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Thursday, May 14, 2015Massachusetts State House

mass.edu/29whoshine

Honoring 29 stellar graduates of our 29 Community Colleges, State Universities & UMass campuses

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The 5th Annual Ceremony

Welcome Chris Gabrieli, Chairman Massachusetts Board of Higher Education

29 Who Shine Procession

Music “God Bless America” UMass Minuteman Marching Band University of Massachusetts Amherst

Opening Remarks Richard M. Freeland, Commissioner Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

James Peyser, Secretary of Education Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Charlie Baker, Governor Commonwealth of Massachusetts

29 Who Shine Awards Community College Awards presented by Gail Carberry, President Quinsigamond Community College

State University Awards presented by Barry Maloney, President Worcester State University

University of Massachusetts Awards presented by Kumble Subbaswamy, Chancellor University of Massachusetts Amherst

Celebratory Luncheon to follow, generously sponsored by the Massachusetts Teachers Association

Each 29 Who Shine honoree, their faculty/staff mentor, and their four additional campus or personal guests are invited into the Great Hall

for a seated reception during which the 29 Who Shine will honor their mentors.

Other guests are invited to enjoy lunch in the ceremony space.

Event PhotosProfessional photographs from today’s event

will be available on Monday, May 18, at:

www.mass.edu/29whoshine

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From the five campuses of the University of Massachusetts…

Hannah WeinronkUMass AmherstDescribed by nominators as a “trans-formational leader helping others find their voice,” Hannah has served as a member of the national steering committee for the Real Food Challenge, which seeks to move university food budgets away from industrial farms and fast food towards community-based, fair, humane, and ecologically sound

food sources. She led a successful campaign for the Chancellor to sign the Real Food Campus Commitment. For her senior thesis, Hannah developed and facilitated a service-learning course with Nuestras Raice, a grassroots urban agriculture organization in Holyoke. Her undergraduate thesis focused on equity and justice for farm workers. Hannah plans to remain at UMass Amherst for one more year, and graduate in 2016 with her master’s degree in public health.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Hannah chose to recognize Dr. Gloria DiFulvio, Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Program Director, Community Health Education. “Dr. Gloria DiFulvio introduced me to the world of public policy and the theories of community organiz-ing, supporting me in exploring civic engagement through a frame-work of social justice. Her constant support within and beyond the classroom has grounded my experience at UMass Amherst and helped set the foundation I will build on moving forward.”

Lianne L. HughesUMass BostonAs founder and president of Rock the Vote’s Boston Chapter, Lianne played a pivotal role in helping young Bostonians get involved in and vote in the city’s 2013 mayoral race. She is a member of the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, serves on its Diversity Council, and was a keynote speaker along with Chelsea Clinton at the

association’s 60th anniversary event. She is passionate about educational opportunity, and founded the CollegeWorks Day Experiential Leadership Program, educating 350 Boston public high school students about preparing for and applying to college. This aspiring high school teacher graduates with a 3.95 GPA and a master’s degree in education.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Lianne chose to recognize Lisa M. Gonsalves, Ph.D., Chair, Curriculum and Instruction. “Dr. Lisa Gonsalves represents the definition of women’s leadership. Not only has she professionally pushed me to achieve academic excellence, she personally has provided me with the confidence, guidance and affirmation so I can reach my full potential. Thank you, Dr. Gonsalves, for your commitment and dedication to building urban educators like myself.”

Heather Lynn FatchericUMass DartmouthHeather is devoted to her campus while also making her mark on the field hockey team and in the local com-munity. She has been an orientation leader, reading and writing center tutor, a student minister for the Fall River Diocese Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and Greek Life coordinator. In these roles she has worked to support

campus efforts to incorporate voter registration into fall orientation. In the community, Heather has supported fundraising for cancer research and women’s shelters. A history major, Heather hopes to become a high school teacher.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Heather chose to recognize Shelly Metivier Scott, Associate Dean of Students, Student Affairs. “Shelly always goes ‘above and beyond’ for every student she meets, and has certainly done so for me. I am grateful to Shelly for always encouraging me to voice my opinions, and for giving me the confidence to do so. She has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and is one of the best role models for women at UMass Dartmouth.”

