NECC Graduation
Our May Graduation Commencement Ceremony is the highlight of our year, attracting 3,000 people, including our graduates and their families and friends, and our faculty and staff, for a joyous celebration under a big white tent on our Haverhill Campus.
It’s no surprise that we had rethink graduation this year, due to the pandemic.
While this is a major disappointment for all of us, especially the 600 members of the class of 2020, we have done our best to plan a virtual celebration that will honor our graduates and their many accomplishments in the way they deserve, without jeopardizing their safety.
Here’s What We Have Planned
A Celebration Package for Each Grad
We are creating celebration packages that will include each graduate’s diploma plus special gifts. The celebration packages will be distributed on the Haverhill Campus on June 15 (rain date, June 16), and all graduates will receive an email. We will practice social distancing (drive up and pop your trunk) but if you’d prefer to receive your package by mail, that will be an option, too. While picking up your package, you can also pick up a free NECC Class of 2020 yard sign.
Virtual Ceremony on Saturday, August 8
Working with our friends from HC Media, we are planning a virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday, August 8 at 11 am. This event will include many of the traditional elements. Also, each graduate will be invited to submit a photo that will be displayed as part of the virtual ceremony along with their diploma.
Social Media Campaign With Prizes
We have a special hashtag, #NECC2020, that we encourage you to use to share your commencement photos on social media as you celebrate your graduation with your family and friends. And we’ll be awarding Northern Essex gift baskets for the most creative photos and video shared.
Chance to Walk Next Year
We know that what’s planned this year won’t replace the experience of walking across the commencement platform and receiving your diploma, which is why next year’s commencement ceremony will celebrate both the classes of 2020 and 2021. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11 am on the Haverhill Campus.
Have questions?
Contact Enrollment Services, 978 556-3974 or registrar@necc.mass.edu
2019 Commencement Photos
View the 2019 Commencement Photo Gallery
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Graduation News
NECC Class of 2020 Picks Up Diplomas and Celebration Packages
Three-hundred Northern Essex Community College 2020 graduates came to the Haverhill Campus on Monday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up their diplomas, celebration packages, and Class of 2020 yard signs.
They were greeted by balloons, music, cheering Northern Essex faculty and staff, and the NECC Knight mascot (student trustee Courtney Morin), who happily posed for photos. Social distancing was practiced including the wearing of masks. The celebration packages included an NECC sweatshirt blanket, an NECC mask, an alumni decal, celebration photo sticks, and other goodies.
The youngest grad was likely 17-year old Jack Gilmore of Topsfield, MA, who earned an Associate Degree in General Studies: Individualized Option, thanks to the Early College Program. Gilmore, who also earned his high school diploma from Masconomet Regional High School this spring, will attend the University of Connecticut in the fall, where he will study mechanical engineering. His proud mom reported that he will begin college as a sophomore, and graduate at least a year early with his bachelor’s.
Kaileigh DeCosta of Merrimac and her aunt Adina Sulesky of Plaistow, NH arrived together to pick up their diplomas and packages, making it a family affair. DeCosta, a 2017 graduate of Amesbury High School, earned her degree in General Studies: Individualized Option and will transfer to Becker College in the fall. Sulesky, who graduated from Haverhill High School in 1996 and is graduating with high honors from Northern Essex’s Criminal Justice Program, wants to take some time off before continuing her education. “It took five and a half years to earn this degree, so I’m ready for a break,” she said with a smile.
Omayra Gonzalez of Lawrence arrived on her own two feet to pick up her diploma, having been dropped off at the entrance to the campus. She graduated with a Liberal Arts: Psychology degree and will transfer to UMass Lowell to continue her studies.
The graduates shared their plans to transfer to UMass Lowell, Merrimack College, Southern New Hampshire University, Northeastern, Regis, Cambridge College, and many more, as well as excitement about new jobs with Mass General, Brigham’s & Women’s Hospital, Lawrence General, and Lowell General.
Northern Essex President Lane Glenn greeted many of the graduates personally. “This has been a challenging semester due to the impact of COVID-19,” said Glenn. “I couldn’t be more proud of this class. They’ve been through so much but they didn’t quit. They are truly an amazing group.”
For those who couldn’t make it, the college will hand out diplomas and celebration packages on the Lawrence Campus on Thursday, June 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot area of the Dimitry Building at 45 Franklin Street.
Also planned, with help from HC Media, is a commencement ceremony on Saturday, August 8 at 11 am. While it’s being offered virtually, the ceremony will include many traditional elements. Early Childhood Education Graduate Emily Forisso of Haverhill will open the ceremony with the national anthem. Rosanna Lara, a Public Health major from Lawrence, will deliver the student speech, and Rosalin Acosta, Massachusetts secretary of labor and workforce development, will give the commencement speech. Also, the college’s Social Justice Award and the Gift from the Class of 2020 will be announced.
