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Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) held its annual Evening of Excellence award ceremony on Thursday, May 8th at the Theatre at the Mount.
The Evening of Excellence recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and scholarly accomplishment throughout the academic year. Students were honored with both academic awards and scholarships, made possible by the MWCC Foundation and its generous donors.
“We are here to recognize the passion, perseverance, leadership and intellectual curiosity that has driven each one of you to this moment. We are not just honoring achievements, we are celebrating the journey, the sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement that has brought each of us here tonight,” stated Dean of Students Jason Zelesky, opening the event. “In every corner of our community we find individuals who have embraced challenges, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger and wiser. Tonight, we honor those who have excelled not just in their studies but in their commitment to making a difference, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of our world, our communities, our neighborhoods, and our families.”
“The greatest honors that can be bestowed on us are the honors that we don’t ask for. The honors that come when we are dedicated enough, steadfast enough, and tenacious enough to achieve our goals, and those efforts are recognized and an honor is bestowed on us,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven told students. “You have each shown the tenacity to overcome the obstacles placed before you. You have built relationships, you have leaned on the support of your friends and family, and you have demonstrated the ability to ask for help when you needed it. Your tenacity has brought you here, and tonight we honor you.”
Awards are presented across various academic disciplines, showcasing their commitment to learning and their contributions to the MWCC community. The most prestigious award, the President’s Key, which recognizes students who have achieved a 4.0 grade point average throughout their time at MWCC, was awarded to four students Lia Gomez, Kaelen Linke, Susan S. Luo, and Olivia Wentworth.
MWCC also honored was retiring nursing faculty member Dr. Judith Fredette. Fredette was awarded Emeritus status for her outstanding contributions and service to Mount Wachusett Community College and specifically to the nursing program she served for over 21 years.
The full list of awards and their recipients is available at mwcc.edu/celebrate.