oct. 1 Virtual Information Sessions on Academic Programs
9/21/20
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will hold virtual information
sessions at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 1.
Former Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake to Give MCLA's Spring Public Policy Lecture
9/18/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces this spring’s Michael S. and
Kitty Dukakis Public Policy Lecture, “Election 2020 and the State of U.S. Politics,”
will be presented by former Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake at 5 p.m. on Thursday,
October 1. This virtual event is free and open to the public; advance registration
is required.
MCLA Ranked a 2021 Top Ten College by U.S. News and World Report
9/14/20
For the third consecutive year, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is ranked
as a Top Ten College by U.S. News and World Report. MCLA ranks as No. 9 on the organization’s
list of top public colleges and also appears on U.S. News’ list of Top National Liberal
Arts colleges.
MCLA BCRC Presents 'Hostile Terrain 94,' Installation and Programming that Zones in
on U.S. Border Policy
9/11/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Gallery 51 is collaborating with faculty
from MCLA and Williams College to bring Hostile Terrain 94, an interdisciplinary installation
with related academic programming that illustrates in stark terms the violence of
United States border policies, to the Northern Berkshires.
MCLA and HVCC Sign Environmental Studies Articulation Agreement
9/08/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and Hudson Valley Community College have
signed a new articulation agreement. This new agreement will allow Hudson Valley students
who earn their associate degree in environmental science to seamlessly transfer to
MCLA’s bachelor’s degree program in environmental studies with a concentration in
environmental science or environmental sustainability.
MCLA Alumni Association Announces 2020 Awards
9/03/20
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Alumni Association is pleased to
announce the winners of the 2020 Alumni Awards. Due to COVID-19 health and safety
precautions, MCLA will hold its annual award ceremony to recognize the achievements
of alumni and supporters of the College in the year 2021.
MCLA and BCC Sign Education Articulation Agreement
9/03/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and Berkshire Community College (BCC)
have signed a new articulation agreement, creating a pathway for students who complete
BCC’s associate degree in early childhood education to enroll in MCLA’s liberal arts
degree completion program in children, families and society.
MCLA to Receive $1.3M TRIO Program Grant for Student Support Services from U.S. Department
of Education
9/02/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is among institutions chosen by the U.S. Department
of Education to receive a TRIO program grant for student support services. The College
will receive $261,888 per year for up to five years, a total of $1.3 million, in order
to enhance student support for under-resourced students.
Mohan Boodram to Chair MCLA’s Board of Trustees
9/01/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts announces that Mohan Boodram, Dean for Admissions
and Financial Aid at the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, will chair
the College’s Board of Trustees.
MCLA Fine and Performing Arts Department Announces 2020-21 Theatre Season
8/20/20
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Fine and Performing Arts Department has
announced its 2020-21 theatre season, “Crossing the Divide.” In a challenging and
divided time, the department is presenting projects that explore how to stay connected,
focus on what matters, and emerge stronger than ever.
MCLA Welcomes Six New Faculty Members
8/18/20
MCLA is pleased to announce that six new faculty members will be joining the MCLA
community for the College’s fall semester: Lisa Arrastia, Thomas Burton, Whitney Gecker,
Sharon Head, Sudipto Sarkar, and J. Antonio Templanza.
MCLA Gallery 51 Reopens to the Public with Genevieve Gaignard Exhibit ‘A Long Way
From Home’
8/18/20
MCLA Berkshire Cultural Center’s Gallery 51 will present a new body of work by artist-in-residence
Genevieve Gaignard, titled “A Long Way From Home,” and curated by BCRC Director Erica
Wall, beginning with a virtual opening reception at 5 p.m. on August 27. Gaignard’s
work will be on display until December 7, 2020. This is the first exhibition to come
out of MCLA’s Artist Laboratory Residency, and will kick off the gallery’s public
reopening.
MCLA-IAH, BCRC to Present Two-Part Virtual Speaker Series on August 6 & 13
7/30/20
In partnership with MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC), the MCLA Institute
for the Arts and Humanities (IAH) plans a two-part webinar series from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
on August 6 and 13 featuring Aruna D’Souza, Genevieve Gaignard, and Ben Ripley, who
will address conversations on race and transformation within art institutions.
MCLA Gallery 51 to Present Yumi Janairo Roth Collaboration “Straight Lines in Four
Directions and All Their Possible Combinations for a Time of Social Distancing” in
August
7/27/20
MCLA Gallery 51 (G51) will partner with artist and educator Yumi Janairo Roth and
four other local organizations for a social distancing art project in August, based
on the work of Sol LeWitt.
MCLA BCRC/Gallery 51 to Present “We Are More Than A Moment” Virtual Exhibit, Curated
By Genevieve Gaignard, August 12
7/27/20
MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and Gallery 51 will present a virtual exhibition
titled “We Are More Than a Moment,” curated by Genevieve Gaignard, the inaugural artist-in-residence
at MCLA Artist’s Laboratory. This exhibition will go live on Wednesday, August 12,
during Gaignard’s regular Wednesday session as MCLA’s artist-in-residence.
MCLA BCRC Artist-in-Residence Genevieve Gaignard to Host Discussion with Special Guest
Diedrick Brackens
7/23/20
MCLA Artist-in-Residence Genevieve Gaignard will host a virtual discussion with artist
Diedrick Brackens from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. This event is part of Gaignard’s
weekly programming as MCLA’s inaugural artist-in-residence, and is free and open to
the public with advance registration.
MCLA to Share Info on Master of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate in
Business Administration Programs at July 28 Coffee Hour
7/21/20
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will host a virtual coffee hour
at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28. The event will be held online via Microsoft Teams.
Community members interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration or Graduate
Certificate in Business Administration are invited to attend this informal gathering
of MBA staff and recent graduates to learn more about both programs.
