MWCC DEDICATES LIBRARY TO LEO AND THERESA LaCHANCE
Friday, Sept. 1, 2006
By Kimberly B. Caisse
More than 50 people gathered at the college for the dedication of the Leo and Theresa LaChance Library Tuesday, Aug. 22.
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Theresa and Leo LaChance surrounded by family and friends at the Library dedication. |
Leo LaChance, also the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree from the college in 2005, was the chair of MWCC Foundation’s “Where Learning Never Ends” capital campaign. The campaign raised nearly $4 million in two years. In addition, LaChance was one of the campaign’s four leadership donors. The others were Ronald M. Ansin, Jim Garrison and Sterilite Corp.
“Leo and Theresa’s support of our work here is helping us prepare students to be successful in the 21st century,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “I’m so proud we can honor them by making this important place—the library—theirs.”
“We have come such a long way in two years. I’m truly amazed at how far we’ve come,” said Richard Flannagan, 2004-2006 chair of the MWCC Foundation Board of Directors. “It’s in large part due to the tireless work of the campaign’s chair, our friend Leo LaChance.”
The Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education, which will open in the fall, was the first project funded in part by the capital campaign. The campaign also will fund renovation of the library, the Center for Democracy and Humanity and student scholarships and childcare stipends.
In addition to donors, area legislators and politicians, members of the LaChance family, community leaders, and college faculty and staff attended the ceremony.
MWCC CELEBRATES OPENING OF GARRISON CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND MOLLY BISH INSTITUTE FOR CHILD HEALTH AND SAFETY
Friday, Oct. 13, 2006
By Kimberly B. Caisse
More than 100 people celebrated the opening of the Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education and Molly Bish Institute for Child Health & Safety at MWCC Thursday, Oct. 12.
The new building doubles the size of the childcare facility (5,200 square feet) run by MOC Child Care & Head Start at the Gardner campus, provides an observational classroom for Early Childhood Education students and serves as a clearinghouse for information on child health and safety.
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President Asquino (center), Peggy and Jim Garrison (left of Asquino) and John and Magi Bish (to his right) cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony for the new Garrison Center for Early Childhood Development and Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety. |
The center is the first project funded in part by the college ’s first-ever capital campaign. State funding was also used for the $2.1 million project built by a construction team from the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management, Bargmann, Hendrie plus Archetype, Inc., and Construction Dynamics.
“Children’s health and safety are our number-one priority,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “The Garrison Center gives these children a safe, cozy learning environment. Across the hall, the Molly Bish Institute gives them and their parents resources to always be healthy and safe.”
Asquino noted that MWCC is especially grateful for college Trustee Jim Garrison’s support for this project. “Driven by his strong belief that all children should have access to a quality preschool education, Jim’s commitment and leadership during our capital campaign for this project never wavered,” he said.
Asquino added that the college is proud to help John and Magi Bish carry out their mission to ensure the health and safety of children. “In memory of their daughter, John and Magi work tirelessly to give parents around Massachusetts the tools they need to keep their children safe and healthy,” Asquino said.
Garrison urged the state’s politicians to fund preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds. “The seeds of high school dropouts begin at that critical moment,” he said.
“I’m proud to play a role in bringing this building to life,” he added.
Garrison, who will receive a Council for Resource Development 2006 Benefactor
Award at a gala in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3, made an additional donation
to the capital campaign last year that established the Garrison Funds for
Early Childhood Education student scholarships and childcare stipends to
qualified students. It also supports capacity building efforts of the Early
Childhood Education program like faculty professional development.
“Everybody who made this happen, you should be proud of yourself,” said state Sen. Stephen Brewer.
Following a juice-box toast, Asquino announced the second phase of fund-raising for the center. Donations to this campaign will be earmarked for an “opportunity playground” for all children, even those with physical handicaps. “That will be used by children of all of our communities…hopefully in a few years,” Asquino said.
Joining Asquino at the ribbon-cutting portion of the ceremony were Jim and Peggy Garrison, John and Magi Bish, President of Marlin Firearms and H&R 1871 Robert Behn, CEO of GFA Federal Credit Union Chuck Bowles, President of GFA Federal Credit Union Tina Sprega, MWCC Executive Vice President Edward Terceiro Jr., state Sen. Stephen Brewer, state Rep. Anne Gobi, Gardner Mayor Gerald St. Hilaire, Fitchburg Mayor Dan Mylott, members of the MWCC Foundation Board of Directors and MWCC Trustees.
Garrison Fund scholarship recipients led tours of the center and institute while refreshments were served in the south dining area.
Download Capital Campaign brochure (PDF)
For more informationon the “Where Learning Never Ends” campaign, contact:
Darlene E. Morrilly, Executive Director
MWCC Foundation, Inc.
444 Green Street
Gardner, MA 01440
(978) 630-9276
d_morrilly@mwcc.mass.edu