Chad Weber, a software engineering major, took first place in the SANS 2012 NetWars hacking tournament, a computer and network security challenge designed to represent real-world security issues, their flaws and their resolutions. Each player follows an independent path based on individual problem solving skills, technical skills, aptitude, and creativity. The challenge is played in a fun but safe environment using the technology that drives our lives every day.

“Ed Epstien’s exhibit is aptly named” said CVMC president and CEO Judy Tartaglia. “His art really does tell stories, stories of people, places and things. I was enthralled as I walked through the exhibit for the first time.”

From the artist’s perspective, Ed Epstein concludes “it's great to see the work on the walls. This is an interesting space. In hanging the show I realize you have lots of people coming through most of the day - people who may not expect to see art as part of their visit. I like having people see the work.”

Larry Sudbay, President and Chief Executive Officer of SymQuest® Group, the region’s leading provider of network and document technology solutions and services, is pleased to announce the recent hire of James Companion to the position of Staff Accountant. Companion, a resident of Colchester, has been in the accounting field for more than 18 years serving a variety of industries including foodservice, newspaper and construction.

Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene is pleased to announce that Stephen Hathcock, MD, in the Department of Family Medicine, recently recertified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. The Board was initiated in 2000 when the first examination of skills was given. As one of the first to sit for the initial exam, Dr. Hathcock has the distinction of being known as a Founding Diplomate. There are only five Board Certified Holistic physicians practicing in New Hampshire, and only Dr. Hathcock is practicing in Cheshire County.

The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) names Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney (WA) and Representative Michel Consejo (VT) as Chair and Vice Chair of the Labor & Workforce Development Task Force. The task force will focus on promoting public policy solutions on labor and workforce related issues such as unemployment insurance, disparities in pay according to gender, workforce enforcement, and more.

Saint Michael's College named Kitty Bartlett, annual giving coordinator for the Lund Family Center from 2008 to 2012, as SMC Director of Annual Giving. Ms. Bartlett started at the liberal arts Catholic college on April 2.

A 1995 magna cum laude graduate of Colgate University with a degree in Spanish, Ms. Bartlett has been at the Lund Family Center since 2004, first as Development Director ( 2004-2008), and then as Annual Giving Coordinator (2008-2012). She was Development Director for Casa Central, a large Hispanic social service agency in Chicago, from 1999-2003.

Southern Vermont College (SVC) student Tyler Morton of New Bedford, Mass, was one of 162 students from across the country to receive a Newman Civic Fellows Award this year by Campus Compact, the national coalition of college and university presidents. The Newman Civic Fellows Award recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Morton was one of two students from Vermont who was recognized.