New endowed fund dedicated in celebration of milestone anniversary
Overseeing significant academic development, facility improvements, and institution name changes; Lucille Jordan has spent the last 25 years turning what was a technical institution into a modern community college.
“President Jordan took 25 years of visionary leadership for NCC, and has not simply expanded the footprint of the building, but expanded the reach of the members of this community to achieve great things,” said Mark Rubinstein, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire.
Under President Jordan’s leadership, the campus housed new student programs and amenities, including the Walter R. Peterson Library, Wellness Center, Judd Gregg Hall and Gregg Auditorium. Jordan also led expansion projects to existing spaces, such as the machine tool lab and automotive buildings.
CCSNH Board of Trustees member Bob Baines lauded the longevity of Jordan’s time as president, and said her commitment to the role has paid off. “If you find the right niche and make a commitment, you can really transform an institution.”
President Jordan ensured the academic options kept pace with the times, and reflected the needs of the local economy and community. “This college is not just a place for learning, it’s a place that’s used to magnify the voices of those in need,” said United Way for Greater Nashua President Mike Apfelberg, and named Jordan’s support of United Way events, such as hosting the Sleepout to End Homelessness, and Community Baby Shower. “The college is a place that brings people together.”
Jordan debuted new programs including Honda PACT, Computer Engineering Technology, Data Analytics, Mazda-Automotive Technology, Nursing, and more. Danielle Smith, RN, APRN, CNM, FNP-C, graduated from the college’s first nursing class in 2005, and has since gone on to complete three master’s degrees. Smith thanked Jordan for her contributions as president, and said, “I received a strong foundation to start my nursing career.”
As president, Jordan also championed workforce development initiatives to provide short-term career training opportunities, including the 10-week Microelectronics Boot Camp in partnership with BAE Systems.
Retired NCC Vice President of Academic Affairs William McIntyre served with Jordan for 20 years, and returned to celebrate her milestone event. “You have really moved this place forward from 25 years ago, and now it is so amazing. You have rebuilt, reconstructed, reengineered, reimagines, and revamped this entire campus,” said McIntyre. “One question overarches every question you ever had – ‘what is best for students?’ That question guided us from where we were, to where we are now.”
Throughout all the changes and improvements, Jordan paid close attention to student needs and fostered a spirit of service and giving at the institution. As noted by her assistant Lucy Jenkins, Jordan often assisted students at her own expense with emergency needs like food, housing, childcare, and transportation. This inspired a new endowed fund in her name to mark her anniversary, the Lucille Jordan Fund for Student Needs. As of August 16, more than $25,000 has been donated to the Foundation for NH Community Colleges from donors across New Hampshire. Contributions in support of the fund can be made at givenhcc.org/where-to-give/statewide-giving/.
Jordan was not aware of the celebration or fund until just before the event, said the new endowed fund is a “dream come true.”
She recalled advice from her mentor, former Governor Walter R. Peterson: “‘When you become a college president, you often forget – you have a responsibility to the public good. Don’t you forget that.’ We do serve the community in which we reside. It is important we’re here as a resource.”
To the audience of colleagues, board members, community and business partners; Jordan said it takes everyone working together to be successful. “I could not have done this on my own, everyone here today is a part of that. We, together, have accomplished this.”
