On Nov. 13, 2024, �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College hosted the annual NHDOT Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition on its Concord campus featuring 43 teams from Concord High School, Gorham Middle High School, Hopkinton High School, Milford High School, Nashua High School South, Plymouth Regional High School, and Winnisquam Regional Middle School. Students poured into Sweeney Hall Auditorium laden with bridges created from nothing more than popsicle sticks, hot glue, and the imagination built from long hours studying bridge construction with an NHDOT engineer mentor throughout the fall term.

To test these bridges, students registered them with the DOT and then placed each end on a tall pillar rigged with a load distribution system. The team members � and in some cases, more � stepped onto a gangway used to measure load and �tested� their bridges� load capacity vs. total weight. The teams whose bridges could hold the most load with the least building material weight were declared the winners: This year, the winning teams were Hopkinton High School in first place, Hopkinton High School in second, and Milford High School in third.

The competition is part of the AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions Program wherein individual state departments of transportation work with high schools in their state by providing the curricula and resources for the schools and bring engineers into classrooms to serve as speakers, teach a hands-on activity, and/or talk to students about the importance of math and science in preparing for their future.

And the high school students weren�t the only ones to get in on the fun. �鶹��ý students from the college�s Architecture and Civil Engineering Technology programs designed, machined, and built their bridges made from aluminum. Not a formal part of the competition but instead a showcase of what�s capable at a college level, these �鶹��ý bridges were built on campus by the students as part of the Steel and Timber Design course.

For a full report of the final weights, load capacities, and more, contact �鶹��ý�s Architecture and Civil Engineering Technology programs at vtcarter@ccsnh.edu

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic and workforce programs to over 3,400 students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

There will be disruptions to traffic and restricted access to some buildings and areas of campus. Classes will not meet on campus on Tuesday. Students should check with their instructors for additional guidance.

It is recommended that those needing college services on Tuesday contact �鶹��ý offices through email or telephone.

For Academic Affairs related issues, please contact Hector Iweka hiweka@ccsnh.edu.

For safety related issues, please contact the Campus Safety Department at:

• Office (603) 230-4042
• Emergency Line: (603) 224-3287
• nhticampussafety@ccsnh.edu

For all other matters related to the event contact Business Operations Officer Marsha Bourdon mbourdon@ccsnh.edu; (603) 230-8611.

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 80+ academic and workforce programs to over 3,400 students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

CONCORD, NH � Film lovers will unite in more than 500 venues worldwide � including the �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College campus � to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world for the 27th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival taking place Friday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. The festival screenings are approx. 2.5 hours in length and feature all 10 finalist films. This is the 21st year these screenings will take place at �鶹��ý.

�鶹��ý�s Film Society, together with local film enthusiast Barry Steelman, will present the festival, which features the most creative short films in the world judged internationally by the cinema-going public. Many of the films from past festivals have gone on to be nominated for Academy Awards. For more information on the films being screened, visit the festival website at 

�鶹��ý has a long, rich history of showing films to the community and region. The Manhattan

Short Film Festival annually kicks off the �鶹��ý Film Society�s season, this being its 23rd. The Film Society was started by former �鶹��ý President Lynn Kilchenstein, former English Department chair Diana Levine, and Professor Steve Ambra. �鶹��ý has served as host site for the Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival for several years and hosted the state�s young filmmaker�s festival. The society has screened over 225 films as part of its Friday Night Film Series.

The Manhattan Shorts are well attended by �鶹��ý students, faculty, and staff. Free admittance for �鶹��ý students has been the hallmark, particularly for those in film studies courses. Attending the festival enriches these students� studies.

For decades, Barry Steelman, has been known � courtesy of the Concord Monitor � as Concord�s �film guru.� For years he owned and operated Concord�s only independent film theatre, Cinema 93, and was the driving force behind the creation of Concord�s downtown independent film theatre, Red River Theatres.

�鶹��ý�s screenings will be held Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. They will take place in Sweeney Hall Auditorium, S-122. Admission is $10.00 per person, cash or check, at the door. There are no advanced ticket sales. �鶹��ý students (with their valid �鶹��ý ID) will be admitted free.

For additional information about the films being screened, contact Steve Ambra, sambra@ccsnh.edu.

� � �

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.

