Event honors nearly 300 Class of 2026 certificate and associate degree grads
Nashua Community College celebrated the graduation of 298 students, with 210 joining in person for NCC’s largest in-person ceremony in 10 years.
This is the first graduation presided over by NCC’s president, Dr. James M. Keane, who joined the college in summer 2025. In President Keane’s address, he urged students to have courage as they move on to the next step in their lives.
“Going forward in your journey, I wish you courage. Courage to continue to reach for your goals, your dreams, and to pull those behind you forward.”
Student Speaker Anthony Corbin earned his associate degree in Computer Science, and is heading to UMASS Lowell to study Software Development with the aspiration of becoming a healthcare-focused software engineer.
“My journey to this moment wasn’t a straight line,” said Anthony. “I know I’m not the only one who took a long, complicated road to come here.”
At 19 years old, Anthony moved alone from Jamaica to Nashua on Christmas Day in 2020. He joined the Army Reserves, completed training, and came back to Nashua where he enrolled in college. “NCC became one of the biggest turning points in my life.”
He thanked former Computer Science faculty Best Gamrat for encouraging him along the way, as well as Professor Ann Healy and Student Engagement Coordinator Alex Wunderlich.
He joined the Peer Mentor team on campus to help his fellow students. “Being part of that team taught me something I didn’t expect to find so quickly: a sense of community,” said Anthony. “NCC gave us connections, real connection. Professors who cared, classmates who showed up, and a campus where our differences didn’t divide us. They made us feel like we belonged.”
Class of 2017 NCC graduate Kyle Moschen served as Commencement Speaker. Since leaving NCC, Kyle has earned his bachelor’s and launched a PR career in Seattle. He shared his story about trying to begin at a four-year college, but facing health challenges that kept him closer to home. Instead, he started his college journey at NCC.
“NCC was my first ‘grown up’ community. It taught me the value of fostering my legacy with other people, while balancing the art of making new friends, and throwing out any fear of rejection. It re-enforced the value of having trusted mentors that are experts at what they do and care about passing that expertise down.”
Graduates should be proud not only of their academic accomplishments, but of building their first professional community through NCC, he said, “A network of friends, mentors, colleagues and maybe even family that you can come back to throughout your career.”
Commencement Awards: At Commencement, graduates were recognized with a series of awards for leadership and academic achievement.
- Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society President, Wendy Dech, earned the Student Leadership Award
- Peer Mentor and Student Senate Treasurer Olga Castillo received the Student Engagement Award
- Irma Palacios, an intern for the NH Humanities Collaborative intern, earned the Student Service Award
- For earning a 4.0 GPA, Tyler Barton and Michelle Podsiedlik received the Academic Achievement Awards
Members of the college staff and faculty were also recognized for their contributions to campus.
- Stephanie Roper received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for full-time faculty
- Professor Chance Joyner received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching
- Enrollment Services Specialist Mike Shipka received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service by a Staff Member
And from the community, Mike LaChance, Executive Director of the YMCA, received the Presidential Community Service Award. Professor Lisa Furman, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, presented the award.
“Mike LaChance’s career is a remarkable testament to leadership rooted in service, purpose, and an enduring belief in the power of community. What began as a college assignment and a summer job as a camp counselor, grew into a 40-year career in the YMCA movement, including more than three decades of impactful leadership here in New Hampshire,” said Professor Furman.
Lastly, Professor Kim Eckenrode presented CCSNH Chancellor Mark Rubinstein with a token of appreciation as he has announced his retirement after 5 years in his role and 40 years in education.
Hundreds of family and friends turned out to celebrate; including delegates from the State, City of Nashua, Community College System of NH administration and Board of Trustees, and NCC Advisory Board. To open the event, Mayor Jim Donchess greeted attendees on behalf of the City of Nashua.
Geoffrey Kennedy spoke on behalf of the CCSNH Board of Trustees, “You inspire us with your hard work, your ambition, and your achievements. You leave here poised to make a difference not just in your own lives, but to your community and your state, and for that we are grateful and proud.”
Dr. Barry Garside, Vice President of Student and Community Affairs served as emcee. Class of 2026 graduate Vanessa Carlson sang the National Anthem, and NCC Student Senate President Kai Letendre led the ceremonial changing of the tassel from the right to the left side of the mortarboard.