Three MCC Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-Massachusetts Team

Three Middlesex Community College students were named to the 2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Massachusetts Team: Nicole Dione Marques, Lihong Li and Riam Mian. The students were recognized at a ceremony at the State House in Boston on Friday, May 9.

“It is a great honor to be recognized among so many great students,” Marques said. “MCC has helped reach my goal toward getting a degree while keeping me financially stable. The quality of classes, dedication from staff, and the price per class at MCC is undefeated.”

From Brazil and now living in Tewksbury, Marques graduated from Middlesex as a Business Administration student. In the fall of 2024, she plans to transfer to Boston College to continue studying business and hopes to grow into a management position. She calls attending MCC “one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.”

Li is an MCC Elementary Education student from Lexington. Having graduated in May 2024, she now plans to transfer to a four-year institution. New to the United States, Li is balancing her studies with being a mother and wife. She credits Middlesex for offering a “personalized education” that meets individual students’ needs.

“I am thankful MCC provides students like me with a fair, equitable, diverse and inclusive educational environment, but also helps student solve the problems they face in life, economics, psychology and other aspects,” Li said. “Being named to the All-MA team makes me feel proud, excited and grateful for the recognition. It’s a validation of my skills and dedication to my studies. It motivates me to keep pushing myself to get even better.”

From Lexington, Mian studied Computer Science at Middlesex. He plans to continue his studies at UMass Amherst before pursuing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence. The former treasurer of the Sustainability Club, he became president and worked in the Bedford campus community garden. At MCC, he benefitted from small class sizes and student support services, such as tutoring in the college’s Academic Centers for Enrichment.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience here at MCC,” Rian said. “I feel grateful that I’ve been selected for the All-MA team. I’m also proud for all the work I’ve put into my academic as well as the time I’ve put into the community here at MCC. I’m looking forward to meeting the other All-MA team members and listening to their different experiences.”

Since 1918, PTK – the international society for two-year colleges – has recognized and encouraged scholarship among community college students, while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK.

“We are so proud of our PTK student leaders and all of the amazing work they have done during their time at Middlesex and throughout the year,” said Maria McDuffie Clark, MCC’s Director of Student Engagement for Equity. “I am thrilled for Nicole, Lihong and Riam to celebrate their accomplishments at the State House and to have received the All-Massachusetts Academic Team honor.”