CONCORD � �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College will host a summit of capital-area leadership, business owners, and more as part of its first annual �鶹��ý Community Forum. This gathering will inform the launch �鶹��ý�s next strategic plan and pose the question: How can �鶹��ý best serve our community?

To be held Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Concord Boys & Girls Club during the morning of May 10, the �鶹��ý Strategic Plan Community Forum will welcome its attendees to share the values, ideas, and aspirations they feel will help the college maintain and grow further into its role as a true community partner. Dr. Patrick Tompkins, president of �鶹��ý, will serve as host of the event.

�As a new resident of the Concord area myself, I look to our neighbors to tell us how �鶹��ý should lead,� says Tompkins.

Rather than begin the strategic planning process from a college-centric perspective, as was done with �鶹��ý�s current strategic plan, Tompkins wants to start with an external focus.

�Our college�s mission is bound to our community, and so our next strategic plan must be rooted in what this community cares about.

�Community colleges are foundationally different from other colleges,� Tompkins adds. �The most important word in our name is �community.� Our students come from the community, and the vast majority of our graduates stay in New Hampshire and contribute to our collective wellbeing, so we must listen to the community�s needs. What are the issues for which �鶹��ý can provide potential solutions? How can �鶹��ý help to bring Concord together as the capital city�s flagship college?�

�鶹��ý was established in Concord in 1965 as the New Hampshire Technical Institute, teaching 3 engineering programs and developing a reputation for academic excellence in STEM fields. Today, as the school looks to celebrate its 59th graduating class in its Commencement ceremony on May 17, �鶹��ý has evolved into a robust collegiate institution with more than 80 academic programs covering everything from Business to Visual Arts and offers the only college programs in New Hampshire for Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Technology, Orthopedics, and Paramedic Emergency Medicine.

�I believe Concord deserves a community college that listens and responds to its needs,� says Tompkins. �At the �鶹��ý Strategic Plan Community Forum, we�re hoping to be overwhelmed by the possibilities and ideas from these incredible community leaders. This is what community looks like.�

� � �

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is a dynamic public 2-year college that provides rewarding academics and a full campus experience for students, businesses, and the community. �鶹��ý offers 80+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. Our programs include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Engineering, Liberal and Visual Arts, Education, Criminal

Justice, and Mathematics, all with our stellar reputation for academic excellence earned over our more than 50 years serving the Concord community. �鶹��ý is accredited by the New England Commission  of Higher Education  and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

Held in �鶹��ý�s Sweeney Auditorium with hundreds of parents, faculty, and staff present, the awards ceremony featured individual plaques given to students in recognition of their achievements. Also included in the night�s festivities was an interactive display of student work, a curation of posters showcasing final research projects, known at �鶹��ý as capstones.

This year�s recipients are as follows:

• President�s Award: Spriha Paudel
• College Leadership Award: Rebecca “Becker” Gibson
• Lynx Awards: Elizabeth Aiken and Luana Tahtamoni
• Academic Achievement Award in General Studies: Sullivan Bono and Skyler Boudreau
• Award of Academic Excellence � ECE: Hannah Hastings
• Award of Academic Excellence � EYCD: Abby Smith
• Best Residential Program: Jasmeen Kaur and Jewel Mellor
• Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Education Award: Maria Jorgensen
• Education Achievement Award: Cutlas Greeley
• English Department Excellence in Creative Nonfiction Award: Fallon Rae Andrews
• English Department Excellence in Poetry Award: Sara Bibeau
• English Department Most Outstanding Writer of 2024 Award: Chloe Rattee
• English Department Excellence in Research Writing Award: Ainsley Rennie
• English Department Excellence in Analytical Writing Award: Skyler Boudreau
• English Department Excellence in Fiction Writing Award: Daisha Joyner
• English Department Excellence in Spanish Award: Caitlin Lomando
• ESOL Student Leadership Award: Johanna Keravich
• Excellence in Hall Council Leadership: Noah Burge
• Excellence in Leadership Award: Jillian Mars and Richie Thibeault
• Excellence in Liberal Arts Award: Becker Gibson, Robyn Prieto, Ainsley Rennie
• First Year Outstanding Business Award: Hannah Smith
• Second Year Outstanding Business Award: Isaac Swisher
• First Year Outstanding ESOL Student Award: Hoang Nguyen
• Second Year Outstanding ESOL Student Award: Mario Rmeily
• First Year Networking and Cybersecurity Operations: Seth Moulton
• Second Year Networking and Cybersecurity Operations: Sam Stafford
• First Year Outstanding Student Award in Architectural Engineering: Lorena Medina Diaz
• Second Year Outstanding Student Award in Architectural Engineering: Allyson Kitchens
• Future Educator Award: Christine Lank
• Goldie Crocker Award: Kailey Harrison and Jessica Perkins
• Langley Hall Resident of the Year 2024: Foley Eaton
• South Hall Resident of the Year 2024: Eris Cantadori
• Resident Assistant of the Year Award 2024: Lillian �Eddie� Edmond
• �鶹��ý AMATYC Student Mathematics League Award: Garima Rastogi
• �鶹��ý Lynx Athletics Department Award: Alexis Christensen
• Outstanding Accounting Senior Award: Chloe Kirby
• Outstanding Senior Landscape and Environmental Design Award: Matt Wagner and David Pantling
• Pamela M. Langley Award: Christopher Roy
• Radiologic Technology Faculty Award: Jenna Bolduc
• Russel Kay Award: John Britton Jr.
• Senior Mechanical and Manufacturing Award: Patrick Herman
• Senior Outstanding Computer Engineering Technology: Luke Christensen
• Sports Management Outstanding Freshman Award: Joseph Gutierraz
• Sports Management Outstanding Senior Award: Matt Fortier
• The Andrea M. Jordan Award: Alexis Wessels
• The Cheryl M. Kellogg Award: Matthew Blair
• The Herbert A. Sewade Award: Ronda White
• The Jaqueline A. Rendo Award: Cameron Delisle
• The Jean-Franklin Cardiology Award: Timothy St. Germain
• The Loretta Hart Mathematics Award: Farhaan Siddiqui
• Valerian Thurston Memorial Award: Austin Mahoney
• Visual Arts Exceptional Performance Award � Freshman: Emma Blake
• Visual Arts Exceptional Performance Award � Senior: Del Porter
• William H. O’Clair Athlete of the Year Award: Adrienne Dorr and Matt Fortier
• Zech DeVits Service Award: George Hoffman

Congratulations to all our 2023-2024 award recipients!

CONCORD � Kindness comes in all forms on �鶹��ý�s campus. From a held door to a bright smile, us Lynx pride ourselves on making everyone on campus feel welcome. One student, though, has spent this academic year going above and beyond for his peers, with no fanfare or acknowledgement. In fact, when asked if he would be willing to participate in this profile, he blushed and exclaimed, �Me? Why me?!�

His name is Tom LaBerge, he is a Business Administration major, and his generosity and spirit have led him to perpetrate random acts of kindness that have sent ripples through �鶹��ý�s Student Center. Everyone from faculty to staff and admins have seen and often benefited from his quiet, unassuming contributions on the student body.

His gifts are neither lavish nor expensive, but sometimes it�s the little things that can make the biggest impacts. It started with a giant bag of Halloween candy on the Info Desk, then it was random boxes of cookies on the fireplace, chocolates on Valentine�s Day, and bakery-fresh cinnamon buns, all set out for anyone to freely enjoy with only an accompanying note: �Take what you want and have a great day! Tom.�

So let�s finally get to know �鶹��ý�s nearly anonymous student benefactor � the bearer of sweet treats and enthusiastic Lynx pride that deserves to be recognized.

Everyone, Meet Tom � Tom, Meet Everyone.

LaBerge is from a small N.H. town called Alexandria. He was adopted from Guatemala when he was 8 months old, and he spent his high school career at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, where he also gave out treats to his fellow students.

�Ever since I was a baby, I always put a smile on my family’s faces,� he says. �I�ve always loved giving encouragement and helping those who are struggling with life. I try to reach my hand out to let people know that they’re not alone in this world.�

As it often happens in stories like his, LaBerge�s desire to help others came as he himself emerged from a place of internal turmoil. His notes around campus always contain the wish that people �do what makes you smile� � a personal mantra LaBerge learned from a difficult period in his life.

