Notable Alumni of New England College: A Legacy of Achievement
New England College (NEC), a private liberal arts college in Henniker, New Hampshire, has a rich history of fostering talent and shaping future leaders. Founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicemen and women returning from World War II, NEC has since grown into a diverse institution offering a wide range of programs. With a commitment to academic excellence and a focus on individual growth, NEC has produced a remarkable array of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. This article explores the notable alumni of New England College, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on the world.
The Enduring Impact of an NEC Education
NEC provides students with a strong foundation for success, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and a commitment to service. The college's curriculum, which includes 9 associate degree programs, 37 bachelor's degree programs, 12 master's degree programs, and 1 doctoral degree program, is designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. NEC graduates are known for their adaptability, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
Alumni in Arts and Entertainment
NEC alumni have made a significant mark in the world of arts and entertainment, achieving recognition for their talent and creativity.
Geena Davis: Award-Winning Actress and Advocate
Geena Davis, born on January 21, 1956, in Wareham, Massachusetts, is an American actress, producer, activist, and former model. She graduated with a degree in drama from Boston University in 1979. Her breakthrough in acting came with her role in the film Tootsie (1982). Davis won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1988 for her role in The Accidental Tourist and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Thelma in Thelma & Louise (1991). She is also known for her advocacy work for gender equality in media and founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media in 2004. Davis was also on the Olympic archery team in 1999.
Ira Joe Fisher: Broadcaster, Poet, and Educator
Ira Joe Fisher, born on October 31, 1947, in Salamanca, New York, is an American broadcaster, poet, and educator. A winner of two regional Emmys, he presents Speaking Fearlessly seminars and teaches at UConn and Mercy College. He was the weather reporter for CBS's The Saturday Early Show from 1999 to 2006 and is known for his ability to write backwards on Plexiglas during his weather presentations.
Read also: Your Guide to New England Colleges
Steven Zirnkilton: Voice Actor
Steven Zirnkilton is a voice actor.
Alumni in Literature and Journalism
NEC alumni have also excelled in the fields of literature and journalism, using their skills to inform, educate, and inspire.
Allen Steele: Science Fiction Writer
Allen Mulherin Steele, Jr. is a journalist, novelist, and essayist.
Tara Betts: Poet and Teacher
Tara Betts is a poet and teacher. She is the author of two full-length poetry collections, Break the Habit (2016) and Arc & Hue. Essence Magazine named her one of their "40 Favorite Poets" in 2010. Betts received her B.A. in Communication at Loyola University, Chicago, her M.F.A., and her Ph.D. in English/Creative Writing at Binghamton University in 2014.
Alumni in Visual Arts
NEC alumni have made their mark in the world of visual arts, showcasing their talent through various forms of expression.
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Mark Lindquist: Sculptor
Mark Lindquist, born in 1949, is an American sculptor in wood, artist, author, and photographer. Lindquist is a major figure in the redirection and resurgence of woodturning in the United States beginning in the early 1970s. His contributions to woodturning and wood sculpture are described as "so profound and far-reaching that they have reconstituted the field".
Alumni in Politics and Public Service
NEC alumni have demonstrated a commitment to public service, serving in various roles in government and making a positive impact on their communities.
Wallace Stickney: FEMA Director
Wallace Stickney (1934-2019) served as the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under President George H. W. Bush.
A Thriving Community
New England College fosters a strong sense of community among its students and alumni. The college is home to 27 student organizations, including various student government committees. NEC has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the top colleges in the nation for diversity. The college has strengthened its diversity efforts by establishing an Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI).
Read also: BU: Courses and Programs
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