2025 - Page 7 of 12

Two Student Leaders Receive Outstanding Graduating Student Award

May 19, 2025/in Students/by scomiskey

Lana Viola (right) accepts the Outstanding Graduating Student Award from Alumni Board President Jouel Gomez ’15

The Northern Essex Community College Alumni Board has announced two high honors graduates, Lana Viola and caitlin little, both of Haverhill, as the 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Graduating Student Award. The annual honor, granted by the Board with approval from President Lane Glenn, was announced during the spring commencement on Saturday, May 17.

Viola is an engineering graduate and a participant of the NECC Promise Program, a scholarship program open to students who attend NECC in high school through Early College. A vocal advocate for college access initiatives, she has devoted much of her time at NECC to advocating for the expansion of early college programs across the commonwealth, going so far as to meet with donors and stakeholders to laud its benefits, and working with state lawmakers through the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College.

Viola, who says she may not have continued her education were it not for Early College, feels that raising awareness is one small way she can ensure that this and other access programs continue to flourish in Massachusetts.

“Sharing my experiences and successes at various events, and returning to my high school to raise awareness about this incredible program has been truly rewarding. I am proud of my achievements in the Early College program as I help to contribute to its growth for future generations,” she says.

This summer, Viola will take part in a field engineering internship with SPS New England before continuing her studies at UMass Lowell, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

In a letter of recommendation, Promise Program Coordinator Emily Yunes lauded her achievements at NECC and beyond.

“She has been an incredible community member and represents some of the best qualities of Northern Essex. Lana loves learning, cares deeply about those around her, and always tries her hardest to achieve academic excellence, build community, and connect with others,” Yunes states.

caitlin little (left) accepts the Outstanding Student Award

little, a general studies: individualized option graduate who attended NECC through the MassReconnect Program, is a first-generation college attendee and an active participant in the college’s PACE Program. Through her full-time job as a nonprofit community engagement director, she has devoted much of her time outside of campus to promoting inclusive arts programming for youth across Haverhill, and recently launched a capital campaign to raise funds for a permanent arts mentoring program space. little currently serves as a member of the Haverhill Promise book buddy program, the Dover Arts Commission, and the Haverhill Cultural Council, and is the fundraising committee co-chair for Haverhill’s first-ever Pride Parade.

On receiving the Outstanding Graduating Student Award, little remarks that she is grateful for this rare opportunity to experience pride in herself.

“Immediately, I pictured myself walking in my cap and gown as Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ blasted through the speakers, the audience bursting into ecstatic fanfare,” she says. “I grew up facing tough circumstances, and pride was a privilege I didn’t often get to claim… I’m finally learning to make space to honor my successes, to honor myself.”

She adds that this award holds even greater meaning as she reflects on what it could represent to peers who have faced similar circumstances in life.

“I am the first in my family to attend college, and, having previously dropped out of high school, this journey holds even more meaning. I wanted to prove to myself, my family, and my ancestors that I could succeed — and to become a beacon of hope for others who have been systematically disadvantaged.”

This fall, little plans to attend Emerson College, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in writing, literature, and publishing.

In a letter of recommendation, PACE Transfer Advisor Jessica Rocker praised little’s ability to persevere.

“caitlin’s life story demonstrates her ability to not only overcome obstacles, but to crush them… The way that she was able to change her mindset and decide to push forward, even when faced with adversity, is truly inspiring.”

The annual Outstanding Graduating Student Award recognizes the accomplishments of a graduating NECC student who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to academic success, community service, and involvement with campus initiatives. Nominations are accepted each spring.

Northern Essex Celebrates Class of 2025

May 19, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 17, 2025) — Northern Essex Community College celebrated the class of 2025 with its 63rd annual Commencement ceremony on the Haverhill Campus. More than 800 students earned certificates or degrees this past academic year. Approximately 400 students and thousands of family members, friends, and supporters gathered for the May 17th celebration.

Graduates react to a surprise announcement from speaker Bob Pozen

NECC President Lane Glenn opened the ceremony with words of encouragement for the class of 2025. “You are truly amazing, I’m in awe of all you have accomplished so far, and all of us gathered under this tent today–your family and friends, your professors and advisors-can’t wait to see what you do in the years ahead.”

