MWCC student leaders Caroline Horvitz and Isaac Matson were honored as members of the All-Massachusetts Academic Team during a recognition ceremony at the State House on May 8. The Phi Theta Kappa honor society, community college presidents and the Massachusetts Community College association sponsored the event. 

The ceremony included remarks from Department of Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland, State Representative Tom Sannicandro, chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education; Gretchen Manning, deputy director of the Massachusetts Community Colleges executive office; and Robert Caret, president of the University of Massachusetts.

Two days later, Horvitz returned to the State House to participate in the second annual "29 Who Shine" awards ceremony, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.This award honors 29 outstanding public college and university graduates, one from each community college, state university and UMass campus in the state, for their academic achievement and community service.

Horvitz has served this past year as Student Trustee on MWCC's Board of Trustees. A Liberal Arts major, she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the Commonwealth Honors program. She also previously served on the Student Government Association. She is transferring to Mount Holyoke College this fall to continue her studies in medieval history and Latin.

Matson, a Criminal Justice major, served the past year as president of the Student Government Assocation and previously as vice president, as well as on the Crusade 4 Christ club and other campus organizations. He is transferring to Westfield State University this fall to continue his studies.

Pictured: Top, Governor Deval Patrick presents the 29 Who Shine Award to MWCC Student Trustee Caroline Horvitz, with interpreter Cheryl Lauricella, an MWCC alumna. Bottom: SGA President Isaac Matson, with state Representative Tom Sannicandro, chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and Robin Duncan, MWCC vice president of Marketing and Communications, during the All-Massachusetts Academic Team Recognition Ceremony.

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Nursing program graduate Chrystele Alliance, right, who began her studies at Atlantic Union College, was pinned by Lydie Bastien during the MWCC ceremony.

Whether they came to MWCC directly out of high school, as a career-changer or transferred from another college, 140 area residents reached the extraordinary achievement of completing  the academic requirements needed to become Registered Nurses.

The largest class in the history of MWCC's nursing program was recognized during a traditional pinning ceremony on May 18 in the Fitness & Wellness Center.
The graduating class includes students enrolled in the day and evening programs, LPNs who returned to continue their education through the college's Bridge to Nursing program, as well as members of the Pre-Nursing Academy for recent high school graduates. This year's class also included 28 students who began their studies at Atlantic Union College and were welcomed into MWCC's program as transfer students after AUC closed last year.

"Our graduates came to us through many paths and will now leave here and will continue on their journeys," said Eileen Costello, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Service Programs. "Our hope for you is for continued success and personal fulfillment in your chosen profession."

Nursing program graduate Danielle Boudreau was pinned by MWCC alumna Cynthia Adams.

President Daniel M. Asquino congratulated the graduates on their academic achievement and their choice to enter the "noble profession" of nursing.

Mary Grant, clinical director of long term services and support for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts/Mass. Health and a former state representative, delivered the keynote address. She encouraged the students to apply their knowledge and skills to the myriad issues facing health care today, noting that they will be among the leaders of tomorrow. "Get the highest education that you can that fits for you and find good mentors," she said. "And teach each other, always."

Dressed in traditional nurse uniforms, the students were welcomed into the profession by having the program's nursing pin fastened to their lapels by a family member, friend, or an alumnus of the program, or a faculty member, to the cheers of family and friends. The pin symbolizes where the nurses completed their studies to become an RN and distinguishes them from other health care professionals. The eight-star MWCC pin is imprinted with the words "Service to Humanity and the World."

As part of the ceremony, the students also recited the nurses' pledge, which that dates back to Florence Nightingale.

 

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Graduates of MWCC's Dental Hygiene program were welcomed into the profession during the department's sixth annual Dental Hygiene Pinning Ceremony in the Raymond M. Lafontaine Fine Arts Center theatre. Dr. Melissa Fama, vice president of Academic Affairs, and Anne Malkasian, program director, congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

"The recipe for success is using courage, initiative, perseverance and integrity to accomplish anything you can dream or desire," said keynote speaker Kelly Jancaitis, a dental hygienist for more than 30 years and an adjunct faculty member at MWCC. "You are the leaders in your own life's journey, the leaders in your career, and you will be the leaders in your profession. Dream big for yourself and for your profession."

Jancaitis, a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and a member of the board of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association, encouraged the graduates to become active in the local, state and national levels of the ADHA, which can open doors to extraordinary new experiences. Jancaitis, for example, traveled with an ADHA delegation to Russia and Poland, where they met with dental hygienists in both countries, toured offices and clinics, visited an orphanage in Poland and had the opportunity to experience cultural events.

"It was awesome. Get out of your operatory and experience some of the wonderful opportunities waiting for you in the profession of dental hygiene."

Caitlyn McBride was recognized with the department' curriculum award and three members of the class -  Dana Bellar, Jessica LaPrade and Kaitlyn Therrien - were recognized for starting their careers as dental assistants with the Community Health Center in Fitchburg before continuing their education and earning their associate degree to become licensed dental hygienists. Freshman Kristy Eckstrom received the Ellen Daly Scholarship, presented in honor of the former MWCC Trustee who was instrumental in starting the dental hygiene program.

Pictured: Professor Virginia Heroux pins Denal Hygiene graduate Caitlyn McBride during the ceremony.

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