November 28, 2018
From left are Spencer Moser, Jackie Kelly ’17, Jeremy Winchester and Melanie Mowinski.
MCLA campus community members often are active in their community, volunteering their time and talent to the region. Recently, some of them were recognized for their efforts at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition’s Fall Neighborlies Ceremony.
Spencer Moser, director of MCLA’s Center for Service and Citizenship, received a “Community Health and Wellness” award. “It is an honor to be part of a community that strives to improve and enrich the lives of everyone,” he said. “While we can at times be bogged down or not always see the fruit of our individual work, an event like The Neighborlies showcases the collective power of our community, and inspires us to continue the good work we do.”
According to another awardee, Jackie Kelly ’17, an administrative assistant in the President’s Office, “I came to North Adams as a student, and upon graduation started my job with MCLA. Originally from the Boston area, it can be taxing being far away, but knowing that I can make a difference in my community ... reminds me that I am in the right place.”
MCLA students recognized at the event included Julianna Henault ’21, Paula Kingsbury-Evans ’22, Meaghan Murphy ’22, Tarah Valin ’22, and Joshua Vallieres ’22.
Other MCLA community members recognized at the Nov. 14 event included the College’s Community Engagement Coordinator Christopher Hantman ’14; Melanie Mowinski, associate professor of visual art, who helped the ROOTS Teen Center with its ArtDoors summer art and hiking series; and Jeremy Winchester, assistant professor of theatre, for his work on TEDx North Adams, and involvement in Mohawk Theatre restoration planning.
“We all work so hard to contribute to the daily life of our community,” Winchester said. “To receive an award is always a surprise, and it's a welcome reminder that our efforts have meaning. I am humbled and grateful to be able to live in such a generous place.”