Meet the…

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Dean Griffin KennedyUMass LowellSince his days as an Eagle Scout, when he restored hiking paths near his hometown of Norton, Dean has made contributing to his community a priority. He has applied his leadership and mechanical engineering skills to environmental problem-solving on and off campus, serving as project manager for UMass Lowell’s

National Collegiate Wind Competition team. The team took 3rd place in the first-ever national competition for its design and business plan for a transportable wind turbine to charge portable electronics. Dean plans to earn an MBA and become an entrepreneur.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Dean chose to recognize David Willis, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering. “Since my freshman year, whenever I arrived at an academic crossroads, I was able to go to Professor Willis for advice and he was always extremely helpful. I had the privilege of working for him, as well as having him as my capstone advisor. He is a professor who is there for students as a voice of reason, logic and understanding. I have been honored to work with him.”

Shu YangUMass Medical SchoolShu has put his medical skills to work on behalf of needy residents of Central Massachusetts. He partnered with the Greater Worcester Housing Connection and Worcester Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Program to create a weekly evening foot care clinic in the city’s largest emergency homeless shelter. In addition, Shu was a director

of the Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen, leading groups of medical students to prepare and serve monthly dinners at the local soup kitchen. A Boston Albert Schweitzer Fellow and member of both the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and Gold Humanism Honor Society, Shu will pursue a residency in internal medicine and plans to specialize in cardiology.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Shu chose to recognize Phillip Fournier, M.D., Clinical Professor and Faculty Mentor, Family Medicine and Community Health. “Dr. Fournier has been one of my most positive and supporting mentors during my years at UMass Medical School.”

From Massachusetts’ nine state universities and specialty colleges…

Brandon J. AckleyBridgewater State UniversityBrandon’s interest in sustainability has led to deep engagement in research to benefit the environment. This chemistry major has conducted research on improving biodiesel synthesis and spent a summer at the Warner-Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry in Wilmington studying ways to embed photovoltaic cells in concrete. Brandon

has been accepted into the chemistry Ph.D. program at the University of Vermont and will return to Massachusetts after completion of his degree, hoping to secure a faculty position at one of the Commonwealth’s public universities.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Brandon chose to recognize Edward J. Brush, Ph.D., Professor, Chemical Sciences. “Dr. Brush has a talent for getting people interested in research, as well as for caring about the success of his students. Dr. Brush helped me get access to all of my extracurricular research activities, and I would not have been as successful as I was without his guidance and support.”

Alexandra ValdezFitchburg State UniversityA first-generation college student born in the Dominican Republic, Alexandra is passionate about increasing opportunities for higher education. Her experience working as the Latino liaison for Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley inspired her to revive the FSU Political Science Club and open dialogue with city officials to empower

students to be more civically engaged in their host community. She will spend the summer in the nation’s capital as an intern at the Washington Center, and return to the City of Boston as a Latino liaison in the fall.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Alexandra chose to recognize Joshua Spero, Associate Professor, Economics, History and Political Science. “Professor Spero has been a mentor throughout my time at Fitchburg State, teaching me the importance of persistence. He inspires students to push themselves to the fullest and to believe that everything is possible. I thank him every day for everything he has taught me in the classroom and beyond.”

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Stephanie BillingsleyFramingham State UniversityAt Framingham State, Stephanie is known for academic excellence (4.0 GPA), kindness (organizing fellow stu-dents to support a local needy family at Christmas) and community commit-ment (fundraising with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, beach clean-ups with the New England Aquarium.) A highly sought-after peer writing tutor,

Stephanie plans to pursue a doctorate in environmental or conservation psychology.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Stephanie chose to recognize Devin Burns, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology and Philosophy. “Working with Dr. Burns as a teaching assistant in his Research Methods class has fostered my love of psychological research, as well as teaching. Not only has working with Dr. Burns as his teaching assistant helped shape my goals for the future, but as my advisor he has been a great resource for me to ensure that I am academically prepared for graduate school.”

