On Tuesday night, the Lawrence City Council presented Ismael Alvarez of Lawrence, who just graduated from Northern Essex Community College with a an associate degree in engineering, with a special citation based on his academic success and demonstrated leadership.  The citation was presented by Councilor Marc Laplante and Councilor Sandy Almonte.

Alvarez graduated from Greater Lawrence Vocational Technical High School in 2005 as a certified automotive mechanic.

He worked in that field while in high school and after his graduation, and was encouraged to go back to school and pursue his education in engineering a couple of years ago by his wife of six years, Katrice.

Alvarez says, he had an “awesome experience” at Northern Essex, calling it “like coming home.”

While at the college he earned high honors and an associate degree in engineering.  He also worked as a tutor at the college.  Alvarez, who graduated on Saturday, received the Excellence Award, which recognizes the graduate with the highest grade point average in the engineering program.

Alvarez has transferred to UMass Lowell where he is working on his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  After graduation, he’d like to work in a “cutting edge” field—he mentioned flying cars—which combines his background as an auto mechanic with his engineering degree.

While accepting the award, Alvarez credited his wife Katrice, who fully supports his college goals.  “I would not be able to do this without her support and encouragement,” he said.

 Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera says he thought long and hard over what words of wisdom to impart on the nearly 1200 graduates of Northern Essex Community College during its 52^nd commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17. In the end, he told them to celebrate and get back to work.

Rivera was introduced to the audience by his friend and fellow politician Andover Senator Barry R. Finegold who said Rivera is leading Lawrence into the future and will “restore the city to its former glory”.

“Today, come up here, walk across this stage, get your diploma and celebrate this accomplishment,” Rivera said. “Enjoy yourself tonight, tomorrow night, and next week…enjoy the love and admiration of your family and friends. Hug your mom and dad or your best friend or your partner…Celebrate because you deserve it. You have earned it. Then after tonight, after this weekend, after next week…once it is over…take a deep breath and get back to work. Get back to work going after your next set of hopes and dreams,” he told the NECC graduates and their families and friends seated under a white tent on the quad on the Haverhill campus under sunny skies. “Use this achievement to achieve something else…something more.”

He drew parallels between his own life’s journey and the graduates’ journeys. As a child of an immigrant, as a veteran, a homeowner, a husband, and a college graduate, he said, he is like the graduates.

“I am also like many of you for another reason. I’m not supposed to be here. I am not supposed to be the mayor of Lawrence. I was not supposed to win that election,” he said.

“The reality is because I am a child of an immigrant from a single parent home

that came from the projects, an Hispanic boy from Lawrence who grew up in bad economic times who wasn’t even supposed to graduate from high school…but like the oldest graduate here today who is 73 years old and the youngest who is 17, we are here and have accomplished what many thought for us could not be done.”

He told them to continue to take on challenges large and small.

“Look for some other thing no one expects you to do. Get another degree, apply for a bigger job, start a business…and use this experience to remember how far you have come and how strong you are.”

He says he often reflects on his own achievements and knows anything can be accomplished.

“So, you must do the same,” he told them. “Your journey has forged a stronger you. You must take your new hopes and dreams and work for them.”

His remarks followed NECC student commencement speaker Marie Phillips of Haverhill who graduated from the early childhood education program.  She told her fellow graduates that Northern Essex always made her feel like a “superstar”.

“The fact I always felt welcomed and supported in the college community has really inspired me to strive for great things,” she shared. I needed to follow my bliss. It certainly has not been an easy path. I have worked harder than I would have thought possible, but I wasn’t alone in my efforts.”

She said there were many individuals in her personal life and educational journey who picked her up and moved her forward. She will attend Salem State University in the fall.

“So, the knowledge that I have gained through my life-experiences is this…do what makes you happy,” she says. “Follow your bliss, and build a life for yourself that leaves you feeling fulfilled at the end of the day.”

The commencement proceedings opened with the national anthem sung by NECC alumnus Ryan Thomas Jennings who graduated from NECC in 2010 with associate degrees in liberal arts: theater option and general studies.

