(GARDNER)--As Mount Wachusett Community College embarks on its "Decade of Civic Engagement," it will honor three 'Service Above Self Award' winners and an alumnus of the year who are the very embodiment of civic engagement. The college's 37^th commencement will be held, Thurs., May 23, at 6:00 p.m. in the Fitness and Wellness Center.  Over 500 graduates are expected to receive degrees and certificates. "We have set the ambitious goal of endowing a faculty chair for civic engagement," said Asquino.  "In preparation for this, our faculty and staff have offered a series of public forums and student community service projects around the civic engagement theme throughout the past year.  As we celebrate with our graduates and their families, it is fitting that we honor those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities." Three local leaders committed to serving their communities will be honored with Service Above Self Awards.  Their charitable and community efforts include advocacy for children, the homeless, conservation, student scholarships and cancer research.  Peter Bovenzi, founder of Bovenzi Inc., Tuck Nichols, CEO of Nichols and Stone and Justice Luis Perez are this year's honorees. (See separate release).  Alumnus of the Year Jeffrey A. Bean (class of 1976) has a long history of community and public service.  Currently he serves as State Director for U.S. Senator John F. KerryÑa post he has held since 1999.  Bean also served as Fitchburg's Mayor for five years.  (See separate release). Of the over 500 graduates are expected to receive their diplomas.  About 400 graduates will be awarded associate degrees and about 100 will receive certificates.  The most popular majors are Liberal Arts, Nursing, and General Studies.  Five percent of the graduates have already received an associate's degree and six percent have received a prior certificate.  The graduating class is 73 percent female and 27 percent male. The college will honor one retiring faculty member and four retiring deans with emeritus status.  English Professor Guy Turcotte will be appointed Professor Emeritus. The following deans will be appointed Dean Emeriti: Dean of Academic Affairs Frank DeSorbo, Dean of Planning and Development Michael Edwards, Dean of Continuing Education Stuart Shuman, and Dean of Student Services Peter Trainor. A reception for friends and family will follow Commencement.