Each of the 600 graduates is being asked to submit a photo which will be shown as part of the ceremony, along with a virtual diploma.
2020 Graduates will also be invited to participate in next year’s commencement exercises, which will recognize both the class of 2020 and the class of 2021.
Visit the commencement website to learn more. If you have questions, contact Enrollment Services, 978 556-3974 or registrar@necc.mass.edu
NECC 2020 Graduate: Jeurys Santiago
Name: Jeurys Santiago (founder of Minds with Purpose)
Major: Business Transfer
GPA: 3.22
Hometown: Lawrence
High School and Year of Graduation: First three years at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics and senior year at Lawrence High School – 2017 .
What brought you to NECC? NECC seemed like the perfect spot for me to start my college career for the reason that its affordable and had the exact program that I wanted to get into. It was also close to home which was a huge advantage.
Why did you choose your major? The reason I chose my major is that I want to have a career in the business field and become an entrepreneur.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? Yes I was part of the PACE Program, the Civic Scholars program , the Alpha Beta Gamma business honors society , the internship program , and also part of a marketing team that helped with projects going on in school.
What are you planning for fall, 2020? For fall 2020 I am planning on transferring into a four- year institution if schools open up because I want to live in a dorm. If not, I plan on growing my business and learn new skills.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? The staff and faculty are amazing , each and every single one of them are super helpful. Also, there are many student support programs, extra curricular programs and clubs, and career and job fairs.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? Yes , Professor Sheila Muller . She was super helpful. She believed in one of my ideas and after that happened it sparked something inside of me to put more of my ideas out there and she was always there along the way to help me out in any way she could. She connected me with the correct individuals at times as well.
What surprised you most about NECC? What surprised me the most about NECC is how resourceful it turned out to be and how much I ended up learning about myself. Without NECC I would not be who I am today .
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? Some advice that I would give an incoming NECC freshman is to be themselves and to not be afraid to ask for help because everyone at NECC is super helpful. When I say to be themselves, I mean to speak out and not hold things back because of fear.
What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised to know that I love learning and that I love playing chess and dancing ballroom. .
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? The biggest challenges that I faced during my pursuit were consistency , I felt like if I didn’t go hard on myself and take 4-6 classes per semester than I wouldn’t finish.
What are you long term career/education plans? My long-term career/education plans are to build my own business from the ground up to be a company that helps locals all over the world.
NECC: 2020 Graduate Profile: Victoria Cerasuolo
Name: Victoria Cerasuolo
Major: Associate of Science in Public Health; Community Health Worker Certificate
Hometown: Haverhill
GPA: 3.39
High School and Year of Graduation: Whittier Regional Technical High School, 2016
Did you attend another college or university before enrolling at NECC? If so, did you earn a certificate or degree? I spent my freshman year of college at Plymouth State University then transferred to NECC.
What brought you to NECC? I decided to come home and start working as a CNA and take more prerequisites before deciding on Public Health as my focus!
Why did you choose your major? I chose Public Health because I know I want to help people and that is my calling, but I was not sure exactly how I wanted to help and Public Health has opened many future possibilities for me to help those in many ways.
What are you planning for fall, 2020? I will be starting my bachelor’s degree program in public health at Regis North.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? What I appreciate most about NECC is the way in which the professors engage with us as students. I never felt alone when taking a course and knew I had options to get the help I needed.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? Jacqueline Dick was my professor along with my program coordinator/ advisor. She was especially helpful through this journey of earning my associate degree in public health. I knew I could reach out to her with any questions or concerns I had regardless if it had to do with class or my personal life. She was an excellent professor as well, she always engaged with us as students and made sure we understood what we were learning. She truly cares about her students and their success.
Activities outside of class: I worked as a CNA and dog walker.
What surprised you most about NECC? The tight knit school community.
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? If you have not decided on a major yet, it will come. Things will be tough, but you will always have a helping hand and NECC faculty and staff want the best for you. Don’t give up, it is all worth it.
What would people be surprised to know about you? When I was not doing my studies I was either exercising or riding on my significant other’s motorcycle.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? The biggest challenge was time management and being able to stay on track. What are your long-term career/education plans? To earn my bachelor’s in public health then obtain my nursing degree in the hopes of becoming a Public Health Nurse. Anything else you want to add? Good luck to all incoming freshman and those working toward their degree!
