Roxbury Community College celebrates 50th commencement

Roxbury Community College held its 50th commencement ceremony in 2026, graduating its largest class in recent history—300 students—at the Reggie Lewis Track Center. The event marked a turning point for the predominantly Black college, which had faced sharp enrollment drops and leadership struggles in recent years. Family members cheered as graduates walked in black gowns adorned with colorful stoles, reflecting the school’s renewed vitality under President Jonathan Jefferson. Nearly three-quarters of the graduating class earned honors, and over 70% plan to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce immediately. Jefferson emphasized the college’s role as a ‘highway for economic mobility,’ citing programs like RCC Connect—a centralized student services hub—and the Roxbury Box food pantry, which helps students overcome financial barriers. ‘These are not just programs; they are part of your struggle,’ Jefferson said, underscoring the institution’s commitment to student success. Christelle Jean Louis, 27, a first-generation Haitian-American student, graduated with degrees in biological science and laboratory animal care. She credited tutoring, advising, and campus resources for helping her achieve her goal of transferring to Simmons University to pursue a nursing degree. ‘It’s a dream come true,’ she said, noting she had previously doubted she’d ever attend college. Hanuel Corbitt Jr., 20, balanced athletics and academics as a health careers major and college basketball team member. He maintained a 4.0 GPA by prioritizing studies over workouts, calling the discipline ‘strenuous but worth it.’ The college, founded in the 1970s after community activism, was recognized as a predominantly Black institution by the U.S. Department of Education in 2021. Jefferson’s leadership appears to be restoring the school’s mission of supporting students through academic and personal challenges.