NCC Launches "Faces of Success"

by Cynthia Tintorri; photos by Randy Monceaux
April 30, 2012

It was a night to celebrate winners -- not just those whose faces will grace the ubiquitous NCC billboards all around the Lehigh Valley, but all the alumni whose family and friends think so highly of their NCC grads that they took the time to write testimonials to nominate them. A special issue of Northampton Magazine devoted entirely to the nominees of the college's recent "Who's Next?" billboard contest was unveiled at a launch party on April 26 in Alumni Hall.

From the hundreds of compelling personal testimonials that poured in in response to the contest, 12 alumni were chosen to appear on billboards. But the stories were so wonderful, it seemed a shame not to share them with everyone in the NCC community. Thus, the idea for the "Faces of Success" issue of the magazine came about.

A mobile billboard parked in the grass outside Alumni Hall welcomed nominees and their friends and families, as well as past billboard stars. Guests mingled and perused copies of the magazine before a ceremony to present the nominees with commemorative copies of the issue and photo mock-ups of what their billboards might look like.

Director of Alumni Affairs Melissa Starace said the first-of- its-kind party offered a chance to "celebrate the spirit of Northampton, and our most precious commodity -- you, our students."

NCC President Dr. Art Scott told the audience that NCC's billboard campaign has been getting attention across the country at other institutions of higher education. "We're in a position to become bigger and better, and a big part of that is our alumni. You help set this institution apart, and I thank you for that."

Keep your eye out for billboard contest winners as you drive around the Lehigh Valley, and be sure to read their stories in the special "Faces of Success" issue. To see more photos of the launch party, check out this photo gallery.

Nominees in attendance at the event included:

Krisann Albanese Lisa Alexander Renee Blasko Daniel Boyko Luz Brandon Tina Brown Ken Chuisano Patricia Davis Rebecca DeFreest Amy DeNunzio Simone Downey Corina Sterner Guidon Nicos Elias Brittany Galski Anne Garbush

Ralph Gardner Evelio Garriga Maria Hanisak Heaton Elaine Hlavaty Lynne Holden Laurie Laird Jennifer Lentz Kathy Lentz Norman Lohman Lisy Figueroa Lopez Jason Losagio Matthew Matejcek John Murray LeVaughn Nesbitt

Felicia Ortiz Gregory Panto Joe Pokojni Karen Rumore Tammy Halpin Santiago Amanda Duncan Shepherd Samantha Shuetz Kevin Seaton Jeffrey Sutton David Troxell Rocky Urich Abigail Venezia Julius Wenner Jennifer Zingales