Mount Wachusett Community College Confers 424 Degrees and 310 Certificates to 662 Students at 60th Commencement Ceremony

GARDNER, MA - May 14, 2025 - Mount Wachusett Community College celebrated the academic achievements of its graduates during the college's 60th Commencement on May 14, 2025. A total of 662 students graduated, with 424 associate degrees and 310 certificates being conferred.

MWCC President James Vander Hooven welcomed graduates and guests, "To Commence means to begin, to move forward. While your educational journey at the Mount may be coming to an end, this is really just a beginning. But this beginning comes with responsibility. The responsibility to use what you have gained for the betterment of your communities and families. On behalf of the entire College, congratulations on commencing today!"

The student speaker was Holden resident Lia Gomez, who began her college degree at the age of 46 after raising her three children. Gomez benefited from the federally funded TRIO Program, graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and her Associate Degree in Human Services.

"One of the greatest lessons I've learned here at the Mount is that education is not just about passing exams or receiving a diploma--it's about building connections, embracing curiosity, and staying open to learning well beyond the classroom," Gomez told her fellow students. "For me, Mount Wachusett has been more than just a college – it's been a place to discover who I am and who I want to be. It's given me the confidence to stand here today and say that I'm proud of my journey. It has allowed me to show my sons that their mother is more than a high school dropout, and that you can achieve anything you set your mind to."

The MWCC Alumni of the Year award was presented to Dr. Ricardo Scarello of the Class of 2007. A senior software developer and subject matter expert for government services at a technology and consulting firm, Scarello credits the support and encouragement he received at MWCC with his successful completion of his advanced degrees and career success.

The Service Above Self Award was presented to Class of 2025 member Sara Leopaldi. The Service Above Self Award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond to make significant contributions to MWCC and surrounding communities. Leopaldi's tireless support of parenting students at MWCC and commitment to the Child Watch program helped foster a supportive environment for students navigating the challenges of balancing education and parenthood.

The ceremony also included the presentation of a posthumous degree. "On April first of this year, Mount Wachusett Community College and the Class of 2025 experienced a profound loss when student, Jon Moss, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 25. Jon was looking forward to celebrating with all of us tonight and his loss is a reminder of how fragile life can be." The following Winchendon students participated in commencement:

SNHU Announces Spring 2025 President's List

MANCHESTER, NH (05/13/2025)-- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following Winchendon students on being named to the Spring 2025 President's List. The spring terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Brandon MacKenzie
Michael Lucas
Alexis Thiers
Jeff Aho