The STCCing Point
Alumni and Friends Newsletter | March 2023
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STCCEARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROFESSOR
REFLECTS ON HOW STCC SHAPED HER LIFE
“I am Springfield all the way!” Coppedge said with a voice full of pride.
Years after graduating from STCC, she returned to her local college, accepting a part-time position that eventually became full time. STCC put her on the path to success, she explained, and she was thrilled to be back.
In 1997, Coppedge earned a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from STCC. She transferred to Springfield College to earn a bachelor’s degree in human services and graduated magna cum laude. At Springfield College, she also earned a master’s degree in and master’s degree in human services with a concentration in organizational management and leadership.
“STCC gave me the fortitude to advocate for myself as a young student,” Coppedge said. “Coming into STCC, I was able to navigate the systems to be able to create space for change and transformation.”
When she was hired to work at STCC in 2020, Coppedge said she felt like she came full circle. She serves as a student liaison, academic counselor and adjunct professor in the Early Childhood Education program. She continues to operate her business, Coppedge Consulting, which focuses on anti-racism work and all areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
“It feels really good to do this and to be back here (at STCC) and working in the early education field,” Coppedge said. “I owned two early education programs, and this is my passion work. I’m teaching educators and paying it forward in the most authentic way I can. I love that I’m here to do that.”
Early Childhood Education at STCC is a certificate program designed for students seeking to meet educational requirements for EEC Lead Teacher and/or the Child Development Associate credential.
Click here to read full story.
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Are you a Ram Warrior?
Make an immediate and consistent impact on the future of STCC students today by enrolling in the Rams Warrior Society!
Many alumni and friends of the college have already enrolled, and represent STCC’s most loyal donors, those who make their annual gifts in monthly installments. Their impact on students as they transform their lives is incredible, consistent, and allows STCC to forecast support.
Your consistent gift allows the college to direct student support on a predictable basis, which for us is invaluable. The Rams Warrior Society is truly shaped by the leading philanthropists at the college – not only do they support our students, but their consistency allows us to better budget financial aid for our students.
"I truly believe that the mission of STCC is among the most important in Greater Springfield. What the school does for the long term growth of individuals and the region is immeasurably important. Springfield centric, regionally focused, the school prepares young people of all ages to build our economy. STCC, its administration, its staff, and its students play a key role for the future, and they are all worth investing in."
Eugene J. Cassidy, CFE
President and Chief Executive Officer
Eastern States Exposition
The first 20 alum who enroll in the RAM Warrior Society
will receive an STCC mug!
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STCC DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION GRADUATE APPLIES CLASSROOM LESSONS TO FIELD WORK |
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It was early 2020, and within weeks he was covering a big story: the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That was intense,” Jackson recalled. “Pretty much when I stopped training, that’s when the lockdowns happened, and I was going out into the world.”
Jackson was able to succeed on the job in part thanks to his training in the Digital Media Production Technology program at STCC. He earned his associate degree in September 2020.
“The program has an extensive amount of different classes that specialize in different things,” he said. “There’s writing for TV. There’s speaking on TV. They have a ton of TV news classes. There’s a plethora of different programs within digital media.”
Jackson, 31, said he enjoyed working in the program’s studio which gave him experience with “green screens” that allow for digital effects in the background.
“They’ve got the studio cameras and the control room with the switchers and multiple monitors,” he said. “So you really get a full sense. STCC really has everything you would want to have to get your hands on in the real world."
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March is Women's History Month
Are you an STCC alum making a difference in your community?
Help us celebrate Women's History Month here at STCC by sharing your story!
Share your story with us!
email: emguidry@stcc.edu
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D.C. SUMMIT CONNECTS LEGISLATORS
WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERS
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The Community College National Legislative Summit offered Springfield Technical Community College President John B. Cook and STCC trustees an opportunity to speak with lawmakers about federal priorities, including reducing barriers to receive Pell Grants that help low-income students access higher education.
Cook went to the Summit, which is the premier community college advocacy event in Washington, D.C., with STCC trustees Jynai McDonald and Tonia Butler Perez on Feb. 5-8. Massachusetts featured a delegation of close to 40 people, including other community college presidents and trustees as well as staff from the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges.
STCC Trustee Tonia Butler Perez speaks at the Summit in Washington, D.C.
“The Summit provided a great opportunity for those of us leading community colleges to learn more about federal policy issues and discuss the priorities of our institutions,” Cook said. “I appreciated meeting face to face with the decision makers in Washington, including Congressman Richard E. Neal, who has been a longtime supporter of STCC.”
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Alumni - What are you up to? We want to know!
Have you landed that awesome new job? Got married or started a family? Doing some life-changing volunteer work? We want to know!
Do you want to share your STCC story with us?
Don't be shy - please reach out and tell us your news or story!
We can't wait to see what you've been up to!
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Get On Board
Are you an alumnus who would like to serve on the Alumni Board, or perhaps on a sub-committee?
How else would you like to engage?
If you are interested in joining the Alumni Board or continuing the conversation, please email Eunice Guidry, Manager of Advancement & Alumni Relations at emguidry@stcc.edu.
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Stay Connected
Have you moved? Are you a recent graduate or alum who needs to update their contact information?
Click the link below to update your contact information!
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To what's happening on campus, check out the STCC campus calendar for campus events. |
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Don't forget to check out STCC on social media at:
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Show Your Support
How can you make a difference? With your financial help, STCC can provide more scholarships to students, hire and retain more first-rate faculty, develop technology to improve teaching and learning, and maintain our beautiful and historic campus.
Thank you for helping us continue to transform lives!
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