Graduation at MCC

Ticket Information for Guests:

TICKETS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE AUDITORIUM. Each graduate will receive three tickets to invite family and friends. Commencement tickets will be collected at the entrance to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

No additional tickets are available.

Ticket Information for Graduates:

You do not need a ticket, but graduation regalia will be required for entrance to the auditorium. 

Auditorium Health and Safety Protocols:

For the safety and comfort of our guests, backpacks and other large bags (including gift bags) will not be permitted into the auditorium. All other bags are subject to voluntary inspection. 

For the health and safety of all attendees, please stay home if you are feeling sick. If you have had recent exposure to someone who has been sick, please wear a mask. Masks will be provided on the day of the event.

Elijah Ortuno

Liberal Arts and Sciences
Maynard & San Diego

A former MCC Dual Enrollment student, Elijah “Eli” Ortuno had a positive time at Middlesex. He is a member of the Business and Economics Club, Vice President of the Honors Club, and won a silver medal in the 2026 regional DECA Competition. Graduating with high honors, Eli is an MCC student employee, member of Phi Theta Kappa, and a Commonwealth Honors Program student. He will transfer to UMass Amherst to study astrophysics.

“Being named speaker has meant a lot for many reasons, but it mainly boosted my confidence. The educational experience I received here has given me a good foundation to explore further more rigorous and advanced concepts at a university.”

Learn more about Eli!

Amelia Smilovitz

Mechanical Engineering
Chelmsford

A Dual Enrollment student, Amelia “Mia” Smilovitz earned a high school diploma while at Middlesex. During her time at the college, Mia completed two internships in addition to working as a student tutor for the Academic Centers for Enrichment. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, she graduates with highest honors. Mia will attend Wentworth Institute of Technology to continue studying mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace.

“Getting my associate degree as a high schooler puts me two years ahead of my colleges, ensuring that I stand out and have a head start on career development. I hope that my story inspires more people to attend community college.”

Learn more about Mia!

Each year, MCC selects a past graduate to be awarded the honor of Distinguished Alum. The recipient exemplifies the values of MCC and is selected to serve as Commencement Speaker, inspiring graduates to continue on their path for personal and professional success.

This year's Distinguished Alum is Victoria Makumbi ’10 CPA

A proud MCC graduate, Victoria Makumbi is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working as a Tax and Financial Senior Accountant at The Kraft Group and Affiliates.

From Uganda, Victoria grew up in Lowell. After graduating from MCC with an associate degree in business administration, she transferred to UMass Lowell to earn a bachelor’s in the field and a master’s in accounting.

In her role at The Kraft Group and Affiliates, Victoria manages the portfolio of various family businesses to optimize and efficiently manage their tax obligations through planning, compliance, and reporting.

Previously, Victoria worked in the FSO Indirect Tax practice of Ernst & Young (EY) in Boston where she gained several years of experience in state tax compliance, state notice resolution, as well as state credits and incentives compilation. Prior to joining EY, she developed an expertise in individual tax preparation, as well as small business tax preparation and consultation, at Accountax Associates LLC.

Throughout her career, Victoria has learned that success is not a mystery; rather, it is a formula of consistency and discipline.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Victoria is passionate about seeking ways to fundraise for various charities, especially through fun runs and spending time with her family. She also volunteers with the Boston Boys and Girls Club Friends Council and helps to mentor youth through various events to prepare them for their careers.

Victoria is a long-standing member of the National Association of Black Accountants, reflecting her steadfast commitment to professional excellence and meaningful representation in the field. Serving on the Board of Trustees of The Merrimack Repertory Theatre, she helps steward the organization’s mission to engage, entertain, and enrich the community of Lowell.

Victoria’s personal mission is to positively inspire others to be a better version of themselves and to cultivate new perspectives, inspirations, and purpose through perseverance and discipline.

Learn more about Victoria!

• 106 Massachusetts cities & towns and 64 countries represented
• 47% are first-generation
• 300 celebrated their health pinning
• 54 received awards for academics or leadership achievements
• 28 Commonwealth Honors Scholars
• 27 Dual Enrollment Graduates
• 24 Veterans
• 86 TRIO Students
• 85 Phi Theta Kappa Graduates
• 83 MCC Employees
• 765 Associate in Science
• 161 Associate in Arts
• 146 Certificates
• 103 Industry Credentials
• 704 Mass. Free Community College Awardees