MCLA BCRC and North Adams Artist Impact Coalition Present Conversation on Anti-Racism
in the Arts July 23
7/14/20
As the July DownStreet Art event, MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC)
and members of the the North Adams Artist Impact Coalition (AIC) are collaborating
to present a community conversation to move toward anti-racism in the arts from 5-6:30
p.m. on Thursday, July 23, via Zoom.
MCLA to Share Info on Certificate Programs at July 8 Webinar
7/02/20
MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will hold a webinar offering
information about the College’s certificate programs at 11 a.m. on July 8, 2020.
MCLA Receives Two Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
6/24/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is proud to announce it has received
two awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), a global
non-profit association dedicated to educational advancement. The College received
an Educational Fundraising Award for Overall Performance in the category of Public
Liberal Arts Institutions and a Circle of Excellence Award for its 2018-19 President’s
Report. This is the first year MCLA has been recognized by this program.
MCLA Plans for Students’ Fall 2020 Return to Campus
6/18/20
Today, June 18, 2020, MCLA President James F. Birge, Ph.D., wrote to the MCLA community
announcing the College’s intention to welcome students to campus and resume in-person
classes in September.
MCLA’s Institute for the Arts and Humanities Presents its First Virtual Speaker Series
Event
6/17/20
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Institute for the Arts and Humanities
(IAH) has partnered with the Berkshire Cultural Assets Network (BCAN) and Penn Creative
Strategy to present the IAH Virtual Speaker Series: Aligning and Activating Change
Through Storytelling.
MCLA Gallery 51 Offers Virtual Discussion of TIME Magazine Cover by Titus Kaphar
6/15/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Gallery 51 will hold an online conversation
about artist Titus Kaphar’s painting “Analogous Colors,” which graced the June 15,
2020, cover of TIME Magazine. The Gallery will explore this piece through the lens
of our nation's recent events, from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, using VTS Visual
Thinking Strategies.
MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge Announces Three Winners
5/29/20
Although this year’s MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, held May 4-May
8, 2020, was a virtual affair, the College community still came together to view and
vote for the three finalists’ pitches.
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces Virtual Artist Series
5/20/20
MCLA Gallery 51 announces its new online program, the G51 Virtual Artist Series, will
be held live on Zoom, at noon on alternating Saturdays, beginning May 2020. Local,
regional, national, and international artists will give virtual tours of their studios
and discuss their practices. Discussions with the artists will also be recorded for
later viewing.
BCRC to Offer Collaborative Programming with MCLA Artist-in-residence Genevieve Gaignard
5/05/20
MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) is pleased to announce that Genevieve
Gaignard, the inaugural artist-in-residence at MCLA Artist’s Laboratory, will offer
virtual programming to the public beginning on May 13, 2020. Gaignard, a Los Angeles-based
photographer, sculptor, and installation artist, will be in residence at the College
through August 2020. Community members can view this and all other spring/summer programming
on the BCRC website.
MCLA Community Invited to Vote on 2020 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge
5/04/20
This year, The MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge is going virtual, and
the MCLA community is invited to serve as one of the judges. Beginning at 5 p.m. on
May 4, 2020, the three finalists’ pitches will be available to watch and review online.
Voting will be open until 9 a.m. on May 8, 2020. Any member of the MCLA community
(students, faculty, staff, and alumni) will be eligible to vote once during this period.
MCLA Berkshire Cultural Resource Center Pivots to Virtual Programming
4/28/20
MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) is presenting a full season of virtual
programming for spring/summer 2020, with a visiting artist, a virtual senior art exhibition,
portfolio reviews for local artists, a virtual Downstreet Art kickoff, and more.
MCLA Trailblazers Keep Going Initiative Puts CARES Act Funding to Work
4/27/20
This week, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announced the Trailblazers
Keep Going Initiative, which will deploy the first tranche of the College’s federal
CARES Act funding allocation to directly aid students in need.
Virtual Sam Gomez Road Race Runs April 30-May 3
4/24/20
MCLA’s Student Government Association (SGA) will be hosting the first-ever Virtual
Sam Gomez Road Race from 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.
The race will begin in conjunction with MCLA's virtual Take Back the Night event on
April 30 to stand against sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence and to
continue to support the Elizabeth Freeman Center.
MCLA History Professor Receives National Endowment for the Humanities Grant
4/24/20
MCLA is proud to announce that Dr. Amanda Kleintop, MCLA assistant professor of history,
has been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for
her continuing research.
'AND SO IT GOES', MCLA's Senior Art Exhibition, Opens May 1—Virtually
4/21/20
MCLA senior art students will launch their website exhibition, titled “And So it Goes,”
with an online event featuring artist talks from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May, 1, 2020. The
event and exhibition will feature artists Emery Bibbins, Liz Brick, Gillian Catherine
Fournier, Spring Hajjar, Samantha Louise Hinds, Sierra Lamonde, Kelsey Sherman, and
Macie Turrell, all Class of 2020.
MCLA Professors, Accounting Students to Prepare Virtual Tax Returns Through VITA Program
4/14/20
Two MCLA accounting professors and their students will again be preparing tax returns
for local low-income residents—this time, virtually—through Habitat for Humanity’s
VITA program.
Berkshire Cultural Assets Network launches series of challenges to keep people creative
through COVID-19
4/01/20
The members of the Berkshire Cultural Assets Network (BCAN) are in the process of launching the BCAN Creative Challenge Series, a new
way for people of all ages to be creative at home during the COVID-19 public health
crisis.
MCLA Allegrettos Alumni Return for 10 Year Anniversary Concert
3/05/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Alumni Association announces the Allegrettos
“10 Years, 10 Songs” reunion concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Church Street Center on MCLA’s campus. Nearly 40 alumni of the program will reunite for this one-night-only concert.
