Student Spotlight
Stephanie MacDonald, from art to science
Stephanie MacDonald was interested in the arts when she enrolled at a four-year university after high school. But she later discovered her passion for technology and science at SMCC, and now she’s well on her way to earning a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering in Boston.
Stephanie went to the University of Southern Maine after high school and took classes in musical theater, art and photography before taking some time off because she couldn’t decide which program was right for her.
She then came to SMCC, where she earned a degree in Computer Technology. Upon graduation, she transferred to Wentworth Institute of Technology, where she’s set to graduate in August.
After Wentworth, she hopes to work in a lab setting as a scientist, either in Boston or Maine.
“When I got to SCCMC, I had professors who pushed me hard and had high expectations. There’s no way I would have ended up at Wentworth if I hadn’t gone to SMCC first.”
Staff Spotlight
Patrick Haviland, helping students is Job One
Patrick Haviland helps students — in the Advising Office and on the basketball court.
Patrick arrived at SMCC in 1998, fresh out of high school in Vermont to study in what was then the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Management program.
After completing his studies, he worked as a chef in SMCC’s foodservice department before moving to the Registration Office and then to the Advising Office. He’s also been an assistant coach on the women’s basketball team for 13 years.
As an adviser, he assists students on anything they need help with, from A to Z. As a VA certifying official, he helps veterans from admissions to graduation. On the court, he works with student-athletes not only on basketball skills, but also their schooling.
“My favorite part of my job is working with students, without a doubt. In the Advising Office, we feel like we’re making a big difference in a lot of students’ lives.”