The Online Beacon

The Student News Site of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
The Student News Site of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

The Online Beacon
The Beacon and Beacon Web News editors Fallon Maloney, left, Kate Zelkowitz, top center, Ainslie Lafko, bottom center, and Anna Najimy, right, in The Beacon office, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Freel Library.
A Fading Light, Extinguished: A Letter from the Editors
May 2, 2025
A passing woman looks into Berkshire Art Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where Berkshire Immigrant Center is located.
Trump’s 2025 Immigration Agenda: A New Era of Borders and Policy
April 25, 2025
Murdock Hall, built in 1897, is the oldest building on MCLA's campus.
MCLA Enrollment Decline: Can the College Reverse the Trend?
April 25, 2025
Images Cinema Launches Look Forward Fundraising Campaign
Images Cinema Launches Look Forward Fundraising Campaign
April 11, 2025
A hand-painted cake, featuring the colors of the trans pride flag, displayed in the Gender and Sexuality Center on the 3rd floor of MCLA's Amsler Campus Center.
“Dehumanizing and Dangerous”: MCLA Students React to Executive Orders on Trans Individuals
February 24, 2025
Cynthia August, right, held by her mother Ginny, in 1971.
The Passing Grades: Navigating Loss and Grief in College
May 2, 2025
Sheri Stanton's office door decorated with quotes and a sign showing support for LGBTQIA+ students.
Inside TRIO Student Support Services: A Day in the Life of Sheri Stanton
May 1, 2025
A portrait titled “Anonymous in RED” from the “Portraits in RED” series. (ACRYLIC PAINTING BY NAYANA LAFOND)
Crimson Narratives: Amplifying MMIW Voices
May 1, 2025
The North Adams Public Library, located in the heart of the city on Church and Main Street.
Beloved yet Not Funded: The Fight to Keep North Adams’ Public Library
May 1, 2025
Elise Cross, Fred Ferris, and Denise Maselli make a difference for MCLA students everyday in their roles as support staff on campus.
Invisible and Impactful: Meet MCLA’s Dedicated Staff
April 30, 2025
Get Inspired by Mya Linsky, Student Editor with Spires
Get Inspired by Mya Linsky, Student Editor with Spires
April 25, 2025
Jack Black stars in "A Minecraft Movie".
“A Minecraft Movie”: A Mindless Fun Block-Buster
April 15, 2025
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega co-star in "Death of a Unicorn".
Death of a Unicorn: A Funny and Gnarly Creature Feature
April 6, 2025
MCLA's latest Benedetti Artist-in-Residence, Wendel Patrick.
Wendel Patrick Brings Innovation to MCLA as 2025 Benedetti Teaching Artist Fellow
March 22, 2025
Freel Library's Valentine's Day Event Spreads the Seasonal Love
Freel Library’s Valentine’s Day Event Spreads the Seasonal Love
March 12, 2025
Sophomore forward Addam Brunner (#19) on the ice at Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink in North Adams.
MCLA Athletics: The Start of a Cinderella Story?
April 3, 2025
A team photo of the 2023-24 MCLA Women's Basketball team. The 2024-25 season would be cancelled in large part due to a lack of players on the roster this year.
No Season on the Court: MCLA Announces Cancellation of 2024-25 Women’s Basketball Season
November 17, 2024
Trailblazer Brandon Balcazar '19 clinched a win for MCLA in the final home game of the season for the Men's Soccer team.
A Last-Minute Masterpiece: Men’s Soccer Seals a Home Win with a Final-Second Goal
November 14, 2024
Cheyenne Laszo steps into a new role at MCLA this semester as Head Coach of the college's Esports team.
Welcome MCLA’s First Esports Coach: Cheyenne Laszlo
October 19, 2024
Mat Gover '27, of Atkinson, NH, won this year's MASCAC golf tournament, earning back-to-back titles.
MCLA Golf’s Stellar Season: Gover Leads All-Conference Honors
October 18, 2024
Elise Cross, Fred Ferris, and Denise Maselli make a difference for MCLA students everyday in their roles as support staff on campus.
Invisible and Impactful: Meet MCLA’s Dedicated Staff
April 30, 2025
Jack Black stars in "A Minecraft Movie".
“A Minecraft Movie”: A Mindless Fun Block-Buster
April 15, 2025
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega co-star in "Death of a Unicorn".
Death of a Unicorn: A Funny and Gnarly Creature Feature
April 6, 2025
Thank You, MCLA
Thank You, MCLA
December 12, 2024
Reclaiming Lost Narratives: MCLA Day of Dialogue 2024
Reclaiming Lost Narratives: MCLA Day of Dialogue 2024
October 2, 2024
Photograph by Beacon photographer Johnluke Kunce.
Photo Gallery: 2023 Nostalgia Night
October 21, 2023

The Online Beacon

The Online Beacon
An Open Letter to Students

An Open Letter to Students

Dr. Samantha Pettey, Political Science Department • November 1, 2023

I recently sent an open letter to my faculty colleagues here at the college and thought I’d share with you some of what I said to them, while hoping you also consider and take to heart the message.     I...

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