�I went through a dark path in my life prior to coming to �鶹��ý,� he explains. �It felt like a huge mental war � and I decided to leave people who I thought were friends behind me. I tried to go after the situation on my own, and I couldn�t see that I was making bad choices. I wasn�t sleeping, was rarely eating, and I was experiencing tunnel vision. The thing that was in my head was that it was all my fault � and I let it become my burden.

�I started to push people close to me away so I wouldn’t get them involved or hurt. But they helped me realize that I don’t need to do everything alone, and that I have people by my side who will always help me when I’m struggling. It inspired me to tell other people who are feeling the same thing that you’re never alone, and that being yourself is what makes life better.�

To help deal with the trauma, LaBerge is currently writing a fictional book that explores the themes and experiences of his past. This cathartic journey has led to introspection on how to deal with bullies and to express his emotions in a new way.

�When I walked into �鶹��ý, I met new people on the spot, and that�s when I realized that I should never take on such big burdens in just one soul. There isn�t a single building built with only one beam.

�The students here are working very hard, and the classwork can be overloading. I�m just trying to ease that stress and encourage everyone to do something fun. Sure, it�s just one little treat, but it�s more for me on a deeper level. A lot of people don�t feel special, but being yourself and letting people love you for that is what makes you special.�

�鶹��ý has been the place where LaBerge is finally coming into his own and embracing himself. His plans are to follow in his father�s footsteps, earning his Business Administration degree and then transferring to UNH to get his bachelors and master�s in Business Analytics.

�When I walk through the �鶹��ý doors, I know that this is my college, and that this is my education,� he says, �but what makes me happiest is knowing that this is my place. This is the place where I feel at home, and where I�m proud to be.�

And he doesn�t need any accolades.

�When I see people from afar take a treat and smile, that�s the only thanks I need. Their smile makes me smile � and it makes me feel wonderful. The word �community� in the school name says it all � when we work together as a community, we all make the world a better place.�

So, why Tom LaBerge? Because, sir, you have brightened days, filled empty bellies, and spread kindness in a way that makes every single person at �鶹��ý feel welcome and seen. Hopefully, your generosity of spirit will be an inspiration for future �鶹��ý students. Thank YOU.

• � Gold
• � Silver
• �鶹��ý Viewbook � Bronze
• �鶹��ý Walking Tour � Bronze
• �鶹��ý Admissions Mailer � Bronze

The awards were handed out at the NCMPR District 1 Conference in Boston this past weekend. Amber Gavriluk, the marketing officer within �鶹��ý�s marketing and Communications Department, was on hand to accept the awards.

�I�m so thrilled to be recognized for our outstanding work among a group of peers,� Gavriluk says. ��鶹��ý is an incredible 2-year college, and I hope our ads continue to attract traditional and adult students to our institution.�

�Many colleges are competing for the attention of students and their families, so getting the message out about �鶹��ý�s excellent programs with flexible online and on campus schedules has never been more important,� says �鶹��ý President Patrick Tompkins. �We�re privileged and proud to have a marketing professional of Amber�s excellence leading this work.�

NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. As one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR has more than 1,600 members from nearly 550 colleges across the United States and Canada.

NCMPR offers two awards annually: the Paragon and Medallion awards. The national Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at two-year community and technical colleges. It’s the only national competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges. The district Medallion Awards are similar to the Paragons but recognize excellence in design and communication on a regional basis at community and technical colleges in each of seven districts.

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�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Press Contact           Amber Gavriluk  |  603-230-4001  |  agavriluk@ccsnh.edu

CONCORD�October 24, 2023 � �鶹��ý�Concord’s Community College has been ranked one of the best schools for online degrees in a public service field by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service). Only 13% of colleges and universities in the U.S. earned a spot on the rankings for AY 2024.

View �鶹��ý�s Online Degree Programs: �鶹��ý.edu/academics/onlinelearning

Public service degrees give students the opportunity to pursue careers where they can support those most in need, both locally and globally. This includes fields such as teaching, social work, public administration,
criminal justice and public health.

�Our goal was to identify the best colleges with online degree programs where graduates can make a meaningful difference in their communities through education, public policy and other career paths,� said Kyle Smith,  a community outreach specialist at STEPS.

This ranking arrives at a time when enrollment in online degree programs remains high. The most recent national data (Fall 2021) from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 60% of students take at least one class online and 30% are enrolled exclusively in online courses.

