The year 2025 was filled with stories of success, innovation, and collaboration across Northern Essex Community College’s campuses. Here are this year’s most-read newsroom stories!

Student Success

Students bring a rich diversity of experiences and goals when they come to Northern Essex, but one common thread is how utilizing the college’s many support programs can lead to success well beyond what they initially thought possible.

From NECC to the Ivy League
Q&A with Liberal Arts and Humanities Major Emma Ruggiero
Hard Work Earns Volleyball Captain All-Region Honors

Time to Celebrate

NECC’s campuses came alive throughout the year as students, faculty, and staff joined together to honor important milestones. In 2025, they also got a fun and welcome surprise when Commencement Featured Speaker Bob Pozen announced that each student who crossed the stage that day would receive an envelope with $200!

Northern Essex Celebrates Class of 2025
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
Students Inducted into Alpha Beta Gamma National Business Honor Society

Leading in Innovation

Faculty and staff continued the strong spirit of academic innovation that is an integral part of NECC, leading initiatives that impact learning far beyond the Merrimack Valley. Through efforts such as expanding Open Educational Resources and Competency-Based Education, NECC is removing barriers and increasing access to higher education.

Eighteen NECC Professors Transform Courses with AI and Open Educational Resources
Two Additional Programs Offered in Innovative CBE Model
Grant Award to Create First-of-its-Kind Classroom Support Specialist Program 

Strengthening Community

Partnerships and community connections are essential for NECC programs and students alike to thrive. Learning moves beyond the classroom, strengthening both students and the communities they serve, bringing the college’s mission full circle.

Students Recognized for Success in Re-Entry Program
Internship Leads to Job Created for NECC Student
Merrimack College & NECC Sign Joint Admissions and Transfer Partnership Agreement
NECC and The Institute of Dominicans Living Abroad Expand Historic Agreement
Training the Trainers: NECC Police Academy Instructors Equipped with “Gold Standard” Response Curriculum

Do you have an idea for a great story for 2026? Want to share your accomplishments or those of your peers? Contact Melissa Bouse, executive director of marketing and public relations at mbouse@necc.mass.edu. Thank you to all who have shared your stories and made 2025 one to remember!