MCC’s Class of 2020 Esteemed for Their “Resiliency”

The Spring 2020 semester brought challenges faced globally. In the midst of the pandemic, Middlesex Community College students, faculty and staff acclimated to this new norm and finished the semester – and for the 2020 graduating class, their time at MCC – successfully. Middlesex is proud to confer 1,155 degrees and certificates to 1,073 graduates – 82 of whom earned multiple awards for their accomplishments.

The college held a virtual ceremony to celebrate the commencement on May 21. The video includes speeches from President James C. Mabry, Phil Sisson, Provost and Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, reading of names by Program Deans, and speeches by the student speakers. To watch, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms39zLuJPsI&feature=youtu.be

In his address to the graduates, President Mabry thanked students and MCC faculty and staff for their resiliency these past few months. Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, the mission of Middlesex continues forward – leading students towards success.

“You are a special class who have proven once again that community college students are smart, tough and strong – no matter what,” he said. “I know that because of what you have overcome, you will continue to learn and grow and will make a big impact in this rapidly changing world. I ask that as you continue to follow your dreams, stay involved in your communities and help build a world that is open and tolerant – a world where all can lead safe and healthy lives.”

Provost Sisson introduced the Program Deans reading the names of the graduates. In his speech, Sisson commends faculty and staff for their guidance and dedication to the students, and for providing “transformative opportunities” both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Your successful completion of a certificate or degree is a clear milestone in your academic journey,” he said. “Each and every one of you – through your hard work and perseverance – has demonstrated your potential to become a leader in your profession, in your transfer institutions, in your local community, and in our global community. As the great leader Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘be the change you wish to see in the world.’”

Middlesex serves a diverse population of learners – the age range of MCC’s class of 2020 is 17- to 68 years-old, and the graduates represent five states and 51 countries. There are 58 veterans, 13 Dual Enrollment High School graduates, 84 MCC employees, and 484 first generation students.

In her introduction to President Mabry, Linda Nara – 2020 graduate and 2019-2020 Student Trustee – highlights MCC’s vast range of students who all come to Middlesex with one purpose.

“Today’s graduates made a decision to start on a path to a brighter future,” she said. “Some are the first in their family to go to college, some started taking classes as high school students, and some returned to college after raising a family. Like many of today’s graduates, I am transferring to finish a bachelor’s degree. Others may be joining the workforce with real-world skills or changing careers. But we all have prepared ourselves for success.”

The 2020 graduating class have made a number of accomplishments during their time at the college. MCC’s Health Programs pinned 160 graduates who will continue on with their academic journeys or begin working on the frontlines of COVID-19.

MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Scholars program graduates 27 students, and 109 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year colleges. Cara Hartsgrove, Sokharath Koy and Andrea M. Wallis were named to the 2019-2020 All-Massachusetts Academic Team,and MCC graduate Samuel A. Laderoute was named one of the”29 Who Shine” by the Mass. Department of Higher Education.

Student speaker Ijebusonma Agundu received the 2020 James E. Houilhan Jr. Student of the Year Award. She came to MCC from Nigeria because she wanted to go to college in the U.S. She will continue on towards her bachelor’s degree at UMass Lowell and plans to go to medical school. An avid supporter of equal rights for women, she dreams of becoming an OB-GYN.

Agundu is proud of her MCC roots and for the opportunity her education provided her.

“I hope you will represent yourselves as Middlesex Community College ambassadors,” she said. “Please remember that we have been built up in content and in character. We have been taught to be leaders and problem solvers. MCC is a fantastic institution that gives every student equal opportunity to excel. The cultural diversity represented here allows students to explore their abilities and discover their full potential.”

Celia Garron was also chosen to be this year’s student speaker. She graduates from Middlesex more than 30 years after she first started. In-between her tenure at MCC, she married, had children and worked, but she never forgot what it felt like to be part of a college community, especially Middlesex. Garron also battled a life-threatening illness that reinvigorated her drive to live and to pursue her passions. Attending MCC was part of her “live list” – a list of dreams she plans to put into fruition.

In her address to her fellow graduates, Garron thanks the faculty and staff for their support.

“Some of the greatest gifts this time that faculty gave me was their willingness to meet with me individually,” she said. “Their constant support and encouragement of my ability to succeed enabled me to feel safe stumbling until I felt confident in my learning. I have built lasting relationships with the faculty and staff.”

Middlesex Community College Alumni Association is proud to invite the class of 2020 to the community. In honor of the graduating class, the Alumni Association and the Middlesex Community College Foundation established the $20.20 for 2020 Grads Campaign to go towards the Alumni Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time in the fall of 2020 to a part-time MCC student working toward degree completion.

Visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/MiddlesexCommunityCollege/give-20-20-in-honor-of-2020-grads#updates to donate in honor of MCC’s 2020 class.

To become a part of the MCC community, start by enrolling. MCC offers a variety of summer and fall course options. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

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!