Student Speaker Mike McDougal

Student speaker, Computer Science major Michael McDougal, also spoke about what’s ahead for his classmates. “Here’s our mission: we need to ensure that the class of 2026 is even more diverse than the class of 2025. We must secure the class of 2027’s right to free speech. Our education – our diplomas – aren’t the finish line. They’re tools. Tools we’ll use to build something better, not just for ourselves, but for our communities, and every class that graduates after us.”

McDougal shared how he found NECC 16 years after dropping out of high school. He had suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2019. His healing process was slow, and he realized he could no longer focus on his work in the same way. McDougal found that he felt best through activities he enjoyed before his injury, namely hiking and running. He decided to tackle a big life goal and hike the Appalachian Trail. And after his six-month trek, he felt ready to take on a new challenge: college. He happened to see a headline about the MassReconnect program, which allows eligible adults to attend community college for free. He went to an open house and enrolled on the spot.

Featured commencement speaker, philanthropist Robert (Bob) Pozen, followed McDougal’s inspired speech with a thrilling announcement of his own. “In your honor, I have recently made a donation to Northern Essex Community College,” he told the graduates. “As a result, when you walk across this stage to receive your diploma, you will also receive an envelope with $200. I hope that you will use half of that amount to treat yourself and the other half to engage in an act of kindness. You could give the $100 to your favorite charity, or surprise someone at the grocery store by paying their bill. Have fun and maximize this chance to make a difference in another person’s life.”

Featured Speaker Bob Pozen

Pozen, a renowned finance and public policy expert and best-selling author, is currently a Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. His speech also included some sage advice for maximizing productivity, which is the topic of his popular executive course and best-selling books. And, he shared some details on his involvement in the Cost-of-Living Pilot study at Northern Essex and Bunker Hill Community Colleges.

President Glenn with Social Justice Award recipient Gretchyn Gallagher

Social Justice Award

NECC academic success coach Gretchyn Gallagher received this year’s Social Justice Award. The award recognizes individuals, groups, departments, or initiatives at the college that promote values such as a commitment to equity and diversity or the advancement of human rights and social justice.

President Glenn honored Gallagher for being a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Northern Essex in her roles as ESL instructor, tutor, and academic coach.

“Her efforts extend beyond the classroom—advocating for resources, addressing food insecurity, and creating inclusive spaces for students of all citizenship statuses,” he noted. “A dedicated member of the MCCC Committee on Racial Justice, she actively dismantles institutional barriers while modeling NECC’s core values of respect, collaboration, and excellence.”

The social justice award comes with a prize of $1961 (in honor of the year of NECC’s founding) that the recipient can use to advance social justice initiatives at Northern Essex.

A recording of Saturday’s ceremony can be found on the NECC YouTube page. To learn more about NECC’s 2025 Commencement and see additional photos, visit the webpage.

Students Honored at 2025 Awards Convocation

May 15, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Graduating Northern Essex Community College students were honored for their achievements inside and outside the classroom at this year’s annual Awards Convocation. The May 12th ceremony was held in the Northern Essex Sport and Fitness Center on the Haverhill Campus. Family and friends were invited to celebrate the honorees and enjoy refreshments following the program.

Co-Curricular Awards included the President’s Cup, which is awarded to the club with the highest cumulative grade point average. This year, that honor went to the American Sign Language Club. Academic Awards included the 2025 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow, awarded to Caitlin Little. And extracurricular awards included the PACE Program Award, which went to Erin Magner.

Dozens of Northern Essex students were also recognized for achieving high honors in their areas of study. The program then concluded with departmental awards and acknowledgment of honor society inductees. Photos from Awards Convocation can be found here.

Linda Giampa and Academic Coaching Honored with Hometown Hero Award

May 15, 2025/in Faculty and Staff/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 13, 2025) – Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, proudly recognized Linda Giampa, head of the Northern Essex Community College Academic Coaching program, professor, and president of the Northern Essex MCCC union chapter, as a “Hometown Hero” through its recognition program. In partnership with 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, this initiative celebrates the invaluable contributions of teachers, coaches, local first responders, military personnel, and other individuals in public service across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on the everyday acts of kindness and courage that strengthen our communities.

