U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy Visits MCC

Middlesex Community College welcomed W. Patrick Murphy, United States Ambassador to Cambodia, to the college’s Nesmith House during his visit to Lowell on March 3.

The event allowed Middlesex to show Ambassador Murphy all of the wonderful ways in which the college supports Cambodian students, including the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) grant Middlesex was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education in 2016. Through the AANAPISI grant, the college opened the Asian Connections Center and strengthened the Program for Asian American Student Advancement (PAASA).

During the event, Ambassador Murphy described his vast experience in international relations, as well as his service to the country. He offered some history into America’s support in Cambodia, as well as explained the benefits and challenges the countries have faced. The relationship, he said, is a work in progress, but he remains positive.

Ambassador Murphy also expressed his appreciation for the value of community colleges – having attended one when he was in college during summer break while he worked during the day and took classes in the evening with faculty who offered practical expertise, rather than theoretical.

“I was incredibly impressed by the student body because there were so many students as I recall – and I think it’s still the same at many community colleges – overcoming obstacles, juggling jobs, looking to get ahead and avail themselves,” Ambassador Murphy said. “And of course the student body was always very diverse – older, younger, American, immigrant – and the tone was so serious about studying. It was conducive for all of us to be the best that we could be.”

The ambassador explained how his department – as part of the 70th anniversary of America’s involvement in Cambodia – has dedicated themes to each month of the year in order to “focus on the good news in the relationship, to build understanding and closer ties.”

January focused on agriculture, February invested in youth education and technology, and March is celebrating women and gender issues.

Rady Mom, Lowell Representative and MCC alum, extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Murphy, calling MCC “home.” He was excited for the ambassador to witness the community MCC has created and for students to listen to the ambassador speak.

“This is the product of MCC. And I can say that through all the professor and student bodies, they unify and make stuff happen on a daily basis,” Representative Mom said.

Bopha Malone, MCC Board of Trustee from Bedford, also emphasized the importance of Ambassador Murphy’s visit, as well as MCC’s influence in the city of Lowell.

“Community colleges like MCC are an essential part of the community, providing access to a quality education to those who otherwise might not have access,” Malone said. “We're proud at Middlesex Community College to serve an especially diverse range of students of all backgrounds, including a large Cambodian population. It was an honor to have a chance to introduce the Ambassador to MCC and have him see for himself the wonderful work we do here every day.”

Sokhary Chau, Lowell City Councilor, was also a guest at the event. He spoke of the importance of merging cultures and bringing an understanding of Cambodia’s history to the youth population.

Linda Nara became MCC’s first female Cambodian Student Trustee in 2019. Although she was hesitant and homesick at the start of her college career, she credits the AANIPISI grant and the Asians Connection Center for helping her adjust to campus life. Seeing herself represented in the other students and staff – and participating in college activities – was vital for her success.

“Coming to MCC is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life,” she said.

While Nara presented Ambassador Murphy with a t-shirt from the Asian Connection Center, MCC adjunct art professor and Cambodian master ceramist Yary Livan – one of the only master ceramists who survived the Khmer Rouge genocide – gifted the ambassador a handmade cup. Livan’s work is part of a permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution’s Sackler/Freer Gallery in Washington, D.C.

It is evident that Ambassador Murphy supports the relationship between Lowell and Cambodia – especially in regards to Cambodian students coming to the U.S. to receive their education. He believes community colleges in particular are a great option for students to have “a bridge to other things.”

“It’s good for the American economy,” Ambassador Murphy said. “It’s good for the relationship, it’s good for Cambodia when students come and avail themselves of our finest institutions and bring those skills back to Cambodia to help the country progress.”

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!