Community college benefits from Emera donation
PRESQUE ISLE — Thousands of dollars of computer equipment is being donated to NMCC for its computer electronics program. Emera Maine, the electricity delivery utility, is updating and consolidating its own computer technology, and NMCC is benefiting from the extra equipment.
Thirty computers, three file servers, a dozen flat-panel monitors, six laptops and software have been donated for student training in disassembly and reassembly in the computer electronics lab. Some of the equipment will be shared with the electrical construction and maintenance program.
“The donated equipment will replace some of the older units now in use,” said Joe McLaughlin, computer electronics instructor. “Emera is continuing the terrific contribution started a number of years ago by Maine Public Service. Every year this gift saves the college thousands of dollars in equipment purchase costs and provides our students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience with current technology.”
NMCC President Timothy Crowley expressed his gratitude to Emera Maine.
“We are very grateful for the generous gift which is allowing our students to work with state-of-the-art equipment,” he said. “Our high-tech programs are expensive to offer, and support from our community partners is incredibly valuable. This type of collaboration helps the college in its goal of delivering highly-skilled graduates to benefit the local workforce.”
“Emera Maine will continue supporting the community in the same tradition as Maine Public Service,” said Susan Faloon, Emera spokesperson. “We are the same people with the same local commitment. Giving our retired equipment to the college for teaching purposes is a win-win since our company has been fortunate to hire NMCC graduates over the years.”
The equipment will be folded into the computer and electrical construction programs during the upcoming fall semester.
