By Garrick Hoffman

Hey there strangers!

My name is Garrick and I’m happy to return to the keyboard on behalf of The Beacon. In 2012 I was a regular contributing writer, and 2013 subsequently proved to be a year of hiatus for me, and my academic pursuits. Fret not though, for I have returned. Oh yes I have. And now I’ve stepped up to a new role for The Beacon: Section Editor of, and Campus News columnist – and lookee here! I even get my own freakin’ header. I bet you’re more jelly than Smuckers.

Ok, let me smother the ostensible arrogance right now, because I’m really not that at all (hence the word “ostensible”). I consider myself a pretty modest, affable, and approachable dude; approachable probably because my parents set me up with a lifetime supply of baby face with a little bit of face fuzz. That’s okay with me. I think that’s why kids like me. There‘s zero threat in this face. All of which probably makes me an easy target for bullying too, but bullies beware: I know how to run. Write that down. These Nike shoes were meant for running, and that’s just what they’ll do.

Anyhow, how about some campus news? For already there is excitement aplenty circulating around here.

On Tuesday, the 21st of this month, we saw a volunteer fair take place in the HUB gym. About twenty-four community organizations and about ten SMCC clubs reserved their own respective spots in the gym. In doing this, they were able to expose themselves more, plant some seeds, and reach out to students who may be interested in aiding in good causes or becoming more involved, more pro-active, both on campus and beyond. Organizations such as Habitat For Humanity, Garbage to Garden, and Preble Street Resource Center made an appearance, as well as an array of SMCC student organizations.

“Organizations are always looking to involve volunteers in their important work,” said Madelyn Holm, SMCC’s civic engagement coordinator. “And students are looking for good causes where they can give their time and gain experience.”

Holm also said that, besides students eager to help, high school students participated in the event, aiming to familiarize themselves with the school and the myriad of opportunities found in the HUB gym that day.

An annual “Welcome Back” BBQ is expected to take place in August, when the many organizations and clubs reunite under the roof in another effort to get the word out.

In equally recent news, Angus King has announced his support for the partnership between SMCC and the Maine composites industry. King, on a tour of the Maine Advanced Technology and Engineering Center (MATEC) on SMCC’s Midcoast Campus in Brunswick – where the Composites Technology program is located – remarked that, “This is the way it has to be done. The college has to be connected to the businesses and the businesses have to be connected to the college so that the people being trained are trained for the right jobs the right way.”

Joining King were SMCC officials, as well as executives from composites manufacturing companies, such as Custom Composite Technologies Inc. of Bath, Harbor Technologies LLC of Brunswick, and Ocean Renewable Power Co. of Portland.

Lastly, beginning January 30, the SMCC Science Department will be hosting a series of four free seminars that are open to the public. The seminars will focus on studying science with genetic approaches. They will take place in the Jewett Auditorium, located in Jewett Hall. The lectures are aimed at a general audience; however, professors and college students alike, as well as high school students and scientists, should take interest in the seminars.

That’s all I got for you this week, dear reader. As you read this, more news is developing elsewhere, and will likely find its way onto the pages of The Beacon down the road.

One last note: as the Campus News Section Editor, I am open to receiving news stories (or hints of them) from you! Whether it’s to be there to write the story you want to see appear in the paper, or even to edit your piece (not for content, of course), I’d love to collaborate with you. Feel free to contact me at garrickchoffman@student.smccme.edu for inquiries or contact in general.