The fourth annual Patrick J. Mogan Learning City Awards were presented on October 20 at Middlesex Community College Donahue Arts Center.
The award is presented annually to an individual, group, or organization that best embodies and promotes Dr. Mogan’s values and beliefs about education. The award recognizes contributions to community life and educational experiences, reflecting Mogan’s vision of an “educative city” where various elements of the city serve as educational resources.
The award is part of the annual Lowell City of Learning Festival, which runs throughout October, and includes free, single-session events offered by various community organizations. The Learning Festival and Mogan Award are organized and amplified by the Lowell City of Learning Project, which operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Learn more at Lowell City of Learning.
This year, the judging panel recognized the work of two individuals: Bridget Cooley, Director of the Pollard Memorial Library, and Alana T. Griggs, UML graduate student in the BUREK Lab. Following recognition by the Lowell City of Learning, Alana was introduced by UML professor Dr. Jasmina Burek and Bridget was introduced by Donna Richards, chair of the library trustees.
In addition, each winner was recognized with citations from Mayor Dan Rourke (given on behalf of the Lowell City Council), State Representative Vanna Howard (given on behalf of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and presented by Rep. Howard along with Rep. Rodney Elliott), and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (given by her Chief of Constituent Services Somong Rattanayong).
Bridget Cooley
Bridget Cooley is the Director of the Pollard Memorial Library, Lowell’s public library. During her eight years of dedicated service in roles of every-increasing responsibility at the library, Bridget has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to lifelong learning. She has continually expanded and enhanced library programming and services to meet the evolving needs of Lowell’s diverse community.
Through collaborative partnerships with local organizations, Bridget has created dynamic and inclusive programs, coordinated engaging community events, and provided customized tours for educators, children, nonprofits, and residents—showcasing the essential library resources available to all. Her engaging displays celebrating Lowell’s rich cultural diversity honor the city’s many ethnic traditions through explorations of customs, cuisine, and religion.
Bridget’s innovative outreach and dedication to accessibility—exemplified by the success of the bookmobile, which brings library services directly to neighborhoods, parks, senior centers, and schools—have helped ensure that the Pollard Memorial Library remains a central hub for learning, connection, and community. Learn more at Pollard Memorial Library.
Alana T. Griggs
Alana (Smith) Griggs is a Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. candidate in the BUilding REsilience through Knowledge (BUREK) Lab at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, which applies engineering and decision-making models to find solutions to climate change and environmental problems, including food insecurity.
Alana exemplifies the spirit of innovation, scholarship, and service that uplifts both the academic and greater Lowell communities. Her interdisciplinary research bridges industrial ecology, environmental science, and engineering, contributing vital insights into sustainable solutions for global energy and food security challenges.
Through her leadership and vision, Alana founded the UMass Lowell Food Forest, transforming a once-vacant campus lot into a flourishing living laboratory that engages students, faculty, staff, and community members alike. This initiative stands as a model of sustainability, education, and collaboration, reflecting Alana’s deep commitment to making complex ideas accessible and inspiring collective action toward a more resilient future. The Food Forest is located at 46 Wilder Street and welcomes Lowellians to come visit. Learn more at UML Food Forest.
