Fallen State Trooper Tamar Bucci Receives Posthumous Honors at MCC Com

At Middlesex Community College’s Business, Legal Studies, Public Service and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 25, the college awarded Massachusetts State Trooper Tamar Bucci with posthumous certificate honors in Criminal and Social Justice. An alumna of MCC, Bucci was killed in the line of duty in Stoneham on March 3 of this year while she was attempting to assist a stopped motorist on the highway.

“As a student at MCC, Tamar is described by her criminal justice professors as ‘fiercely dedicated to public service,’” said Arlene Rodríguez, MCC’s Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “She wanted to be a police officer with every fiber of her being. They noted that she was forward thinking and really cared about the community, making it a better and safer place for everyone. When Tamar left MCC to pursue her dream, we knew she would be an excellent, dedicated, fair police officer. She became a selfless servant to the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Bucci’s parents Maral Bucci and Jim Burditt attended the ceremony to accept the award from MCC President Phil Sisson, MCC Dean of Business Judy Hogan, and Middlesex Criminal and Social Justice faculty members. Provost Rodríguez spoke on how proud the college was of Bucci, explaining that honorary certificates and degrees are “reserved only for special occasions and for individuals whose lives are lived in service and love for humanity.”

On Wednesday – from Colombia and now living in Lowell – MCC Criminal and Social Justice student Elizabeth Hernandez was the student speaker at the graduation. A full-time student and worker, Hernandez is now one step closer to pursuing her dream of becoming a police officer in Lowell. Her goal is to spread positivity through her work, as well as to increase awareness of educational and professional opportunities for English Language Learners and first generation college students.

“I was stronger than my fears, and for that reason, I am here in front of you,” Hernandez said. “After years of hard work, discipline, I was able to prove to myself that anything is possible.”

Joshua Moreaux ­– a manager at MCC partner company Takeda Pharmaceuticals – was recognized as the 2022 Distinguished Alum. A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, Moreaux moved to Lowell from Lake Charles, La. after being stationed at Hanscom Airforce Base. In his role at Takeda, he onboards new employees, including MCC students who are part of the Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience.

“People only grow when their surroundings tell them change is needed,” Moreaux said. “When met with an opportunity to do something better for yourself, take it.”

As he had done at MCC’s first 2022 graduation ceremony of the Health Programs, Middlesex President Phil Sisson led the ceremony. He will do so for a third time on Thursday, May 26 for the college’s Education and Liberal Studies programs.

“It is an honor to serve as your president,” he said.