‘I never wanted to leave’: Anna Maria College celebrates final commencement before closing its doors

Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, held its final commencement ceremony on May 18, 2026, as the institution prepares to close its doors after 80 years. The event was attended by graduates like Amari McKinnon, who chose the college for its Division III football program and sport management major, and Adrianna Fraioli, a 24-year-old Worcester native who earned a master’s in criminal justice. The college, founded in 1946 by the Sisters of Saint Anne—a Marlborough-based order with French Canadian roots—has long prioritized accessibility, particularly for first-generation and low-income students. The ceremony was bittersweet, with graduates and families reflecting on the college’s role in their lives. Fraioli described Anna Maria as ‘a big family,’ emphasizing its close-knit community and supportive professors, while McKinnon’s father, Shannon, acknowledged the emotional weight of the closure. Longtime alumna Roberta O’Brien, who graduated in 1957, and her friend Maureen Coghlin, 90, attended the event, recalling the college’s early days under the guidance of nuns who monitored hallways at night. Anna Maria’s mission to provide education to those without advantages was highlighted by President Sean Ryan, who noted the college’s founder, Esther Blondin, had learned to read and write at age 22. Ryan emphasized the Sisters’ commitment to inclusivity, stating they ‘opened their doors very wide’ for students who might otherwise be excluded. The college’s programs, including nursing, social work, criminal justice, and fire science, have historically prepared graduates for careers in public service, particularly in law enforcement. The closure follows a trend of private colleges facing financial strain and declining enrollment. Fraioli’s local Catholic high school also shut down due to funding issues, underscoring the broader challenges in maintaining institutions that serve underserved communities. Despite the emotional farewell, graduates expressed gratitude for the opportunities Anna Maria provided, with many viewing it as a second home. As the final class of 2026 graduates, the ceremony marked the end of an era for the college, which has played a unique role in central Massachusetts education for decades.