Past Student Commencement Speakers
Manneury R. Arias '21— In 2013, Manneury R. Arias arrived in the United States with his siblings from the
Dominican Republic. As a first generation college student, Manneury started taking
classes at MCC three years later. He graduated with Honors in December with an Associate
in Science degree in Engineering Science- Civil/Environmental Engineering Concentration,
and a 3.48 GPA. Since January, he has been attending classes at the University of
Massachusetts Lowell in the Civil Engineering program. Mannuery hopes to one day work
for a municipality or a small engineering firm.
Nicole Beth Smay '21 — Nicole Beth Smay is a non-traditional student who is graduating with Honors with an
Associate in Science degree in Nursing, and a 3.26 GPA. Nicole is a veteran of the
U.S. Army who was deployed in Iraq and Germany. After returning home, she was able
to start a family. Once her four children were old enough, Nicole decided to pursue
her passion as a healthcare worker and start in MCC’s Nursing program. In addition
to taking classes and participating in clinical rotations, she has been working as
a patient care technician at Encompass Health Clinic in Woburn. After she completes
her degree, Nicole will start working as an acute rehab nurse at Encompass Health.
Celia Garron '20 — Celia Garron is a non-traditional, first generation student who is graduating, highest
honors with a degree in Liberal Studies. In addition to taking classes, Celia has
been employed in several departments on the Bedford campus. In all of these positions,
Celia is always willing to go the extra mile to assist students. Celia has worked
extremely hard and is an inspiration to her fellow students. She currently maintains
a 3.94 GPA and is member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Ijebusonma Agundu '20 — Ijebusonma Agundu is an international student from Nigeria who is graduating, highest
honors with a degree in Liberal Arts - Life Science program. Sonma has been involved
in several leadership roles serving as a mentor, coach and motivator to numerous students.
Although her involvement in college activities demands a tremendous amount of her
time, Sonma is able to balance these commitments with her academic goals. She currently
maintains a 3.86 GPA and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Sonma will be attending UMass
Lowell for the fall semester as a Biology major.