Middlesex Community College celebrated the college’s 54th commencement on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, featuring an address to the graduates by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
"I'm honored to be this year's Middlesex Community College's commencement speaker," Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said. "Here in Massachusetts, we deeply believe in the power of education. It's why we made community college free across the state and why we continue to invest in our public institutions – because we know that the investment students make to pursue higher education matters not only to their own future, but to the future of our Commonwealth and our democracy. I know that today's graduates will find incredible opportunities ahead of them as they enter their next chapter, and I'm thrilled to be here to congratulate them on this milestone accomplishment."
“Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026 on your remarkable achievements,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “We are so proud of the efforts and determination our graduates have shown throughout their time at Middlesex, and we look forward to seeing what they do next as they transfer to their four-year institutions or advance in the workforce. Commencement day is one of the most important days for our student and the college. Witnessing them walk across the stage in celebration of their hard work is very gratifying for all the faculty, staff and administration. I am thrilled to have had the Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll join us as we heard from some of our amazing graduates and our impressive distinguished alumna Victoria Makumbi, as well as honor the accomplishments of this graduating class.”
MCC students Elijah Ortuno and Amelia Smilovitz represented their classmates as this year’s commencement speakers. Both Dual Enrollment students, Ortuno is a Liberal Arts and Sciences major from San Diego while Smilovitz is a mechanical engineering major from Chelmsford.
From the class of 2010, Victoria Makumbi was the 2026 Distinguished Alum. From Uganda, she grew up in Lowell and works as the Tax and Financial Senior Accountant at The Kraft Group and Affiliates.
Coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, the 2026 graduating class had many successes during their time at Middlesex. The college awarded 161 Associate in Arts, 765 Associate in Science, 146 certificates, and 103 industry credentials on commencement day.
Graduates represented 106 Massachusetts cities and towns and 64 countries. There were 24 veterans, 27 Dual Enrollment high school graduates, 83 MCC employees, and 47 percent of the graduates were first generation students. Thanks to the Governor’s office and the Massachusetts state legislature, 704 graduates were free community college awardees.
MCC also held a Health Pinning Ceremony and Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19 ahead of commencement. The health programs pinned 300 graduates from credit and noncredit programs, and 54 students received department awards and student leader awards for their achievements.
While 28 scholars graduated from MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program, 85 are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national honor society for two-year colleges. Kateryna Heneraliuk and Kimberly Rodriguez were named to the 2025-2026 PTK All-Massachusetts Academic Team.
In addition to the in-person event, Middlesex also offered live streams by Lowell Telemedia Center (LTC) and MCC’s YouTube by the Communication, Art and Design program.
“Our college takes deep pride in its distinguished graduates, whose accomplishments continue to inspire future generations,” said Leonard Russ, MCC’s Dean of Students. “Their leadership, service and character not only reflect the values of our institution but will make a meaningful impact around the world.”