NECC Graduation Information for Current Students

Student celebrating with diploma at 2022 commencement

Congratulations to the NECC Class of 2023!

On these pages, you will find everything you need to know about Northern Essex Community College’s 61st Annual Commencement.

When? Saturday, May 13 at 11:00 am
Where? Haverhill Campus under a large white tent in the quadrangle next to the Gymnasium. Graduating students should check in at the Gymnasium (use the second door at the side entrance to the left of the Gymnasium)
Questions? Contact NECC at 978-556-3700

Whether you’re a graduating student, a proud family member, college faculty or staff, or a supportive member of the community, this website will provide deadlines, news updates, and general information such as where to park or pick up caps and gowns.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Petition Form May and August Petitions are due by March 31, 2023; email to registrar@necc.mass.edu.

Caps, Gowns, Hoods

Caps, gowns, hoods are available for pick-up at the Haverhill Campus Bookstore from Tuesday, April 18 to Thursday, May 11. Students will be given a name card when picking up their caps and gowns. Graduates will need to have their name card when walking on stage to receive their diploma at the ceremony.

Cap, gown and tassel cost – $36.00
Honors cords cost – $5.50

Plan to Attend the Reception After Commencement

Graduates and their families and friends are invited to attend a reception following the commencement ceremony featuring refreshments. Graduates will receive a special gift from the NECC Alumni Office and have the opportunity to take special photographs.

Graduate Photos

A photographer will be photographing graduates as they receive either diplomas and as they exit the stage. Information will be mailed to the home address of all potential graduates. There are several package options available.

Accommodations, Assistance, or Special Seating

If you or any of your guest require assistance or special seating, please let us know so that we may accommodate you. Contact registrar@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3974 by Monday, May 1, 2023.

Watch Commencement Live on HC Media

Thanks to HC Media, friends and relatives who cannot attend the commencement ceremony will be able to watch it live on their computers or mobile devices.

Help us Make This Year’s Commencement Social

Use the hashtag #NECC2023 to join the conversation on social media with prizes for the best photos!

Please continue to check our website for additional detail and updates.

Commencement News and Updates

Kiss 108 Co-Host Will Be Featured Commencement Speaker

Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (March 23, 2023)– Planning is underway for the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony at Northern Essex Community College. The event will be held Saturday, May 13 at 11 am, on the Haverhill Campus. More than 400 students and their families will gather under the tent for the occasion.

Justin Aguirre ’09 is this year’s Featured Commencement Speaker

This year’s Featured Commencement Speaker is keenly aware of the day’s significance. Justin Aguirre is now the executive producer and co-host of the Kiss 108 “Billy and Lisa in the Morning Show.” But back in 2006, he was a young man from Malden who had overcome issues with addiction. He wasn’t sure where life was going, but he knew he needed a change.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected to be the commencement speaker,” he said. “My journey began at NECC as a young student unsure of where I was headed – to be asked to return in this capacity is really special.”

Aguirre enrolled as a journalism/communications student in 2006 at the urging of a mentor who knew he was interested in media. He graduated in 2009 and transferred to Salem State. Aguirre eventually landed a coveted internship on the “Ramiro and Pebbles Morning Show” on JAM’N 94.5.

Aguirre was hired by JAM’N 94.5 as a part-time producer and, from there, moved on to Kiss 108, working first as a producer for Ryan Seacrest and, later, for Matt Siegel of “Matty in the Morning.” Following the announcement of Siegel’s retirement in May, Aguirre was promoted to his current role as co-host and executive producer of the “Billy and Lisa in the Morning Show,” a position that has him waking up at 3 a.m., hosting live shows from 5 to 10 a.m., and a podcast, “The After Show,” until noon.

“I look forward to sharing with students that ANY dream you have is possible. I’m living proof of that.”

Aguirre recently shared the news with his co-hosts on air. You can listen here. He spoke about how he felt when asked to be the speaker at the 12:52 mark and shared more about his personal journey at 21:00.

The 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony will also feature a student speaker selected by faculty and staff and the presentation of awards, including the Outstanding Alumni Award, Social Justice Award, and Emeritus.

The 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony is May 13, 2023

To learn more about Northern Essex’s 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony, visit the website.

Northern Essex Community College, the first Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, is an education leader for the Merrimack Valley. Through a supportive learning environment and cultural inclusion, NECC embraces all identities and inspires initiative and excellence through top-notch, affordable certificate and associate degree programs online and at campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. NECC offers many bachelor’s degree transfer options, workforce development, and community education classes and is host to the NECC Police Academy, MassHire Merrimack Valley, and Gallaudet University’s Regional Center for the deaf and hard of hearing. Visit Northern Essex online at www.necc.mass.edu.