STCC Class of 2022 thrilled to celebrate in-person commencement

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In a festive evening at the MassMutual Center, Springfield Technical Community College’s Commencement held its 55th Commencement Ceremony on June 2 where approximately 795 students in the Class of 2022 received diplomas or certificates.

Graduates and their proud families frequently let out cheers in the arena, which was bristling with excitement and energy. The ceremony was the first in-person commencement since 2019, before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It feels like a dream,” said Gary Lindsay, of Springfield, who received a degree in mechanical engineering technology. “I’m technically the first person in my family to graduate. I did fight hard. It’s a good feeling to know that I made it through. I’m definitely happy and excited for what comes next.”

Welcoming the graduates and their friends and families, STCC President John B. Cook remarked on how special it was to gather together to celebrate after a three-year gap.

“Tonight we celebrate our 55^th commencement, and we do it in person. What a wonderful evening for Springfield Technical Community College,” he said. “To the Class of 2022, please know that I – that we – are very proud of you, proud of your determination, your will, and the hard work you have invested to arrive here tonight.”

Gladys Franco, assistant vice president of Workforce Development, gave welcoming remarks in English and Spanish. She noted that the event was to celebrate graduates and recognize the support and love of their families and friends.

Retired Springfield Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Lydia Martinez-Alvarez offered a warm and inspirational message to the graduates. As the first Latina assistant superintendent of the Springfield Public Schools and a graduate of the school system, Martinez-Alvarez’s words resonated at the MassMutual Center. STCC is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, with about 30 percent of the students identifying as Hispanic.

It feels like a dream. I’m technically the first person in my family to graduate. I did fight hard. It’s a good feeling to know that I made it through. I’m definitely happy and excited for what comes next. Gary Lindsay '22 STCC graduate, Mechanical Engineering Technology

“Though I did not graduate from STCC, I have been a true partner and believer in everything that this fine Institution stands for,” Martinez-Alvarez said.

Growing up as one of four children in a single-parent household, Martinez-Alvarez she was taught the value of an education at a young age. She earned a degree from Westfield State University, where she now serves on the Board of Trustees. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Westfield State, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Elms College, and is a doctoral candidate at American International College.

She began her teaching career as a substitute and worked her way up in roles throughout the district.

“This certificate or degree that you are receiving tonight cannot be an ending,” Martinez-Alvarez said. “Yes, you will continue to encounter bumps in the road, and you may not know what comes next.  But you are fighters, and you have prevailed hardships that very few in 21^st century could have imagined. You are surviving a pandemic, and a pandemic so big that it not only shut down parts of our lives, but a pandemic that shut down the world for a time.”

STCC student speaker Kalia A. Roberson, graduating with highest honors with a degree in criminal justice, noted that she and her classmates overcame obstacles and challenges, including the pandemic and obligations to work and families.

“What a gift that we can all gather today, in person, to celebrate our achievements and success. Each of us has made a remarkable commitment to achieving our goals and now, we have finally arrived at this pivotal moment in our lives,” Roberson said.

Roberson served as a Student Ambassador at STCC. “I was able to make connections with the faculty here at STCC and help plan student activities and volunteer for campus events. Through this experience, I was able to grow as a person and contribute to the safe, fun, and diverse environment we have at STCC,” she said.

President Cook presented Outstanding Faculty Member of 2021-2022 to John LaFrancis, a professor in the mechanical engineering technology program. LaFrancis, a STCC alumnus, has taught at the college since 1990.

Dr. Shai Butler, Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs, recognized the vast number of STCC alumni throughout the community. She told the Class of 2022: “You are joining a network of almost 42,000 alumni. While today is the end of one journey, it is the beginning of a new one. Now you get to proudly call yourself  STCC alumni, and call STCC your alma mater.”

The evening included poetry and music to mark the occasion. Student trustee Monique Selden-Riley offered an invocation. She read the poem “I Dream a World” by James Langston Hughes.

The graduates heard a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by Vanessa Ford.

After the presentation of the Colors by the High School of Commerce JROTC and the playing of the National Anthem by Coffee House Brass, Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp asked the audience to recognize the 33 graduates who are veterans.

The Class of 2022 at STCC included graduates ranging in age from 18 years old to 64 years old.  About one-half of the students graduating are older than 25. Of those graduating, 60 percent of the graduates are female; 40 percent of the graduates are male; 43 percent identify as white; 27 percent identify as Hispanic; 11 percent identify as black; 19 percent identify as “other.”

Graduates hail from 86 cities and towns.  Residents of Springfield represent 39 percent of the graduating class, followed by residents of Chicopee (9 percent), West Springfield (5 percent) and Westfield (5 percent).

Visit www.stcc.edu/commencement-ceremony/ to watch a video of the complete Commencement ceremony.

STCC's 55th Commencement Ceremony aired live on Focus Springfield community television, online on STCC.edu, and on STCC's Facebook page. The video will be archived on STCC's YouTube channel.

To watch video messages from graduating students, visit notes.stcc.edu/class-of-2022-says-stcc-with-it/.

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.

• See All News