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The official portrait of Jim Vander Hooven, President of Mount Wachusett Community College, will be unveiled at the college’s presidential inauguration event on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. The portrait is a donation to the college by Michael Stone, a Worcester-based portrait artist.
“On behalf of the college, we are both pleased and proud to receive this portrait. It will hang in perpetuity next to the official portraits of the college’s first and second presidents,” said Carla Zottoli, Executive Director of the MWCC Foundation.
Stone described his intention to represent Vander Hooven as “approachable and genuine,” saying “During the session I asked President Vander Hooven to remember a time when he was faced with a particular challenge that seemed insurmountable. When he had it, I said ‘Now, remember how you felt when you solved that challenge.’ The resulting expression reveals the quiet confidence and positive outlook that I feel drives him. I hope others feel the same way as they view the portrait.”
In a career spanning four decades, artist Michael Stone has created portraits of thousands of children, families, graduates and dignitaries. Stone is the owner of michaelstoneportraits.com. He and his wife Lisa donate up to $250,000 a year in the form of items that can be auctioned to raise funds.
“We find organizations with whom we share a common heart, and provide a means for them to further their causes while showcasing our portraits for their patrons to enjoy. Over 95% of the clients who sit before my camera are there because they made a contribution to help others in need. It’s a beautiful feeling to know that we are giving back through our portraits,” said Stone.