Student Senate Alums

K. Hurd,  HCC Alum

'21-'23 President,  all '21 Vice President, Spring '21 Treasurer

I am a Veterinary and Animal Science major and I serve as the President for Student Senate. I have a Bachelor's degree in Gender Studies and English literature and served in the Peace Corps as an English Secondary Education teacher before attending HCC. I am also an early childhood education teacher. I chair the HCC Cares About M.E. Menstrual Equity initiative, co-chair the Public Health Committee and serve on the College Advisory Council, the Student Outreach Committee, the Transit Committee, and the Veterinary and Animal Science Advisory Board. Feel free to share your comments, concerns, and questions about HCC and your student experiences through our Student to Student Feedback Form. Talk to me about diversity, equity, student concerns, adult learning, changing careers, and questions regarding Peace Corps Service!

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C. Rooney, HCC Alum

'21-'23 Vice President 

I am Native American as well as other races. I also have cerebral palsy and that is a big part of my life. The last thing that I want is for my peers to feel sorry for me. DON’T, because it is a blessing. Having Cerebral Palsy has made me learn so much about overcoming life itself really. Living in this ableist world I have to fight for change and make sure that people with disabilities do not face the hardships I had to go through. This brings me to my love for leadership. The urge to fight for change involves being a leader and, I understood that once I attended the Youth Leadership Forum. My love for leadership grew. Now I am involved in many committees and boards statewide, including being involved in the Student Senate, and also being a mentor for the SHOUTS program here at HCC, as well as the Vice President of the National Society for Leadership and Success here at HCC. Leadership is a huge part of my life. Lastly, another big part of my life is my Native American heritage. I attend celebrations all over New England and one day I hope to travel the US and Canada. So when I am not in my room relaxing, or on zoom, or on campus, I am most likely on the road to a celebration. I want to leave you with this: Do not let ANYONE tell you who you are, or what you can and cannot do, because anything is possible!

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J. George, 

'22-'23 Student Trustee

My name is Jay George, I’m an English Major starting my journey toward a Masters in Library Science, and a PhD in English. This is my second year at Holyoke Community College. Some may recognize me from the Library where I work, or the Drama Club that I stood as president for in the Spring Semester of last year. I love being involved on campus and helping out our students in any way I can. As Student Trustee and a student senator, my hope is for everyone to feel comfortable coming to me with any issues or suggestions they may have about our college, as I will always do whatever I can to assist our students on their way to successful futures. Please reach out to me at any time, either for help or friendship!

A. Brunt,

'22-'23 Liaison to the VP of 

B. Irwin, HCC Alum

'22-'23 Senator at Large

My name is Ben Irwin, I’m a non-traditional student returning to Holyoke Community College. After stepping back from pursuing my education years ago I am happy to be back and learning about addiction studies to be able to apply the knowledge to help others. I am a proud African American, gay man. I hope to involve myself throughout campus to promote LGBTQ+ rights and make sure no one goes unseen or feels alone. I’m here to take my first steps in making the world a better, safer, happier place for everyone, no matter who they are or how they identify. 

Y. Cruz, HCC Alum

'21-'22 Student Trustee

Growing up I was always told no and to settle down that maybe just maybe my dream is too big for me not me as a person but me being a woman. At times I felt discouraged but I knew I wanted to follow my dreams and wear a lab coat before a white dress. Being the first woman to go to college and studying stem in my family wasn’t just about my education but breaking societal norms that were placed in me from a young age. By breaking gender biases and racial stereotypes means I can paint a better future for little girls who dream like me. 

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G L Nabad, HCC Alum

 '21-'22 Senator at Large

I am a Liberal Arts & Sciences major with a focus on Environmental, Sustainable and Agricultural Studies. Growing up I spent many weekends in my Italian grandmother's gardens, learning her ways. Now I am learning about the science behind her practices. I've been a single Mom since 1988. I am interested in childcare for college students, because I experienced loss of childcare while in college in the 1990s and it pushed me into a lifetime of low-wage jobs. Now that I have found my way back to college, I think it is important for students to find connections at HCC with common interests or issues and so I enjoy attending various clubs, such as STEM, and planning yearly events with Student Engagement for Indigenous People's Month. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa and National Society for Leadership and Success which has supported me in improving my leadership skills. I am also active with Climate Action Now Western Mass and go to lots of city council meetings. I am a survivor of many things, with lots of life experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me! 

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S. Robles, HCC Alum

'22 Senator at Large

Hello friends, my name is Samya Elise Robles. I am a psychology major, second year HCC student, and very happy to be one of your senators spring semester 2022. As a future educational leader and current Student Mentor I hope to contribute my knowledge and services to our student body using an empathic and holistic approach. I am a believer that everyone is capable of acquiring self confidence by achieving even the smallest goals. 

