MCLA Forging Ahead with Science Center
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| College trustee Jane Allen, left, and President Mary K. Grant. |
Among the goals outlined by President Mary K. Grant at the college's traditional opening breakfast on Wednesday was the opening of the center before this year's incoming class graduates.
The $54.5 million Center for Science and Innovation is being designed to accommodate the growing need for science and technological studies (the state is spending $1 billion over 10 years to promote life sciences). This year, for example, the college has also added a chemistry major.
The building also serve as a regional hub to support science in local schools and as part of the college's participation in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Pipeline. Officials hope to feasibility study completed by next year with construction beginning in 2009 and the structure completed by the following year.
Grant said the hard-won state funding for the center by the Berkshire delegation showed the region's depth of support for the college.
"You don't invest $54 million in an institution you do not believe in," she said. The only caveat, "we don't know where we're going to put it yet."
 Photos by Tammy Daniels
 Above, MCLA President Mary K. Grant touts some of the college's successes over the past year; at right, a sneak peek the college's new Web site. |
"Our economy has changed as this college has changed," said the North Adams Democrat, who was instrumental in obtaining the science center funding, along with state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield.
With the loss of General Electric and Sprague Electric in the Berkshires, the state and region looked toward new, innovative economic drivers, he said, adding that the Bay State's resource is its work force.
"[Our economy] is not driven by anything other than its citizens," said Bosley, who graduated in 1976 from what was then North Adams State College. "We educate the work force here and it's in good shape because we are creators ... and that's what makes the Massachusetts, Massachusetts."
The state has long been known for its inventions — from computers to anesthesia to mutual funds — "we've invented large things, we've invented small things."
The new frontiers are nanotechnology, life sciences, green technology and robotic; the college will become the linchpin here of that economy as it has become the linchpin of educational opportunities through the Berkshire Compact and the creative economy through MCLA Gallery 51, he said.
Barrett, also an alumnus of the college, recalled how it had gone through tough times, when there was talk of closing the century-old institution.
"It's become part of this community, part of it's fabric," he said, adding that some in North Adams don't understand what the science center means, as they didn't understand the effects of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts.
"This science center will forever change the face not only of this school but of this community and of this area," said the mayor. "It's also going to help economic development ... [this school] knew it had to change and move forward."
Among the changes at the college is the continuing work on the Berkshire Towers entrance and lower floors, expected to be completed after the first of the year; the addition of majors in political science and public policy, chemistry, visual arts, athletic training (with "a few more in the pipeline," according to Grant); an endowed scholarship for juniors; $1.5 million in capital funds from the state for campus repairs; and work toward sustainability on campus, such as two new solar-powered emergency phones.
Several speakers applauded Grant on what trustees Chairman Richard Lamb called her "superb leadership" in transforming the college into an integral part of the community. Downing joked that the $54 million for the science center was based on the number of e-mails Grant sent about it.
 State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, talks about the challenges ahead |
Faculty and staff at the state's colleges and university have been battling over pay for a number of years; last year, they accepted a 3.5 percent raise for one year that many called a pay cut because it failed to keep pace with actual costs. The unions are negotiating for 4 percent this year.
"We have had no cost of living raise since January 2007," said Charles Cianfarini, president of the local chapter of the Association of Professional Administrators. [Gov. Deval Patrick] seems to forget that these are the people who make a difference in students' lives."
Deborah Foss, president of the faculty association, said, "we want fair treatment and equitable pay." She said the issue affects the retention and recruitment of students as well as staff and faculty.
However, she, Cianfarini and Elizabeth Manns, chief steward of Unit 1 of American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, thanked Grant and her "cabinet" for working with them, not against them.
"You underscored the importance of what goes on here and the importance of us all working together to make sure we're investing in the most important resources we have here and that's our human resources," said Grant.
Also speaking were Berkshire Chamber of Commerce President Michael Supranowicz and Student Government Association President Christopher Kennedy.