Rep. Andy Vargas (3rd Essex District) presents a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to Linda Giampa

Linda Giampa, the founder and head of NECC’s Academic Coaching program, was honored alongside the Academic Coaching team in a celebration for their mentorship and support of students and the greater Northern Essex Community College community.

Established a decade ago, the Academic Coaching Program at NECC provides personalized, one-on-one support to help students succeed academically. The program assists students in developing skills and improving study habits. Coaches become trusted resources and mentors who support students beyond the classroom as they develop skills and improve study habits. Under Giampa’s leadership, the program has seen a 33 percent increase in GPAs of 3.0 or higher for student-athletes.

“We are proud to recognize Linda Giampa as a Wellpoint ‘Hometown Hero.’ Her dedication and leadership have positively impacted student success and strengthened the Northern Essex Community College community,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “Linda embodies the spirit of service and commitment, inspiring those around her. We celebrate her exceptional work and the difference she continues to make.”

“When we heard about this opportunity, it was a no-brainer to nominate Linda and the academic coaches. The academic coaches are truly changing the lives of our students through one-on-one support, care, and compassion,” said Northern Essex Community College Executive VP – CFO/COO Michael McCarthy.

Learn more about the program here and about Academic Coaching on the webpage.

NECC Selects Vice President of Student Affairs and Vice President of Academic Affairs

May 14, 2025/in Headlines/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 14, 2025) – After a comprehensive search process that engaged students, faculty, and staff, Northern Essex Community College announced that it is filling two key positions in institutional leadership, selecting Dr. Joanne Landers as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dr. Austin Gilliland as Vice President of Academic Affairs, respectively.

“Dr. Landers and Dr. Gilliland both represent strong additions to the Northern Essex Community College team,” said NECC President Lane Glenn. “Their energy, background, experience, and values will be tremendous assets to NECC and the students we serve.”

Dr. Joanne Landers, Vice President of Student Affairs

Landers currently serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Communications at Plymouth State University, a role she has held since August 2023. While at Plymouth State, Landers oversaw undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid operations, and recruitment strategies. Additionally, she led initiatives that increased collaboration between faculty, staff, and administrators through the development of their Enrollment and Retention Committee.

The first in her family to graduate from college, Landers earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University, her graduate degree from The University of Akron, and her PhD in Education Specialization in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University. She described her passion for supporting first-time students as a driving force throughout her career.

“I’ve been a first-generation student, and so I know firsthand what it’s like to experience college without any guidance or little direction,” said Landers. “Under President Glenn, Northern Essex has earned a reputation for providing such thoughtful guidance to their students, from admissions to graduation. I’m eager to bring my experience to NECC and advance this mission, which is so near and dear to my heart.”

“Dr. Landers brings a strong understanding of how integral student, faculty, and staff coordination is to the success of our student body,” said Glenn. “Importantly, she also has considerable experience with strategic enrollment management, and has demonstrated the type of commitment to excellence that we strive for at Northern Essex.”

Dr. Austin Gilliland, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Gilliland joins NECC after spending 13 years at Bunker Hill Community College, holding various positions that include her current position as Dean of Professional Studies – a role she has held since March 2020. She comes to NECC following a strong career of program development, facilitating academic opportunities that had meaningful impacts on their student population.

“Dr. Gilliland stood out as a candidate who not only identified opportunities, she acted on them,” said Glenn. “Her experience at Bunker Hill Community College, in particular, and with academic oversight in general, leaves me confident that she can continue to keep NECC at the forefront of curriculum development and academic innovation.”

As Dean, Gilliland worked with faculty and staff to develop quality industry and transfer-aligned programs to better connect students with opportunities. Her career highlights include launching and directing the Federal TRIO Grant Program in Chelsea Public Schools, providing services and resources to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“I’m really motivated by building bridges across organizations, connecting teams, and supporting staff and faculty,” said Dr. Gilliliand. “It seemed like a perfect opportunity to bring this passion to Northern Essex, which already has such innovative, exciting work happening across campuses. That NECC paved the way as the first Hispanic Serving Institution in New England really speaks to how the college values student backgrounds, cultures, and everything they bring to the institution.”

