Stories from HCC

Holyoke Community College is a vibrant organization in this Valley, helping thousands of people every year – young and old alike – focus their lives and get a start on a bachelor’s degree or a career. We know firsthand about the gifts HCC offers up to the region because Judy and I frequently write for the college’s publications, telling success stories.

This spring, we had the pleasure of writing about five people who were honored by the college with a Distinguished Service Award, and we wanted to tell you about them to help you understand why HCC stands so strong.

Here are their stories.

James Lavelle

James Lavelle grew up in Holyoke and serves as general manager of Holyoke Gas and Electric. He is a true leader.

Since 2006, he has tirelessly served HCC on its Board of Trustees and ensured its financial stability – in a period of economic turmoil for educational institutions across the state. Thanks to James, the fees at HCC are one of the lowest in the state.

James also helped HCC secure the purchase of the Grynn & Barrett Photography Studios on Jarvis Avenue in Holyoke, where the college is developing a health education center for the next generation of nurses and health care providers. In the coming years, students will have the opportunity to earn a quality health care education and an entire community will have providers with more skills and experience.
Dr. Steven G. Richter

Dr. Steven Richter is an alum from the Class of 1975 with an amazing story.

Back in 1984, he took $500 in capital and started a premier biotech business in his attic. Microtest Laboratories is now a multimillion corporation that major players such as Johnson & Johnson turn to as they develop medical devices and pharmaceuticals and need to ensure that they are safe for consumers.

Dr. Richter has now also dedicated himself to advancing the life sciences industry in the region by creating educational programming at area colleges. His generosity and involvement will make possible diverse biotechnology programs at HCC and at Springfield Technical Community College.

Alexander Pangborn

Alexander Pangborn stood up against discrimination and helped HCC continue its tradition of being an open and welcoming institution.

As a nursing student and openly transgender person, Alex served as the only student on the college’s TransCampus advocacy group. As part of that group of faculty and staff, he helped develop a non-discrimination policy on the basis of gender identity and expression, which remains part of the school’s Code of Student Conduct.

Eddie Corbin

Eddie Corbin was so touched by his experiences as a business administration student at HCC in the mid-1960s that he didn’t hesitate to say yes nine years ago when asked to serve on the college’s Alumni Council. In this role, Eddie and his fellow council members oversee initiatives, plan events and disperse scholarship funds to needy students.

With a background as the chief procurement officer and contract compliance commissioner for the city of Springfield, his skills in finance and business have been a bonus for HCC.

Eddie has also made education for all a priority. In his free time he serves on the MacDuffie School Board of Trustees and on the board of the Early Childhood Centers of Greater Springfield.

Peg Wendlandt

Peg Wendlandt became the first known female graduate of HCC to earn a juris doctorate degree. She accomplished this 23 years after becoming a mother, teacher and an actuary.

Over the years, she combined her legal skills with volunteerism to help children in the foster care system and those with disabilities. Today she continues to volunteer in New York City on the board of directors of the Court Appointed Special Advocates program, which works on behalf of abused and neglected children through the court system.

Peg’s devotion to the opportunities that HCC presented to her when she was younger resonates today as she and her husband, Gary, have endowed two scholarships for needy students through the HCC Foundation.

These five distinguished people help make HCC a strong institution for learning in western Mass, and that in turn makes our community stronger.