Event honors nearly 300 Class of 2025 certificate and associate degree grads
Nashua Community College celebrated the graduation of 297 students this Friday, with 173 joining the ceremony in person.
Student Speaker Rebecca Sanchez said every grad has a story, “For me, I found myself spinning my wheels working 3 jobs and needed to make a better life for my family. Nashua Community College is exactly the supportive community I needed. I knew I was in the right place the moment I walked in. The admissions team, advisors, and professors who support me academically may have started out as faculty and staff, but have become my friends and mentors.”
Sanchez earned her General Studies Associate Degree and Small Business Management Certificate, and served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society – all while raising two middle school boys. “Today is the proof that we are all capable of accomplishing the goals that lay ahead of us. My heart is invested in this beautiful community. I plan to use my education to be a positive influence by advocating and empowering those around me and I hope you will too.”
This is the first graduation in decades that hasn’t been presided over by President Lucille Jordan, who passed in December 2024. In his address, Interim President Alfred Williams spoke to her legacy, “President Jordan led this college for over 27 years, and her impact on this institution — and on each of you — is immeasurable.”
He recalled lessons learned from Jordan: Be passionate with what you do, stand up for what you believe in, and celebrate success. “By walking across this stage, you have proven your abilities. Give yourself credit. College degrees are not just handed out they are obtained with hard work and diligence. Lucille would be incredibly proud of you — and so am I. Your families, your friends, and your community are proud of you too.”
Commencement Speaker Governor Kelly Ayotte worked with President Jordan over the years, and spoke about her impact on NCC, “She was an extraordinary woman and leader. She was someone who made a difference.”
While Governor Ayotte has joined NCC’s graduation during her time as a U.S. Senator in 2012, this is her first time speaking at commencement as governor. “I know the days like this don’t just happen, you’ve worked hard, you’ve sacrificed, and you can take great pride in receiving a degree from a great community college.”
Governor Ayotte said finding your way after graduation may take time, “Your plan may not end up being a straight path, there are always surprises. The things that we think are detours, may bring us to our true calling.”
She offered a first step to graduates: Don’t leave New Hampshire. “I left the state to go to school, but the best decision I made was to come back here. Make New Hampshire your home, continue to grow your roots here. You are the future of our state.”
Vice Chancellor Chuck Lloyd shared a message to graduates on behalf of the CCSNH Board of Trustees, “You inspire us with your hard work, your ambition, and your achievements. You leave her poised to make a difference, not just to your own lives; but to your community and your state.”
At Commencement, the President’s Award for Academic Excellence went to Cora Shaklee, a mathematics associate degree graduate, who earned a GPA of 4.0.
In memory of President Jordan, a new award – the Lucille Jordan Community Partner Award – was presented for the first time this year to Mary Peters, Director of External Relations, at MY TURN, Inc.
Lucy Jenkins, Assistant to the President, presented the award, “Mary has built a strong and meaningful partnership with NCC, helping students, many facing significant life challenges, access higher education and regain a sense of purpose and stability. Her impact is felt not only in the Greater Nashua Community but throughout New Hampshire.”
The Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence was presented Professor Elizabeth Berry, head of the Multicultural Engagement Department and ESOL at NCC.
Aviation Technology graduate and veteran Jack Merker led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Rebecca Sanchez sang the National Anthem.
See more about NCC’s 54th Commencement Ceremony: View the graduation recording on YouTube, and visit the event photo album on Flickr.
About Nashua Community College
Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of Greater Nashua by delivering a high quality two-year, post-secondary education. The college partners closely with area industries and community organizations that provide students with a unique perspective in their fields of study, allowing for a real-world experience to further their academic journey. Students can choose from a variety of associate degree, certificate, and career training programs. Nashua Community College is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. The seven community colleges in the system are committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a robust workforce across all sectors. Learn more at nashuacc.edu.
