The following article was published in . All credit for this article and the images it contains belongs to the NH Bar News newsletter.��

By Tom Jarvis

On Thursday, August 22, New Hampshire Bar Association President Kathleen Mahan addressed the 2024 graduates of �鶹��ý � Concord’s Community College�s Paralegal Studies Certificate Program during a special awards ceremony on the Concord campus.

The ceremony, an intimate occasion separate from the official graduation, was held to recognize the students� accomplishments and to thank their families and friends.

�鶹��ý�s Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is known for its rigorous curriculum, designed for working professionals aiming to enhance their legal expertise. Students, most of whom work a full-time job during the day, attend two nights a week for a full year, without a spring or summer break.

After �鶹��ý Paralegal Studies Department Chair Stacey Peters opened the Kate Mahan Inspires Graduates at �鶹��ý Paralegal Studies Ceremony ceremony by congratulating the students
and thanking their families, she turned the podium over to �鶹��ý President Patrick Tompkins, who discussed the importance of and the need for paralegals in the Granite State.

Mahan then took to the podium to address the graduates. As a seasoned attorney with nearly 20 years of experience, her insights resonated deeply with the graduates, many of whom are poised to take on pivotal roles in the legal field.

�It is my distinct honor to be here tonight to congratulate you all on your tremendous accomplishment,� Mahan said. �It will come as no surprise to anyone in this room, having gone through the rigorous program you have just completed, that paralegals play an important role in our justice system. Whether it is preparing for a trial, pulling documents for due diligence in a corporate transaction, working through a real estate closing, or providing support in a probate matter, your involvement, simply put, keeps the wheels turning. I have been in practice for nearly 20 years, and I can definitely say that the paralegals that I have had the privilege of working with have been vital members of the team and absolutely instrumental in the entire process.�

Mahan then shared some feedback from her colleagues about the crucial role of their paralegals before imparting her own personal stories about a former paralegal, Peyton, who was a graduate of the �鶹��ý program. Mahan also remarked that the graduates were entering the field at an exciting time when New Hampshire is expanding the role of paralegals with Rule 35 and the Paraprofessional Pilot Program, groundbreaking initiatives that allow paralegals to offer more direct support to clients.

�You have an amazing opportunity to take on the added challenge of providing advice and counsel, and soon, even acting as an advocate,� Mahan said. �New Hampshire sees and understands that we can count on well-trained paralegals to help ensure there is access to justice for everyone, that people have counsel and someone to speak for them in what could be one of the most difficult times of their lives. It is an awesome opportunity and responsibility that I hope you will all consider.�

In closing, Mahan said, �Whatever the area of practice you choose to go into, you are, without question, an integral part of the legal profession. You have set yourself apart with the unique skills and experience that you have obtained in this program. You have the power to make a tremendous difference in our justice system.�

As the ceremony concluded, the graduates � Patrice Benard, Charlotte Caron, Courtney Keller, Lisa Kelly-Fowler, Samantha Kirschner, Gretchen McKeen, Meghan Michaud, Morganne Moses, and Shawn Sutton � proudly received their certificates, marking the beginning of their promising careers in the legal field.

CONCORD (April 30, 2024) � and (Delta Dental) are expanding on a long-time partnership and shared vision to support oral healthcare in the region. received a $500,000 gift from Delta Dental for �鶹��ý to address the demand for and shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants. The gift is one of the largest in the history of the college and will support the expansion of �鶹��ý�s dental clinic services to Medicaid patients.

�Northeast Delta Dental has long supported dental health for Medicaid patients,� says �鶹��ý President Patrick Tompkins. �Through their vision and our partnership, for the first time �鶹��ý will bring affordable oral hygiene care to this New Hampshire demographic that is important for the wellbeing of the Granite State.�

This investment from Delta Dental comes on the one-year anniversary of legislation that provided comprehensive Medicaid oral health benefits for NH adults. It enables �鶹��ý to launch a three-year pilot initiative to expand the reach of the school�s Dental Hygiene Clinic, the educational facility on campus where students provide dental care to the public with close supervision by faculty.

��鶹��ý offers the only program in New Hampshire for training dental hygienists,� Tompkins says. �Expanding service to Medicaid patients in our Dental Hygiene Clinic also expands the training opportunities for students who will work in all our communities.�

The funds from Delta Dental, combined with an equal investment from the college, will allow for the hiring of a Medicaid specialist and a supervising dentist. In addition, the funding will allow �鶹��ý to make necessary upgrades to the program�s equipment and improvements in the program�s materials and radiology labs.

�It�s great for the community, and it�s an incredible opportunity for our students,� said Lisa Scott, �鶹��ý Dental Hygiene Program department chair. �Our students will gain invaluable experience in treating these patients in a clinical setting.�

Established in 1970, the �鶹��ý Dental Hygiene Program is recognized for its high-quality training that prepares students for this healthcare role serving patients in New Hampshire. Dental hygienists provide a range of preventive and therapeutic dental services, including assessments and care planning.

