Middlesex CC’s Class of 2021 Graduates Amid Pandemic

Amid the pandemic and unprecedented challenges, Middlesex Community College is celebrating the successes of the graduating Class of 2021. Middlesex is proud to confer 1,065 degrees and certificates to 983 graduates. The MCC Board of Trustees voted on the morning of the ceremony to confer the degrees.

Middlesex held a virtual ceremony to celebrate Commencement on Thursday, May 27. The video includes speeches from President James C. Mabry, President-elect Phil Sisson, and two student speakers, Nicole Smay and Mannuery Arias.

In his address to the graduates, President Mabry emphasized the hard work and dedication that students, faculty and staff have shown the past year. Although the college as a whole had to adapt to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 to learn and work in new ways, MCC continued to help students be successful and continue on their paths.

“This was the college’s 50th year in existence, and it proved to be a golden anniversary that will never be forgotten, even if it didn’t play out in the manner we may have expected,” President Mabry said. “But through the challenges and required adaptions, this very special group of students endured, overcame barriers, and achieved remarkable things throughout their time with us at MCC.”

President-elect Sisson also commended the Middlesex community for their resiliency over the past year, highlighting the significance of receiving a degree or certificate.

“This personal achievement is a clear milestone in your academic journey, as well as a testament to your determination to keep education a priority in reaching your personal, academic and professional goals,” he said. “Each and every one of you – through hard work and resolve – has demonstrated the potential to become a leader in your profession, in your transfer institutions, and in your local and our global communities.”

After the conferring of degrees, the virtual ceremony showed a photo montage and messages from the Middlesex community from faculty, staff and local politicians. In individual division breakout videos, student names were displayed in a slideshow presentation, including honors and distinctions. Graduates and their families could select which division they wanted to watch. The entire virtual Commencement ceremony will stay available for viewing on YouTube after today.

Serving a diverse population of learners, the age range of MCC’s Class of 2021 is 16 to 69, with the graduates representing 10 states and 56 countries. There are 39 veterans, 10 Dual Enrollment High School graduates, 74 MCC employees and 410 first generation students.

While introducing President Mabry, Daniella Dankwa – 2020-2021 Student Trustee – underlined the diversity of MCC’s student body. From students starting off after graduating high school, to adult learners returning after a few years in the workforce – Middlesex ensures that “all of us have been set up for success and are on our path to a brighter future.”

The 2021 graduating class have made a number of accomplishments during their time at the college. There were 194 Associate in Arts, 687 Associate in Science and 184 Certificates, as well as 82 students who earned more than one award.

MCC’s Health Programs pinned 198 graduates, and 57 students received department awards for their achievements. While five students made the Commonwealth Commitment to attend a Mass. state four-year college our university, MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program graduated 27 scholars, and 113 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national honor society for two-year colleges.

Hannah Ditmars, Gianna Tringali and Riana Willsie were named to the 2020-2021 All-Massachusetts Academic Team, and MCC Nursing student Micaela Rainha was named MCC’s “29 Who Shine” by the Mass. Department of Higher Education.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/graduation/ to watch the 2021 virtual Commencement ceremony.

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!