Sakinah A. Bramble-HakimMassachusetts College of Art and DesignSakinah is described by nominators as “a bridge-builder” who “works tirelessly to connect citizens from across the Commonwealth to inspire greater racial and generational understanding.” She is the lead student organizer of MassArt’s Race on Campus project, a video testimonial project which archives

experiences of racial “micro-aggressions.” Through this project and her work as a member of the Civic Engagement committee, she has organized cross-racial and cross-generation discussions on the topic of race. She plans a career combining her passion for art and commitment to social justice.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Sakinah chose to recognize Beth Balliro, Assistant Professor, Art Education. “I immediately felt respect for Beth upon our first meeting! Beth is master balancer as a mom, wife, educator and student. My favorite part of learning from and working with Beth is that she is a leader by example. Her energies are lively, focused and positive for each task and interaction.”

Mikaelle OlivierMassachusetts College of Liberal ArtsMikaelle works with the MCLA STEM Academy and is the founder and coordinator of STEM-in-Action, an after-school program for middle school students in North Adams. Her work in STEM education earned her the 2014 Steve Green Community Engagement Scholar Award, and helped shape her decision to switch from a planned

career in pharmaceuticals to a career as a science teacher. She said, “When it came down to what I wanted to do, it was impor-tant for me to give back because I had received so much from other people.” When she graduates, Mikaelle looks forward to working with high school students through Teach for America.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Mikaelle chose to recognize Christopher Himes, Biology and Education Professor and STEM Program Manager. “Through the years that I’ve known him, Dr. Himes has helped me navigate through many difficult decisions and has come to my aid whenever I needed resources, some words of advice, or someone to bounce ideas off of. I chose to recognize him today because his love and enthusiasm for teaching and biology inspired me to pursue a career in secondary education. Dr. Himes provided me with countless opportunities to practice my teaching skills and develop a style that I’m excited to apply in my own classroom.”

Emily BehenMassachusetts Maritime AcademyEmily has shown deep dedication to her local community by leading Mass Maritime’s year-long commitment to help the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) meet the needs of Cape Cod families during the holiday season. Coordinating a team of 40 volunteers, Emily executed a major fundraising drive to provide warm

winter clothing, holiday gifts, household linens, groceries and gas cards to DCF families. This cadet also completed internships at Hewlett-Packard, Proctor and Gamble and the Honolulu Department of Emergency management, and hopes for a career in nonprofit disaster relief or a related field.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Emily chose to recognize Doug P. Page, Assistant Director, Commandant of Cadets’ Office. “His dedication to charities that support women, children, animals and veterans resonated with me. It’s been a pleasure working with him on DCF Christmas; he has been the most influential mentor I have had. He reminds me of the potential that my generation has to make positive change in the world.”

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Mario L. de JesusWorcester State UniversityAs a health education major, Mario is motivated by the need to “set an example for those students who will be in my position in the future, so that they may continue to contribute to Worcester State, and so that Worcester State continues to excel as an institution.” He is a Presidential Student Ambassador, a volunteer

at local soup kitchens and conducts health education seminars at Centro las Americas in Worcester, where he recently completed an internship. He will attend UMass Amherst’s graduate program in public health in the fall.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Mario chose to recognize Nicole A. Boudreau, PSA Coordinator, President’s Office. “Nicole is a wonderful coordinator and mentor. She is always available, easy to communicate with, and sets a good example. These are some of the reasons that she has been so helpful during my time at Worcester State and with the completion of my applications to graduate school.”