Join MCLA Alumni for “First Steps” Workshop in April
3/04/20
J. Cottle ’13 and Jasmine Garcia ’16 of Dunamis Inc. will help MCLA students and alumni
prepare for the next steps of their creative careers during “First Steps,” presented
by MCLA’s Fine and Performing Arts Department, at 5 p.m. on April 3, 2020 in Murdock
Hall Room 218.
Emma Gildesgame to Discuss Nutrient Pollution in New England’s Waters for MCLA’s Green
Living Series
2/28/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the seventh event in its spring
Green Living Seminar series will take place on Thursday, March 12. The talk, “Too
Much of a Good Thing: Nutrient Pollution in New England’s Waters,” will be given by
Emma Gildesgame, an environmental analyst with the New England Interstate Water Pollution
Control Commission (NEIWPCC).
MCLA Spring Theatre Season Kicks Off with the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Topdog/Underdog”
2/27/20
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) theatre program kicks off its spring
season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ compelling “Topdog/Underdog.” The play will be directed
by visiting guest artist Rodney Creech, with student John Archer-Harvey serving as
assistant director.
MCLA announces new Health Sciences bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Radiologic
Technology, bolstered by $421K Skills Capital Grant from Baker-Polito Administration
2/26/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is proud to announce that its new health
sciences bachelor’s degree with a concentration in radiologic technology is now accepting
students for the Fall 2020 semester. The program has been approved through the MCLA
governance process and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology,
and students completing the degree are eligible to sit for the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography examination.
MCLA Receives NEA Grant and Launches Berkshire County Blueprint for Arts Integration
and Education
2/14/20
The MCLA Fine and Performing Arts Department's arts management program has received
a $100,000 Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support the
implementation of the C4 Initiative: Creative Compact for Collective Impact.
Registration for MCLA Summer Classes to Begin March 2
2/10/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that registration for summer
class sessions will begin on March 2, 2020. Registration is open to MCLA students,
interested community members, high school students, and Berkshires-based college students
who wish to earn credits toward their degree from another institution.
MCLA Green Living Series to Host Talk by MassDEP Environmental Analyst Matthew Reardon
2/10/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the fourth event in its spring
Green Living Seminar series will take place on Thursday, Feb. 20. The talk, “Water
Quality in the Hoosic River Watershed,” will be given by Massachusetts Department
of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) environmental analyst Matthew Reardon.
Next Green Living Talk to be Given by Vicky Kelly of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem
Studies
2/05/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the third event in its spring
Green Living Seminar series will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13. The talk, “Road
Salt: The Problem, the Solution, and How to Get There,” will be given by Vicky Kelly,
environmental monitoring program manager at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
in Millbrook, N.Y.
MCLA to Celebrate 125th Anniversary with April 25 Event
2/03/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces its 125th Anniversary Celebration
will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2020, in the Amsler Campus Center
Gym. Cocktails will be served from 5-6:30 p.m., with dinner and program to begin at
6:30 p.m.
Photographer and Filmmaker John Stanmeyer to Deliver MCLA Conflict Prevention and
Resolution Lecture
1/30/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that John Stanmeyer will present
this year’s Conflict Prevention and Resolution lecture at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10,
in Room 218 of Murdock Hall, on the MCLA campus. This event is free and open to the
public.
MCLA, Habitat for Humanity Collaborate to Offer Free Tax Assistance to Those in Need
1/27/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration
will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services
to residents in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Former Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake to Give MCLA's Public Policy Lecture
1/24/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces this spring’s Michael S. and
Kitty Dukakis Public Policy Lecture, “Election 2020 and the State of U.S. Politics,”
will be presented by former Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake at 7 p.m. on Thursday,
April 23 in the MCLA Church Street Center’s Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium. This
event is free and open to the public.
Next MCLA Green Living Event to be Dr. Paul Godfrey’s Talk on Acid Rain
1/22/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the second event in its spring
Green Living Seminar series will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6. The talk, “Acid Rain:
How Science and Volunteerism Contributed to Addressing an Environmental Challenge,”
will be given by Dr. Paul Godfrey.
First MCLA Green Living Talk of 2020 to be “Plastics in the Environment: Separating
Myth from Reality”
1/17/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the first event in its spring
Green Living Seminar series will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30. The talk, “Plastics
in the Environment: Separating Myth from Reality,” will be given by Chris Reddy, senior
scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
MCLA Green Living Seminar Series to Begin January 30
1/17/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the theme of its upcoming spring
Green Living Seminar Series will be “Environmental Pollution.” This 11-part series
will begin on Thursday, Jan. 30, with the talk “Plastics in the Environment: Separating
Myth from Reality,” presented by Chris Reddy, senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution.
MCLA and Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Announce 27th Annual Rev. Martin Luther
King Jr. Celebration and Day of Service
1/16/20
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and the Northern Berkshire Community
Coalition (NBCC) invite all community members to participate in the 27th Annual Rev.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.
New Gallery 51 Show Gives Window into Artistic Practice
1/14/20
What drives artists to make their work and sustain a creative practice? “A Practice
in Process,” the new show opening at MCLA Gallery 51 on Jan. 22, aims to explore this
question through the work of eight artists who participated in MASS MoCA’s artist-in-residence
program at the Studios at MASS MoCA, an initiative of the museum’s Assets for Artists
program, which delivers finance and business training to working artists, between
December 2019 and January 2020.
Collaborative Effort Fills North Adams' Main Street with Art for the New Year
12/27/19
Downtown North Adams is glammed up for the new year, thanks to an artistic collaboration
among the City of North Adams and MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center and Fine
and Performing Arts Department.
MCLA Music Students Release 'A Very North Adams Christmas: The Holiday EP'
12/04/19
A group of 11 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) music students are set
to release a holiday EP featuring their take on seven classic Christmas songs. “A
Very North Adams Christmas: The Holiday EP” will be released as a physical CD during
the MCLA Winter Concert at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at the MCLA Church Street Center.
