MCC’s Health Programs Pin 120 Graduates from the 2023 Class

On Tuesday, May 23, Middlesex Community College celebrated the achievements of 120 graduates of the class of 2023 with a Health Pinning Ceremony held at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. The ceremony was the first in-person pinning since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A graduate of the Dental Laboratory Technology program, Hank Heffernan was this year’s student speaker. He talked about his passion for helping others, the impact that people working in the healthcare fields have on patients, and the hard work completed by his classmates.

“We are all here to continue our own storyline,” Heffernan said. “May we all never stop learning. May we all continue our education and our professions. May we never stop advocating for ourselves, our peers and our livelihood. I may have never seen a lot of these faces before, but I am proud of each and every one of you. Here’s to continuing our paths, helping ourselves and others, all while healing along the way.”

The pinning ceremony is an honored tradition in healthcare, emphasizing 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, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and the Academy of Health Professions.

MCC’s Provost Arlene Rodríguez, Dean of Health Karen Townsend and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates’ family, friends and supporters to honor their pinning.

Nicole Smay, a 2021 alumna of the nursing program, spoke during this year’s pinning. Since graduating, she has worked in a brain injury unit and as an elementary school nurse. To the 2023 class, she spoke on the value of balancing the demanding world of healthcare and personal life.

“It's very easy to get caught in a cycle working extra shifts or hours and neglecting yourself, but the brain and body need rest if you want to be effective in your career,” Smay said. “The best act of professionalism that we can give to our patients is by being alert and ready to problem solve, and it's incredibly difficult to do this if you're exhausted.”

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. A reception with family and friends followed the ceremony.

“Every single one of our Health graduates this year have proven themselves as dedicated, passionate and hard-working individuals ready to enter their new professions,” Townsend said. “We are so proud of this graduating class and their achievement in receiving their pins. As they move toward their next steps, we feel confident that MCC has provided a strong and comprehensive foundation for the future leaders of the healthcare industry.”