And from Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges…

Gabriana Noël BrooksBerkshire Community CollegeIn Pittsfield, Gabrina serves meals at the First Baptist Church soup kitchen and volunteers weekly at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a nonprofit store and donation center that helps fund Habitat for Humanity building projects. On campus, she is president of the Student Government Association and a peer tutor to ESOL students. After

graduating from BCC as a Berkshire Honors Program Scholar, Gabriana plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology or neuroscience with the goal of attending medical school, and practicing medicine in underserved communities.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Gabriana chose to recognize Fayette Reynolds, Professor of Life Sciences. “Professor Reynolds has been an unfailing mentor and advocate. She is approachable, engaging and devoted to helping all students succeed. With her guidance, I have persevered through many challenges. Above all, I thank Professor Reynolds for believing in me, even when I had doubts about myself. Her overwhelming support is truly an inspiration.”

Heidi ShannonSalem State UniversityHeidi is heavily involved in the greater Lynn community as a middle school tutor and volunteer ESL teacher for adults. She has used her skills as a communications major to lead public relations for YouthBuild North Shore, and even traveled to Haiti as a com-munications specialist at the Cité Soleil medical clinic. She is the first student

to ever intern with all three Time magazine publications (Time, Fortune and Money). After graduation she hopes to secure a PR position in magazine publishing or the nonprofit sector.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Heidi chose to recognize Robert Brown, Professor, Communications. “Dr. Robert Brown is a warm and enthusiastic professor, but more than that he genuinely cares about what his students have done and what our futures are going to look like beyond graduation.”

Sarah VargheseWestfield State UniversitySarah graduates from Westfield with a distinguished track record of campus and community engagement. She has worked daily in a variety of student af-fairs and residence halls roles, while also working on local blood and food drives and at a Westfield homeless shelter. She plans to attend graduate school to earn her master’s degree in special educa-

tion, with the goal of becoming a Massachusetts teacher.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Sarah chose to recognize Kim Morgan, Assistant to the Vice President, Student Affairs and the Student Ambassador Coordinator. “Kim is the one person who has helped me become who I am today. She believed in me even when I did not believe in myself. She is the reason I began to see myself as a leader, role model, and mentor.”

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Christina M. LeBristol Community CollegeWhen Christina’s campus advisor urged her to cut back on civic and campus commitments to focus more on academics, with the goal of earning more scholarships and awards, this student with a respectable 3.1 GPA simply smiled and said, “My volunteer work is a part of who I am.” An active member of the Massachusetts Army

National Guard and single mother of a three-year-old, Christina serves as Bristol’s Student Trustee and also as a member of the Student Senate. She sees herself as a leader for fellow students “who do not have a voice.” She plans to continue her studies at Emerson College.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Christina chose to recognize Susan McCourt, Director of the Commonwealth Honors Program and Associate Professor of Mathematics. “Susan has had my back since the only class I took with her. She challenges me and encouraged me to take classes I didn’t want at first but turned out to be great. She is easy to talk to and has always gone above and beyond for me.”

Yamileth LopezBunker Hill Community CollegeBorn in Colombia and raised in Venezuela, Yamileth came to Boston at 18 to run her father’s convenience store. Eighteen years later, she sold the business and prepared for college through the Bridges to College Program funded by the Department of Higher Education in collaboration with Jewish Vocational Services. In addition to

completing three internships at Raytheon, Staples and Liberty Mutual through BHCC’s Learn and Earn program, Yamileth has used her skills to help Sociedad Latina, which provides support to Latino youth and families. Active as a Student Trustee and peer mentor, and winner of multiple national and state merit scholarships, this wife and mother graduates from Bunker Hill Communiy College with honors and an associate degree in Business Administration.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Yamileth chose to recognize Anthony D. Fontes, Associate Professor and Chair, Business Department. “Professor Fontes opened my eyes to all the opportunities available at BHCC. He taught me that with hard work and good ethics every-thing is possible. He’s an example in class and his dedication to his students and to the Entrepreneur Club make him a great mentor.”