To celebrate the release, a teaser performance of one of the songs will close the
performance. The concert and a limited number of CDs are both free.
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces 'Made By Hand Holiday Art Show'
12/04/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Gallery 51 is pleased to announce that
its “MADE BY HAND HOLIDAY ART SHOW” will open on Thursday, December 5, just in time
for the holiday season. All art will be priced below $100 and will be available for
purchase that evening through Dec. 28, 2019.
Nine MCLA Students Attend the 2019 COPLAC Conference at Keene State College
11/19/19
Nine Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) students had the opportunity to
present scholarly and creative work at the 2019 Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research,
Scholarly and Creative Activity (URSCA) Conference of COPLAC, the Council of Public
Liberal Arts Colleges. The students traveled to Keene State College on Friday, Nov.
8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 with MCLA professors Dr. Jenna Grace Sciuto, associate professor
of English and chair of undergraduate research, and Dr. Anna Jaysane-Darr, assistant
professor of anthropology and associate chair of undergraduate research.
Peace Paper Project Director Drew Matott to Present at MCLA
11/14/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is pleased to welcome Drew Matott, director
and founder of the Peace Paper Project, for a lecture and papermaking demonstration
using The Oracle, a bicycle-powered paper pulp beater. Matott’s presentation, “Papermaking
as Personal Transformation,” will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, in Bowman
Hall, Room 303.
Author, Environmentalist, and Activist Bill McKibben to Present MCLA's Vadnais Lecture
11/14/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that author, environmentalist,
and activist Bill McKibben will present the Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental
Issues Lecture on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., in the Campus Center gymnasium.
MCLA Again Named Top Four-year Public College in MA for Gender Equality
11/12/19
For the second year in a row, a report from the Eos Foundation examining gender equality
in Massachusetts colleges and universities has identified Massachusetts College of
Liberal Arts (MCLA) as the top four-year public institution among only 40 percent
of schools to achieve gender equality.
MCLA Inclement Weather Procedures for 2019-2020
10/31/19
As the autumn days shorten and the temperatures fall, it is time for all of us to
start thinking about the inevitable arrival of winter weather. Please read the following
information carefully as it describes new efforts to help all of us manage our decisions
about winter weather travel.
MCLA Announces Its Second Day of Dialogue
10/30/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold its second Day of Dialogue
on Thursday, Nov. 7. This is an annual, campus-wide initiative with suspended day
and evening classes to ensure full campus participation by students and faculty. The
theme of this year’s Day of Dialogue is “Educating A Diverse Community: Inclusive
Teaching and Learning at MCLA.”
MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center Announces New Director
10/25/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC)
announces Erica Wall has been appointed its new director. As director, she will assume
oversight of MCLA's public art spaces and programs including MCLA’s Gallery 51, its performing arts program,
MCLA Presents!, and its four-month summer arts festival, DownStreet Art.
MCLA Alumni Association Announces 2019 Awards
10/25/19
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Alumni Association held its annual award
ceremony on Oct. 5 to recognize the achievements of alumni and supporters of the College.
More than 60 alumni and friends of the college gathered to celebrate the accomplishments
of the 2019 alumni honorees, and remarks were given by MCLA President James F. Birge,
MCLA Board of Trustees Chair Denise Marshall ’81, and Alumni Association Board of
Directors President Dan Summers II ’07.
MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center Brings “Pang!” To Campus
10/23/19
The Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) at Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce that Dan Froot and Company will bring “Pang!” to
the College Sunday, Oct. 27–Friday, Nov 1.
MCLA to Host Information Session for Degree Completion, Graduate and Certificate Programs
on October 29
10/11/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host an information session for
people interested in the College’s Degree Completion, Graduate and certificate programs.
The session begins at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019 in Murdock Hall, Room 218.
MCLA to Hold 25th Annual ‘Boo Bash’
10/11/19
Residential Programs and Services (RPS) and The Volunteer Center at Massachusetts
College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host the 25th annual “Boo Bash” in the Venable
Gym on Monday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m.
MCLA Students to Co-Host Two North Adams Candidates Forums
10/09/19
Students in Dr. Samantha Pettey’s “State and Local Politics” class, part of Massachusetts
College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Department of History, Political Science and Public
Policy courses offered this fall, will co-host two candidates forums with the North
Adams Chamber of Commerce.
MCLA Honors Program to Host Professor Kevin Escudero
10/09/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome Kevin Escudero, Assistant
Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies and an affiliated faculty member
in the Sociology Department at Brown University, to campus at 5 p.m. on Wednesday,
Oct. 23 in Murdock Hall, Room 218. This is the second lecture in a series presented
by the College’s Honors Program and is free and open to the public.
Southern Vermont College students continue their Radiologic Sciences studies at MCLA
10/09/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, the official teach-out partner for Southern
Vermont College following its closure, is working to ensure that students in SVC’s
Radiologic Sciences program are able to complete their degrees without interruption.
MCLA to Hold Second Annual Career and Internship Fair
10/03/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host its second annual Career and
Internship Fair on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event, which is
open to all MCLA students and alumni, as well as to Berkshire Community College (BCC)
students, will take place in the Amsler Campus Center’s Venable Gym on the MCLA campus.
MCLA’s Writer-in-Residence Hilary Plum to Offer a Reading on October 7
10/02/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Department of English/Communications
announces this semester’s visiting writer-in-residence will be Hilary Plum, an award-winning
author and the associate director of the Cleveland State University Poetry Center.
She will offer a reading at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 7 in MCLA Gallery 51.
Miss Julie Kicks Off MCLA Theatre Season
9/27/19
The Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Department at Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts (MCLA) kicks off its 2019-2020 season with August Strindberg’s “Miss Julie.”
