On Tuesday, May 20, Middlesex Community College held an Evening of Excellence Student Award Celebration to honor the achievements of the 2025 graduating class. Recognizing students for their academic achievements in their program pathways, the event featured four student speakers sharing their stories of success, including Tangiene Nyereyegona, John Poland, Richard Silvio and Sundavid Suon.
“Being named an Evening of Excellence speaker reflects the love that I hold for MCC and the MCC community,” Nyereyegona said. “I am inspired by my peers, professors, and all those who make MCC what it is. I have tried to pour that love back into MCC. I have made a sincere effort to act as a leader and role model, and to enact positive change within our community. MCC has shaped who I am today.”
Nyereyegona, of Lowell, graduated from MCC’s communication program with highest honors. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honors society, she was an MCC Commonwealth Honors Scholar and received the Communication Award for Outstanding Student. Serving on MCC’s Liberal Arts Division student advisory board, she was president of MCC’s Media Production Club and an ACE Student Leader. In April, she presented her film during the Student Showcase at the Boston Independent Film Festival and plans to transfer to a four-year school.
A business administration graduate, of Billerica, Poland served in the United States Air Force. Named the 2025 Student Leader of the Year from MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), he worked as a tutor and was president of the Business and Economics Club. Planning to transfer to a four-year school, he was a member of PTK and graduated with highest honors.
“I have worked extremely hard in my time at MCC – being named an Evening of Excellence speaker means that my efforts have not gone unnoticed and that has been an extremely rewarding feeling,” Poland said. “The community here at MCC has been so supportive along my academic journey. Three lessons have been the key to my success here at MCC – one, do the next right thing; two, focus on growth, it doesn't have to be perfect the first time; three, take action when opportunities arise.”
Grateful to MCC for fostering a strong sense of community in which to learn, Silvio, of Dracut, graduated from the history, politics and global studies program with high honors. In particular, he credits MCC’s TRIO Student Success Program for helping guide him as a first-generation student. After graduating in January as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar, he transferred to UMass Lowell. He plans to next apply to a seminary to be ordained as a catholic priest.
“Being named an Evening of Excellence speaker means I am able to publicly thank the TRIO office for everything they have done to help me along the way of life,” Silvio said. “To have the opportunity to tell my story, I am able to reach out to other first-generation students. I will always be grateful to MCC for providing me with a safe, constructive atmosphere to grow and exchange ideas.”
From Lowell, Suon graduated from MCC’s biology program with highest honors. A first-generation student from Cambodia, he came to Middlesex because the college was affordable and close to home. He was vice president of the Asian Students in Alliance Club, an ACE student leader, a Peer Ambassador for the Program for Asian American Student Advancement, a member of PTK, and a Success Scholars Peer Mentor. Planning to transfer to a four-year institution, he hopes to one day become a doctor.
“To be named an Evening of Excellence speaker is an honor that I never thought I would get,” Suon said. “I have always been a timid and quiet person, so being a speaker itself shows how far I have grown. My overall experience at MCC has been only of growth and joy. Although I chose MCC for the convenience, I met many friends and connected with faculties who helped me got through college and tough times.”
In addition to honoring academic achievements, awards focused on students’ service to MCC through their involvement in programs and leadership experiences. These include Distinguished Student Leaders, Commonwealth Honors Scholars, , and PTK Honor Society members.
MCC’s President Phil Sisson, Provost Arlene Rodríguez and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates’ family, friends and supporters at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. A reception followed the event. Provost Rodríguez shared how proud the college was of the students and their dedication throughout the duration of their time at MCC.
"Tonight, we gather to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our outstanding students, and we are honored to recognize their hard work and dedication,” Rodríguez said in her address. “These students have gone above and beyond in their pursuit of academic excellence. The 2025 graduating class has proven themselves to be an exceptional group of individuals who have made MCC a strong and welcoming community throughout their time here. We’re proud to hand out over 40 awards this evening to our tremendous students and recognize their accomplishments.”