Christina SoltisCape Cod Community CollegeChristina has worked to reduce food insecurity in her community by leading operation of the campus food pantry and compiling Thanksgiving food baskets for local families three years in a row. This mother of a six-year-old boy also works for the local chapter of the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) and has interned at the Duffy

Health Center, where she remains a fixture for their fundraising gala. Her academic work mirrors her passion of helping others; an honors student graduating with an associate’s degree in human services, Christina will pursue her bachelor’s degree in social work at Bridgewater State University.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Christina chose to recognize Kate Martin, Professor, Social Sciences and Human Services. “I have been blessed with great professors at CCCC. The first time I met Prof. Kate Martin, I felt she really cared. Her dedication to students, push for us to work harder, and her humor, making the tough projects less daunting, continue to inspire me. She is truly special.”

Guinevere Arthur VanhorneGreenfield Community CollegeGuinevere grew up in Jamaica and never imagined she’d be able to go to college. Now, while working and raising her two daughters, Guinevere has excelled as a student. She serves as president of GCC’s chapter of the national academic honor society for community college students, Phi Theta

Kappa. She has a stellar record of community engagement, volunteering at a local soup kitchen and at the GCC food pantry, while also leading a fundraising campaign to help a local family get a much-needed, wheelchair-accessible van. She will continue her studies at a four-year college and plans to become a physician’s assistant.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Guinevere chose to recognize Jay Gump, Faculty, Science. “Jay Gump was so motivating while teaching Anatomy & Physiology that I fell in love with the science of it. He ignited my passion for the sciences and cemented in my mind that I’m on the right path. His every action says ‘I believe in you.’”

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Jeffery Scott Anderson-BurgosHolyoke Community CollegeJeffery graduates this spring with a 4.0 GPA and an offer to continue his studies at the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is active in state and local politics, has served as a delegate to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention, and fundraised for the National Multiple

Sclerosis Society and Boys and Girls Club. On campus, Jeffery is president of the Student Senate. He organized a cell phone recycling and fundraising project that has expanded into a full-fledged electronics recycling program held each semester in partnership with a local e-cycling company. Jeffery hopes to one day serve the public in elected office.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Jeffery chose to recognize Elizabeth Golen, Coordinator/Advisor for Student Activities and the Student Senate. “Elizabeth has often been there with very timely advice and support when I needed it most. She has known when to let me take a chance—and sometimes stumble. She has also known when to rein me in. More than just believing in the student leaders she works with, she forces them to believe in themselves.”

Harvens Beauzile Massasoit Community CollegeLiving through the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Harvens saw firsthand the impact of a shortage of surgeons. That experience has fueled Harvens’ own desire to continue his education on a pre-med track, and to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders while making Massachusetts his permanent home. Harvens graduates from Massasoit

with a GPA of 3.92 and a lengthy list of campus and community volunteer experiences, including time spent as a peer tutor, at the campus food pantry, at a Brockton homeless shelter, and at local Red Cross blood drives.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Harvens chose to recognize Kathleen Reid, Director of Student Life. “When I first came to Massasoit Community College I was just learning how to speak English. Ms. Reid was patient and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. She showed me that I have potential and that I am a leader.”

Suhaily PenixMassBay Community CollegeSuhaily is one of the strongest students to graduate from the biotechnology program at MassBay. In her capac-ity as one of the Department’s three “Chief Mentors,” she assists in daily operations, with the lab training of new students, and as an ambassador to external audiences. A mother of three, Suhaily has used the position to build

interest in the sciences among young Latina women, serving as mentor and role model to students at Margarita Muniz Academy, Boston’s first dual language high school. “Through Suhaily’s mentorship and efforts,” one campus nominator wrote, “Massachusetts will benefit from a formidable future cohort of Latina women and women of color who will pursue careers in STEM fields.” She will attend Wellesley College in the fall.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Suhaily chose to recognize Bruce Jackson, Ph.D., Professor of Biotechnology and Forensic DNA Science. “Dr. Jackson has not only supported me throughout my entire time at MassBay, but he’s helped me to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. I have a goal to earn my Ph.D. in molecular biology. I know I have the power and ability to achieve that because of the education and support I’ve received at MassBay.”

