Awards

Inspiring Stories of Alumni & Students

Some are accomplished professionals. Others are recent graduates. Each story is unique, and yet they are united by common themes: determination, leadership, a commitment to giving back to the NECC community, and to others.

Outstanding Alumni Award

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes an NECC graduate who has achieved career-related success, is active in the community, and/or has exemplified active support for the college’s efforts. Nominations are accepted on an annual basis and are reviewed by the NECC Alumni Board Awards Committee, with President Lane Glenn approving their recommendation. 

If you know of an outstanding alum, please nominate them for a future award. 

Outstanding Student Award

Each year, NECC’s alumni community honors a graduating student who exemplifies an extraordinary commitment to academic achievement and community service. Nominations are accepted on an annual basis and are reviewed by the NECC Alumni Board Awards Committee, with President Lane Glenn approving their recommendation. The selected recipient is recognized at the college’s annual commencement ceremony.

If you know of a deserving student, please consider nominating them for a future award. The deadline for spring 2026 nominations is April 15.

2026 Award Recipients 

Congratulations to Michael Costello ’12 on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award

Read more about Michael Costello

Congratulations to Rebecca Heathman on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Student Award

Read more about Rebecca Heathman

2025 Award Recipients 

Scott McNamara ’91: Outstanding Alumni Award

Read more about Scott McNamara

Lana Viola and caitlin little: Outstanding Student Award

Read more about Lana Viola and caitlin little

2024 Award Recipients

 Zoila Gomez ’97: Outstanding Alumni Award 

Read more about Zoila Gomez 

Kimberly Zappala: Outstanding Student Award

Read more about Kimberly Zappala

2023 Award Recipients 

Jouel Gomez ’15: Outstanding Alumni Award

Read more about Jouel Gomez 

Franziska Hoene: Outstanding Student Award

Read more about Franziska Hoene  

2022 Award Recipients 

Dr. Eric Dickson ’88: Outstanding Alumni Award

Read more about Eric Dickson

Andrew Venditti: Outstanding Student Award 

Read more about Andrew Venditti