NECC 2020 Graduate Profile: Emily Forisso
Name: Emily Forisso
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Haverhill
GPA: 3.95
High School & Year of Graduation: Haverhill High School – Class of 2017
Did You Attend Another College or University Before NECC? I attended UMass Lowell, majoring in music education, for 1 year before deciding to come back to NECC and change my major to Early Childhood Education (ECE).
What Brought You to NECC? I participated in the Early College program in high school, and my dad is an NECC alumnus who graduated in 1975 while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
How did you choose your major? I have always wanted to work with children, and I especially enjoy working with younger children up to 3rd grade. My dream is to become a kindergarten teacher and eventually a school administrator, so the ECE program is the perfect way to do that.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? I was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the NECC Choral & Music Club, performing in 3 shows with the NECC Choir.
What are you planning for fall, 2020? I am transferring to Merrimack College to pursue my bachelor’s in Child, Family and Community Studies with a concentration in PreK-2 Education. The program will give me my teaching license and the ability to work full-time in a school, since the classes are at night and on weekends.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? I loved the flexibility of my classes (the ability to take online, hybrid or face-to-face classes), as well as the incredible support that each and every one of my professors gave me.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? My music professor Alisa Bucchiere was especially helpful to me. She was not only a fantastic voice teacher, challenging me with complex pieces and helping me to improve my singing technique, but she also reached out to me when I was going through some tough things this year. She would support me and give me lots of wonderful advice, and I am so thankful that I have gotten to know her these past two years.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? Yes, the NECC Choral & Music Club and Phi Theta Kappa.
What surprised you most about NECC? The sense of community among all the students here. When I started at NECC, I didn’t think a community college would offer so many great services and activities to bring its students together. I had always assumed that community college students simply went to classes and went home or to work. I was pleasantly surprised at how much school spirit there is at NECC! The campus community is very positive and welcoming, and the school spirit I have seen here makes me really proud to be an NECC Knight!
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? I would encourage them to get involved on campus! There are so many clubs here and extracurricular activities that students can be a part of. There truly is something for everybody. I have made so many friends through the clubs and school activities I have participated in and my NECC experience definitely wouldn’t have been the same without those activities!
What would people be surprised to know about you? I faced many health challenges when I was younger. I was born with a benign tumor on my face, I have broken both of my legs and had to have surgery on my ankle as a result, I have had 4 mouth surgeries to correct jaw problems and I was hospitalized many times as a child due to my bad asthma.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? In December of last year, my longtime boyfriend Will, who is also a student at NECC in the sleep tech program, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. I decided to try my hardest to finish my degree, since I only had one semester left and I figured it was a good way to take my mind off of things, but I really was not sure if I would be able to finish. It was definitely a challenge to keep up with schoolwork and my student-teaching while also bringing him to treatment appointments and overall having my mind preoccupied with him, but I managed to do it. I’m glad to say that he is almost finished with his cancer treatments now and I was also able to finish my degree this semester. I am looking forward to what the future holds for both of us!
What are you long term career/education plans? My plan is to transfer to Merrimack College, receive my teaching license and eventually get a job as a kindergarten or first grade teacher in a public school. My long-term goal is to eventually become a principal or other administrator in the public school system, and to be an advocate for students and families. I have always been an outspoken and outgoing person, so I hope to use both of those qualities to be the best teacher and advocate that I can be.
Anything else you want to add? I would like to congratulate all of my fellow Class of 2020 graduates. We did it! We graduated during a pandemic!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook name: Emily Caroline Forisso
Instagram handle: @emmiforisso
Twitter handle: @TheMusicNerd172
NECC 2020 Graduate Profile: Christopher Molinari
Name: Christopher Molinari
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Methuen
GPA: 3.98 / 4.00
High School and Year of Graduation: Greater Lawrence Technical School, 2017
Did you attend another college or university before enrolling at NECC? If so, did you earn a certificate or degree? Yes, I was registered to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, but withdrew before actually attending due to costs.
What brought you to NECC? Desperation and an urge to return to normalcy, actually. Academics sort of defined my life in high school, and that feeling of failure when I withdrew from CU Boulder over debt fears quashed my confidence in both myself and the attainability of my goals. I still struggle with that self-doubt from time to time, but NECC gave me a vector to help rebuild myself.
Why did you choose your major? I actually plan to double major in physics and electrical engineering for my bachelors. Since early in high school, I’ve loved learning how things work. I want to be a physicist, pushing humanity to new frontiers of knowledge. My interest in engineering blossomed from that, and is my backup plan. Overall, my internal struggles these past few years have made me realize one thing: I want to help people. Whether it be hunger, depression, or disease, one thing remains constant: science is hope, and it is the solution.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? Yes! I made some awesome friends in Phi Theta Kappa, Bacon Boards Gamers, and the Improv Club (for the month or so I actually participated).