Presented in a new version by David Eldridge from a literal translation by Charlotte
Barslund, the play will be directed by adjunct faculty member David Lane, with scenic
design by Assistant Professor of Theatre Jeremy Winchester, costume design by Declan
McDermott ’21, and lighting design by Jarret Garland ’20.
MCLA Announces 2019-20 Theatre Season
9/24/19
The Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Department at Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts (MCLA) announces its 2019-2020 Theatre Program season. The lineup will include
a postmodern take on a classic musical, a darkly comic fable about family wounds,
a deeply complex portrait of a tragic murder, and a classic story of desire, choice,
and class warfare..
MCLA Ranked a 2020 Top Ten College by U.S. News and World Report
9/09/19
For the second consecutive year, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has
been ranked a Top Ten College by U.S. News and World Report. MCLA ranks as No. 7 on
the organization’s list of top public colleges and also appears on U.S. News’ list
of Top National Liberal Arts colleges.
MCLA and MASS MoCA to Present ‘Slow: A Symposium in Praxis & Theory’ Symposium at
MASS MoCA Nov. 1
9/03/19
The Mind’s Eye, the much-loved faculty published journal that has been a part of academic
life at MCLA for years, expands to a one-day symposium on November 1, 2019 at MASS
MoCA. This inaugural symposium will engage scholarly and creative communities within
and beyond the Berkshires. It represents an innovative collaboration between higher
education and a cultural institution, with programs that strengthen the ties between
the humanities and the arts.
MCLA Welcomes New Faculty Members
8/28/19
MCLA is pleased to announce that nine new faculty members will be joining the MCLA
community for the College’s fall semester. Katelyn Born, Margaret Clark, Alyssa Dufresne,
Linda Lippacher, Michaela Petrovich, Clio Stearns, Xin Shen, Joshua Uhalt, and Julie
Walsh will all bring their expertise to the MCLA community.
MCLA Students Move Back to Campus Over Labor Day Weekend
8/23/19
IN BRIEF: MCLA will welcome new and returning students to campus over Labor Day weekend
2019. Students and families will move into residence areas, and MCLA volunteers will
help with the process.
MCLA Alumni Association Announces 2019 Awards
8/15/19
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Alumni Association will hold its
annual award ceremony to recognize the achievements of alumni and supporters of the
College at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2019.
MCLA Downstreet Art Returns To Downtown North Adams August 29
8/15/19
DownStreet Art, the last-Thursday-of-the-month popup program of Massachusetts College
of Liberal Arts’ Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (MCLA BCRC), returns to downtown
North Adams from 5-8 p.m. on August 29, 2019. As always, DownStreet Art is free and
open to the public.
MCLA to host information night for Degree Completion, certificate programs in Pittsfield
August 5
7/25/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host an information night for people
interested in the College’s Degree Completion and certificate programs. The session
begins at 5 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2019, at MCLA-Pittsfield, the College’s new
academic center at 66 Allen St. in Pittsfield, Mass.
Senior Art Show “A Phobia of Phobias” Opens Aug. 7 at MCLA’s Bowman Hall
7/24/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces artist Kamryn Dunton ’20 will
be exhibiting her senior art show “A Phobia of Phobias,” at noon on Wednesday, August
7, on the third floor of Bowman Hall on the MCLA Campus.
MCLA Summer Camps, Boy Scouts of America, General Dynamics and the U.S. Navy to Demonstrate
Rocket Launch July 24
7/18/19
The MCLA Science & Robotic and Young Hacks summer camps, as well as the Boy Scouts
of America, have partnered with General Dynamics and the U.S. Navy to learn about
and build model rockets and will be demonstrating them at noon on July 24 at Joe Wolfe
Field.
MCLA Downstreet Art Returns To Downtown North Adams July 25
7/17/19
DownStreet Art, the third-Thursday popup program of Massachusetts College of Liberal
Arts’ Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (MCLA BCRC), returns to downtown North Adams
from 5-8 p.m. on July 25, 2019. As always, DownStreet Art is free and open to the
public.
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces Artist Talk With Jon Verney July 25
7/17/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce an artist talk
and reception with Jon Verney, whose Gallery 51 exhibit “Burning at the Center of
Things” opened on June 27.
Tour MCLA’s Campus During Admission Summer Saturdays August 3, August 24
7/15/19
You can visit the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) campus any day of the
week—but prospective students and their families seeking an in-depth look at MCLA as they tour campuses this summer are
welcome and encouraged to register for an upcoming Summer Saturday program.
MCLA Athletics Taps Adriane Baird to Lead Softball Program
7/11/19
Laura Mooney, MCLA’s director of athletics, has announced the hiring of Adriane Baird
as the school’s new head softball coach.
MCLA STEM Academy for Incoming First-Year Students Begins July 28
7/10/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will welcome incoming first-year students this
month to STEM Academy, a summer program designed to provide a preview of the college
experience and opportunities to make friends before the fall semester begins.
Two MCLA Alumni Named To National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellows Cohort
6/28/19
MCLA alumni Erica Barreto ’18 and J. Cottle ’13 are putting their arts management
degrees to work and have been named to National Arts Strategies’ 2019 Creative Community
Fellows New England cohort.
MCLA Announces Youth Summer Camps And Sports Clinics
6/20/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that registration is open for
the College’s annual summer camps and sports clinics. Camps and clinics are available
for students in grades 4 through 12 and include Young Hacks, Science and Robotics,
and a summer volleyball clinic. A limited number of camperships are funded in part
by Northern Berkshire United Way’s Campership Grants Program.
MCLA Kicks Off DownStreet Art Season With New Installations And Activities
6/20/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (MCLA BCRC)
is excited to announce the first Downstreet Art of the 2019 season will be 5-8 p.m.
on Thursday, June 27. Local and regional artists have decked out Main Street storefronts
for the occasion, and three locations will host simultaneous gallery openings downtown.
