Diversity center gets donation

GARDNER » The International Center for the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion at Mount Wachusett Community College received a $5,000 donation from Rollstone Bank and Trust in a presentation held on Dec. 21, according to an announcement from the bank.

The International Center for the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion was established at MWCC in 2021 with the mission to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to improve the human condition for the whole community. The center serves as a resource for students, faculty, staff, and the greater community on issues of equity through education, outreach and advocacy.

“We are so grateful to have community members and organizations like Rollstone that believe in our mission,” said Sharmese Gunn, director of the center. “This donation will help us to continue our programming through the year.”

Programs recently offered by the center include lectures and guest speakers, film viewings, financial aid help in several languages, and a variety of other resources. The center also encourages professors to integrate books by international authors into course plans, which not only promotes diversity, but also connects to the colleges’ study abroad program that is offered for students.

“The idea for the center started in 2013 and has had the support of many people,” Gunn said. “A special thank you is owed to all those who helped to launch the center, especially Tracey Betts Sarefield, Melissa Bourque-silva, Jasson Alvarado Gomez, Candace Shivers, Shaunti Phillips, David Thiba

ult-munoz, Irene Hernandez, Elmer Eubanks, and Dr. Laurie Occhipinti.”

“We are proud of our partnership with MWCC and the work of the center to expand diversity and equity in our community,” said Amy Bonilla, chief diversity officer for Rollstone Bank & Trust. “More than ever, we need to not just say we are inclusive, we need to put action behind those words. The center’s programming, which stretches into the community, is the living, breathing example of what is a truly diverse and inclusive community.”

With branches throughout central Massachusetts, Rollstone Bank & Trust is FDIC and DIF insured. For more information, visit www.rollstonebank.com.

Courtesy of rollstone Bank & trust With the rollstone Bank & trust donation, from left, in back, are: irene Hernandez, mwcc trustee and founder of alana student club; James Vanderhooven, mwcc president; amy Bonilla, chief diversity officer of rollstone Bank & trust; martin f. connors, president, rollstone Bank & trust; sharmese Gunn, mwcc chair diversity, equity, and inclusion team, and director of international center for the promotion of diversity and inclusion; shawn laroche, mwcc co-chair diversity, equity, and inclusion team; carla Zottoli, executive director of development and mwcc foundation inc.; and lilli souvannavong, mwcc Gateway to college student; in front: mwcc Gateway to college students isabella ervin, Hannah Burns, emily eubanks, Vincent sampognaro and akieeme clemetson.