What are you planning for fall, 2020? Go to UMass Lowell and earn my Bachelor’s, and maybe start that band my friends and I have joked about.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? Its existence. People from all walks of life lose their way sometimes. Having an outlet, some way to work toward a better future for yourself, is something critically lacking in our society. Many of the tragedies you see in the world today can be directly linked to people lacking some sense of belonging in their lives. Who knows what could have happened to me if I didn’t return to some structure. Schooling may not be the solution for everyone, but for many, its an opportunity.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? Two immediately spring to mind: Doug Leaffer was my professor for Physics I and Engineering Essentials. I loved hearing about his doctoral work as a Civil Engineer (even if I couldn’t fully understand it), and working as his SI Leader for Engineering Essentials this past year has honestly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. I’m proud to call him my friend.
Paul Chanley was my professor for Engineering Circuits I and II. He’s an incredible person and teacher, and makes classically challenging material personable and fun. He hired me as a Math Tutor for his “Test A” program at Raytheon, which I still think is the coolest thing I’ve ever done (granted, that’s not saying much). I hope I can visit his class again once in-person classes resume.
What surprised you most about NECC?
The friendliness of the people and the rigor of the classes. I’ll openly admit that I was prejudiced against community colleges after coming from high school, believing that they were for academic underachievers and people who couldn’t get accepted anywhere else. That’s a blatant lie, and society needs to stop propagating it. Having taken classes at UMass already through NECCUM, I can personally attest that the classes here are just as, if not more rigorous than those at a 4-year university. The people also felt much more tight-knit here as a community, and this was all at a fraction of the cost. Going here has been one of the best decisions of my life.
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman?
Have fun with it, guys! It may be cliché, but don’t listen to your self-doubt. Everyone, in one way or another, struggles alongside you.
Make new friends, explore new things, and remember every day what you’re fighting for. How you go about that is up to you.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I make the world’s best nachos. Nobody can convince me otherwise.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree?
Like I sort of implied, myself. I’ve always found comfort in learning, so the difficulty of my classes never really impeded me (and let me tell you that they were difficult). However, finding overcoming self-doubt and finding motivation some days was strenuous.
What are you long term career/education plans?
Hopefully, I’ll earn my doctorate and earn tenure as a physicist. If not, I’ll probably go to work as an engineer for a few years before launching a startup. On the side, I hope to do some humanitarian work, such as Engineers Without Borders.
Anything else you want to add?
A group of pandas is called an embarrassment. I think that’s pretty cool.
This NHS Senior Earned a College Degree before her High School Diploma
Most students get their high school diploma and then go off to college, but Newburyport native Violet Merrill took what she calls “a nontraditional path”.
The 18-year old earned her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with High Honors from Northern Essex Community College in May and this month she’ll receive her diploma from Newburyport High School.
Merrill has been taking courses at Northern Essex every semester, and during the winter intercession and summers for the past two years. In the fall, she will transfer to UMass Amherst as a junior. She plans to take the money she saved on her first two years of college, and use it to continue her education with a master’s or law degree.
She says her mother, writer Marianne Curcio of Newburyport, heard about the Early College program at Newburyport High School, in which students take Northern Essex courses and earn high school and college credits, and encouraged her to participate.
Initially, she was just planning “to take a few courses to get a jumpstart” on college, but things just “snowballed” as she became more passionate about her learning.
In addition to taking college courses with her Newburyport High School peers, she signed up for additional courses, offered both online and in the classroom.
“I’ve always taken school seriously but I wasn’t an exemplary student,” says Merrill. “The turning point was taking classes at NECCO. I had more of a passion for what I was learning.”
Her junior year, Merrill spent her mornings at the high school and her afternoons taking college courses and she credits Newburyport High School for being so flexible.
It wasn’t until her senior year that she decided to set the goal of finishing her degree while still in high school.
What motivates Merrill most is her passion for social justice. She first became interested in social justice issues after the shootings at Stoneman Douglas High School in February of 2018. Since then, she has lent her youthful voice to many issues such as gun control and voter registration, and she plans to pursue a career that helps to make the world a better place, either in public health or law.
At Newburyport High School, Merrill ran track for four years, played tennis for two, and played a leadership role with Interact, a service club sponsored by the local Rotary Club.
Early College is open to Newburyport juniors and seniors, who can take courses at a discounted rate of $110 a credit hour, which is half the true cost.
The benefits of Early College include exploring career options, taking college-level courses, and earning credits that are transferable to other colleges, says Marcy Yeager, NECC’s executive director of PK12 partnerships and international studies.
