Page 26 - BusinessWest June 13, 2022

Fire destroyed the college in 1968, leaving some to ponder whether HCC had a future.
helping them earn a degree or certifi- cate, has been steadfast in its efforts to address those needs and “meet stu- dents where they are,” as Royal likes to say.
Moving forward, the school is mark- ing its first 75 years with a variety of ceremonies, a commitment to contin- ue its tradition of being accessible, and a refreshed strategic plan, one that has put additional emphasis on academic success and meeting student needs.
For this issue and its focus on edu- cation, BusinessWest talked at length with Royal about where HCC has been, where it is today, and where it would like to be in the years to come.
School of Thought
As she talked with BusinessWest late last month, Royal was planning for, and very much looking forward to, commencement ceremonies at the MassMutual Center on June 4.
This would be the first in-person ceremony in three years, and members of the classes of 2020 and 2021 were invited to join this year’s graduates in the proceedings. Royal; said several dozen members of those earlier classes accepted the invitation to march.
“We’ve heard from some members of those classes that they desire to have that traditional pomp-and-circum- stance experience,” said Royal, noting that, beyond the canceled in-person commencement ceremonies, the pan- demic has tested HCC in myriad other ways, from enrollment to helping stu- dents secure access to the Internet.
“We were impacted as intensely as everyone else in the world,” said Royal, adding that this has been a test that has left the school stronger and more resilient, in her estimation.
And looking back on HCC’s 75 years of service to the region, the pandemic is certainly not the first, or only, time
“It’s important that
we provide equitable opportunities and that there is an equitable chance of success no matter who walks through the door.”
the school has faced adversity of the highest order — and persevered.
Indeed, the fire of 1968, which broke out on Jan. 4, just before final exams, left the school shaken to its foundation — quite literally, with some wondering if it even had a future.
“Springfield Technical Commu-
nity College had just opened,” said Royal, only the fourth president in
the school’s history. “And there was a lot of conversation about whether we needed another community college in this region — and if so, do we want to build it in Holyoke? It was amazing that while all this debate and discussion was going on, we inherited the land from the Sheehan family, what was
the Sheehan Dairy Farm, and be able to rebuild the college in a place that allowed us to continue to expand and grow to what you see today.”
And since opening its facility off Homestead Avenue in 1974, the college has certainly grown within that space, adding several new facilities, includ- ing the Bartley Center for Athletics and Education, the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development, a new health sciences facility, and a renovated campus center. It has also
ByYourSide
in business and in life
Timm Marini
President of Western New England, President of Personal Lines HUB International New England, LLC
Charlie Epstein
Senior Vice President, Retirement and Private Wealth Services
HUB Retirement
and Wealth Management
Whether promoting better outcomes for your retirement plan participants or pursuing your individual financial goals, we can help. HUB Retirement and Private Wealth offers knowledgeable specialists who tailor strategies
to address your specific needs. As investment fiduciaries, we work solely on your behalf and are committed to your success.
Charlie Epstein Joins HUB International
We are pleased to join forces with one of the strongest and well-respected insurance brokerages in New England. Together, we have the resources of
a large, international company with strong, local service and expertise, offering:
Business insurance and risk services to help protect your organization, brand and assets
Employee benefits that help you navigate change, and support and engage your people
Personal insurance to help you protect your family, your home and more
Retirement and Wealth Management to help streamline your retirement offerings
Protect what matters most —your family, your home, and your business.
Let’s work together to begin building your custom solution today.
833-GoCallHub (833-462-2554) | hubinternational.com
Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits | Retirement & Private Wealth
26 JUNE 13, 2022
EDUCATION
BusinessWest