Spotlights

"I know what it's like to be without an education and what you have to do to get ahead," says Valedictorian Michael Morse. That real-world experience strengthened his resolve to better his life and set high expectations for himself. In the case of BCC, his goal was to earn a 4.0. Even so, his selection as valedictorian was unexpected.

A Pittsfield native, Randy McLeod '03 was attending Pittsfield High where he started taking computer programming classes. It took off from there, eventually leading him down a path that brought him to where he is now: Director of Technology at Lenox Public Schools. "BCC was truly the foundation of bringing me to where I am today."

"Our students are filling a need. If you look within a 50-mile radius, there are probably at least 25 or 30 open positions," says Maggie Goss, Assistant Professor of Respiratory Care. "There aren't many jobs out there where you can come out of school with a two-year associate degree and your starting salary is $65,000 to $70,000+ a year."

"When I see a single mother of three children receiving her scholarship, just trying to improve her life by taking classes... Those children are in the audience, clapping for her, and she's showing them what she can accomplish with hard work. BCC's commitment to students of all walks of life is truly inspiring."

"When I arrived to the area, my only family was my husband and his mother," says Workforce program manager Tiffany Moreno, who knows a thing or two about taking opportunities when they present themselves. "I always tell my students that you never know where life will take you. Don't be afraid to take risks — just put yourself out there."