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces Jon Verney 'Burning At The Center of Things' Exhibit To
Open June 27
6/19/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is pleased to announce Jon Verney’s MCLA
Gallery 51 exhibit “Burning at the Center of Things,” which will be open from June
27-Aug. 24, 2019, with an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. on June 27 during the first
DownStreet Art date of the 2019 season.
MCLA DownStreet Art Returns For Season on June 27
6/14/19
Beginning on Thursday, June 27, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) DownStreet Art’s
2019 (DSA) season will feature new artists, new events, and new collaborations.
MCLA Hosts Black Rock Football Club For Summer
6/7/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts announces that the College will host coaches
and trainees from Black Rock Football Club, a soccer training program that is open
to players at all levels.
MCLA To Host First Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Conference June 11-14
6/4/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) presents its first conference on Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion from June 11-14, 2019. The conference will feature world-renowned
activist, commentator, educator, poet, and writer Nikki Giovanni as the keynote speaker,
as well as Mathew Knowles, record executive, former manager of Destiny’s Child, and
father of Beyoncé.
BCC, MCLA Receive Grant From Mass Dept. Of Higher Ed For STEM Summer Program
5/30/19
Berkshire Community College (BCC) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
announce that the Mass Department of Higher Education (DHE) has awarded the institutions
$24,980 to establish a STEM Starter Academy: STEM Transfer Summer Bridge Program.
Karen M. Kowalczyk Joins MCLA's Board Of Trustees
5/21/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that Gov. Charlie Baker has
appointed Karen M. Kowalczyk, president of Karen M. Kowalczyk, PC accounting firm
in Pittsfield, Mass., to the Board of MCLA.
MCLA Professor Jenna Sciuto Named a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Scholar
5/7/19
Dr. Jenna Grace Sciuto, a professor in the English/Communications department at Massachusetts
College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), has been selected as an NEH Summer Scholar from a
national applicant pool to attend one of 20 summer seminars and institutes supported
by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
MCLA to Host Eighth Grade Career Experience May 30 & 31
5/6/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome approximately 800 eighth
graders from eight Berkshire County schools on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31,
for the eighth annual Eighth Grade Career Experience in Bowman Hall on the MCLA campus.
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces Anina Major: “The Rhythm of Hybrid Interactions”
5/1/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Gallery 51 is pleased to announce that
“The Rhythm of Hybrid Interactions” will open on Thursday May 23, 2019. The public
is invited to attend a free opening reception on Thursday, May 23, from 5 to 7 p.m.
at Gallery 51.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Announces 2019 ’29 Who Shine’ Recipient
4/30/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that this year’s recipient
of the “29 Who Shine” award is Lindsay Carter ’19 of Pittsfield, Mass.
MCLA Announces Recipients Of The Ninth Annual Berkshire County Educator Recognition
Awards
4/26/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has announced the recipients of the Ninth
Annual Berkshire County Educator Recognition Award. This award, given by MCLA in collaboration
with Berkshire County K-12 superintendents and Berkshire Community College (BCC),
was created to honor the region’s exceptional teachers.
Night Of Classics
4/26/19
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Music Program will hold two concerts
showcasing students in the College’s wind and jazz ensembles. Tickets are free and
walk-ins are welcome.
MCLA To Host Western MA Regional Science And Engineering Fair April 26
4/22/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host the annual Western Massachusetts
Regional Science and Engineering Fair from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 in the
Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium. This event is free and open to the public.
MCLA Senior Art Show: An Inquiry into ____ opens at Gallery 51 On April 25th
4/18/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Gallery 51 is proud to introduce this
year’s senior art show, An Inquiry into _____, a culmination of senior art and arts
management majors’ art works. The opening reception will take place on from 5 to 7
p.m. on April 25, 2019 at MCLA Gallery 51, 51 Main Street, and the exhibition will
remain open through May 19. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments
will be provided.
Next MCLA Green Living Talk: 'Open-Source Technology'
4/16/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces this spring’s Green Living
Series will conclude on Thursday, April 25, with a lecture on “Innovating Open-Source
Technology for Small-Scale Sustainable Agriculture” by Dorn Cox, a farmer who is the
founder of FarmOS, an open-source software platform for farm management, planning,
and record keeping.
100+ Local High Schoolers To Attend Berkshire Compact Career Expo April 12
4/8/19
On Friday, April 12, 2019, more than 100 Berkshire County high school students will
be participating in the Berkshire Compact for Education’s 10th Grade Career Expo at
the Berkshire Museum.
CANCELED Bestselling Author Sarah Smarsh Unable To Deliver Spring Public Policy Lecture
4/4/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) regrettably announces this evening’s
public policy lecture has been canceled. Unfortunately, bestselling author Sarah Smarsh
is unable to attend.
Bestselling Author Sarah Smarsh To Meet With Press Prior To MCLA Spring Public Policy
Lecture
4/1/19
Bestselling author and journalist Sarah Smarsh will meet with members of the media
prior to her talk at MCLA’s Spring Public Policy Lecture Thursday, April 4, 4:30 p.m.
MCLA Global Film Series To Feature Emmy-Award Winning Archivist Rich Remsberg April
2
3/29/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that Rich Remsberg, Emmy Award-winning
film archivist and one of the nation’s top researchers for TV, documentaries, and
museum exhibits, will present clips of his work and host a corresponding discussion
at 6:30 p.m. on April 2 in Murdock Hall Room 218.
MCLA Adds New Bachelor’s Degree In Communications, Plus Concentration In Digital Media
Innovation
3/29/19
MCLA announces that it is adding a new bachelor’s degree program in communications,
plus a concentration in digital media innovation, to be offered starting Fall 2019.
Current MCLA students will also be able to transition into this major if they so desire.