�As more and more students gravitate towards online education, identifying flexible, affordable and accredited degree programs that fit into students� busy lives and make college more accessible is essential,� added Smith.

STEPS analyzed multiple datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Key data points used to identify top schools include the following:

• Number of online programs in a given subject area
• Tuition amount per academic year
• Percentage of students receiving institutional financial aid and the amount awarded
• Availability of academic counseling and career placement services

STEPS vetted over 6,000 postsecondary institutions to create its rankings. To qualify, a college or university must hold active accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and have at least one partially online degree program in a field related to public service. See all of the rankings lists where �鶹��ý appeared:

� � �

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency. Visit for more information

�鶹��ý STEPS

STEPS () started in 2019 with the goal of connecting students with valuable and informative resources to help them get their degrees and find satisfying careers in public service. These free guides range from connecting students with online schools to breaking down options for affording a degree.

MacRury Hall opened in 1970 and is named after Elwood F. MacRury, who spearheaded the idea for �鶹��ý to house a school of health sciences. At the time, there was a shortage of health service personnel in New Hampshire; MacRury took action to combat the issue.

�鶹��ý�s Health Program History

The story begins in 1961, when Dr. MacRury became a fellow of the American College of Dentists. In 1965, he was a recipient of the Royal Society Health Citation, an honor presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II for his work promoting dental health in the Hebrides Islands.

In 1966, the Health Manpower Executive Committee oversaw the creation of and drafted legislation for the Health Sciences and Services programs at �鶹��ý. The committee comprised medical professionals from a variety of unions: the Nurses Association, Society of Radiology, and the New Hampshire Dental Society. The committee received approval from then-Speaker of the House Walter R. Peterson, Jr. to construct the School of Health Sciences and began to plan for three associate degree programs: Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Radiologic Technology. Legislation then established a nine-member Advisory Board on Technical Services in the area of health. Dr. MacRury was named chairman of the board. He served as a board member from 1967-1979, while serving as a member of the Health Manpower Executive Committee.

Under MacRury�s leadership, �鶹��ý acquired the operational funds necessary for establishing these three health programs. He also assisted in selecting the department heads for each of these associate degree programs (including Goldie Crocker for the nursing department). Several new programs�Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Care, LPN-ADN, and a three-year evening associate degree Nursing program�were added in 1970 to expand the Allied Health program.

Programs Birth MacRury Hall

Along with convincing the local government to include an allied health program to �鶹��ý, MacRury also shaped the aesthetic of the new health sciences building, resulting in the MacRury Hall we see today.

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The information contained in this article was gathered from the �鶹��ý Library archives. For more information, email �鶹��ýlibrary@ccsnh.edu.

CONCORD�The �鶹��ý Athletic Department is thrilled to announce the college�s first Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, starting at 11 a.m. The campus will host an action-packed day of sports and excitement, with Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Esports, Baseball, Softball, and Volleyball matches, all showcasing the incredible talents and dedication of our student-athletes.

The first 100 �鶹��ý alumni who register at the �鶹��ý Athletics tent will get a free �鶹��ý Homecoming t-shirt. All �鶹��ý alumni who register will be entered for free raffle prizes.

Schedule of events:

MIX 94.1 FM will be doing a live broadcast from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 11 a.m. � Women’s Soccer game
• 11 a.m. � Women’s Volleyball game
• 11 a.m. � Baseball game
• 11 a.m. � Softball game
• 11 a.m. � Esport exhibition
• 1 p.m. � Men’s Soccer Game
• 1 p.m. � Baseball Game
• 1 p.m. � Softball Game

Bands

• 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. � Gordon Terwillerger
• 1-3 p.m. � Eric Grant Band

Food Trucks

Smoke Shack BBQ will be bringing 3 food trucks that will be serving up some great food.

The event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to reunite with old friends, make new memories, and immerse ourselves in the Lynx spirit. Wear your red and gold with pride as we celebrate the start of a remarkable year.

� � �

�鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College

�鶹��ý is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. �鶹��ý is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency. Visit for more information. To learn more about the �鶹��ý Athletics programs, contact Berkley Stevens at bstevens@ccsnh.edu.

Press Contact           Amber Gavriluk  |  603-230-4001  |  agavriluk@ccsnh.edu