MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE HELD 80th ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT MAY 19TH
MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Community College (MCC) held its 80th commencement on Tuesday, May 19 at 2:00pm at Saint Anselm College Sullivan Arena. More than 350 students received their associate degrees or professional certificates from academic and technical programs. In this milestone year, MCC celebrates rising graduation rates. Over the past decade, MCC has made dramatic progress: in 2016, MCC’s three-year graduation rate was 19.3%. In newly released data, the 2026 rate has risen to 41.3%.
“Both the data – showing a significantly rising rate of graduation – and the success stories of our 2026 graduates underscore the value of a Manchester Community College education,” explains Dr. Paul Beaudin, President of Manchester Community College. “They are engaged, working collaboratively in the business community, and making immediate impacts on our economy.”
A few examples of shining stars from the graduating class of 2026:
Thomas Brown is one of 11 Early College students graduating from both Spark Academy and MCC. Thomas worked with a Boston University faculty member on one of his research projects, which gave him the opportunity to get real-world experience in academic research and applied mathematics. For his capstone math project, “Modeling Vascular Steal in the Brain,” he used linear equations to determine configurations for blood flow in the brain. He is planning to study mathematics at U Mass Amherst in the fall. Another Spark/MCC grad is Kyle Maillet, who Is graduating with two associate degrees — one in Automated Manufacturing and the other in Business. Kyle will enroll at Plymouth State University as a senior!
Health and Exercise Science grad Alison Sobozenski carved her own path at MCC. While juggling work and part-time classes, she changed jobs so she could focus on finishing her degree. In class, Alison naturally became the person everyone relied on; keeping things organized, reminding people of deadlines, and helping the group stay on track. She brought a sense of calm and consistency that truly held the class together. After graduation, Alison will be working at Iron Standard Fitness and is looking into four-year degree options in the near future.
Alyxandra Smith is one of MCC’s 61 Nursing graduates this year. Her commitment to community service extended globally, including a week-long trip to the Dominican Republic where she provided healthcare to underserved populations. Alyx will join the Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit (CICU) at Elliott Hospital after graduation.
Julia Tetu is a Life Science degree grad and active member of Phi Theta Kappa and TriBeta honor societies, reflecting both her academic excellence and commitment to the biological sciences. In her genetics course, Julia actively conducted research focused on environmental DNA and antibiotic-resistant genes, demonstrating both initiative and strong laboratory skills. This fall, she will continue her biology degree pathway at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester
My Turn Executive Director Allison Joseph Gave Commencement Address
The College is also meeting immediate needs in areas of high job demand. Technical programs — some of which have been part of MCC since its founding — include Automotive with 38 associate degree grads, HVAC with 11 degree and 10 professional certificate grads, Welding with 26 degree and six professional certificate graduates and Electrical Technology graduating almost 50 students, including 19 electrical lineworkers. Twenty-four students are graduating with Advanced or Automated Manufacturing degrees. Thirty students are graduating from MCC’s Computer Science program, including three from its relatively new AI degree program and 19 Cybersecurity grads.
MCC was proud to have My Turn Executive Director Allison Joseph as this year’s Commencement Speaker. Cybersecurity graduate Christina Nguyen was nominated by her peers to be the student speaker at the commencement. She also serves as the treasurer of Student Senate and president (and founder) of the Asian Media Club.
