STCC celebrates Class of 2024 at commencement ceremony

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College held its 57^th commencement ceremony at the MassMutual Center, marking a significant milestone for approximately 835 graduates.

The event on May 30, filled with jubilation and reflection, brought families, friends, faculty, staff and dignitaries together to honor the hard work and dedication of the students.

Family and friends cheered when they heard their graduate’s name called out to receive their two-year degree or one-year certificate. While some students graduated after one or two years at STCC, others needed more time to complete their community college journey.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. John B. Cook, STCC’s President, described different types of students who attend the college. Underscoring the variety of the graduating class, he asked those who are working over 20 hours to stand, those who are parents to stand, and those who needed more than four or five years to complete their studies to stand.

“I hope we now have the essence of our purpose at Springfield Technical Community College,” Cook said.

Cook commended the graduates for their perseverance. “Know that we are thrilled for you – thrilled and grateful that your learning has often been done with your hands and your heart and also with your mind,” Cook said. “You have learned with our phenomenal faculty and unique labs and with technology that never stops evolving.”

Regardless of how long it took them to receive their degree or certificate, the graduates are now part of the college’s 41,000-plus alumni.

STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, plays a vital role in the region’s workforce needs. Employers rely on STCC to help fill positions in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), cybersecurity, manufacturing, social services and more.  

In her welcoming remarks, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development Gladys Franco spoke in English and Spanish. STCC is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, which requires that 25 percent of its students identify as Hispanic. Approximately 34 percent of STCC students identify as Latino/a/x.

Tonight, I am here with you, celebrating this journey and celebrating that we did it! Amber Greene, Student speaker

“Remember the positive impact that your community has had on you, and the impact that you can have on your community,” Franco said. “At STCC, we are proud to see you transition into your professional journey and look forward to celebrating your future accomplishments with you.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Noe Ortega, Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education. Sharing his educational journey, Ortega said he grew up poor in rural Texas. His parents did not get past junior high school.

“I never dreamed that I’d receive an invitation to address you at an event like today,” Ortega said, reflecting on his early years.

He described a long and winding pathway to his doctorate degree, which he noted sometimes takes people five to six years to complete. “I wasn’t even able to complete it in 10 years. It took me over 12 years to complete this degree,” he said. “The one thing that kept me going were the words of a close mentor who repeated to me, ‘This is your journey, and all things need to play out for you in the way they play out. You just need to stay the course.’”

Ortega noted some STCC graduates are starting a career; others are making a career change. “You all have one thing in common. You made it to the finish line, and you’re here today, and now you have something that no one can ever take away from you. Well done. Good job.”

His speech resonated with the audience, drawing applause. The graduates, many of whom are first-generation college students, were visibly moved by his words.

Student speaker Amber Greene took the stage and told graduates that she is not a “typical college student.” A mother of five children and three stepchildren, she also takes care of her father.

“Twenty years after dropping out of high school, and 10 years after receiving my GED, I returned to college to continue my education,” Greene said. “Along the way, I have hit obstacles that life placed in my way. However, tonight, I am here with you, celebrating this journey and celebrating that we did it!”

Before degrees and certificates were handed out, President Cook presented special awards. He named Ralph Jordan the 2024 Distinguished Alumni of the Year.

A Springfield native, Jordan embarked on a career marked by persistence and outstanding achievements. He earned a master’s degree from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix.

He attended what was then called the Springfield Technical Institute, but was one class shy of obtaining his degree.

“We are proud to award Mr. Ralph Jordan with his associate degree from Springfield Technical Community College and name him the 2024 STCC Distinguished Alumni of the Year,” Cook said.

Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs, announced theater and English Professor Phil O’Donoghue was named Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year.

“Professor O’Donoghue has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching while serving as a tireless advocate for the arts,” Thuot said.

Breakdown of credentials:

• 506 Associate in Science degrees
• 153 Associate in Arts degrees
• 228 certificates of completion
• 13 certificates

The Class of 2024 ranges in age from 18 years old to 77 years old.  Approximately one-half of the students graduating are older than 24.

Of those graduating, 59 percent of the graduates identify as female; 41 percent of the graduates identify as male; 39 percent identify as white; 27 percent identify as Hispanic; 11 percent identify as Black; 23 percent identify as another race or ethnicity.

Graduates hail from 90 cities and towns.  Residents of Springfield represent 36% of the Graduating Class, followed by residents of Chicopee (10%), West Springfield (6%) and Agawam (5%).

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 unequaled 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

• See All News