This new degree will be offered through the MCLA Department of English/Communications.
MCLA’s Next Green Living Talk To Focus On The Farm Bill
3/25/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the next Green Living Seminar
will take place on Thursday, March 28, with a presentation on “The Farm Bill: What
it is and What it Means for Farming in the U.S.,” by Justin Chase, director of Farmer
Training Programs at Tufts New Entry Sustainable Farming Project in Lowell.
Bestselling Author Sarah Smarsh To Deliver MCLA’s Spring Public Policy Lecture
3/25/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces this spring’s public policy
lecture will be presented by bestselling author Sarah Smarsh at 7 p.m. on Thursday,
April 4, in the MCLA Church Street Center’s Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium.
MCLA Announces New Certificate Programs In Accounting And Network Security
3/20/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Department of Graduate and Continuing
Education has announced that two new certificate programs in accounting and network
security will be available this fall. Classes for these 21-credit programs will be
held at MCLA-Pittsfield, 66 Allen Street.
Volunteers Needed For MCLA’s Spring Community Day Of Service April 13
3/20/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) encourages all community members to participate
in the Spring Community Day of Service from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April
13.
MCLA To Host Info Night For Graduate Programs April 2
3/20/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome Mariel Fiori as this spring
semester’s Hardman Journalist-in-Residence. She’ll give a talk titled “Democracy and
Journalism, the Hudson Valley, and What I Care About,” at 4 p.m. on March 28 in Murdock
218. Her talk is free and open to the public.
Journalist, Translator, Educator, And Entrepreneur Mariel Fiori To Be MCLA’s 2019
Hardman Journalist-In-Residence
3/14/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome Mariel Fiori as this spring
semester’s Hardman Journalist-in-Residence. She’ll give a talk titled “Democracy and
Journalism, the Hudson Valley, and What I Care About,” at 4 p.m. on March 28 in Murdock
218. Her talk is free and open to the public.
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces “RECONNECTING: MCLA ALUMNI SHOW” To Open On Thursday, March
28, 2019
3/12/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Gallery 51 is pleased to announce “RECONNECTING:
MCLA ALUMNI SHOW” the college’s first exhibition of alumni work at Gallery 51. The
show will open on Thursday, March 28, 2019, and will remain on view through April
21, 2019. The public is invited to attend a free opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
on Thursday, March 28 at Gallery 51.
MCLA To Hold Ribbon-Cutting At MCLA-Pittsfield Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12, 2019
3/11/19
MCLA and its Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will hold a grand opening
and ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the new Pittsfield location at 66 Allen Street,
the College’s partnership with 1Berkshire, and the campus’s commitment to offering
courses in Pittsfield.
MCLA’s Next Green Living Talk: 'Sustainable Dining at MCLA'
3/04/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the next Green Living Seminar
will take place on Thursday, March 7, with a presentation on “Closing the Loop: Composting
Food Waste” by Trevor Mance, owner of TAM Organics LLC, a commercial food and farm
composting facility in Bennington, Vt.
MCLA’s Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Department will host Harvard Professor
Dr. Ieva Jusionyte March 7
3/01/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Department
will host Harvard Professor Dr. Ieva Jusionyte for a guest lecture at 6 p.m. on March
7, 2019, in Murdock Hall Room 218. Dr. Jusionyte’s lecture, titled “Wall as Weapon:
Infrastructure, Injury, and Rescue on the U.S.-Mexico Border,” is free and open to
the public.
MCLA’s Next Green Living Talk: 'Composting Food Waste'
2/22/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the next Green Living Seminar
will take place on Thursday, March 7, with a presentation on “Closing the Loop: Composting
Food Waste” by Trevor Mance, owner of TAM Organics LLC, a commercial food and farm
composting facility in Bennington, Vt.
Registration For MCLA Summer Classes To Begin March 1
2/22/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that registration for summer
class sessions will begin on March 1, 2019. Registration is open to all, from MCLA
students to interested community members to Berkshire-based college students who are
home for the summer and wish to earn additional credits toward their degree from another
institution.
MCLA’s Writer-In-Residence To Offer Reading On March 6
2/21/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Department of English/Communications
announces this semester’s writer-in-residence will be Joanna Ruocco, an assistant
professor of English at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. She will offer
a reading on Wednesday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. in MCLA Gallery 51.
MCLA BCRC To Host Arts Advocacy Training Feb. 25
2/21/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Berkshire Cultural Resource Center will host
a MASSCreative Local Arts Advocacy Training from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2019,
at Gallery 51/Design Lab, 51 Main Street, North Adams.
MCLA Honors Program To Host Dr. Kimberly Juanita Brown Feb. 28
2/15/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome Dr. Kimberly Juanita Brown,
author and the chair of gender studies/associate professor of English and Africana
studies at Mount Holyoke College, to campus at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, in
Murdock Hall, Room 218, as the inaugural installment of an annual lecture series presented
by the College’s Honors Program.
MCLA's Next Green Living Talk: ‘Indoor Farming’
2/15/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the next Green Living Seminar
will take place on Thursday, Feb. 28, with a presentation on “Indoor Farming: The
Future of Food?” by James Mayer, a farmer at Grateful Greens in Stephentown, N.Y.
MCLA's Next Green Living Talk: ‘Farming In The City’
2/14/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the next Green Living Seminar
will take place on Thursday, Feb. 21, with a presentation on “Farming in the City”
by Lydia Sisson, co-founder of Mill City Grows in Lowell.
MCLA English Reading Series, ‘Spring 19,’ To Begin Feb. 26
2/12/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Department of English/Communications
announces this semester’s creative writing series, Spring 19, will begin on Tuesday,
Feb. 26, when writers Anna Maria Hong and Julianna Spallholz present readings from
their recent works.