Merrill would like younger students to know that they “shouldn’t be afraid to take a nontraditional educational path. Traditional school can be limiting, but you can create your own reality. That’s what I did and it resulted in a lot of benefits.”
For more information about the Early College Program, reach out to pk12@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3332.
Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Each year, more than 5,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,600 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3700.
NECC 2020 Graduate: Nasrin Musa
Name: Nasrin Y. Musa
Major: Liberal arts: psychology, and art & design: photography
Hometown: Yucaipa, California
GPA: 3.54
High School and Year of Graduation: Pentucket Regional High School, 2016
What brought you to NECC? It was an affordable school, close to home, and had the programs I needed.
Why did you choose your major? I chose psychology because I’ve always been fascinated with how people’s minds work, and I wanted to become a therapist to help young adults suffering through mental illnesses. As I continued my education at NECC I learned about art therapy, and that became my focus.
What are you planning for fall, 2020? For Fall 2020 I’m planning on attending Montserrat College of Art and Design in Beverly.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? I really appreciated how much financial aid was available. It made continuing classes much easier.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? There were several staff members who were helpful to me during my years at NECC. One of them was Professor Krista Titone. She was an amazing psychology teacher and mentor. I learned so much in her classes, not just about information from class, but about people and the world. She made learning exciting… Two other staff members who really helped a lot were Anne Eshbaugh and Steven DiLeo. They gave me the amazing opportunity of working in the mailroom, and made it fun. They were always friendly and helpful and just a pleasure to be around. Anne was always so cheerful and made coming into work a joy. We would talk about photography and have really nice conversations. Another staff member who made my experience at NECC better was Linda in maintenance. Whenever I did my mail runs I would stop in and say hi to her. She’s such a nice and funny person. I’m going to miss seeing her.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? No, but I did have some poetry published in the 2018-2019 Parnassus (student literary) Magazine.
What surprised you most about NECC? The friends and relationships I made along the way. I didn’t think you could really have adventures at a community college, I thought you needed a University for that. But it really just depends on who’s around you. And I met some great people at NECC to have adventures with. What also surprised me was how beautiful campus could be. Whenever I got there really early in the morning I would always admire how the sun hit the trees. During the spring and summer everything was so green. The campus had some really beautiful moments.
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? Try not to procrastinate too much; deadlines can really sneak up on you. Be open to trying new things. College is a time for figuring out who you are and you never know what might help you do that. It could be taking an elective that has nothing to do with your major, or reaching out and talking to someone new. There are great opportunities everywhere if you keep looking.
What would people be surprised to know about you? People might be surprised to know that I grew up watching the cartoon “Woody Woodpecker” in Arabic, since my dad is from Jordan. And now when I try to watch it in English I just can’t seem to find it as funny.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? The biggest challenges I’ve faced were probably balancing school, work, and a personal life. Another challenge would be making sure to stay on top of taking care of my mental health when things would get stressful; that was a learning curve.
What are your long term career/education plans? My long-term career plans include: becoming an author and doing something big with photography.
Local Residents Earn Public Health Degrees from Regis, Thanks to Partnership with NECC
On May 5, seven local residents earned their bachelor degrees in Public Health from Regis College without having had to leave the Merrimack Valley throughout their education.
All graduated from Northern Essex Community College and transferred to Regis, which offers bachelor degree completion programs in Public Health and Marketing and Communications on NECC’s Lawrence Campus.
“In just two short years, these students were able to earn their bachelor’s, taking their classes close to home in Lawrence,” said Noemi Custodia-Lora, vice president of NECC’s Lawrence Campus and community relations. “We are very appreciative of our partnership with Regis, which is one of the premiere colleges for health care in New England.”
One of the seven graduates, Patricia Gonda of Windham NH earned her associate degree in respiratory therapy from Northern Essex over 20 years ago in 1999. She always wanted her bachelor’s but it was hard to find the time to do it while working full-time. This program allowed her to realize her dream.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public health from Regis were Angie Colon of Methuen, who earned a public health degree from Northern Essex in 2018; Leah Gathogo of Framingham, NECC Public Health, 2018; Gonda; Katee Lynch of Salisbury, NECC General Studies: Health Specialization, 2018; Doris Wleh of Lowell, NECC Public Health, 2018; Genesis Moran of Lawrence, NECC General Studies: Individualized Option, 2018; and Zairis Peguero, of Lawrence, NECC General Studies: Health Specialization, 2018.
To learn more, visit Regis North or contact Kelly Golden, executive director, Regis North, Kelly.golden@regiscollege.edu or 978 655-5818.
Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Each year, more than 5,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,600 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3700.
NECC 2020 Graduate: Jeff Mejia, Jr.
Name: Jeff Mejia, Jr.
Major: Business Transfer
Hometown: North Reading
GPA: 3.5
High School and Year of Graduation: North Reading High School class of 2017
Did you attend another college or university before enrolling at NECC? If so, did you earn a certificate or degree? I attended UMass Lowell for two years.
What brought you to NECC? I came to NECC for the opportunity to play baseball for my dad, Jeff Mejia, Sr., and to become a member of such an historically successful baseball program.
Why did you choose your major? I have always been interested in business, especially finance.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? I was a captain on the NECC Knights baseball team.
What are you planning for fall, 2020? I am planning on continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Maine in fall 2020.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? I appreciate that NECC gave me the opportunity to become both a better student, and a better athlete. Being a member of the baseball team helped me make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. It also gave me the opportunity to showcase my talents in front of numerous four year schools and ultimately earn offers from multiple division 1 programs.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? My dad , and head coach, Jeff Mejia helped me a lot during my time at NECC. He was constantly checking that every member of the baseball team pushed themselves to be the best student-athletes that we could be. Stephanie Wares was also very helpful during my time at NECC. She helped me pick the correct classes to enroll in, ensuring that I would receive my associate degree and also be eligible to move on to a division 1 baseball program.
What surprised you most about NECC? I was surprised with how much the athletic department pushes their student athletes to excel in the classroom.
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? Go visit academic coaching on the second floor of C building. They helped me get organized and manage my time.
What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised that during my time at NECC I was able to balance two jobs, baseball, and classes all while being able to maintain a 3.5 GPA.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? The biggest challenge I faced in pursuit of my associate degree was being able to wisely manage my time.
What are you long term career/education plans? My long-term plan is to play baseball for as long as I can and then become an officer in the United States Army.
NECC 2020 Graduate : Mike Stellato
Name: Mike Stellato
Major: Business Transfer
Hometown: Lynnfield
GPA: 3.9
High School and year of graduation: Lynnfield High School ’17
Did you attend another college or university prior to enrolling at NECC? I attended Endicott College/Salem State for a semester.
What brought you to Northern Essex? I came to NECC for the opportunity to further my baseball career after shoulder surgery.
Why did you chose your major? I chose my major because I planned to earn my associate degree and then transfer to a four-year school and earn a bachelor’s degree in business finance.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities? I was a member of Phi Theta Kappa (business honors society) and captain of the NECC Knights baseball team.
What are you planning for fall 2020? In the fall of 2020, I will continue my academic and baseball career at Bryant University.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? I appreciated the opportunity to better myself as a student, athlete, and overall person.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? Amy Joyall, my academic coach, was definitely the most influential person on campus who helped me achieve my goals. She was always there for me when I needed it the most and was constantly motivating me to be my best self in the classroom and on the field. She would constantly communicate with me to see if I needed any help on assignments and was there for me when I was choosing my next school to attend. She truly made my time at NECC more enjoyable and could always put a smile on my face.
What surprised you most about NECC? What surprised me most about NECC was how welcoming members of the faculty were, and how diverse it was as well.
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? I would advise any incoming freshman to use their time at NECC wisely; with the right mindset and work ethic you can achieve whatever you want to.
What would people be surprised to know about you? I think people would be surprised to know that before I enrolled at NECC, I attended a Division 3 school for baseball and was cut during tryouts. After getting surgery on my shoulder, I made it a goal to silence all doubt and better myself. After getting an opportunity at NECC to do just so, I worked hard everyday on and off the field and achieved a long-time goal of receiving a Division 1 Baseball Scholarship. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Coach Mejia, and NECC as a whole.
What are you long term career/education plans? My ultimate long-term goal is to play professional baseball, wherever that may be. However, once the days of baseball end, I would love to start my own business.
NECC 2020 Graduate: Sussan Benoit De Fondeur
Name: Sussan Benoit De Fondeur
Major: Sleep Technologist Certificate
GPA: 3.91
Hometown: Lawrence
Native: Santiago, Dominican Republic.
High School and Year of Graduation: Liceo Matutino Milagros Hernandez, 2006
What brought you to NECC? To study English as a Second Language.
Why did you choose your major? I chose this major because I like to help others, and my advisor suggested this program, and I love it! This major fits everything I was looking for in the health field.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? Student Advocate, Student Orientation leader, Student Success Hub representative, Civic Scholar , Mother’s Group; Keys to Career Success Participant; National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS); Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and volunteer for NECC Awards Convocation, NECC Commencement, Lazarus House, and Cor Unum.
