Mount Wachusett Community College Celebrates Graduates of Gateway to College and Pathways Early College Programs

GARDNER, MA - May 28, 2026 - Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) celebrated the accomplishments of students graduating from its Gateway to College and Pathways Early College programs during a special ceremony held Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Gardner campus.

The ceremony recognized students who completed high school requirements while simultaneously earning college credits through innovative Early College opportunities designed to support academic achievement and expand access to higher education.

This year marks 20 years of Gateway to College programming at MWCC. Established in 2006 following a generous three-year startup grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gateway to College at MWCC was the first program of its kind in Massachusetts.

Gateway to College serves students seeking to enter post-secondary education while earning a high school diploma and college credits, regardless of previous academic success. Since its founding, 646 students have graduated from the program.

This year's Gateway to College graduating class includes 29 students, nine of whom also graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College earlier this week with associate degrees and/or certificates. Graduates will continue their education at institutions including Fitchburg State University, UMass Boston, trade schools, and Mount Wachusett Community College. Several students will also enter the military and workforce.

Gateway to College Valedictorian Gianna Koula of Hubbardston was recognized for her outstanding academic achievement. Koula, who transitioned into the Gateway program during the spring 2025 semester, earned placement on both the President's List and Dean's List during her time at MWCC. Koula plans to continue her education at MWCC with the goal of earning a degree in History and Political Science.

Student speaker Iveliz Rodriguez-Jimenez also addressed graduates and guests during the ceremony. Rodriguez-Jimenez balanced Early College while working and volunteer work including with the Salvation Army, where she was honored with the Exceptional Youth Volunteer Award. On campus, Rodriguez-Jimenez supported the food pantry through deliveries at the Leominster campus and volunteered in the café. She plans to continue her college journey and build a future centered around helping others and creating new opportunities for herself and her community.

Pathways Early College Experience is also celebrating a milestone year as the program completes its 15th year. Established in fall 2010 through a collaboration between Mount Wachusett Community College and the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, the program has partnered with Gardner Public Schools since 2019.

The Pathways program provides high school students with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously during their junior and senior years. To date, 232 students have graduated from Pathways, including 21 students from the Class of 2026.

This year, 27 students participating in the Early College programs earned associate degrees, including five students from Gardner High School, while an additional three students earned certificates from MWCC.

Graduates from this year's Pathways cohort will continue their education at institutions including Colby College, UMass Dartmouth, Bridgewater State University, Lasell University, Fitchburg State University, Westfield State University, Simmons University, and many other colleges and universities.

Pathways Valedictorians Brielle “Brie” Voorheis, Joslynn Vautour, and Sophie Harrold were recognized for their exceptional academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

Voorheis is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Commonwealth Honors Program and served as scribe for the Honors Program. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout her time in college, she earned the President's Key Award and the Interdisciplinary Studies Excellence Award. In addition to her academics, she balanced a part-time position at Monty's Cubs Child Watch. Voorheis plans to attend Fitchburg State University to study Early Childhood Education.

Vautour, a resident of Winchendon, graduated with a 4.0 GPA and Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She served as Phi Theta Kappa President and Scribe for the Greater Gardner for Good Club. She was named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa All-State Academic Team. Vautour will pursue her bachelor's degree in psychology at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, on a full academic scholarship.

Harrold began her education in the Italian public school system before transitioning to homeschooling and later joining the Pathways program. She maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout all four semesters at MWCC. Harrold is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Commonwealth Honors Program. She plans to attend Bridgewater State University in the fall to study English and education.

"Gateway to College and Pathways Early College have created transformative educational opportunities for students across North Central Massachusetts," said MWCC Dean of K-12 Partnerships said. "These programs empower students to achieve their goals, build confidence, and pursue futures that once may have seemed out of reach. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished."

Family members, faculty, staff, school partners, and community supporters gathered to celebrate the graduates' perseverance, growth, and achievements.

Winchendon Members of the Gateway to College Class of 2026 are:

Logan Matthew Gemme
Cristallyan Mangual-Marcano

The Pathways Early College Class of 2026, all of whom earned an Associate Degree in addition to their high school diploma includes the following Winchendon students:

Mason K. Decker
Connor Hill Tribou
Joslynn E. Vautour
Arianna May Voorheis
Brielle Anne Voorheis

MWCC's Early College programs are part of the college's continued commitment to providing accessible educational pathways and preparing students for future academic and career success.

