Longtime STCC professor and department head to address graduates
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Professor Zahi ‘Zee’ Haddad ’80 will present the keynote address at the 59th Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. He will also be presented with the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award for over four decades of teaching and college service at STCC.
With thousands of families, friends and loved ones attending the ceremony, STCC anticipates conferring almost 1,000 degrees and certificates on students.
Professor Zahi 'Zee' Haddad
“Professor Haddad arrived in the United States with the goal of becoming an engineer, and his journey is not only remarkable, it personifies the STCC mission of transformation,” said STCC President Dr. John B. Cook. “Indefatigable over his more than 40 years as a beloved faculty member, Zee brings a unique capacity for people and purpose, and his evolution from STCC student to esteemed college professional is a stunning example of human persistence.”
In January 1978, Haddad, while working a series of part-time jobs, enrolled in ESL classes at STCC before entering the College’s Engineering Transfer program. Earning his Associate degree from STCC, he went on to complete his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from what is now Western New England University, as well as an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Being Commencement Keynote represents a full-circle moment: “This is home,” he said. “These people here are my family.”
Born and raised in Jordan by his single mother, Haddad dreamed of becoming an engineer after listening to coverage on the radio of astronaut Neil Armstrong and the U.S. space program. “I wanted to be an astronaut; I wanted to be an engineer,” Haddad said.
Teaching courses that include Calculus, Digital Logic, Java, Physics and Circuit Analysis, Haddad remains deeply passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and helping students, especially those who face obstacles similar to the ones he encountered.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the College—a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution—seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, jdanko@stcc.edu (413) 755-4812