STCC celebrates Class of 2023 at commencement ceremony

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The MassMutual Center crackled with energy and excitement on June 1 as Springfield Technical Community College held its 56^th Commencement ceremonies to celebrate about 750 graduates of the Class of 2023.

Family and friends in the arena applauded and cheered when they heard their graduate’s name called out to receive their two-year degree or one-year certificate. Some STCC students work full-time jobs. Many are raising families. Whether it took them two years or over six years to complete their degree, they shared a common bond at the ceremony: They earned a degree or certificate and are officially STCC alumni.

The night featured inspiring speeches from graduates, college leaders and dignitaries, including commencement speaker Victor Woolridge, the retired managing director of Barings Real Estate Advisers LLC. His daughter, Kara Woolridge, is a graduate of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.

“Your decision to attend STCC is one of those decisions that has profoundly influenced the direction that you will go, just as it did for me and my daughter,” Woolridge said. “But I want you to know that this is not the end. It’s the beginning of something new in your life that's going to chart the course of the rest of your life.”

Woolridge encouraged graduates to “draw a distinction between who you are and what you do for work.”

“My journey has been an adventure, and I’ve been fortunate to have had those roles and titles, but that is not who I am,” Woolridge said. “So, when someone asks you what you do, try not to respond by telling them what your job is; tell them who you are.”

Student speaker Melanie Marie Ward shared how she overcame barriers when starting at STCC. Despite challenges, she persisted and had the drive and passion to follow through and earn her degree from STCC in liberal arts/general studies. She will pursue a bachelor’s degree from Elms College and hopes to one day become a physician’s assistant.

“This is my message for you tonight: take risks, be open to life that is ahead of us, accept new views and be open-minded to new opinions,” Ward said.

Offering welcoming remarks, STCC President John B. Cook congratulated the Class of 2023 and noted that the new graduates join an illustrious group of over 41,000 alumni.

This is my message for you tonight: take risks, be open to life that is ahead of us, accept new views and be open-minded to new opinions. Melanie Marie Ward, STCC student speaker

“We are very proud of you, proud of your determination, your will, your hard work that you invested to arrive here tonight,” Cook said.

STCC, the only technical community college in the Massachusetts, plays a vital role in the region’s workforce needs. Employers rely on STCC to help fill positions in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), cybersecurity, manufacturing, social services and more.  

“You, Class of 2023, are that talent and a vital contribution to our workforce,” Cook said. “All of the course work, the clinicals, the exams, the papers and presentations – and yes, your worries, stress, and late nights, your journey, the one unique to you – are a testament to how you have come through for yourself, your families and for our communities.”

STCC Board of Trustees Chair Marikate Murren reminded graduates of the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child,” noting everyone needs support of friends, family and the community to succeed.

“Like the proverb, STCC is and has always been about, family, community and giving back,”  Murren said. “I ask you, the graduates, to continue to carry on that tradition into the next chapter of your lives.”

Prior to the conferral of degrees, Lara Sharp, dean of the School of STEM, announced Professor Lauren Brewer was named Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year.

“I am so honored to present this award to Professor Brewer, who recently completed her 33^rd year at the  college,” Sharp said. “She is always willing to listen, give it to me straight and always with a genuine smile. I respect her judgment and insight and enjoy working with her on projects.”

The breakdown of credentials includes:

• 463 associate in science degrees
• 125 associate in arts degrees
• 153 certificates of completion
• 9 certificates

STCC, a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, boasts a diverse student population. Class of 2023 graduates range in age from 18 years old to 75 years old. Approximately one-half of the students graduating are older than 24. Of those graduating, 60 percent of the graduates identify as female; 40 percent of the graduates identify as male; 43 percent identify as white; 27 percent identify as Hispanic; and 10 percent identify as Black.

Graduates hail from 76 cities and towns. Residents of Springfield represent 36 percent of the graduating class, followed by residents of Chicopee (10 percent), West Springfield (8 percent) and Westfield (7 percent).

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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