MCC Offers Commencement Speaker “Launch Pad”

A former Dual Enrollment student, Elijah Ortuno decided to continue his education at Middlesex Community College after taking a few years off. From San Diego and now living in Maynard, he considers Middlesex to have provided a “launch pad” to his future. He is one of two graduation speakers representing the class of 2026 at MCC’s Commencement held on Thursday, May 21 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

“Being named speaker has meant a lot for many reasons, but it mainly boosted my confidence,” Ortuno said. “Being recognized in this way really made it so my imposter syndrome didn't feel as real anymore. I have always had self-doubt like everyone else, so this just validated my abilities.”

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During his break from education, Ortuno rediscovered his passion for academics. Nervous to start again, he knew it was important to push himself beyond his comfort level. Middlesex provided him the opportunity to build on his credits he earned from his time taking Dual Enrollment classes. He was also able to explore his interests and complete his general education requirements in the liberal arts and sciences program

Upon his return to the college, Ortuno found a support system from advisors, peers and faculty. Encouraging and motivating professors such as Joanna DelMonaco, Binnur Ercem, John Savage and Aisha Arroyo provided him help and instruction to be successful in and outside of the classroom.

“These amazing people have pushed me to truly strive for greatness,” Ortuno said. “They gave me the tools to not only succeed at MCC but at UMass Amherst. Perhaps more important than the support these individuals offered, comes the support from my loved ones. None of the success I have had would have been possible without the support from my family, which is my foundation. Most of all, my mother, who received her nursing degree from MCC after raising all of us, showed me it is never too late to get an education.”

Ortuno credits part of his success to being active in MCC’s community. He was a member of MCC’s Business and Economics Club and Vice President of the Honors Club. He also won a silver medal for international marketing at the 2026 regional DECA Competition. Calling his experience “fulfilling,” the event allowed him to develop skills outside of his program of study.

“Not only did my drive return through various mathematics and other STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) classes, I found the ability to truly be engaged with my community,” Ortuno said. “Through clubs and other extracurriculars, I found many like-minded people, who, like me, have not had a standard path. I have made friends I hope to have in the future, connections that have helped me to reach higher levels, and a community that truly values its members.”

Graduating with high honors, Ortuno was an MCC student employee, a Commonwealth Honors Program student, and member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society for two-year colleges. He was also a Supplemental Instructor for the college’s Academic Centers for Enrichment where he tutored classmates.

A childhood field trip to the Jet Propulsion Lab in California fueled Ortuno’s fascination with the stars and sky. He plans to pursue his dreams by studying mathematics and astronomy at UMass Amherst where he will major in astrophysics. Wanting to one day earn a doctorate, he believes MCC provided him with a jumpstart to this path.

“My time at MCC has been extremely worthwhile and fulfilling for many reasons,” he said. “These experiences have helped me to understand what I want for my life, in ways that my younger self would never think possible. My journey has reinforced the belief that I have had for basically my entire life, that when anyone puts their mind to something, we can all achieve greatness.”