Yerkely GomezMiddlesex Community CollegeA native of the Dominican Republic and a resident of Lawrence, Yerkely has shown a great sensitivity to the environmental challenges facing the Merrimack Valley. Through his volunteer work with the Gulf of Maine Institute, he has given time to the Middlesex campus recycling program, Lowell’s Earth Days, and other environmental

improvement initiatives. He is a member of the Middlesex Paul Sullivan Leadership Institute to help promising student leaders grow as citizens. He plans to continue his education at a four-year university.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Yerkely chose to recognize Willy Ramirez, College Support Transition Specialist and Faculty. “From the very first semester, when I arrived at MCC, Willy has guided me and has been always there mentoring me. He showed me how to get what I want and what I need from the college. He has supported me. For this and more I am recognizing Willy.”

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Cathy May TeagueMount Wachusett Community CollegeA mother and stepmother of six who returned to college full time, Cathy has excelled as an honors student while also making it a priority to help others. She has served as a mentor to her peers through MWCC’s Students Serving Our Students (SOS) program and volunteered for numerous community services and fundraising programs.

As president of the Student Government Association, she spearheaded the college’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, which served more than 80 families in Central Massachusetts. This spring Cathy was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She will be recognized as a Civic Scholar at MWCC’s commencement and plans a career as a physical therapy assistant.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Cathy chose to recognize Elaine R. Gagne, Adjunct Professor, English, Reading & First Year Experience. “Professor Gagne has given me endless encouragement through personal and academic challenges. She helped me unlock my potential, allowing me to grow not only as a student but to grow into many leadership roles. She also taught me that if my dreams don’t scare me, they are not big enough.”

Sandrine L. AminNorth Shore Community CollegeSandrine came from Cameroon, Africa, in 2012 unsure of her future. At North Shore Community College, she found her purpose, and with the support of a campus mentor, set herself on a path to becoming a pediatrician. Sandrine has attended college full time while also working full time at a nursing home and helping to raise four younger

siblings. She also volunteers for campus activities, including voter registration drives, and tutors students in calculus and biology. Although Sandrine plans to continue her studies in Massachusetts, having received the Foster Furcolo Scholarship to cover most expenses at UMass Boston, she also hopes to return to Cameroon on special medical missions to help the people of her former country.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Sandrine chose to recognize Ina Resnikoff, Academic Counselor, TRIO/Student Support Services. “Ina has been like a mother to me. I was so lost arriving in a new country, not knowing anybody or how things were done here. Meeting Ina set me free. She was so easy to talk to, and she has helped and advised me on everything.”

Justin E. MercedNorthern Essex Community CollegeAfter proudly serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan, Justin arrived at Northern Essex to pursue education for a career in health care. He quickly emerged as both an honors student and a student leader, serving as Vice President of the Student Senate and helping to rejuvenate the Veteran’s Services Club. In 2013 he organized

the first Veterans Day luncheon to honor fellow campus vets, an event so successful that it is now held annually. Justin will attend Rutgers University as a biology/premed major In the fall.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Justin chose to recognize Lenny Cavallaro, Adjunct Faculty, English. “Professor Lenny Cavallaro: a stalwart instructor, an ironical wiz, and the person that motivated me early in my academic career to go further than what I thought I was capable of. We’ve remained in contact for over two years now, and I feel his mentorship has been paramount to my academic success.”