Gilliland earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at The University of Texas at Austin, before earning her PhD in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Dr. Landers will be joining NECC on July 1, 2025, while Dr. Gilliland will be joining on July 28, 2025.

Two 2025 Graduates Named to PTK All-Massachusetts Academic Team

May 13, 2025/in Alumni, Students/by mbouse

Boston, MA (May 9, 2025) — The Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges recognizes two Northern Essex Community College students for outstanding academic achievement and exemplary student service. They selected Nayeli Almanzar-Lizardo and Daniela Valdivia-Terres for the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Massachusetts Academic Team. The students received their awards along with their peers at a ceremony at the State House earlier this month.

See highlights from the ceremony here:

Nayeli Almanzar-Lizardo, of Lawrence, is a Liberal Arts major. She first enrolled in NECC’s Early College Program as a high school senior and became a full-time student upon graduation. She had participated in the Adelante Program at the Lawrence YMCA and now works there as an advisor. She was recently appointed to the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) National Youth Advisory Council. In this role, she will collaborate with other young leaders to provide input on programs and initiatives that impact more than 2,600 YMCAs nationwide, ensuring that youth voices play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future.

Daniela Valdivia-Terres, of North Chelmsford, is the current Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow, a distinction that honors student leadership. The journalism major is the outgoing editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, the NECC Observer. In 2023, she was chosen for the highly selective Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program at The Hague, Netherlands. Valdivia-Terres has won numerous writing and journalism awards and has interned with several Spanish-language broadcasting companies.

Both Almanzar-Lizardo and Valdivia-Terres are graduating from NECC this month. Almanzar-Lizardo is already taking classes at UMass Lowell. Valdivia-Terres plans to transfer to a four-year institution as well, and is still narrowing down her options.

PTK is the international honor society of two-year colleges. PTK has recognized and encouraged scholarship among community college students for 100 years while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa. For additional information, contact Professor Lisette Espinoza at lespinoza@necc.mass.edu.

Two New Trustees Join the NECC Board

May 1, 2025/in Community/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (May 1, 2025) — The Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome two new members. Governor Maura Healey has appointed Zoila Gomez and Juan Yepez to five-year terms.

Zoila Gomez, ’97

Local immigration lawyer Zoila Gomez has dedicated countless hours to helping current students and their families with the immigration process. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Gomez graduated from Northern Essex in 1997 with a degree in paralegal studies, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from UMass Lowell, and her Juris Doctor degree from Massachusetts School of Law. She founded her law office in 2006, and in the fall of 2011, she returned to NECC as a professor of Immigration Law and Policy.

“As a proud NECC alumna, Class of 1997, who began my journey in ESL classes as a newly arrived immigrant from the Dominican Republic, I am honored to join the Board of Trustees. NECC played a pivotal role in shaping my future, and I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the board, one rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to educational access. I look forward to helping the college continue its mission of empowering underserved communities to achieve their academic and career goals.”

Juan Yepez

Juan Yepez founded Mainstream Global in 2000, a company that provides supply-chain solutions to some of the world’s largest technology organizations. As a first-generation Ecuadorian American, Yepez says he understands the transformative power of education firsthand. Through Mainstream Global, Yepez, along with COO Luis Yepez, has supported Northern Essex and its students through financial support, mentorship, and guidance. That support helped the Lawrence Promise reach a significant funding milestone. The endowment provides financial support to early college students from Lawrence who continue their education at Northern Essex.

“Together, we can shape a community college that is a beacon of opportunity and innovation for all,” says Yepez.

“We’re grateful to have two involved, local leaders join the Board of Trustees who have already shown a deep commitment to NECC students and our mission,” says Northern Essex President Lane Glenn. “Both bring an incredible wealth of expertise and passion for the communities we serve.”

Gomez replaces former trustee Glennys Sanchez, while Yepez will fill the seat previously held by Sally O’Rorke.

