Middlesex CC Honors 2023 Graduates at Evening of Excellence Awards

During Middlesex Community College’s Evening of Excellence Student Award Celebration on Tuesday, May 23, four MCC graduates shared their stories of finding success on their academic journeys. The student leaders included Meg Fussell, Connor Triehy, Madelyn Reveal and Jenifer Alcaraz Sepulveda.

“My story is one of many twists and turns, including dropping out of art school, living in London working as a waitress, spending a year at a wilderness school learning survival skills, and many other stories in between,” said Fussell, a Biotechnology major from Kensington, N.H. “If I were to offer any advice, I would encourage my classmates to maintain curiosity, to take chances, and to find your purpose.”

The celebration recognizes students for their academic achievements in their program pathways.

“The nursing program at MCC has done a great job at preparing me for the nursing workforce. I also have grown as a student by pushing myself to work harder than I ever have,” said Reveal, a Nursing major from Dracut. “I hope that my story can shine a light on some of the excellent programs here at MCC.”

Other awards focused on students’ service to MCC through their involvement in programs and leadership experiences. These include Commonwealth Honors Scholars, Engaged Scholars, Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders, Academic Centers for Enrichment Tutors, and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society members.

“I hope my story reminds other students that they can overcome the obstacles that they may face in their academic journey,” said Triehy, a Liberal Arts – Psychology major from Gloucester. “Success is not linear, and you are on your own personal journey, so enjoy the ride!”

MCC’s Provost Arlene Rodríguez and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates’ family, friends and supporters at the recognition ceremony at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. A reception with family and friends followed the event.

“I thought of my graduation day since I attended the first class,” said Sepulveda, an Early Childhood Education major from Mexico who now lives in Winchester. “Now that I am so close to being at graduation, I think about all those classes I enjoyed so much, all the monthly meetings I attended with my now friends, all the people I have met during my time at MCC, and all the incredible experiences I have had along the way.”

Noreen McGinness Olson, MCC’s Assistant Dean of Student Success, emphasized how proud the college was of the students’ achievements and dedication throughout the year.

“The student award recipients have shown themselves to be hard-working, committed and resilient, whether they are studying for their classes or working in positions around the college,” McGinness Olson said. “Congratulations to them for this tremendous recognition.”