Middlesex Community College is proud to name Captain Marisol Nobrega, Commanding Officer of Training and Recruiting of the Lowell Police Department (LPD), the 2025 Distinguished Alum. She will speak to the graduating class during the commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 22.
“When I was notified about being this year's Commencement speaker, I felt so humbled and immensely grateful to be considered for it,” Nobrega said. “I can't believe that I have come full circle and will be this year's Commencement speaker – something I would never have imagined when I was sitting in my graduation in 1994.”
A first-generation college student, Nobrega came to Middlesex because of the convenience of the Lowell campus. Having earned her GED, she did not believe continuing her education was possible until she started at MCC. Due to the college’s flexibility and welcoming environment, she was able to balance earning her degree with being a mom – and succeed at accomplishing both.
After graduating from MCC with an associate degree in liberal arts and a certificate in paralegal studies, Nobrega transferred to UMass Lowell. Working part-time for an immigration attorney while taking classes, she decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. She credits Middlesex for helping her find her path.
“My education and graduation from MCC helped me achieve my goals because it was my first milestone,” Nobrega said. “I became a first-generation college graduate after quitting high school my junior year. It took me a little longer, but I accomplished a major goal with the help and assistance I received at MCC.”
For 27 years, she has served as a law enforcement officer, holding key roles in different capacities, including assignments in the Criminal Investigation, Professional Standards, Family Services, and Personnel and Detail divisions. Throughout her career, Nobrega has reached the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and now captain – the first Hispanic and third woman ever in the LPD to hold that title.
“Middlesex gave me the foundation to break the barrier in my career becoming the first Latina woman to obtain these ranks within my police department and a predominately male field,” Nobrega said. “I believe it is important to be involved in the community that I live and serve as a police officer. It is important that I am present and that they see me as part of them and not just an authority figure.”
Recognized for her service, Nobrega has received prestigious awards, including the Massachusetts Women in Law Enforcement Mentoring Award, Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, and the Girls Incorporated Today’s Woman Award.
“I can't believe that I have come full circle and will be this year's Commencement speaker – something I would never have imagined when I was sitting in my graduation in 1994.”
- Captain Marisol Nobrega
Also serving as Union President and Vice President for the Lowell Police Superior Officers Association, she was a longtime staff instructor at the Lowell Police Academy where she mentored and helped shape the next generation of law enforcement officers. Now as an adjunct professor at MCC, Nobrega is enjoying teaching students. Happy to give back to her alma mater, she tells stories from her past experiences in her classes.
Similar to how she approaches her teaching style, Nobrega looks forward to speaking at commencement. Through sharing her own story, she hopes to show the graduates they can accomplish their goals and pursue their dreams.
“I hope I can inspire students to not give up,” she said. “There will be obstacles, there will be barriers, and the trajectory of your journey may change, it may be diverted, it may not be in your exact timeline, but you can persevere. So please don’t give up – no matter how long it takes.”