STCC honors Class of 2025 at Commencement

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 during its 58th Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 29, at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield.

Hundreds of graduates, surrounded by cheering family, friends and STCC faculty and staff, crossed the stage to receive associate degrees or certificates, marking an academic journey shaped by perseverance, personal growth and resilience.

Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Dr. Gail E. Carberry ’77, who served in leadership roles at STCC before becoming president of Quinsigamond Community College. She received the 2025 Distinguished Alumna Award and delivered the commencement address.

Carberry reflected on her own experience as a young mother navigating college and learning challenges. “Though nearly five decades separate my class of 1977 and yours, we share more than these ceremonial robes,” she said. “We made the smart choice to enroll at one of the finest community colleges in the country. We persevered.”

Carberry offered wisdom drawn from a lifetime of education leadership: “Life opens petal by petal. Let joy bloom… The world doesn’t need more grief – the world needs kindness.”

STCC President John B. Cook offered a rousing welcome and a message underscoring the critical role of community colleges like STCC.

“This evening we celebrate our 58th Commencement,” Dr. Cook said. “You are graduates, each and every one of you, in your own way, contending with housing, health care, childcare and the rapidly changing ways technology is everywhere. You are the embodiment of education as that imperative.”

Referencing the 60th anniversary of the federal Higher Education Act and the founding era of STCC, Cook emphasized the enduring mission of community colleges: “We support students as you transform your lives. … We truly define the value for all of higher education.”

Cook highlighted the wide-reaching impact of STCC graduates, from the healthcare sector to advanced manufacturing, IT, construction, and the creative economy.

“Time and again we hear the question, ‘Where will the talent come from?’ And the answer, time and again, is here – you,” he said. “You, the Class of 2025, are vital to the economic vibrancy of our communities.”

In a powerful participatory moment, President Cook asked graduates to stand if they had finished their program in two years, three to five years, or more than six years. He also recognized those who worked while attending college, those who were parents and those who took online classes. Finally, he invited all graduates to stand and thank their families and loved ones for their support.

Though nearly five decades separate my class of 1977 and yours, we share more than these ceremonial robes. We made the smart choice to enroll at one of the finest community colleges in the country. We persevered. Dr. Gail E. Carberry ’77, Commencement Speaker and Distinguished Alumna 2025

Michael R. Knapik, chair of the STCC Board of Trustees, also addressed the graduates with a heartfelt message of encouragement. “Congratulations to all of you… the Class of 2025 from Springfield Technical Community College,” Knapik said. “We share in the pride you and your families have on this incredible evening.”

He acknowledged the significance of state support through programs like MassReconnect and MassEducate: “These are nationwide models for ensuring access and affordability… STCC is on the front lines of preparing this generation, your generation, to enter the workforce, continue your studies, and engage in the pursuit of lifelong learning.”

Representing the graduating class was student speaker James Seward, whose speech brought the audience to its feet. A father and grandfather, Seward shared his deeply personal story and offered a message of unity and triumph.

“Many of you are half my age. Some of you are from distant countries, chasing the American dream… and yet, despite all of those differences… today, we stand together,” he said. “We celebrate the late nights where exhaustion battled ambition – and ambition won.”

Seward’s remarks acknowledged the invisible struggles students often face: “Moments when we wanted to quit, but didn’t. Moments when no one was clapping. Moments when no one saw the effort, but we showed up anyway.”

His closing words struck a powerful chord: “Let today remind you: there is nothing you cannot achieve. Congratulations, Class of 2025. Now go show the world what perseverance, purpose and passion look like. And remember: You didn’t just dream this – you did this.”

Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs, announced Dr. Vanessa Hill ‘01, a Professor of Mathematics, as 2025 Faculty of the Year.

“A passionate and empathetic teacher, Dr. Vanessa Hill has dedicated her life to making mathematics and college itself more accessible and empowering, especially for students who may not see themselves reflected in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and math,” Thuot said.

Class of 2025 Graduation Statistics

• Total graduates: approximately 893
• Degrees awarded: 622 associate degrees
• Certificates awarded: 271 certificates
• Age range: 18 to 73 years old; about one-half of the students are older than 25

Of those graduating, 60 percent of the graduates identify as female; 39 percent of the graduates identify as male; 41 percent identify as white; 30 percent identify as Hispanic; 10 percent identify as black; 19 percent identify as another race or ethnicity.

Graduates hail from 79 cities and towns.  Residents of Springfield represent 38% of the graduating class, followed by residents of Chicopee (9%), Westfield (6%), Ludlow (5%) and West Springfield (5%).

Watch a video of the full Commencement at stcc.edu/commencement.

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

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