STCC celebrates Class of 2026 at 59th commencement ceremony

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 59th Commencement Ceremony on May 28 at the MassMutual Center, honoring over 1,000 students earning degrees and certificates.

Family members, friends, faculty, staff and community leaders gathered to recognize graduates whose educational journeys reflected the diversity, determination and promise that define STCC.

STCC President John B. Cook welcomed graduates and their families during what marked his final commencement ceremony after a decade of leadership at the college.

“This evening we celebrate our 59th commencement, and it’s been a tremendous honor leading such a special institution for a decade,” Cook said. “I’ve learned so much why STCC is vital and why you graduates are needed so greatly by the communities in our region.”

Cook reflected on the importance of the college’s mission and encouraged graduates to continue building on their success in their chosen field. STCC graduates, he noted, can build on skills ranging from healthcare, cybersecurity, engineering technology to business, social work, fine arts and more.

“To the graduates, knowing how extraordinary this journey has been for you, I encourage you to keep your momentum going,” he said. “We are thrilled for you.”

STCC Board of Trustees Chair Michael R. Knapik extended greetings from the Board at STCC, noting that graduates leave the college “equipped with a world class education.”

Student speaker Elijah P. Frederick, 18, one of 36 Early College graduates who earned an associate degree while completing high school at Veritas Prep Charter School, reflected on the broad range of academic disciplines represented by the graduating class and the impact graduates will have on their communities.

“What makes this graduating class so special is the variety of paths represented here,” Frederick said. “Some of us studied business or healthcare or criminal justice, technology, education, trades, the arts and countless others. On paper they couldn’t look any more different, but together they represent endless opportunity for impact.”

What makes this graduating class so special is the variety of paths represented here. Elijah P. Frederick, Student speaker and Early College graduate

The keynote address was delivered by STCC Professor of Engineering and 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Zahi Haddad ‘80, whose personal journey from immigrant student to educator inspired graduates to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

Haddad shared how he arrived in the United States with little more than determination and a dream. Through hard work and perseverance, he built a successful career and eventually returned to teach at the college that helped launch his future.

His message focused on taking initiative and embracing opportunities.

“Don’t wait for the perfect moment because it doesn’t exist,” Haddad said. “Don’t wait for someone to hand you success. You need to go get it.”

Reflecting on his own path, Haddad said uncertainty should never prevent people from pursuing their goals.

“I built a beautiful life for myself,” he said. “If you work hard, if you take pride in what you do, you can achieve really almost any goal you set your mind to. The sky is the limit.”

Noe Ortega, Commissioner of Higher Education, also addressed the graduates, encouraging those considering further education to continue their academic journeys.

“I want to encourage you – for those of you who are thinking about it – consider it as the next step because you already have proven to yourself that you can accomplish this, and I know that you could accomplish much more,” Ortega said.

Student Tequila Taylor-Evans, an honors graduate in Criminal Justice and one of two student marshals, delivered the invocation. She read “The Writer” by Richard Wilbur, setting a reflective and hopeful tone for the ceremony.

The college presented the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year award to Dr. Reena Randhir, associate professor of biological sciences at STCC, for outstanding teaching, mentorship, leadership and dedication to student success.

The Class of 2026 includes students ranging in age from 18 to 65. Nearly half of the graduates are older than 26.

Graduates received a total of 1,105 credentials, including 617 Associate in Science degrees, 209 Associate in Arts degrees, 261 certificates of completion and 18 certificates.

Students hailed from 94 cities and towns across the region. Springfield residents represented 43 percent of the graduating class, followed by residents of Chicopee (10 percent), West Springfield (6 percent) and Agawam (4 percent). Among graduates, 61 percent identified as female and 38 percent as male. Thirty-nine percent identified as white, 35 percent as Hispanic, 13 percent as Black and 13 percent as another race or ethnicity.

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, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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