The college’s Board of Trustees includes nine members appointed by the governor to a maximum of two five-year terms, an alumni-elected member who also serves a maximum of 10 years, and a student trustee who serves for two semesters. For more information on the Board of Trustees, visit the webpage.

Students Inducted into Alpha Beta Gamma National Business Honor Society

April 28, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

Haverhill, MA (April 23, 2025) — Northern Essex Community College business students were recognized for academic excellence and leadership at the 38th annual induction and awards ceremony of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma. ABG is an international honor society established to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year business and professional college students. Few chapters have matched the longevity of NECC’s Beta Omicron Chapter, which has won over 117 National Awards, including 91 student essay awards and 26 chapter awards.

Student Speaker Lauren Donovan receives her sash from Professor Pam Donahue

This year, the chapter added three more awards to its impressive list of accolades:

Shirley Rosales was the first recipient of the Sophie Abeles Essay Award. Her winning 500-word essay is entitled “Learning.”
Beta Omicron Chapter was the second recipient of the Excellence in Campus Service- Chapter Award. This award is given to the chapter with numerous campus activities throughout the year.
Beta Omicron Chapter was the third recipient of the Brooks College Golden Key. This chapter award recognizes Beta Omicron as the outstanding chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma National Business Honor Society for the two-year colleges. It is for excellence in the following areas: excellence in community service, excellence in campus service, excellence in recruitment, and excellence in financial management. This is the twelfth year that Beta Omicron has received the prestigious award.

Fifty-eight students were formally inducted into the Beta Omicron Chapter on Wednesday. The ceremony included an introduction of the chapter’s new officers, a speech from Business Transfer student Lauren Donovan, and the presentation of the honor society’s sashes.

“You have the skills and the mindset that the world’s looking for,” NECC President Lane Glenn told the student initiates. “From tonight forward, all of us in this room are looking for you, the newest members of ABG, to find your way in this economy to contribute positively and powerfully in the organizations that you’re going to work for and organizations that you’re going to lead.”

Professor Donahue has served as the Beta Omicron Chapter advisor for 38 years.

“I just want to say one thing, and I want you to remember this, okay? Every one of you will be successful. Why? Because you know how to succeed,” said chapter advisor Professor Pam Donahue.

This year’s ceremony held special significance as it was the last Donahue. She established the NECC Chapter of ABG 38 years ago. After 51 years as a member of the NECC faculty, she is retiring at the end of the spring semester.

“Your guidance, commitment, and passion have left a lasting impact on hundreds of students during your tenure at NECC. Especially in your support of ABG students, as you approach retirement, the success of these students shows how deeply your contributions are appreciated,” said Dean of Business and Professional Studies Jody Carson as she and faculty members presented Donahue with an engraved NECC chair.

Alpha Beta Gamma is available for all Business Major students enrolled in a degree program: Accounting, Management, Business Transfer, and Hospitality Management, who have earned 12 college credits and have a 3.0 overall GPA. Learn more about Alpha Beta Gamma National Business Honor Society by visiting the webpage.

(Back row, left to right) Pedro Rentas, Aiden Pinet, Sean Gallagher, Jonathan Jenkins
(Front row, left to right) Houda Lamtizi, Professor Pam Donahue, Nicolas Leonard, Elibeth Rodriguez, Noah Ambrose

(Left to right) Angel Lopez Echeverria, Lauren Perez, Professor Pam Donahue, Yelis Almanzar, Dayana Ticallas Prado, Joseph Lopez, Natasha Perez, Argel Castillo

(Left to right) Aram Ozoonian, Kade Masselli, Elijah Contrino, Professor Pam Donahue, Nicolas Leonard, Sara Difiore

(Left to right) Lauren Donovan, Rory Ciarametaro, Kathryn Easton, Professor Pam Donahue, Vincente Chipir Men, Brian Story, Connor McCarthy, Conor FitzGerald, Benjamin Swanney

(Left to right) Andrew Naim, Gavin Duquette, Kyle Noble, Professor Pam Donahue, Ethan Anderson, Stone Cashin

2025 Officers (left to right): Connor McCarthy, Yelis Almanzar, Joseph Lopez, Professor Pam Donahue, President Lane Glenn, Aram Ozoonian, Natasha Perez, Sara Difiore, Elijah Contrino

2025 Student Commencement Speaker Found NECC on his Journey Back to Health

April 28, 2025/in Students/by mbouse

College wasn’t always part of the plan for Michael McDougal of Haverhill. Despite being smart and naturally curious, the rigors of high school didn’t suit his learning style. At 16 years old, he dropped out, opting instead to get his GED and get to work.

