MCC Pins 119 Health Graduates from the 2024 Class

Middlesex Community College celebrated the achievements of 119 graduates of the class of 2024 with a Health Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday, May 21 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Gordana Marchio and Katie Matte addressed their classmates as the two student speakers this year.

“Being named a health pinning speaker is a tremendous honor and privilege,” Marchio said. “My hope is that my speech will be inspiring and motivating for others, especially those who may be facing their own challenges or contemplating their next steps in life.”

From Serbia and now living in Winchester, Marchio graduated from MCC’s Dental Hygiene program with highest honors and is one of two recipients of this year’s Dental Hygiene Award for Academic Excellence. Looking to re-enter the workforce, the mother of two chose to come to MCC because of the college’s strong reputation, high-quality programming, and opportunities for growth in and outside of the classroom.

At MCC, Marchio built upon her background in dental assisting, including as a tutor for the college’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE). She strengthened her skills through clinicals at the VA Bedford Hospital, Middlesex House of Corrections, and the D’Youville Life and Wellness Community. After MCC, she plans to work in private practice, continue her education to receive a master’s, and one day teach in the field.

Matte, of Dracut, graduated from MCC’s nursing program with high honors. She took evening and weekend classes to balance her studies with working a full-time job and raising two children. With a master’s in public health, she has worked in healthcare for over a decade, choosing to enter the nursing field to offer high-quality care to vulnerable populations.

MCC’s courses, professors and hands-on experiences provided Matte with a comprehensive understanding of how and why they care for patients in the nursing field. She had clinicals in long-term care, rehab, pediatrics, maternity, labor and delivery, geriatrics, psychiatry, public health and surgery. She has already accepted a role working in acute care at a local hospital and plans to pursue a master’s degree.

“It was important to represent my peers because they are all such impressive people,” Matte said. “I am excited to share our journey together and I’m so proud to be part of this amazing cohort of students. MCC is the launchpad I needed to transition into a second career as a nurse. It would not have been possible for me without a program structured like this, and I’ve found many local hospitals have so much respect for the education we get here.”

An honored tradition, the pinning emphasizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the graduates entering the fields. Graduates received ribbons of different colors representing their programs, which include Nursing, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Dental Laboratory Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and the Academy of Health Professions.

MCC’s President Phil Sisson, Provost Arlene Rodríguez, Dean of Health Karen Townsend, and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates’ families, friends and supporters to honor their pinning. Dawn Chandonnet, a 2001 alumna of the nursing program, spoke during this year’s pinning.

Currently working toward a doctorate in nursing practice journey, Chandonnet received a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s as a clinical nurse educator. In her 24-year career, she has assisted in making changes in the nursing practice and onboarding new nurses. A member of the American Organization of Nursing Leadership, Organization of Nurse Leaders, and Sigma Theta Tao, she is a chair of councils within her organization.

“MCC prepared with skills, knowledge and opportunities to practice nursing,” Chandonnet said. “Attaining this degree opened so many amazing doors in my professional career. For that, I am truly grateful. I would encourage new graduates to continue reflecting on their why when choosing nursing as a profession. Having a purpose at the forefront of your thoughts as you grow on your professional and personal journey is important. It keeps you focused on what you are trying to achieve, and why!”

During the ceremony, graduates were called on stage individually to receive their pins from faculty of MCC’s health programs. Each program then recited a pledge to practice their new professions ethically, promote health for all, and advance their fields. A reception with family and friends followed the ceremony.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our 2024 health graduates and witness them receive their pins,” Townsend said. “Throughout their time at MCC, the graduates have shown their determination, dedication and resiliency in honing their skills and improving their craft. As they progress into their fields, I know they will continue to make us proud as compassionate healthcare providers, future leaders and innovators of the industries in which they serve.”