Claude Msowoya, of Lowell, has been named to the Middlesex Community College Board of Trustees for the 2026-2027 academic year as Student Trustee. In his role, the paralegal studies student wants to represent the needs of Middlesex students. His goal is to make the most of the college’s student engagement opportunities and sustain MCC’s welcoming environment.
“I feel very honored to be named Student Trustree,” Msowoya said. “I feel seen and knowing that other students chose me to be a voice for them fills me with overwhelming joy. I was interested in this position because I love pouring myself into people. I love seeing people succeed and I love being a voice for groups that I care about.”
At Middlesex, Msowoya is an active member of the MCC community, including being vice president of the Student Government Association. As an Orientation Leader, he helps new students adjust to college life by leading activities and answering questions. Through MCC’s Center for Truth, Community Healing and Transformation, he runs healing circles for peers to share their lived experiences. Calling the responsibility “eye-opening,” he has come to understand more about himself and others.
Part of MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program, Msowoya participated in the 2026 honors research conference where he presented on “Apartheid, Segregation and Racism in Literature.” He is also a member of several clubs, including the Commonwealth Honors Club, African Cultural Club, and International Students Club. Through these experiences, he has made friends who have become a support system.
“My passion for serving other students is what pushed me toward putting myself out there,” Msowoya said. “Coming to MCC, I came looking to fit into communities that I am passionate about. MCC has helped me find great friends that have all been very instrumental in my journey.”
Employees at MCC have also offered him guidance. MCC’s Director of Student Engagement Maria McDuffie Clark directed Msowoya to resources and opportunities he believes he would not have known about otherwise. Providing him support and encouragement, Professor Stephanie Pesce also fostered his love of writing and literature. Professor Michael Cermak taught Msowoya more about community organization and leadership.
His interest in being a leader within the community led Msowoya to an internship at Community Teamwork Inc. working in the Fair Housing department. He also already has a paralegal studies internship lined up for the Fall 2026 semester. This combination of hands-on experiences with MCC’s comprehensive curriculum is helping him learn more about the industry he is hoping to pursue.
“These experiences have helped me break out of my shell and learn aspects of my career that go beyond the classroom,” Msowoya said. “The best things about MCC’s program are the depth of materials that we are taught, the flexibility, as well as the connection to opportunities that we are given.”
Msowoya chose to come to MCC because of the paralegal studies program’s positive reputation and the approval from the American Bar Association. Planning ahead, his dream is to transfer to Suffolk University to double major in law and accounting. With hopes of one day becoming an attorney, Msowoya is grateful to Middlesex for offering him the experiences, resources, and skills to get him started on his path.
“MCC is the foundation for a bigger journey for me,” he said. “My education from MCC has set me up for a great career ahead of me and has thus far given me resources that will be very beneficial for me.”