McDougal held a series of hourly jobs and eventually worked up to an IT position at a bank. He enjoyed the challenge of his role and had made peace with the fact that he didn’t have a degree.

“I feel like I was sort of on autopilot,” he remembers. “I was happy enough, and college never really felt like it was an option just because of how expensive it would be and, you know, I was doing well enough.”

But one day in 2019, everything changed.

“I just woke up in the hospital, I had no memory of how I got there.”

Mike McDougal is this year’s Student Commencement Speaker

Eventually, McDougal pieced together the events. He had passed out somehow and hit his head on the concrete, causing a skull fracture and brain bleed.

“I came very close to not making it.”

Despite the severity of his accident, McDougal physically recovered quickly. His cognitive recovery, however, was clearly going to take a lot longer.

“I felt a huge difference in how my brain was working. I had pretty constant headaches, and in a cognitively demanding job, I realized I couldn’t keep doing things the way I had been doing them.”

McDougal was relying on ibuprofen to curb the pain, and even still, often couldn’t work a full day. So he decided to try to manage the pain through activities he enjoyed before his injury — namely hiking and running — and found his brain felt better when he was pushing himself physically.

“It sounds cliché, but after the accident, it caused me to re-evaluate my life and think about all the things I wanted to accomplish. You think ‘I’ll get to that someday’ but then you realize how close you were to not having that opportunity, and it’s like ‘ok, I can’t put this off.’”

For McDougal, that meant accomplishing a huge life goal: hiking the Appalachian Trail. With his wife’s blessing, in 2022, he set out from Georgia with the goal of making the 2200-mile trek to Maine. His wife would send supply packages to checkpoints along the trail, and in the first package, she included a note asking how much Advil he’d taken, so she could ensure she was including enough in the following boxes. That was the first time he realized he hadn’t taken any in his first two weeks.

“…Not even for my knees, let alone my headaches! My head hadn’t hurt at all out there. And I realized through doing the trail, that my brain just didn’t respond to stress in the way that it used to.”

After six months, McDougal completed the trail. And with the momentum of a major accomplishment at his back, he realized he could make other changes in his life.

“One of the first headlines I saw when I got back was about MassReconnect. And I thought, ‘this seems like perfect timing.’”

MassReconnect was launched in 2023, making community college free for Massachusetts adults 25+ who do not already have an associate degree. McDougal learned about the program just in time to attend an Explore NECC Open House. There, he met Michael Penta, assistant professor of computer and information sciences, who explained the degree opportunities and transfer pathways.

“I just got a great vibe from everyone I talked to, and it just felt like a really good fit. I didn’t hesitate to enroll.”

McDougal quickly found his groove as a CIS: Computer Science major. He says he enjoyed the interactive, hands-on learning opportunities, as well as sharing his industry knowledge and life experiences with his classmates.

“I’ve felt really privileged to be able to answer questions that they might have about some of the things that I had experienced,” he says.

Being a mentor comes naturally to McDougal. Outside the classroom, he leads astronomy programming for local families, including a stargazing event at Tattersall Farm in Haverhill. He is also a member of the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club and has volunteered at their public star parties, further extending his commitment to community science education. In addition, he volunteers with MakeIT Haverhill, a nonprofit in the Mt. Washington neighborhood focused on digital equity. There, he serves as a Digital Literacy and Equity Assistant, helping adult learners—many of them recent immigrants—gain foundational computer skills.

McDougal’s dedication to his classes and his giving spirit, along with his story and near-perfect GPA inspired Penta and fellow professor Kristin Sparrow to nominate McDougal to be the 2025 featured student speaker for the 63rd annual commencement exercises at NECC.

