State lawmakers get a close-up look at STCC programs
Lawmakers toured STCC, including a visit to the mechanical engineering technology lab. From left, John LaFrancis, chair, mechanical engineering technology; STCC President John B. Cook; Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin; Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer; Rep. Stephan Hay, D-Fitchburg; Elizabeth Ryan, a STCC graduate; Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst; and Rep. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – From the patient simulation center to the mechanical engineering technology lab, state lawmakers recently toured Springfield Technical Community College to get a better understanding how STCC is preparing students for careers and boosting the economic vitality of the region.
STCC was the 25th stop for the Joint Committee on Higher Education, which plans to visit all 29 Massachusetts public colleges and universities.
State Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, of Franklin, co-chair of the joint committee, said he was highly impressed with the health care and advanced manufacturing programs at STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts.
Rep. Stephan Hay, D-Fitchburg, interacts with one of the patient simulators at STCC.
“This is my first time at STCC,” Roy said. “It’s amazing. I’m so glad we have a pipeline here in Springfield that is not only going to help the students, but help the economy. If you want to save some money and get a good quality education, this is the path.
“Since we started touring campuses, I’ve been boasting about community colleges and the opportunity to get an education at a reasonable cost,” Roy added. “I tell folks if you use the MassTransfer system, you’ll save 37 percent of the overall cost of a four year degree by taking the community college path.”
After the tour, Sen. Anne M. Gobi, of Spencer, co-chair of the joint committee, said she feels STCC’s programs help to fuel the region’s economy.
I’m so glad we have a pipeline here in Springfield that is not only going to help the students, but help the economy. If you want to save some money and get a good quality education, this is the path.Jeffrey Roy, State representative
“The school is really making sure they’re here for the needs of the future,” Gobi said. “I also loved the enthusiasm. From the moment I walked in, I could tell the students were really engaged.”
STCC President John B. Cook on Feb. 28 led Gobi, Roy and three other lawmakers from the joint committee on a tour of STCC. The campus tour started on the seventh floor of Scibelli Hall (Building 2), which offers an expansive and breathtaking view of the Pioneer Valley.
Professor John LaFrancis gives an overview of the mechanical engineering technology program.
Cook then guided the delegation to a computer information technology classroom, where they had a chance to ask students and a professor questions.
The lawmakers passed through the recently renovated Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (Building 19), the heart of the campus that houses the library and other key student services and activities.
The moved to Building 20, home of the renowned SIMS Medical Center. They interacted with state-of-the-art patient simulators, which give students a realistic experience while training to become health care professionals.
Their final stop was the mechanical engineering technology lab, where students learn to operate state-of-the-art lathes and milling machines, coordinate measuring machines, 3D printers and other high-tech equipment.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to show the joint committee on higher education our beautiful campus,” Cook said. “They met some of our talented faculty and saw up close some of the amazing programs. I truly appreciate they took the time to visit and see how we’re preparing our students for careers or to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.”
State Rep. Aaron Vega, of Holyoke, said he thinks STCC does a great job preparing students.
“They’ve got facilities that get people trained and ready for the workforce – and that’s what community colleges do so well – whether it’s getting them ready for a four-year degree or getting them ready for the workforce. I think the flexibility that STCC has to address those needs in our area is just unprecedented,” he said.
Other lawmakers who toured STCC included state Rep. Mindy Domb, of Amherst, and state Rep. Stephan Hay, of Fitchburg.
Roy said the STCC visit – and trips to other campuses – will help the joint committee when it is back at the State House in Boston.
“It’s difficult to look at line items on a spreadsheet and get a feel for what the real needs are on the campuses,” Roy said. “After going through the 25 colleges, it’s been incredibly valuable, incredibly eye-opening and I’m really proud of what Massachusetts offers its students in the public system.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, liberal arts, and STEM fields continue to provide the most affordable options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of about 7,000 day, evening, weekend, and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).