MCC Pins 300 Health Graduates from the 2026 Class

Middlesex Community College celebrated the achievements of 300 graduates of the class of 2026 with a Health Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Dorothy Boateng, a medical laboratory technology student, addressed her classmates as this year’s student speaker.

“Being named a Health Pinning speaker is truly an honor,” Boateng said. “It represents not only my personal growth but also the support and encouragement I have received from my peers, professors and loved ones. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we have all come and to celebrate the dedication it takes to pursue a career in healthcare. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and proud to be part of such a strong and supportive community. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to continue learning and making a positive impact in the healthcare field and in the community.”

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From Ghana and now living in Dracut, Boateng graduated with highest honors and received the Dorothy O’Connell Unsung Hero Award at the 2026 Evening of Excellence award ceremony. A tutor for the Academic Centers for Enrichment, Boateng also worked for the Office of Student Engagement. She was an active member of the MCC community and credits the college’s strong, supportive community for helping her be successful. A member of the two-year honors society Phi Theta Kappa, she plans to transfer to a four-year college.

MCC’s President Phil Sisson, Interim Provost Matthew Olson, Dean of Health Karen Townsend, Director of Workforce Programs and Professional Education Caitlin Campopiano, and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates’ families, friends and supporters to honor their pinning. Jennifer Lewis, a 2005 alumna of the nursing program and adjunct faculty member, spoke during this year’s pinning.

“It is important to let students know that I was once where they are, and because of MCC I was able to reach my goals and much more,” Lewis said. “Through perseverance they can and will reach their goals as well. MCC provided me the skills and knowledge to critically think through challenging situations while caring for others. I knew that I could be placed in situations where I would need to think quickly and clearly to possibly save a life, and my biggest concern was to have the skills and confidence to be able to fulfill that task should I ever had to do it. MCC gave me that confidence.”

After graduating from Middlesex, Lewis started a full-time job at the Veterans Administration, starting as a staff nurse and then as a nurse manager. Working in other various roles as well, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Rivier College. Lewis returned to MCC to teach to offer her students the same support she received.

An honored tradition, the pinning emphasizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the graduates entering the fields. Graduates received ribbons of different colors representing their programs, which include Nursing, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Dental Laboratory Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

During the ceremony, graduates were called on stage individually to receive their pins from faculty of MCC’s health programs. Each program then recited a pledge to practice their new professions ethically, promote health for all, and advance their fields.

“This year’s graduating health programs class reflects the rich diversity of the communities MCC serves, with students representing cultures, languages and experiences from around the world,” Townsend said. “As these graduates enter the healthcare workforce, they will help advance health equity by providing compassionate, culturally responsive care that strengthens trust and improves outcomes for patients across the region.”

During the event, graduates from MCC’s noncredit health programs were also pinned, including Nurse Assistant, Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy. Run by the college’s Community Education and Training division, students receive comprehensive, hands-on training opportunities to help them directly enter a variety of in-demand fields.

“During this event, we celebrate more than accomplishments – we celebrate compassion, resilience and the courage to serve others,” Campopiano said. “I could not be prouder of our noncredit health students and all they have achieved. Their dedication and health will make a difference in countless lives.”