STCC announces Ovations Speakers Series lineup for spring 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. –  Springfield Technical Community College is pleased to announce the spring lineup for the Ovations Speakers Series, a program of educational and cultural special events that are free and open to the public.

Wayne Phaneuf, executive editor for The Republican, will speak about the book he co-wrote, “The Struggle for Freedom, the History of African Americans in Western Massachusetts.” Phaneuf’s presentation is scheduled for Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m. in Scibelli Hall theater.

His talk during Black History Month will explore the role western Massachusetts has played in the struggle for racial equality. The book chronicles Massachusetts’ role in both legalizing and abolishing slavery in the state and being part of the Underground Railroad. It also examines the upheavals that progress can bring. Joseph Carvalho III, past president of the Springfield Museums and one of the book’s authors, will join Phaneuf. 

The Dorothy Jordan Pryor Award Luncheon will be held April 5 at noon, Scibelli Hall, 7^th Floor. This year’s recipient is retired English Professor Marcia Sias, whose work on behalf of the STCC Civitan Club has served the STCC community and beyond.

The award is given in honor of Dorothy Jordan Pryor, who was an English professor at the college and later served as the college's affirmative action officer. Following her retirement, Pryor was appointed by the governor to serve on the STCC Board of Trustees for two five-year terms and was elected vice chairman of the board.

The award is given to a member of the STCC community who, like Pryor, has had a lasting impact.

The STCC Storytelling Contest (the finals competition) is scheduled for April 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the Scibelli Hall theater.  Students will have a chance to participate in open storytelling events over the next few months. Six storytellers will be selected for the finals competition on April 18.

The Ovations Speakers Series is made possible by the support of The Chicopee Savings Bank Endowment for Academic Excellence, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Honors Program at STCC.

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, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 8,500 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 and Twitter (@S_T_C_C).

Media Contact:

Jim Danko, coordinator of media relations

(413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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