What are you planning for fall, 2020? I am planning to take a non-credits classes at NECC.
What did you appreciate most about NECC? Everything!
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? Yes, my advisor Vanessa Desani. Vanessa was that angel that God put there for me. Even though I doubted myself, she gave me the strength to continue.
What surprised you most about NECC? All the support it provides to each student. At NECC you never will be alone.
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? Northern Essex Community College changed my life, so it can change yours too. Do not be afraid to ask questions, the answers are from wise people, and knowledge will lead you to success.
What would people be surprised to know about you? As a mother and wife, I only came at NECC for one reason, and that reason was learning English. But my mind was changed, and this change came because NECC opened the doors for me to achieve it. Today I am leaving this incredible college, but I am leaving full of personal, emotional growth and civic values.
What are you long term career/education plans? Continue learning and training myself as a sleep tech. In the future, I would like to be a facilitator for new sleep technologist students at NECC.
NECC 2020 Graduate: Dieudonne Kankolongo
Name: Dieudonne Kankolongo
Major: Criminal Justice
High School and Year of Graduation: College Imara (DRCongo) in 1980
What brought you to NECC?: I always dreamed of earning a degree here in the United States.
Why did you choose your major?: To prepare for a degree in law.
What are you planning for fall, 2020?: I must rest and completely recover as this semester I had some health issues.
What did you appreciate most about NECC?: I appreciated everything, but particularly the tutoring.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? All faculty and staff helped me especially professors Scott Joubert and Elizabeth Casanave.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? I volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and I teach the gospel every Sunday at my church.
What surprised you most about NECC? The way students are treated: Kindly
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? To succeed, be sure to use all opportunities offered at NECC.
What would people be surprised to know about you? That I am still going to school at my age… 60.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? I would work overnight and then attend school in the morning.
What are your long term career/education plans? Become a lawyer and write at least one novel or an essay on immigration and earn a Ph.D.
Anything else you want to add? As Hemingway says, “a man is never defeated” and Soyinka adds “life stirs”. As long as I am living, I will never stop learning.
NECC 2020 Graduate: Rashidah Namutebi
Name: Rashidah Namutebi
Major: Public Health
High School and Year of Graduation: Lowell High School class of 2013.
What brought you to NECC?: I was attracted by the Public Health program, flexible class hours and low tuition. Once I enrolled, everyone was super nice and supportive, especially my advisor Professor Jacqueline Dick.
Did you attend another college or university before enrolling at NECC? If so, did you earn a certificate or degree?: I attended Middlesex Community College and St. Joseph School of Nursing before choosing NECC.
Why did you choose your major?: I chose Public Health as a major because I wanted to make a difference in healthcare on a larger scale. I enrolled in two different colleges to pursue nursing, but it wasn’t a good fit. When I discovered public health that was a turning point for me.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC?: I was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
What are you planning for fall, 2020?: I enrolled in a bachelors’ degree program at UMass Lowell.
What did you appreciate most about NECC?: NECC was welcoming and everyone reached out to check in on me and my progress. They made my success their success and am forever grateful for the experience.
Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you?: Professor Jacqueline Dick, who is the public health program director. She was also my advisor. She went above and beyond for her students. She made sure we had all the necessary materials for class and provided extra textbooks to borrow for those who couldn’t afford them. She made sure we got the most out of our internship sites and stayed on top of us, motivating us toward the finish line. She was truly amazing.
What surprised you most about NECC?: Class time flexibility, easy commute, and low tuition costs.
What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman?: You’re not alone and there are people around you who are willing to help, you just have to ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
What would people be surprised to know about you?: I am a twin and a lefty.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree?: Working full time and attending school full time were my biggest challenges, but with a little organization and time management I was able to stay on track.
What are you long term career/education plans?: I plan on continuing school until I get my PhD. I would like to work to help those who are less fortunate in developing countries. My biggest dream is to work with the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation.
Lawrence Public Health Major Chosen as NECC’s Student Speaker
Public Health Major Rosanna Lara has had more than her share of challenges while pursuing her education, and she hopes that those challenges—and her ability to persevere— will help her in her chosen career.
The wife and mother of three young children, ages 4, 6, and 9, has been selected as the student speaker for Northern Essex Community College’s Commencement, which will be virtual this year. She was selected by a committee of faculty and staff, based on her 4.0 average and demonstrated leadership skills, and approved by Northern Essex President Lane Glenn.
Job Layoff has Silver Lining
Lara, a Lawrence resident, arrived at Northern Essex in 2017, when her employer, along with her customer service job, moved to the West Coast.
“Sometimes things happen for a reason. God has something else in mind,” explains Lara. “Public health feels like me. I want to do outreach, work with my community to promote wellness.”