Alumna Susan Bonefant, who is chairperson of the NECC Alumni Association, presented the Outstanding Alumni Award to former NECC baseball standout Manny Cabral of Tewksbury. The 2012 NECC graduate was recognized for his selfless act of donating his bone marrow to a woman suffering from a debilitating illness. He currently attends Daniel Webster College.

In presenting the award she said “He is the kind of person who serves as a constant inspiration and makes us all strive to lead by example.”

Emeritus status, which recognizes sustained excellence in performance, character, and meritorious service to the college,  was presented by William Heineman, NECC vice president of academic and student affairs, to Judith Kamber of Byfield, dean emerita of Professional Development; Thomas White of Boston, professor emeritus of natural sciences; and Cynthia Crivaro of Bradford, professor emerita of the behavioral sciences.

Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick, who attended NECC in the late 1980s before transferring to Salem State where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, was awarded a Reverse Transfer Associate of Arts degree in General Studies based on the courses he completed at Salem State.  

Floral arrangements were provided by Holland Flowers.

Musical selections were provided by members of the Stuart Highland pipe band.

Here’s a list of 2014 graduates.

Read Marie Phillips’ Commencement Speech.

Read Mayor Dan Rivera’s Commencement Speech.

 

 

Northern Essex Community College Professional Association (NECCPA) presented its 2014 scholarship award to Bruce Augustonovich of Merrimac a Human Services major.

NECCPA is the professional staff and faculty union at Northern Essex, the local chapter of the Massachusetts Community College Council (MCCC). The scholarship is presented annually to a promising student nominated by one of the union members.

Augustonovich, a high honors student, graduates in May.

He was nominated for the scholarship by NECC Human Services Professor Diana Mele, who wrote, “Having professionally worked in the field for more than thirty years, I have had the opportunity to supervise, instruct, and mentor many students and practitioners in a variety of academic and clinical venues.  I believe Bruce is an exceptional student who stands out among the crowd.”

While enrolled at NECC, Augustonovich earned dean’s list status for four consecutive semesters. In addition, he was a supplemental instruction leader for one of the core Human Service classes on campus. He was a member of Psi-Beta, the National Honor Society in Psychology for junior and community colleges, and a recipient of the Northern Essex Writing Award. He recently received the Excellence Award in Human Services, which means he had the highest GPA in the program – a designation he shared with another Human Services graduate.

“I have known Bruce throughout his tenure here at Northern Essex as he has been enrolled in the Human Service Program in which I am a faculty member of.  During this time, I have consistently witnessed his numerous strengths and abilities.  He is a responsible, reliable, hard-working man who has shown considerable insightful and dedication to his work.  He consistently interfaces with classmates and other faculty alike in an exemplary manner and has had considerable success with regard to his academic achievements as evidenced by his impressive GPA,” wrote Mele.

The award for $1000 was presented to Augustonovich last month.

He will transfer to Lesley University in the fall.

NECC’s offers a Human Service’s Associate of Science degree as well as certificates in Alcohol Drug Abuse Counseling, Community Support and Human Services Practitioner, and Direct Support.

For additional information contact Jane Gagliardi, NECC Human Service Program coordinator at jgagliardi@necc.mass.edu

 

Northern Essex Community College honors students recently presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference at UMass Amherst.

Over 1,000 students from two and four-year institutions attended the event, which brings together college students from across the state to present their original work in oral and poster presentations. NECC students in the Honors Research Experience Lab Science class and students who had completed Honors Projects showcased their work.

“This event allowed students to present their work and network with other students and faculty,” Ginger Hurajt, coordinator of the NECC honors program, said.

Some topics that students presented on included “Water Quality Analysis,” “Everyday Exploitation: Factory Farming and Our Obligation to Animals,” and “De-Icing Ruin-Nation?”

The Honors Experience at NECC provides the opportunity for highly motivated and talented students to enroll in honors courses, complete research-based or creative Honors Projects, and participate in meaningful community service learning activities.

For more information regarding the Honors Experience Program contact Coordinator Ginger Hurajt at ghurajt@necc.mass.edu