Working full-time as a Waltham police officer and raising two young daughters, Allan Galdamez, of Lowell, was nervous to return to school. Interested in growing in his field, Galdamez came to Middlesex Community College where the Massachusetts free college program and the support he received from faculty and staff made the process easier. In May 2025, he graduated with highest honors during MCC’s 2025 commencement, receiving the Donald J. Melisi Criminal and Social Justice Award for Academic Excellence.
“It’s not just an award, it’s validation,” Galdamez said. “Being recognized means a lot to me. It shows that all the long nights, stress and sacrifices were worth it. And it sets an example for my daughters – that hard work pays off. My experience at MCC was honestly life-changing and the MassReconnect program also made it financially possible for me to keep going without worry or stress of paying.”
After graduating from high school in 2011, Galdamez worked in a variety of jobs that left him feeling stuck. Wanting to find a new purpose, he decided to become a police officer in 2020. Community-based policing helped him learn to listen to people, develop trust, and help solve problems. This led him to MCC where he could build upon his knowledge and skills and complete all his classes online – allowing him to balance his coursework with family and work obligations.
In the spring, Galdamez participated in MCC’s two-day Criminal Justice Career Exploration Conference. The conference introduced him to representatives in the industry, as well as live demonstrations and speakers. In addition to working in the field, this experience provided a real-world example to what he was learning in class.
“I was able to apply lessons from school directly to my job and vice versa,” Galdamez
said. “It makes the material more real. When you’re actively working in the field
you’re studying, every lecture and assignment feels more relevant and valuable. It
helped me grow faster, both in knowledge and in confidence.”
Returning to school after 10 years, MCC professors assisted Galdamez in making the transition back into the classroom. In particular, English professor Denise Marchionda and MCC Dean of Business, Legal Studies and Public Service Heloisa DaCunha made a positive impact on his experience.
Though difficult in the beginning, Galdamez completed Marchionda’s English Composition I class with a grade of over 100. Her guidance and structure guided him through the course and earn improved results. In DaCunha’s classes, he felt inspired by her dedication and passion for the college and profession, as well as her emphasis on treating others with fairness, respect and empathy.
“The support I received – from professors to advisors – made a huge difference,” Galdamez said. “Many of them made learning and the work stress free, easy to understand, and were open to help and make sure you succeeded. The supportive environment made it easier to succeed despite the challenges I faced.”
Galdamez credits MCC for providing the foundation, confidence and momentum to prove to himself “that I’m capable of more” as he moves forward. Planning to continue his education to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Galdamez’s hope is to keep advancing in the law enforcement industry to serve his community.
“I want to rise through the ranks in law enforcement and make a real difference – not only by enforcing laws, but by influencing policy, mentoring others, and advocating for fairness and community-focused reform from within the system,” he said. “I carry many identities with me into this next chapter – first-generation college student, police officer, Latino, father, husband, quiet leader, and someone who deeply values service and integrity.”