Observer Department: Features


Stuff-a-bear event is a hit

On Monday Feb. 13, the Office of Student Life at Northern Essex Community College hosted their event “Stuff-A-Bear.” This event took place in the first floor lobby in the John Spurk Building on the Haverhill campus. The event started at 10:30a.m. and went until 12:00p.m. The event was hosted by…


Students weigh in on campus events at NECC

Northern Essex Community college is known for how proactive and engaging they are with their students and community. Today I walked around campus to ask students about the extracurricular activities they take part in and are interested in. When asking students if they’ve gone to any of the after class…


Getting to know Professor William Gleed

William Gleed, 60, is a NECC professor with a master’s degree in poetry from the University of New Hampshire. He has also taught at Middlesex Community College, Hesser College and Franklin Pierce University. Gleed initially came to NECC in 2008 and has been here since. Gleed started working in composition…


A talk with some NECC alumni

Throughout the years, Northern Essex has been a place for many people, young and old, to further their education. Since it was established in 1961, Northern Essex has helped many people to succeed in and move forward in their desired field of study. Many people such as Aaron Lehner and…


Getting to know Kenoza Lake

As students and faculty make their way to the Haverhill campus each day, they’re greeted by the familiar sight of Kenoza Lake glistening in the sun as they drive past Winnikini Park off of Route 110. While it can become easy to get used to such a beautiful sight, few…


Tipping culture

Families and friends often come together to grab a bite to eat at a restaurant to be able to sit down and enjoy each other‘s company, drinks and good food, as well as good service. Many believe that tips should not be included in their overall bill when paying for…


Alumni share stories: Dynamic Duo share memories of their times at NECC in interview

Northern Essex Community College opened its doors on the new Haverhill campus in 1971 to more than 2,300 students, and has since then yielded numerous possibilities for academics as young as highschoolers taking part in duel enrollment to adults continuing their education. No matter the goal, the college has a…


NECC campus Trick-or-Treat a success

This year, Northern Essex Community College’s campus wide Trick-or-Treat was a smashing success; with routes among the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses, students and their families had the opportunity to visit over 30 locations to collect candy and treats. Several offices even provided festive baked goods to trick-or-treaters. Along with the…


Science behind music: STEM week speaker discusses deeper meaning behind ordinary things

On Thursday Oct. 20, during STEM week, on the Haverhill Campus in the Technology Center building a talk was held on the Science of Music with physics professor J. Oscar Azaret with NECC chemistry student Lindsey Fevry. In this talk Azaret discusses how Art, Science and Craft combined creates the…


Only yesterday: A look back at NECC and its legacy over 60 years

 When Northern Essex Community College opened its doors in 1961, few would’ve expected the former schoolhouse would one day morph into two sprawling campuses, with an enrollment of nearly 4,000. Northern Essex Community College was one of only four community colleges in Massachusetts when it was founded and its inaugural…