MCC’s Evening of Excellence Honors ’26 Graduates

On Tuesday, May 19, Middlesex Community College held an Evening of Excellence Student Award Celebration to honor the achievements of the 2026 graduating class. The event recognized students for their academic and leadership achievements, including student speakers Heet Shah and Chom Chan.

“Being selected as a speaker means a lot to me because it reflects not only my own work, but also the support and encouragement I’ve received from the MCC community,” Shah said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my classmates and share part of my journey.It’s a huge honor because MCC has so many hardworking and talented students.”

From India and now living in Lowell, Shah graduated from Middlesex with highest honors. At Evening of Excellence, he received the Business Administration Transfer Award and James E. Houlihan Jr. Student of the Year Award. At Middlesex, he was a tutor for the Academic Centers for Enrichment, participated in many clubs, and was a member of MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national honors society for two-year schools.

In 2026, Chan was one of eight students nationwide named a DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream. Attending the annual DREAM conference, she gave a presentation and received a scholarship. At MCC, Chom is part of the Paul Sullivan Leadership in Action Program, as well as a TRIO Student Ambassador, Peer Mentor, Orientation Leader, a member of the Liberal Arts Ambassador Board, and Vice President for the Fashion Club.

“Being named an Evening of Excellence speaker feels like a full-circle moment,” Chan said. “There was a time when I didn’t feel confident using my voice, or felt like my story didn't matter. Now here I am, given a platform to share my story grounded in the truth that my story can make an impact and help others feel seen, heard, and held. It also reflects the support I’ve received from this community, and I carry that with me.”

Throughout the evening, students were awarded for their achievement in MCC’s academic program pathways, including Business, Legal Studies and Public Service; Education; Health; Liberal Arts; and STEM (science, engineering, technology, mathematics). Commonwealth Honors Scholar Graduates were also recognized.

“We are incredibly proud of the students recognized at this year’s Evening of Excellence,” said Matthew Olson, MCC’s Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Their hard work, achievements, and commitment reflect the very best of Middlesex, and we are honored to celebrate their successes.”

In addition to honoring academics, awards focused on students’ service to MCC through their involvement in programs and leadership experiences. These included for Student Spirit, Core Commitments, the Dorothy O’Connell Unsung Hero Award, and the James E. Houlihan Jr. Student of the Year Award.

MCC’s President Phil Sisson, Provost Olson, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Noreen McGinness Olson, and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates’ family, friends and supporters at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. A reception followed the event. McGinness Olson shared how proud the college was of the students and their dedication throughout the duration of their time at MCC.

“These awards celebrate students who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on the Middlesex community through leadership, service, involvement and dedication to others,” McGinness Olson said. “Our student leaders inspire me every day with their passion, resilience, and dedication to making Middlesex a welcoming and supportive community for everyone. Congratulations and thank you to all of them for their commitment and service!”