MCC Celebrates Third and Final Commencement for Class of 2022

Middlesex Community College recognized State Representative Vanna Howard as the Distinguished Alum of its third and final 2022 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 26 for the college’s Education and Liberal Studies programs. As Representative of the 17th Middlesex District in Lowell, Rep. Howard works to be informative, accessible and responsive for the people in her district. Her goal is to grow the economy, improve schools, and move toward equitable outcomes for all.

“Some of you will continue your studies,” Rep. Howard said. “Some of you will join the workforce. And some of you may take the time to figure out your next journey. That's exactly what I did. I took my time finishing higher ed. The best thing I did was volunteer in the community and with nonprofits. Along the way I met many people who cared about the health and well-being of their community. I learned where my passion was – public service.”

A year into her work, Rep. Howard is focused on education, public health, environmental justice, social and racial justice, and housing and economic recovery. At MCC, she learned more about adapting and responding in the real-world through effective communication and problem solving.

“Middlesex helped me be a better decision-maker and prepared me with the knowledge and skills to broaden my experience in life,” Representative Howard said. “MCC has graduated many who went on to distinguish themselves in all fields and I’m proud that you would consider me to be one of them.”

Liberal Arts and Sciences student Luis Berrizbeitia was the student speaker for the day. In attending Middlesex, Berrizbeitia made his return to college after attending a school in the Midwest a few years before. MCC provided him with a solid academic foundation, having the opportunity to learn from professors and tutor his classmates in the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE). He was presented with the 2022 James E. Houlihan Student of the Year award and plans to continue studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to earn a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Conservation.

“MCC has truly been life changing for me,” Berritzbeiia said. “I am incredibly humbled to be given such an honor. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be at the speaker podium at a graduation.”

Middlesex kicked off its return to an in-person commencement – the 50th in the college’s history – on Tuesday, May 24 for the graduation and pinning of MCC’s Health programs. On Wednesday, May 25, the college awarded certificates and degrees to students in Business, Legal Studies, Public Service and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

"You are resilient, committed and persistent,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Arlene Rodríguez to the graduating class. “You embody a line by one of my most favorite poets, Pablo Neruda: 'Si no escalas montañas, jamás podrás disfrutar el paisaije.' 'If you don’t climb mountains, you’ll never be able to enjoy the view.'"