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Mount Wachusett Community College celebrated the dedication of its Mental Wellness Center on May 6, honoring the generosity and vision of Dr. John and Mrs. Annette Szivos, whose endowment will support mental wellness programming and establish an annual speaker series focused on mental health and wellness topics for faculty, staff, and students.
During the dedication ceremony, MWCC Vice President of Student Services and Dean of Students, Jason Zelesky, emphasized the critical importance of accessible mental health support at community colleges.
“Mental health support is not a luxury at a community college—it is a necessity,” said Zelesky. “Our campuses serve students balancing jobs, family responsibilities, financial stress, and the pressure to succeed academically, often all at once. Without strong mental health resources, these challenges can become overwhelming, affecting not only grades, but also persistence, confidence, and overall well-being.”
Zelesky noted that investments in counseling services, peer support programs, and accessible wellness resources help students remain enrolled, complete their programs, and build resilience that extends far beyond the classroom.
“When we invest in these services, we send a clear message: students matter,” he said. “They matter not just as learners, but as whole humans leading complex lives.”
He also recognized the daily efforts of Wellness Outreach Coordinator Lauren Clifford and Senior Mental Health Counselor Dr. Leeanne Hadsel, whose work directly supports students navigating personal and academic challenges.
“Because of the Szivos family, their work can continue to grow in support of our students and their mental health,” Zelesky added.
Dr. John Szivos reflected on the importance of mental wellness and personal growth in remarks during the ceremony.
“Long ago, William James, often regarded as the father of American psychology, noted we can change our lives by changing our mind,” said Dr. Szivos. “The encouraging truth is that our minds, thoughts, and attitudes are malleable and not fixed; they are capable of growth and change.”
He spoke about the role the Mental Wellness Center will play in helping students build resilience and discover new possibilities for themselves.
“The Mental Wellness Center offers our students a doorway of transformation and change with the compassion and support of this exceptionally talented staff,” he said. “The Center offers many open doors, and students are empowered to choose the one they wish to open.”
Dr. Szivos also shared his family’s admiration for the college and its students.
“My wife and I love what this institution stands for and what it offers,” he said. “We are honored to support MWCC and its deserving students, staff, and faculty through this gift.”
Senior Mental Health Counselor Dr. Leeanne Hadsel spoke about the lasting impact the Szivos family’s generosity will have on the college community and the future of mental wellness programming at MWCC.
“The Szivos family’s generosity and steadfast commitment to student well-being will make a profound and enduring impact on our mental wellness programming,” said Dr. Hadsel. “Their support reflects not only a deep understanding of the critical role mental health plays in student success, but also a meaningful investment in the overall health and resilience of our campus community.”
Dr. Hadsel said the endowment will help expand innovative, inclusive, and responsive wellness initiatives that meet students where they are academically, emotionally, and socially.
“Their contribution will create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to engage in help-seeking, build coping skills, and foster a sense of belonging,” she said. “This investment extends far beyond individual programs; it strengthens the fabric of our community.”
The Mental Wellness Center dedication reflects MWCC’s continued commitment to supporting students holistically and ensuring that mental health resources remain accessible, compassionate, and proactive for all members of the campus community.