Danvers, MA (05/18/2026) — North Shore Community College will host two Commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., conferring degrees and certificates upon more than 800 degree graduates of the class of 2026.
Following are just a few highlights about the 2026 graduating class*:
- Graduates represent a 10 percent increase over last year, due in part to the state's Free Community College initiative
- More than 400 students expected to attend the two graduation ceremonies
- More than 300 first-generation students served this academic year
- Twenty-nine graduates are U.S. military veterans or family members of veterans
- Early College students in the Frederic Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA) begin at NSCC in grade 9, earning both a Liberal Arts Transfer (LAT) degree and a high school diploma-reducing time and cost
Keynote Speakers, Student Speakers and Soloist Details
Morning Ceremony - 10 a.m.
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, President and CEO, Walker Therapeutic and Educational Programs and former Massachusetts Secretary of Education
- Student Speaker: Andres Cuellar Herrera, Chelsea, MA, Associate in Liberal Arts Dual Language
- Student Soloist: Massah D. Jones, Lynn, MA, Liberal Arts Transfer, Associate in Arts
Morning ceremony speaker Andres Cuellar Herrera is originally from Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia, and is graduating today with a degree in Liberal Arts on the Dual Language Path. After graduation, he is excited to continue his education at Northeastern University in the Health Sciences program, following the pre-med track as he works toward medical school.
Andres chose to study at NSCC because he found a place where everyone was committed to his success from the beginning. NSCC was the place where he found support to balance his full-time work with his academic goals, and the inspiration to aim for higher goals than he thought were possible.
Morning soloist Massah D. Jones is a proud resident of Lynn, Massachusetts, and a native of Liberia who came to the United States at the age of 15 in pursuit of a better life and education. After graduating from Medford High School and studying at Salem State University, Massah found her academic home at North Shore Community College, where she is graduating this May with a remarkable 4.0 GPA.
Her journey to this milestone was anything but simple. As a single mother of four-Adam, Ariana, Alyssa, and Aiden-Massah balanced the demands of motherhood and work while never losing sight of her educational goals. NSCC provided the structure, support, and community she needed to thrive.
Looking ahead, Massah plans to return to Salem State University to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's and ultimately a doctorate, with aspirations of attending UMass Boston or Harvard.
She is deeply grateful to her professors and the entire NSCC community for their encouragement and is incredibly honored to represent the graduating class by performing the national anthem at this year's morning Commencement ceremony.
Afternoon Ceremony 2 p.m.
- Keynote Speaker: Tom Sands, Market President-North Shore & NHC Board of Trustees
- Student Speaker: Sayuri Mojica, Beverly, MA, Associate in Elementary Education
- Student Soloist: Stacy Duggan, Revere, MA, Associate in Health Studies
Afternoon ceremony speaker Sayuri Mojica is from Beverly, Massachusetts and is graduating with an associate degree in elementary education. After graduation, she is excited to continue her education at Bridgewater State University, where she will pursue degrees in elementary education and psychology.
Sayuri chose to study at North Shore because of the affordability, the flexibility to continue working in her career field, and the MassTransfer Pathway.
During her time at North Shore, she gained more than just academic experience; she developed valuable real-world skills. The flexibility of the College allowed her to balance coursework with a Walt Disney World internship, working full-time in an elementary classroom, and other professional opportunities. In addition, MassTransfer enabled her to complete her general education requirements while ensuring a seamless transition to Bridgewater State University.
Afternoon soloist Stacy Duggan is a proud resident of Revere, Massachusetts, currently completing her degree in health studies at North Shore Community College. A dedicated member of the campus community, Stacy serves in the Student Government Association and was recently honored to run for the position of student trustee.
Beyond her studies, Stacy is a seasoned performer with a lifelong love for musical theater. She recently shared her vocal talents at the college talent show and is thrilled to bring that same energy to the 60th Commencement Ceremony.
Stacy plans to transition into a meaningful career in the healthcare field, continuing her commitment to helping others. She is deeply grateful to her professors and the NSCC community for their support and is incredibly honored to represent the graduating class as this year's student soloist.
Event Details
More details on Commencement, including parking and other logistics, can be found at www.northshore.edu/commencement. Livestream links to the two ceremonies will be available on the website on the day of the event, Friday, May 22.
MEDIA CONTACT: Doreen Maciak, Assistant Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications, dmaciak@northshore.edu (978) 739-5436