The new Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education, Noe Ortega, visited the Holyoke Community College campus on Wednesday, March 22nd, where he met with HCC President, Christina Royal, and faculty members, students, staff, and trustees.

After touring the HCC campus that morning, Ortega was shown some of the multiple programs and opportunities available for HCC students such as access to healthy food and purchase at a mini-market which accepts EBT, a pantry, hygiene products, and child care.

Also, Ortega visited El Centro, which is the culturally appropriate orientation and support space for Latino and Spanish-speaking students.

We got the opportunity of sitting down with HCC President, Christina Royal, and Commissioner Noe Ortega, to talk about the experience of this first visit to Holyoke Community College.

Recorded at HCC on March 22, 2023.