For more information about Gateway to College, Pathways Early College, and other Early College opportunities at Mount Wachusett Community College, visit mwcc.edu.

Mount Wachusett Community College Celebrates Graduating Graphic and Interactive Design Students with Portfolio Showcase

GARDNER, MA - May 14, 2026 - The Graphic and Interactive Design program at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) held its annual showcase of work by students in the Portfolio Preparation and Production capstone course for the associate degree program.

The showcase serves as a platform for students to exhibit the artistic and technical skills honed throughout their academic journey. From digital illustrations to advertising and marketing designs, each portfolio reflects the diverse talents and unique perspectives of the emerging designers.

"The showcase is always a highlight of the academic year, celebrating the students' work with their friends, family, and the community," said Leslie Cullen, Chair of the Graphic and Interactive Design Department at MWCC. "This showcase celebrates the students' achievements and also highlights the transformative power of creative education in shaping future industry leaders."

The portfolios on display demonstrate a wide array of projects, including branding and identity campaigns, marketing collateral, digital imaging and illustration, and publication design. Students who presented work at this year's event were Kayla Bowes of Auburn, Abbe Camilli of Westminster, Crystal Carden of Fitchburg, Tyler Comeau of Gardner, Rachel Faias of Gardner, Stefanie Merritt of Marlborough, Jae Mucci of Winchendon, and Lowell Shorey of Shirley.

The Graphic and Interactive Design Gallery is in the Haley Academic Center. Works will be on display throughout the summer. To learn more about the MWCC Graphic and Interactive Design degree program, visit mwcc.edu/gid.

Mount Wachusett Community College to Host Community Health and Wellness Fair

Event is part of the work of Newman Civic Fellow for 2025-2026, Sarah "Wren" Stoddard

GARDNER, MA - May 26, 2026 - Mount Wachusett Community College student Wren Stoddard will host a Community Health and Wellness Fair on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the South Café of the Gardner campus as part of their work as a 2025-2026 Newman Civic Fellow.

The event is designed to connect community members with healthcare resources, wellness organizations, and nursing students in an interactive and supportive environment focused on improving community health and expanding access to care.

"As a nursing student, health and wellness are always at the front of my mind," said Stoddard. "I wanted my Newman Project to reflect my studies and future goals, so hosting a Health and Wellness Fair was the obvious choice."

A key feature of the fair will be a student-led vitals screening station organized in partnership with the Student Nurses Association. Nursing student volunteers will create a mock clinical "office" environment where community members can receive basic health screenings, including temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart and lung sound checks.

The initiative will allow nursing students to strengthen essential clinical and interpersonal skills while building meaningful connections with members of the community they may one day serve professionally.

"By volunteering, community members will have the chance to meet their future healthcare workers as well as be a part of their educational journey," Stoddard said.

The Health and Wellness Fair will also feature a Walgreens Pharmacy vaccine clinic offering walk-in vaccinations for COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, and other immunizations. In addition, community organizations, fitness programs, clinics, and specialty medical facilities will provide educational resources, demonstrations, and information about local wellness services and programs.

Stoddard, a nursing student at MWCC, was named the 2025-2026 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education. The fellowship recognizes student leaders committed to creating positive social change through civic engagement, leadership, and service.

"I am passionate about helping underserved communities," said Stoddard. "I always start by finding and reaching out to those who can assist me in making change. I gather like-minded peers together to develop exactly what we want achieved, what steps we need to take to achieve it, and reach out to those in power who can help us achieve our goals."

As part of the Newman Civic Fellowship, fellows participate in leadership development opportunities, mentorship, networking, and civic learning experiences throughout the year. The program also provides opportunities for fellows to apply for mini-grants supporting social impact projects and connect with a nationwide network of engaged student leaders.

"Wren's dedication to community advocacy and health equity reflects the mission of the Newman Civic Fellowship and the values of Mount Wachusett Community College," said James Vander Hooven, President of MWCC. "This event will provide meaningful learning opportunities for our nursing students while offering valuable health resources to the community."

Stoddard plans to continue their advocacy work through a career in nursing focused on health equity and supporting underserved communities.

The Community Health and Wellness Fair is on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the South Café of the Gardner campus and is open to the public. Email sstoddard1@mwcc.mass.edu with questions.