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C. Sicbaldi, HCC Alum

 '21-'22 Treasurer

As a non-traditional student, I know what it’s like to have felt lost along the way, or to have felt unsatisfied with academic achievements — or lack thereof. I’ve worked hard at HCC to reverse a less-than-desirable high school experience and have since excelled in Honors programs, extracurriculars, and coursework related to my major — Biology. I have struggled with ADD and anxiety disorders all my life, and I want to advocate for better mental health support in academic institutions. As a former Student Senator (now Student Treasurer), I hope to connect with other students that have had an imperfect college experience and may be seeking guidance or advice. I want to lead by example — not as a mentor, but something closer to a friend. Talk to me about STEM majors and events, neurodiversity, transfer programs, Honors programs, PTK, and adult learning. 

L. Ashburn, HCC Alum

Fall '21  President, Spring '21 Vice President

The ultimate expression of my being is organizing chaos to disrupt the patriarchy. I'm an activist who uses my privileges and my voice to fight against systemic oppression. I am a vocalist, activist, and artist and I'm currently studying Liberal Arts. During my studies I saw a lack of equitable representation in my field. 

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C. Corrigan, HCC Alum

Spring '21 Secretary

I am a Business Administration major planning to transfer to a four-year university in the Fall of 2021. I served as the Secretary for the Student Senate and the chair of the Student Outreach Committee. Also, I help run the Students First Newsletter and am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Talk to me about mental health issues, ideas for the website/newsletter, business topics, and transferring (especially within the MassTransfer program)!

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JG, HCC Alum

'20-'21 Student Trustee

I am a computer science major, in the IT Management curriculum. I serve on the Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee, Campus Safety Task Force, and Student Advisory Council. Some of my goals as Trustee were to implement inclusivity initiatives within the New Student Orientation and to provide student-oriented insight on the Campus Mental Health goals. I am also a published author, and in my spare time run a successful blog with a charity component. Talk to me about anything that involves your experience at HCC. 

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C. PEÑA, 

'20-'21 President

I am community organizer currently enrolled in the program Transition to College and Careers (TCC). I formerly served as the President of the Student Senate. Also, I was a member of the Mental Health Task Force, the Equity/Diversity/Inclusion Committee and Safety Task Force. I led the Adult Learners Club. I am passionated about Social Justice, Anti-Racist practices, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Human Rights, Restorative Justice, Criminal Justice, Politics, Adult Learners, Self - Advocacy and Leadership opportunities. Talk to me about Racial Justice, Inclusion and Diversity, Adult Learners and any concerns you have! I am here to support you and be your voice and promote the changes that you need at HCC!!! 

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T. Cummings, HCC Alum

'20-'21 Senator at Large

I am currently majoring in Hospitality Management. Transferring to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Fall 2021 majoring in Hospitality & Tourism Management. I graduated from Connecticut Culinary Institute in 2005 and have been a Chef for the last 15 years. I came to HCC to learn how to open and operate my future restaurant “Waugh’s.” I was a member of: Instructional Technology Committee, Equity & Diversity Focus Group, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, S.H.O.U.T.S. Mentor, D.U.D.E.  Founding Mentor, NSO Leader, Emerging Business Leader Club, Creative Writing Club, New Directions, TRIO Program. Talk to me about Adult Learning, Mentorship, Equity & Diversity, Scholarships, Culinary/Hospitality, Business and Writing. 

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C. Royster, HCC Alum

'20-'21 Senator at Large

I am a Psychology major and planning to transfer to either Columbia University or Johns Hopkins University in 2021. I was a member of the Student Senate, Mentor for SHOUTS Mentorship Program, Library Committee Member, Safety Task Force Committee Member, Member of Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Beta. Talk to me about student concerns, HCC library information, SHOUTS Mentorship information, and Safety Task Force information at HCC.

S. Bey, HCC Alum

'19-'20 President

I graduated in fall 2020 and transferred to Mount Holyoke. I was the president of the Student Senate and a member of the Academic Standards Committee. You can talk to me about our plans for equity and inclusion within the school, ways of joining the student senate, and also ways to become more active on campus that suit you the best.

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R. Ueon, HCC Alum

'19-'20 Senator at Large

I graduated in fall 2020 and transferred to Smith! I am studying political science. At HCC I was a student senator, the OER student ambassador, and part of the NSO/EDI Initiatives Subcommittee. I was in the Pathways program, and also am an international student. I was born in Australia and am of Korean ethnicity! Talk to me about racial diversity, mental health, education, transferring, etc.