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The Brewer Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement recognized 137 students for their volunteerism in the 2025-2026 academic year during their annual Civic and Service-Learning Celebration on May 13. Volunteers included 21 students who contributed over 300 hours each, 23 who contributed over 200 hours each, and 32 who contributed over 100 hours. Through volunteerism and service learning, the Class of 2026 contributed 22,300 hours of meaningful service to the community during their time at MWCC.
“I want to recognize and thank Senator Stephen Brewer for his commitment to the college, the importance and value that we place on civic engagement and volunteerism here at the Mount is a direct result of his work,” stated President James Vander Hooven in his opening remarks. “I am in tremendous awe of the students we are honoring today. Everyone in this room lives complicated lives – whether you work full time, care for children or loved ones, or have a long commute to complete your education – you have also made it a priority to serve others. You are going above and beyond in ways that you don’t have to. I am in tremendous awe of you, and I thank you for the role models you are for me, and for our community.”
“Today is about recognizing those efforts and celebrating the people behind them,” stated Brewer Center Director David Thibault-Munoz. “Service learning is one of the most meaningful ways our students connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the needs of the broader community. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this work possible and to all of you for being here to celebrate alongside us.”
The Community Partner of the Year was awarded to Pathways for Change for the significant impact their work has on the community.
“At the heart of every strong community are partnerships rooted in trust, compassion, and action. Pathways for Change embodies all three. Their work supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence is not just a service; it is a lifeline. They meet individuals in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives and offer not only resources, but dignity, safety, and hope.
But what makes this partnership so meaningful is not just what they do, but how they do it. They show up…consistently, intentionally, and with deep care,” stated Katt Bosworth, Assistant Coordinator of Civic Engagement. “Partner of the Year is not just about collaboration, it’s about impact. And Pathways for Change has made a profound impact not only on our campus, but across the entire community. Their devotion reminds us that change doesn’t happen by chance, it happens because people commit themselves, day in and day out, to making a difference.”
Additional awards presented during the ceremony were:
- Service Learning Awards: Cameron Laughlin of Gardner and Aaliyah Deltoro of Fitchburg
- Hillary Bartlett Award: Danielle Cormier of Gardner
- Newman Civic Fellowship Nominee: Samuel Nieves of Fitchburg
- Sharyn Rice Award for Community Leadership: Betty-Jo Caisse of Baldwinville
- Club of the Year: Hiking Club
Students recognized for their service and leadership were:
- Department of Higher Education Interns: Iris Albino of Leominster, Leo Garay of Leominster, Taylor O’Dell of Fitchburg, Spenzer Sanon of Leominster, and Ana Uphold of Townsend
- SLiCE (Student Leaders in Civic Engagement): Justina Johnson of Gardner, Samuel Nieves of Fitchburg, Wren Stoddard of Rutland, and Spencer Peterson of Ashburnham
- RISE Team Launch Recognition: Sprouting Joy
About the Brewer Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement
The Brewer Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement at Mount Wachusett Community College empowers students to become active, informed, and engaged members of their communities. Through service-learning, volunteerism, civic education, leadership development, and community partnerships, the Center connects classroom learning with real-world experiences that promote social responsibility and positive community impact across North Central Massachusetts.