“The thing that impressed me the most about Mike was his kindness to others in the classroom,” wrote Sparrow in her nomination letter. “I would often witness Mike working with other students to answer their questions or explain how he approached a programming problem. If I needed him to help me figure out an issue with some software, he was happy to oblige even on his own time. Mike’s kindness and patience were always evident in the classroom.”

Penta agreed, adding: “Mike represents the very best of what community colleges offer: a second chance, a proving ground, and a launchpad. His story is exceptional and inspirational, but at its core, it is the story of so many of our students—arriving here through winding paths and difficult beginnings. Mike’s success is a testament to perseverance.”

McDougal will share his story with graduates at the ceremony on May 17. He is planning another astronomy event at Tattersall Farm this summer, and in the fall, he will transfer to UMass Lowell to pursue his bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Learn more about commencement at NECC by visiting the webpage.

Alumni Q&A: Meet Katie Cook

April 24, 2025/in Alumni/by scomiskey

NECC alumna Katie Cook

Occupation: President and CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce

What initially inspired you to attend NECC? Where were you on your professional/personal journey prior to enrolling?

Right after high school, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to study or where my path would take me. Choosing NECC was a smart and practical decision. It gave me the space to explore my interests without the pressure of committing to a four-year school right away. I knew I wanted to keep moving forward, and NECC offered an affordable, local option with a supportive environment that made it easier to find my footing and start shaping my future.

In what ways has NECC helped you on your educational and professional path?

NECC was the foundation for everything that came next in my career. It helped me build confidence, develop a strong work ethic, and figure out what I was passionate about. The small class sizes and supportive faculty created an environment where I felt seen and encouraged. It was also where I first started to understand the value of community and connection, something that has played a huge role in my professional life and has brought me back to Haverhill for work.

I’d love to hear more about your career journey. What led to your current position?

After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I took a traveling sales role in telecom covering most of the Midwest. When I was ready to slow the traveling down, I joined a local health care startup and spent 15 years in administration, HR, and sales. That experience eventually led me to public service as chief for the State Auditor in Boston. Today, I’ve come full circle as the CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Beyond my professional work, I spend much of my personal time volunteering on some Merrimack Valley nonprofit boards, something I’m deeply passionate about. These organizations have helped to grow my personal network to what it is today.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

There is no such thing as a typical day in the Chamber of Commerce World! My day often starts by checking emails and social media messages, responding to member inquiries, confirming meetings, and promoting upcoming events. Some days I meet with local business owners, city officials, or nonprofit leaders to discuss partnerships, member concerns, or community programming.

I coordinate with staff on marketing plans, sponsorship outreach, and event logistics, reviewing promotional materials, approving E-Blasts, or working on our weekly newsletter.

I might be involved in site visits to member businesses, ribbon cuttings, or sitting in on planning sessions for event initiatives. I spend some time reviewing budgets, membership data, and survey feedback to make decisions about future Chamber offerings and events.

I am always actively representing the Chamber, whether through networking, public speaking, or simply showing up to support members and community events. No two days are exactly alike, but they all revolve around building relationships, promoting local businesses, and strengthening the Greater Haverhill area.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The people!! I love being able to help all of the area businesspeople grow!

Beyond my role at the Greater Haverhill Chamber, I’m deeply committed to community connection and personal growth. I write a monthly column called The Heart of the Valley for the Valley Patriot, where I spotlight local nonprofits and help raise awareness for the incredible work happening across the Merrimack Valley. I’m also a certified chair yoga instructor, something that grounds me and reminds me of the importance of balance and intentional leadership. Originally from North Andover, I now live in Salem, NH with my husband and our two grown children. Whether I’m spending summer days at Salisbury Beach or planning our next Chamber initiative, I’m always looking for ways to bring people together and make a meaningful impact.

Each month, the NECC Alumni Office shares interviews with our accomplished graduate population through its alumni newsletter. If you have a story to share and would like to be considered for a future edition, please fill in an Alumni Update Form or email alumni@necc.mass.edu.