Things got complicated for the already busy Lara when her mother moved from the Dominican Republic into their Lawrence home in the fall of 2018.
Shortly after arriving, Lara discovered that her mother had serious health issues, which led to a month and a half stay in a Boston hospital and months in a Boston area rehab. During that time, Lara was her mother’s primary caregiver, balancing her family responsibilities and schoolwork with daily trips to Boston.
Advocating for her mother, Lara learned first-hand how challenging it can be to navigate the health care system, especially with her mother’s limited resources and lack of English language skills.
The experience was stressful but it confirmed Lara’s interest in public health.
Tracking COVID-19
The Public Health Program is a two-year associate degree program which includes an internship. Lara’s has had two internships, the first with the YWCA of Northeastern Massachusetts-Fina House, a home for vulnerable women and their children, and a second with ACT Lawrence, a nonprofit that promotes financial capability, community engagement, and personal growth for low to moderate income populations in Lawrence.
Most recently, Lara was one of the first to volunteer when Governor Baker announced his Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps, a team of volunteers, who are helping track and slow the spread of CVOD-19. Lara spends seven days a week reaching out to individuals who have tested positive. After getting answers to a series of questions, she calls the individual’s contacts to make sure they are following the proper protocol. All of the information she gathers is submitted to the state and used to track the virus.
Future Plans
This fall, Lara is transferring to Regis North, which offers a bachelor’s degree completion program in public health in Lawrence on Northern Essex’s campus. After she earns her bachelor’s, she plans to go on for an online Master’s of Public Health, also offered through Regis. While continuing her education, Lara hopes to secure internships at a local hospital, where she can begin to help clients manage their health care, especially clients who are Spanish speaking. Her ultimate goal is to be a medical and health services manager for an urban hospital or the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which will require a graduate degree.
A straight A student, Lara participates in the Pathways to Academic and Career Excellence (PACE) Program, a federally funded support program for first-generation college students; is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a national community college honorary society; and is on the executive board for NECC Chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). She also has worked to support herself and her family as an Uber Eats driver.
She was selected for the Department of Higher Education’s 29 Who Shine, which recognizes the top student from each of the commonwealth’s public community colleges, state colleges, and state universities.
Northern Essex’s Commencement, originally scheduled for May 16, has been postponed this year, due to the pandemic. The college’s has planned a series of events to recognize graduates virtually this year, including celebration packages for each graduate and a virtual ceremony that will be aired on a yet to be determined date in August.
For more information, visit the Commencement website.
NECC Business Transfer Major Receives Outstanding Student Award
Haverhill resident Vasil Zisi is the latest recipient of the Outstanding Student Award, a selective honor granted to one high-achieving NECC student each year. Zisi was named for the award following several nominations and a selection of approval by members of the NECC Alumni Board.
A business transfer student, Zisi began his academic journey at NECC in the fall of 2018, after migrating to the U.S. from Albania. Since that time, he has won various accolades for his scholastic achievements and involvement in college service activities. He previously received an NECC merit scholarship award in the spring of 2019 and was nominated for the “29 Who Shine” award, a program that recognizes outstanding graduates from the commonwealth’s public higher education system. In addition, Zisi is a Student of the Month award winner, a nominated member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and a member of Alpha Beta Gamma. He will be graduating with high honors — and a near-perfect GPA — this spring.
In a letter of recommendation, Patricia Machado, professor of economics, lauded his academic prowess.
“He is an excellent student with an exceptional work ethic,” she wrote. “Vasil was always prepared for class, contributed valuable discussion points regarding current events in economics, and was one of the top students in the class.”
Zisi will continue his studies at a four-year institution this fall, at which time he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in business with the ultimate goal of one day operating his own company. He has applied to a range of colleges and universities to date, including Suffolk, UMass Lowell, Babson, and Bentley, and has already received acceptances from several. Earlier this spring, he also got a head-start on his career journey through an accounting internship at Aphios Corporation, where he continues to work.
Upon receiving word of his win, Zisi was quick to express his gratitude.
“This award means a lot to me,” he said. “Coming from a small country like Albania and going to college in the United States was a different experience for me… Despite the difficulties that I had in the beginning with my English, the staff was very accepting of me and helpful when I had questions. This award means so much to me and my family because my hard work is being recognized.”
The Outstanding Student Award is distributed annually to one graduating NECC student who has exemplified exceptional commitment to community services initiatives and/or high academic achievement. The recipient must be nominated for the award and selected for approval by the NECC Alumni Board on behalf of the Alumni Association. The selected student receives a Dell laptop and an award certificate.
