Greenfield Community College

GCC celebrates 10,000th graduate

Original publication date: 7/7/2009 12:00:00 AM

Originally published in The Recorder 6/27/2009

LEEDS -- When Faranak Seihoun walked across the stage Friday afternoon during Greenfield Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate graduation, college President Robert Pura didn't just shake her hand, give her the certificate, and continue to the next graduate.
Pura stopped the proceedings and announced that Seihoun is the 10,000th student to graduate from GCC.

Since GCC was founded in 1962, and its first class graduated in 1964, 9,999 other GCC students have completed the requirements for an associate's degree or certificate program.

In recognition of Seihoun's special status as the 10,000th graduate, GCC Alumni Association President Regina Curtis presented her with a lifetime membership in the GCC Alumni Association, a GCC T-shirt and a bag of GCC gifts. Additionally, Seihoun's 25 Practical Nursing Certificate classmates will receive a one-year membership in the Alumni Association.


'On behalf of all of the faculty and staff who have helped our students achieve their dreams, I am honored to present this award to Faranak,' said Pura. 'She confirms our often-repeated statement that 'GCC changes lives every day' and well represents the 10,000 students who have graduated thus far and the many thousands yet to begin their journey.'

The ceremony was held at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center where the program is based.

Seihoun is 27 years old and lives in Hadley. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in anthropology. After college, Seihoun worked at a nursing home, enjoyed working with the elderly residents, and said she was glad she could bring happiness into people's lives. Hearing about GCC from her sister, who had graduated from GCC's Practical Nursing Certificate Program, Seihoun decided to apply, too.

'GCC is a wonderful school,' she said. 'The faculty really cares about their students and it is a nice, friendly environment. With enough determination and hard work, I believe you can succeed at whatever you set your mind to doing. GCC is the perfect place to fulfill your dreams. And graduating from GCC doesn't just benefit you, it benefits the community because of all the GCC graduates out working in the community.'

After graduation, Seihoun plans to work in a nursing home while applying to GCC's RN program. She's waiting to hear about a position she's applied for, and is confident she'll get a job. She said, 'The economy is tough right now, but nursing homes are in need of nurses. GCC has a really good reputation and employers seem to choose GCC graduates over other job candidates.'

LPN program

This is the 17th class to graduate from the LPN program.

Many in the class are nontraditional students who have balanced family and work responsibilities to successfully complete the program. Some are pursuing an opportunity for second careers; others are furthering their education in the nursing profession.

The graduates have successfully completed a full-time, 10-month program and are now eligible to complete a state licensure examination to become licensed practical nurses. Many of the graduates have been offered positions in long-term care facilities, physicians' offices and clinics, schools, correctional facilities and psychiatric settings.

Judi Singley, associate dean of health occupations, made the introduction and closing remarks. Guest speaker was Terry Boyce, dean of student affairs at GCC. Student speaker was Lisa Charette.

The Practical Nursing Program has been at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 11 years. Classes and clinical experiences are held at the center as well as several other local hospitals and nursing homes in Hampshire and Franklin counties.

Graduates:

Pamela Bouchard of Erving, Dawn Sampson-Messer of Greenfield, Jennifer Underwood of Greenfield, Heather Craver of Millers Falls, Silvia Terounzo of Northfield, Mark Grillo of Shelburne Falls, Corrie Garnet of Turners Falls, Jennifer Henderson of Turners Falls, Penney Kerr of Grafton, Vt.,

Amity Perman of Easthampton, Patricia Talley of Easthampton, Faranak Seihoun of Hadley, Laurie Albitz of Huntington, Martha Clark of Northampton, Jade-Lea Fournier of Northampton, Antonio Brasil of Williamsburg,

Janina Sierzputowski of Chicopee, Annmarie Wilson of Chicopee, Rene Barkyoumb of Holyoke, Liya Katko of Holyoke, Naomi Kibunyi of Springfield, Lisa Charette of Westfield, Carla Lester of Bloomfield, Conn., Esther Nicholls of Farmington, Conn., and Francisca Appiah-Meraah of Manchester, Conn.