�With the expansion of Medicaid dental benefits, coupled with a continued dental hygiene shortage, the need for a skilled workforce is critical,� said Tom Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. �We are committed to continuing to support the state�s only Dental Hygiene Program at �鶹��ý and the needed expansion to sustain and grow the future dental workforce that is essential for the region.�

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�鶹��ý �鶹��ý
�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 Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the NE Association of Schools and Colleges and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

�鶹��ý Northeast Delta Dental
Northeast Delta Dental administers dental benefits in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, offering dental insurance programs for businesses and nonprofits of all sizes, and individuals and families with no access to employer-sponsored dental benefits. The company continues to help address the shortage of dentists practicing in northern New England by providing scholarships and loan repayment programs to encourage more dental students to remain in the region following graduation and to practice in rural and underserved areas.

�鶹��ý Foundation for New Hampshire�s Community Colleges
The Foundation is the charitable organization established to provide greater access to educational opportunities through financial assistance for students across New Hampshire�s seven community colleges. The Foundation actively seeks contributions from public and private sources to create scholarships and program partnerships that prepare students for in-demand, skilled jobs to meet the needs of New Hampshire�s workforce. To learn more about supporting community college students, visit .

CONCORD � The accolades keep rolling in for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter at �鶹��ý. The chapter has been named a 2023 REACH Chapter, which recognizes and rewards those that excel in membership development; and separately, PTK member and �鶹��ý student David Pantling has just been named a 2024 New Century Transfer Scholar and will receive a $2,250 scholarship.

Phi Theta Kappa�s REACH Rewards program recognizes and rewards Phi Theta Kappa chapters that excel in membership development, assuring that as many students as possible receive the benefits of membership � including scholarships and increased opportunities for engagement with peers and faculty on campus, which lead to higher rates of completion. In recognition of this achievement, �鶹��ý will receive five PTK graduation stoles to be worn by students and/or chapter members at Commencement in celebration of their college completion milestone.

Pantling�s scholarship comes courtesy of New Century Transfer Scholars, who selects winners based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, and activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, PTK, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

�We congratulate David for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and the AACC to recognize these outstanding achievements,� said PTK president and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, who spoke at �鶹��ý in 2023. �Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach.�

For more information on �鶹��ý�s AYO chapter of PTK, please contact jmorgan@ccsnh.edu.

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�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 Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the NE Association of Schools and Colleges and is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

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�鶹��ý The Coca-Cola Foundation

The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world. For more information about The Coca-Cola Foundation, please visit .

�鶹��ý The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at .

�鶹��ý Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation�s colleges. Learn more at .

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From an early age, Joshua Patrick wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. He steered his ambitions towards healthcare, and after completing an EMT course, discovered his affinity for emergency medical services. His dream of becoming a trauma surgeon evolved, and he found his calling in New Hampshire with community paramedicine. His journey from an Army brat to Ph.D. candidate at Northern Illinois University highlights his strength and dedication to helping others. Along this path, he graduated from �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College in 2009 with a degree in .

When COVID-19 ground our country to a halt, Josh was serving as the deputy chief in the Peterborough Fire Department’s ambulance division. Just as the pandemic prompted professionals to reimagine patient care, Josh developed a mobile integrated healthcare program that capitalized on the opportunity to expand his mobile integrated healthcare program. He joined forces with the Monadnock Community Hospital, realizing his vision of providing preventive care to reduce the burden on emergency services. The essence of his role as a community paramedic is to preempt crises by addressing patients’ needs before they escalate. His initiative transformed his department�s approach to patient care by focusing on proactive measures and community outreach.

�Agencies struggle all the time to fill ambulance shifts and get people to work,� Josh says of his innovative approach. �We’re taking that burden off the whole emergency system, from the ambulance crew responders to the hospital�s emergency department.�

His evolution from a young dreamer with aspirations of becoming a trauma surgeon to a trailblazing community paramedic is a testament to the transformative potential of combining passion with innovation. And, Josh’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. His mobile integrated healthcare program has achieved remarkable milestones.

�Our program at Monadnock is pretty unique,� he says. �As of last year�s statistics, we were the busiest in the state, so we saw more patients than any other program. And we’re a 100% board-certified community paramedics.�

Through his work, he not only relieves the strain on emergency systems, but represents the essence of patient care. As Josh continues his journey as a Ph.D. candidate and a driving force behind the evolution of community paramedicine, we can only imagine the remarkable waves of change he will continue to create for the future of patient care. Watch this space.

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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 80+ 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, NH � �鶹��ý � Concord�s Community College is introducing Workforce Education, a new collaborative educational department to expand the college�s efforts in providing essential skillsets and continuing education. The goals include increased opportunities and empowerment for community members looking to expand their career knowledge and learn a new skill.

Previously known as the Business Training Center, the new Workforce Education department has undergone the rebrand to further encourage career and personal exploration with �鶹��ý.

