Employee & Alumna Raises Funds for MCC’s Emergency Fund

Maria Gonzalez is running to support the Middlesex Community College Foundation’s Emergency Fund. Gonzalez has worked at Middlesex as an Academic Advisor for the past 10 years and graduated as a Liberal Studies major in 1989. As both an employee and alumna, she is passionate about MCC’s mission – and that of the MCC Foundation – to support students.

The MCC Foundation strides to provide equitable access to a quality education and to help students succeed academically and professionally. The Emergency Fund raises money for students suffering from financial stress based on one-time emergency needs, such as house fires, floods and unexpected job loss.

“Students inspire me with their stories and that’s what keeps me loving the work,” Gonzalez said. “College is expensive but so important, especially today. COVID-19 has affected our students financially and emotionally. Every run I take during this challenge will be in honor of those who are struggling. The atmosphere in our country is causing additional stresses to our students. Education can change the world for the better so our students need support to continue their education now more than ever.”

For the 4 X 4 X 48 challenge, Gonzalez ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours – a total of 48 miles in 48 hours. The challenge is based on the book “You Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins and was recommended to Gonzalez by a student. An avid runner, Gonzalez is the Run Club advisor at Middlesex where participants run weekly 5Ks together.

Leading the club helps strengthen her skills as an Academic Advisor and allows her an opportunity to share with students. While running is excellent exercise, Gonzalez believes getting involved in any college activity helps students perform better academically, and builds friendships and a support system.

“Students support each other by being positive, listening, supporting and speaking up for causes that are important to them,” she said. “Running teaches discipline, self-confidence, hard work, time commitment and fosters relationships. These attributes can transfer to the classroom. When students run alongside each other they are relaxed and it quickly becomes easier for them to share personal stories. They make the connections that are needed to feel connected to their college.”

As a first generation student attending college, Gonzalez came to MCC right out of high school because it was affordable and allowed her to live at home to be supported by her family. Although she wasn’t sure of what she wanted to pursue, she understood the importance of getting an education.

Her advisor and professor, Julian Farland – who still works at MCC – helped align her interest in psychology, sociology and ethics courses to select a major, plan her career, and transfer to a four-year school. She went on to Salem State University to receive a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs.

“My foundation at MCC was extremely important for me personally, academically and professionally,” Gonzalez said. “Since I had such a good experience, I wanted to come back to help students as MCC faculty and staff had helped me. I feel at home at Middlesex.”

She started teaching English Language Learner classes part-time as an adjunct before moving into her current role as advisor. Her experience at Middlesex as an alumna helps her build deeper connections to her students in this role, particularly in Run Club.

“I tell students my stories about my MCC experience in hopes of inspiring them,” she said. “Students often don’t believe in themselves, but I tell them the importance of doing so. I tell them I believe in them because I was just like them. I'm hoping this new challenge will be an additional story I can share.”

To contribute to students in need, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/foundation/emergency/ to donate online, or make a check payable to the Middlesex Community College Foundation – with a notation to the MCC Emergency Fund – and mail to PO Box 8681, Lowell, MA, 01853.

MCC is celebrating its 50th year starting in September 2020. If you have ever taken a class at Middlesex, you are an alumni! To join us in celebrating – and to share your story – contact Amy Lee, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at 978-656-3028 or leea@middlesex.mass.edu. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/alumni/ for more information.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for Fall semester classes at Middlesex. The semester begins September 9 and features expanded online options.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!