Holyoke Community College English professor Elizabeth Trobaugh, of Amherst, is the recipient of the 2025 Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair for Teaching Excellence Award, HCC’s highest faculty honor.
The Marieb Award, endowed by the late HCC professor emeritus Elaine Marieb ’80, recognizes a full-time member of the faculty for outstanding classroom teaching. Award recipients serve for one year, receive a small stipend for professional development, lead the procession at commencement, and give the keynote graduation speech.
Trobaugh has been teaching at HCC since 2003. She has a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. Her three children – Hannah, Tess and Gabe – and son-in-law attended HCC.
The college also presented the Christina Royal Equity in Action Award to Adina Gianelli of Conway, assistant professor of criminal justice; the Idelia Smith Adjunct Faculty Award to Erin Jackson of Glastonbury, Conn., an instructor in the veterinary technician program; the Outstanding Professional Staff Award to Allison Wrobel of Holyoke, HCC registrar; the Outstanding Classified Staff Award to Lindsy Providenti of Granby, administrative assistant in the BSTEM division; and the Outstanding Part-Time Staff Award to Lucien Dalton of South Hadley, a math tutor and engineering pathways coordinator.
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GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. announced that two staff professionals have earned wildlife biology credentials.
GZA Senior Biologist Robin Casioppo recently became a certified wildlife biologist and Ecologist Susanna Sousa became an associate wildlife biologist, certifications overseen and awarded by The Wildlife Society. Both are based in GZA’s Springfield office and serve GZA clients throughout the nation.
The CWB and AWB certifications document that the credential holders have met the society’s standards for professional experience, ethical standards and educational attainment.
Casioppo, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental biology from Plymouth State University and a Master of Science degree in environmental studies with a concentration in conservation biology from Antioch New England University, is a professional wetland scientist. Sousa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in conservation in wildlife management from Delaware Valley University, a Master of Science degree in environmental studies with a concentration in conservation biology from Antioch New England University and a certified ecologist professional certification from the Ecological Society of America.
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Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Amber Messer to Branch Manager of the Bank’s Monson Branch. In this role, Messer will lead the branch team in delivering exceptional customer service, while deepening relationships with customers and furthering the Bank’s community engagement efforts.
Amber joined Monson Savings Bank in 2017 as a part-time teller and has since advanced through multiple positions at various branch locations. Her leadership, dedication, and customer-first mindset have earned her recognition, including three consecutive nominations for the Bank’s prestigious President’s Award. Most recently, she completed the Retail Banking Leadership Series in 2024.
Amber resides with her family in Bondsville, MA, and is active in the local community. She participates in the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Quaboag Referral Group, where she connects with local business owners and strengthens community partnerships.
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