ACHIEVEMENT
Dr. George Timmons, the first African American president of Holyoke Community College addresses the crowd during his inauguration ceremony.
ascendance as the first African Ameri- can man in the position. “In the past 78 years, we have come together as a college community only four times before to do what we are gathered to do today,” said Vanessa Smith, interim chair of the HCC Board of Trustees. “On average, we have hosted a presidential inauguration just once every decade and a half. This is an extraordinary occasion for many reasons, and because it is so rare, it is truly momentous.” Smith said it was Timmons’ com- mitment to student success that stood out to her during the interview process last spring and called him a “natural connector.” “All of the genuine interactions in the hallways, out in the community, or over a meal in our culinary arts
institute clearly bring him joy,” she said. “His ability to inspire, motivate, and engage our community is among the many gifts he brings to Holyoke Community College. We need only look around this room to see the evidence of Dr. Timmons’ ability to connect and form strong and lasting relationships.” Indeed, many in attendance wore bright green bow ties and socks in recognition of President Timmons’ preferred dress style. “It is said that a bow tie represents confidence, individuality, and creativ- ity,” said Tutwiler, who prefers long ties but also chose a bow tie for the occasion. “In donning a bow tie as he does, President Timmons is sending a message. In my view, it is a small, but not insignificant window into the type
of leader he is and some of the wonder- ful qualities he will bring to his role.” Student-trustee Barney Garcia talked how he had started off at HCC “battered, lost,” and “depressed,” someone who “always wore a mask,” “too afraid to be myself.” “It wasn’t until I met Dr. Timmons, someone who is unapologetically himself, that I felt empowered to break that barrier and be unapologetically myself,” Garcia said. Garcia said he and the president bonded over the fact that both were raised by grandparents, and that he had found in President Timmons "an awesome bonus dad." During their first meeting, Garcia said he recognized in the president, then one of four candidates for the job, the attributes that make a great leader.
42 THE JOURNAL ♦ SPRING 2024
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker