October 30, 2025
William Garrity ’25 didn't initially plan to attend MCLA. The Pittsfield native started his college journey at Berkshire Community College, pursuing Computer Networking and Cybersecurity with a clear career path in mind. But a late-night browse of MCLA's website changed everything, leading him to discover an articulation agreement for seamless transfer and an educational philosophy that would transform his understanding of what college could be.
Now a senior computer science major with a minor in political science, Garrity juggles an impressive array of responsibilities including First Year Experience Peer Mentor, MCLA Helpdesk Consultant, Assistive Technology Lab Assistant, Secretary of the Queer Ally Community Collective (QUACC), and Treasurer of the Resident Hall Association (RHA). He has also served on MCLA's Board of Trustees and currently serves on the Pittsfield School Committee, all while maintaining the academic performance that earned him a full-time offer from General Dynamics Mission Systems before graduation.
"Looking back at my college journey, BCC prepared me for my career, while MCLA has prepared me for the world," Garrity reflects.
When Garrity first arrived at MCLA, he focused solely on computer science courses. "I didn't really understand what a liberal arts education was until I started here," he admits. That perspective shifted during his first semester when he joined the Curriculum Committee. After examining his degree audit, Garrity realized he had flexibility to explore other interests. He began taking political science classes with Dr. Samantha Pettey and a Logic and Critical Reasoning course that complemented his technical training.
"Sure, knowing how computer networks work is important in systems engineering," Garrity says. "However, working as a team, understanding how political scientists conduct research, understanding how governments function, and having a deep understanding of parliamentary procedure are all important skills that will help me greatly succeed in both my career and leadership opportunities."
Garrity's connection to General Dynamics Mission Systems runs deep. Growing up in Pittsfield, he won first place in their high school STEM competition two years in a row. When BCC held a career fair in fall 2023 with GD Mission Systems conducting on-site interviews, he landed an internship working on the very Littoral Combat Ship he'd heard his parents discuss as a child.
During his second summer internship, his team treated him as a full-time employee,
giving him independence to work on complex projects including writing installation
plans to update network configurations on actual ships. His team leader told him multiple
times that he didn't want Garrity to leave to go back to school. "Given that I enjoyed
working with all of the people on the networking team, and the work culture at GD
Mission Systems is one of the best cultures I have seen, I enthusiastically accepted
the offer."
Garrity's decision to attend MCLA was partly motivated by his plan to run for Pittsfield School Committee. He knew MCLA would allow him to have a traditional college experience while remaining close enough to home to stay involved in his community. That dual commitment has defined his MCLA years.
For students considering MCLA, especially transfers, Garrity has straightforward advice. "College is not just about learning material to help prepare you for your career, it is to help further your education, explore your interests, and give you a well-rounded education to enter the world with. MCLA affords you the ability to take a lot of classes outside of your major, which other colleges don't allow you to do."
After graduation, he'll return to General Dynamics Mission Systems full time. "While I will miss the college experience and being a student in general, I feel I am ready and excited to tackle the world ahead of me." For William Garrity, MCLA provided more than technical training. It offered a framework for understanding how computer science intersects with civic responsibility and how a well-rounded education prepares graduates not just for careers, but for citizenship.