Micah Devin KlaymanQuinsigamond Community CollegeMicah is known as a “driving force” on the Quinsigamond campus, especially noted for his leadership of the QCC Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. As President he helped the chapter achieve PTK’s highest five-star ranking. Micah also led the honor society to commit to raising $81,000 in the next three years to keep Lilly,

Worcester Public Library’s newest bookmobile, on the road to promote literacy. He has also volunteered many hours at Worcester’s Community Harvard Gardens, which produces hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh produce for local residents. Micah will transfer to Worcester State University.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Micah chose to recognize Bonnie A. Coleman, Advisor to the Alpha Zeta Theta Chapter, Enrollment and Student Services. “Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, in which Bonnie is the lead advisor, is what has helped me strive to be a bet-ter leader. Bonnie always looks out for students and works for the better of the college. She is a dedicated, thoughtful and tremendous mentor.”

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Jorge BonillaRoxbury Community CollegeJorge has made his mark as a student ambassador for Roxbury Community College, representing the campus in community engagements and at special events. He was first elected as a student representative to the Student Government Association, and later chosen by his peers to serve as student trustee on the college’s

Board of Trustees. An engineering major, Jorge was selected as the student speaker at the March 2015 announcement of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s $17 million in capital awards to colleges, schools and hospitals throughout greater Boston. He also participated in a roundtable discussion on edu-cational issues with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Ryan LombardiniSpringfield Technical Community CollegeRyan is an accomplished student and entrepreneur who started his own home audio and security com-pany now serving business clients in Massachusetts and Texas. Ryan’s interest and expertise in electrical engineering technologies has companies waiting in line for him to finish his bachelor’s

degree so they can hire him. He was featured in a Boston Globe Magazine story on the transformative power of community col-leges in Massachusetts, and as a participant in the Department of Higher Education’s Go Public! event series helped inspire high school students in western Massachusetts to pursue science, technology, engineering and math careers.

Faculty/Staff Mentor: Ryan chose to recognize Julian “Skip” Tenczar, Senior Staff Assistant, Engineering Technologies. “Skip Tenczar has been instrumental in guiding me in pursuit of my undergraduate degree. He encouraged me to develop new skills, such as public speaking. His knowledge and teaching style made learning enjoyable. His commitment to my success helped me improve my skill set. His positive comments gave me confidence. Skip’s dedication is an inspiration to me.”

Thank YouCelebratory Luncheon Sponsor

Media PartnersThe following newspapers and publishers showed their support for Massachusetts public higher education by donating ad space, including numerous full-page ads, in today’s papers to salute the 29 Who Shine:

The Boston GlobeJohn Henry, Publisher

The Boston HeraldPatrick J. Purcell, Publisher

The Daily ItemPeter H. Gamage, Publisher

The Gardner NewsAlberta Saffell Bell, Publisher

Gatehouse Media New EnglandSean Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer

The Enterprise, Brockton The Herald News, Fall River The MetroWest Daily News The Milford Daily News The Patriot Ledger, Quincy The Taunton Daily Gazette

The Lowell SunMark O’Neil, President and Publisher

The Republican, SpringfieldGeorge Arwady, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer

The Salem NewsKaren Andreas, Publisher

The Sentinel & Enterprise, FitchburgLarry Hubner, Publisher and Advertising Director

The Telegram & Gazette, WorcesterBruce Gaultney, Publisher

mass.edu/29whoshinemass.edu/29whoshine

Join us in applauding the “29 Who Shine,” a group of outstanding public college and university graduates who will be honored at

the State House today for their academic achievements,

leadership potential and contributions to the civic life

and prosperity of the Commonwealth.Whether furthering their education or entering high-demand

careers here in the state, these stellar students truly embody

the vibrant future we all envision for Massachusetts.

