Mount Wachusett Community College celebrated its 37^th commencement by awarding degrees and certificates to 465 graduates, Thurs., May 23.  As the college embarks on its, "Decade of Civic Engagement," it also honored three Service Above Self recipients and an Alumnus of the Year who are the very embodiment of civic engagement.

"While you are free from the lectures and exams, you must never allow yourself to be free of your obligation to family, friends and community," Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel M. Asquino advised graduates.  "As you leave us and begin another phase in your life, I ask you to constantly take inventory of your learning and your success and involve yourself in your community's affairs and the improvement of human kind."

The three local leaders honored with Service Above Self Awards have devoted their time and effort to many causes including: advocacy for children, the homeless, conservation, student scholarships and cancer research. 

Peter Bovenzi, founder of Bovenzi Inc., stressed that civic participation is a duty, not a virtue.  "A person helping another person, the simplest yet most meaningful part of life--it happens quite often, quite unremarkably and often unnoticeably,"   He urged the graduates to, "seek out the opportunity to help one another, be there for each other, reach out your hand, help with all your might—truly care."

Tuck Nichols, CEO of Nichols and Stone, urged the graduates to take advantage of this milestone in their lives to set their priorities.  "Create opportunities to define the path your lives will take.  Choose your direction carefully."  He also quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not follow where the path may lead.  Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."

 Justice Luis Perez told the audience that, as a product of the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, he was hesitant to get involved in civic affairs, but he did anyway.  He urged the graduates to do the same.   "You cannot stand by on the sidelines to see what happens.  Therefore, I challenge you tonight to make a commitment to our future.  Not only for yourselves, but for our generation."

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. Kerry—a post he has held since 1999.  Bean also served as Fitchburg's Mayor for five years.  Bean passed up an opportunity to attend a Red Sox-Yankees game—with box seats, in order to attend the MWCC commencement.  "I had something more important to do," he said.  "I am a very proud MWCC graduate.  I remember coming here as a nervous freshman...you truly felt like you were family here."  He also quoted Robert F. Kennedy.  "In the world and at home, you have the opportunity and the responsibility to help make the choices which will determine the greatness of this nation...In your hands, not with presidents or leaders, is the future of your world."

The college also honored one retiring faculty member and four retiring deans with emeritus status.  English Professor Guy Turcotte was appointed Professor Emeritus. The following deans were appointed Dean Emeriti: Dean of Academic Affairs Frank DeSorbo, Dean of Planning and Development Michael Edwards, Dean of Continuing Education.