MCLA’s Next Green Living Talk: 'New England Food Vision'
2/11/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the next Green Living Seminar
will take place on Thursday, Feb. 14, with a presentation on “Realizing the New England
Food Vision” by Julia Freedgood, assistant vice president of programs at America Farmland
Trust.
MCLA Reschedules Ribbon-Cutting At MCLA-Pittsfield
2/11/19
Due to concerns regarding impending inclement weather, MCLA has rescheduled its grand
opening and ribbon-cutting event in celebration of its new location for the College’s
new Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, its partnership with 1Berkshire,
and the campus’s commitment of offering courses in Pittsfield. This event previously
was slated for Tuesday, Feb. 12.
MCLA To Hold Ribbon-Cutting At MCLA-Pittsfield
2/5/19
MCLA and its Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will hold a grand opening
and ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the new location, the College’s partnership
with 1Berkshire, and the campus’s commitment to offering courses in Pittsfield.
Nominations Open For 2019 Educator Recognition Awards
1/30/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and Berkshire Community College (BCC),
together with the Berkshire Superintendents’ Roundtable, announce that nominations
are open for the 2019 Berkshire County Educator Recognition Award.
MCLA Announces 'Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference'
1/28/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces it will hold the First Annual
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference in the Berkshires, June 11-14, and has
issued a call for papers. The conference will feature world-renowned activist, commentator,
educator, poet, and writer Nikki Giovanni as the keynote speaker.
Next MCLA ‘GREEN LIVING’ Talk: How Cows 'Save The Planet'
1/28/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the next Green Living Seminar
will take place on Thursday, Feb. 7, with a presentation on “Cows Save the Planet:
Soil, Climate, and the Promise of Regenerative Agriculture,” presented by author and
journalist Judith D. Schwartz.
MCLA To Hold 24th Annual Student Leadership Conference
1/28/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the campus will host the 24th
Annual Student Leadership Conference, “Leaders of the Round Table,” on Saturday, Feb.
9, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Amsler Campus Center Gym.”
MCLA To Launch Public Humanities Initiative With $360K Grant
1/24/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has received a $360,000 grant from The
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support a public humanities initiative to promote diversity,
equity, and inclusion through community engagement, experiential learning opportunities,
and a summer institute.
MCLA Named Top Four-Year Public College In MA For Gender Equality
1/22/19
As part of the ongoing Social Change Film Series and in collaboration with Williams
College and Bennington College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will
present a screening of “Rafiki,” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, in Amsler Campus Center’s
Sullivan Lounge.
MCLA To Host Next 'Social Change Series' Film
1/22/19
As part of the ongoing Social Change Film Series and in collaboration with Williams
College and Bennington College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will
present a screening of “Rafiki,” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, in Amsler Campus Center’s
Sullivan Lounge.
MCLA Announces Keynote Speaker, Honorary Degree Recipients For 120th Commencement
Exercises
1/22/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will celebrate its 120th Commencement
exercises on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.
This year's Commencement speaker will be Richard E. Neal, who represents the First
Congressional District of Massachusetts in the United States Congress and chairs the
House Ways and Means Committee. Chairman Neal will receive an honorary Doctor of Public
Service degree.
MCLA Announces 'Black History Month' Events For February
1/17/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that this year’s celebration
of Black History Month include a number of events that are free and open to the public,
including a one-man show performed by Emmy Award-winning actor Ron Jones, “The Movement:
50 Years of Love and Struggle,” which will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4,
in Venable Theater in MCLA’s Amsler Campus Center.
MCLA Gallery 51 Announces First Exhibit of 2019 'Colour And Form: Beauty In Abstraction'
1/17/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Gallery 51 is pleased to announce the
first exhibition of 2019 “Colour and Form: Beauty in Abstraction” will open on Thursday,
Jan. 24, 2019, and remain on view through March 16, 2019. The public is invited to
attend a free opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gallery
51.
MCLA To Hold Annual 'National Girls & Women In Sports Day'
1/16/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces it will host this year’s National
Girls and Women in Sports Day event from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2,
in the James T. Amsler Campus Center Gym, on the second floor of the Center.
MCLA To Begin Spring Semester With Opening Breakfast
1/16/19
MCLA will mark the beginning of its spring 2019 semester with its traditional Opening
Breakfast, where exciting news, updates, and upcoming campus happenings will be shared.
Please join us for breakfast and learn what’s ahead for the College!
MCLA ‘Green Living’ Seminar Series To Begin Thursday, Jan. 31
1/10/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces the theme of the upcoming “Green
Living Seminar Series” will be “Sustainable Food and Farming.” This 11-part series
will begin on Thursday, Jan. 31, with a presentation on “Organic Certification: The
Story Behind the Label” by Laura Davis, organic certification assistance coordinator
and soil technical advisor for the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts
Chapter.
MCLA Announces Fall 2018 Dean's List
1/10/19
MCLA is pleased to announce our Fall 2018 Dean's List. Undergraduate matriculated students who take a minimum of six credits during the semester and
achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.30 with no incomplete grades are placed
on the semester's Dean's List.
MCLA Announces Grand Opening of New Pittsfield Location
1/8/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Division of Graduate and Continuing
Education has announced that the campus’s location in Pittfield has changed from the
Conte Federal Building to a building owned and occupied by 1Berkshire, at 66 Allen
St.
MCLA, Habitat For Humanity Collaborate To Offer Tax Assistance To Area Residents In
Need
1/7/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration
will partner with Habitat for Humanity to implement a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) program to provide income tax assistance to local residents in need through
a new internship program for business and accounting students at MCLA.
MCLA Prof Publishes Articles About Elementary School Recess
1/4/19
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that the MCLA Jazz Band and
MCLA Choir, along with MCLA students who take private lessons, will present the campus’s
annual Jazz Winter Concert on Monday, Dec. 10.
