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| | SGA President Cathy Teague leads the Class of 2015 to the ceremony. |
Unlike Mount Wachusett Community College's first commencement in 1966, when 71 graduates received associate degrees in six academic programs, the college this year awarded 842 associate degrees and academic certificates to 785 graduates enrolled in nearly 50 program options.
"Lives change here like nowhere else," President Daniel M. Asquino said during the college's 50th commencement on May 20. "Over the past 50 years, tens of thousands of students have crossed this stage and they are now contributing members of our communities. I challenge you to go forward and use your skills and the education that you received to continue these pursuits and to improve your life, that of your family and friends and that of our community, your state and your nation, and that you manifest an overall behavior that generates happiness, goodwill and contagious optimism."
Keynote speaker and 2015 Alumnus of the Year Award recipient Kevin Berg urged the graduates to embrace change, persist toward their goals with drive, determination and desire, and accept the help and support of others as needed.
"My path clearly had its genesis right here at Mount Wachusett," said Berg, who grew up in Gardner and is now executive vice president of production for CBS Network Entertainment in Los Angeles.
Business leader, philanthropist and college advocate James O. Garrison was presented with an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters and the 2015 Service Above Self Award.
"His philanthropic endeavors have resulted in countless improvements and changes to MWCC that have enhanced the learning environment for college students and children and the vital role the college plays in the community," President Asquino said.
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