�The new Workforce Education brand communicates more clearly how �鶹��ý delivers on its mission to foster economic and community development in the Greater Concord region,� says Dr. Patrick Tompkins, �鶹��ý president. �With low unemployment in the Granite State and worker shortages in critical areas like healthcare, education, public safety, manufacturing, and trades, �鶹��ý�s role is to provide the education that recent high school graduates and career switchers need to enter those fields with essential skills.�

Workforce Education, or �WE,� signifies �鶹��ý�s commitment as a solutions provider for New Hampshire�s employers, employees, and prospective students. The department�s tagline, �Together, WE can help you succeed� expresses �鶹��ý�s commitment to helping to local workforce upskill and evolve with the needs of the community.

In 2023, New Hampshire signified the priority of workforce education by providing $2 million to fund the delivery of new programs and support for students enrolled in these programs. �鶹��ý recently received seed funding to develop a new education certificate program and expand health programs in medical assisting, licensed nursing assisting, and phlebotomy.

�The new Workforce Education brand illustrates �鶹��ý�s commitment to fully integrate workforce education and programs with all educational programming at �鶹��ý,� says Kathy Taylor, �鶹��ý�s Director of Workforce Development and Community Education.�� We will do this through the co-development of programs with academic departments and by creating shared pathways and outcomes.�

To browse WE�s current course offerings, visit us online at .

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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 80+ 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

Funding has been made available by the State of New Hampshire to support the career development, recruitment, and retention of emergency response personnel working in the Granite State.

Eligible first responders can take a course at any of New Hampshire�s community colleges, including courses offered by CCSNH online. The program covers tuition and required fees for one course per semester, subject to eligibility and available funding.�� Participating employees will be certified as eligible by their employers and will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the course (completing the course with a grade of C or better).��Find programs and courses offered at each college��on the��, or on the college��.

Note:�� some courses may have prerequisites or be subject to space limitations. Law Enforcement Officers and current full-time career, part-time, on-call or volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians are eligible under this program.

Individuals employed as firefighters in New Hampshire are eligible for the above or for reimbursement of certain approved costs of the New Hampshire Fire Academy.

Law Enforcement and EMT

Download and print the����(to be completed by the Employer and provided to the college)

Fire

This program provides funding for reimbursement of certain costs of the NH Fire Academy. .

• � 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:

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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. 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.

In collaboration with Concord Hospital, participants can take the 8-week, 104-hour Certified Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship program, plus on-the-job training. After completing the course, participants are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technicians Certification Exam. After 4-6 months of pharmacy work, graduates are then eligible for part two of the training: a 40-hour course focusing on hospital pharmacy settings.

�I am excited that we have the opportunity to offer another important healthcare program in collaboration with Concord Hospital,� says Kathy J. Taylor, director of �鶹��ý�s BTC. �The Business Training Center has been able to bring qualified, certified, and licensed candidates into high-demand professions such as medical assistant, LNA, and phlebotomy through these apprenticeship and open enrollment courses. We can now add certified pharmacy technicians into the workforce pipeline.�

The BTC is dedicated to improving the quality and labor market relevance of workforce investment, education, and economic development efforts by providing individuals the training, skills and credentials necessary to secure and advance employment and to provide employers with skilled workers to address workforce needs.

The Certified Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship program begins Oct. 23, 2023. Those interested should contact �鶹��ýbtc@ccsnh.edu or by visiting the BTC�s website at /business-training-center/healthcare-training-programs/.

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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. 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

Campus Compact is a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. The organization�s 2023 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows comprises 154 students, including Pilotte. These students come from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.

�The Newman Civic Fellowship award is a great opportunity to learn. I hope to encourage others to find their own path in serving to those around them,� Pilotte said. �The same people who work towards supporting the development and well-being of others are ultimately the ones who find success in their own leadership. These are the people who can and will change the world.� The New England native is heavily involved with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as a vice president at �鶹��ý – Concord�s Community College and with the New England Region as a regional officer. She has served in a variety of roles including military service, marathon running, and parenting, and has served as a trustee on the Community College System of New Hampshire�s (CCSNH) Board of Trustees, representing all CCSNH students.

“While Kelly�s pursuit of a college degree was motivated by tragic circumstances, her drive to turn trauma into an ambitious goal that brought her to �鶹��ý�s Addiction Counseling and Business degree programs,� said Dr. Patrick Tompkins, president of �鶹��ý. “Kelly established the Michael Stephen Boyd Memorial Foundation, which will give way to an addiction recovery center in her son�s name. Her community service and purposeful pursuit of knowledge gives me confidence that she will realize her goal to open a recovery center and continue to serve our community.�

The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for the late Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference in Boston of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate. The fellowship also provides fellows with access to apply for exclusive scholarships and post-graduate opportunities.

�We are honored to recognize such an outstanding group of community-committed students,� said Bobbie Laur, Campus Compact president. �One of the best parts of the Newman Civic Fellowships is the richness of students� perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds�and how these varied stories all led to their passionate engagement with the social, political, and environmental issues impacting our world. These students will be the catalysts for change on many levels, and we are privileged to help empower them to create that change.�

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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. Visit for more information.