NSCC celebrates Class of 2026 grads

North Shore Community College (NSCC) hosted its 60th Commencement Ceremony outdoors on its Lynn campus, marking the first time the event was held outside. The ceremony honored over 450 graduates, including 300 first-generation college students, and saw a 10% increase in degree conferrals compared to last year. The event was split into two sessions: the morning ceremony recognized graduates from Liberal Studies, STEM, and Business programs, while the afternoon session honored those from Health Professions, Human Services, and Emergency Response. Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, former Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools and Massachusetts Secretary of Education, delivered the Commencement Address. He urged graduates to embody 'love and outrage,' emphasizing the need for compassion and a refusal to accept inequity. 'The community needs both: your love, your belief in people, and your outrage, your insistence that things can improve,' Tutwiler said. Notable attendees included Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Interim Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Molly Cohen, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Chair Chris Gabrieli, and Commissioner Noe Ortega. NSCC President Dr. William Heineman opened the morning session, followed by student speaker Andres Cuellar Herrera, who shared his journey from Colombia to the U.S. and his gratitude for the college’s support. Herrera, who earned a degree in Liberal Arts, Dual Language Pathway, will continue his education at Northeastern University. The afternoon ceremony featured Sayuri Mojica, an Elementary Education graduate, who reflected on NSCC’s role in helping her find herself during pivotal years. She will pursue further studies at Bridgewater State University. Tom Sands, Market President-North Shore and NHC Board of Trustees, delivered a speech emphasizing self-belief, stating, 'Betting on yourself is what got you here, and that’s what’s going to get you into the future.' Degrees were authorized by Board Chair Maria Vegas Arias and presented by NSCC Provost Dr. Christian Bedbar. The event concluded with graduates turning their tassels amid applause, symbolizing their academic achievements.