The Boston Globe congratulates…

Learn more about these students’ accomplishments at

A Massachusetts Public Higher Education partnership

Mikaelle OlivierMassachusetts College of

Liberal Arts

Gabriana Noël BrooksBerkshire

Community College

Alexandra ValdezFitchburg

State University

Harvens BeauzileMassasoit

Community College

Cathy May Teague

Mt. Wachusett Community College

Heidi ShannonSalem State University

Shu YangUMass

Medical School

Dean Griffin KennedyUMass

Lowell

Brandon J. AckleyBridgewater State University

Guinevere Arthur VanhorneGreenfield

Community College

Justin E. MercedNorthern Essex Community College

Hannah Weinronk

UMass Amherst

Heather Lynn FatchericUMass

Dartmouth

Mario L. de JesusWorcester State University

Christina M. LeBristol

Community College

Jeffery Scott Anderson-BurgosHolyoke

Community College

Yerkely GomezMiddlesex

Community College

Micah Devin KlaymanQuinsigamond Community College

Christina SoltisCape Cod

Community College

Sakinah A. Bramble-Hakim

Massachusetts College of Art & Design

Emily BehenMassachusetts Maritime

Academy

Jorge BonillaRoxbury

Community College

Yamileth LopezBunker Hill Community College

Stephanie Billingsley

Framingham State University

Suhaily PenixMassBay

Community College

Sandrine L. AminNorth Shore Community College

Ryan LombardiniSpringfield Technical

Community College

Lianne L. Hughes

UMass Boston

Sarah VargheseWestfield State University

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Where Are They Now?In honor of the 5th annual 29 Who Shine ceremony, we checked in with a few 29 Who Shine alumni to see how they’re shining today...

Morgan OpieCape Cod Community College ‘11Now a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst majoring in physics and mathematics, Morgan is one of only 14 students in the U.S. to win the prestigious Churchill Scholarship to study at Cambridge University in the UK next year.

Jochebed MillerMassasoit Community College ’13

Jochebed is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Northeastern University,

where she works as the administrative assistant for the Department of

African-American Studies.

Christine Michelson Bridgewater State

University ‘14 Christine teaches at Natick

High School and is the lead teacher for their ACCESS Program for students with moderate to severe disabilities and educational needs.

Ruben Sepulveda

Holyoke Community College ‘11

Ruben earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from

Amherst College in 2013. He is a co-founder of the Paul Friere

Social Justice Charter School in his hometown of Holyoke, a public high

school that opened in 2012.

Patrick Ryan CornellSalem State University ‘14

After working as a case manager at the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill, helping

homeless veterans find jobs and housing, Patrick was invited to help stand up a new artillery battery with

the Massachusetts Army National Guard, where he now coordinates training events and educational programs.

Alyssa Trinidad University of Massachusetts Boston ‘13

Alyssa Trinidad earned a master’s degree in accounting from Boston College and is now employed at Deloitte & Touche

Boston. Through Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity, she is helping to build a home for a family in Lawrence, and also

volunteers with the Big Sisters Association of Greater Boston.

Joshua Encarnacion University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ‘14

Joshua Encarnacion is a human resources executive at Google. His legacy lives on at his alma mater, where he spearheaded

fundraisers to build a $25,000 endowment for “The Dream Scholarship,” awarded to a student who exemplifies school pride and spirit.

www.mass.edu/29whoshine

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Richard M. Freeland, Commissioner

COMMUNITY COLLEGESBerkshire Community College

Ellen Kennedy, President

Bristol Community College John J. Sbrega, President

Bunker Hill Community College Pamela Eddinger, President

Cape Cod Community College John Cox, President

Greenfield Community College Robert L. Pura, President

Holyoke Community College William F. Messner, President

MassBay Community College John O’Donnell, President

Massasoit Community College Charles Wall, President

Middlesex Community College James Mabry, President

Mount Wachusett Community College Daniel M. Asquino, President

North Shore Community College Patricia Gentile, President

Northern Essex Community College Lane A. Glenn, President

Quinsigamond Community College Gail Carberry, President

Roxbury Community College Valerie Roberson, President

Springfield Technical Community College Ira Rubenzahl, President

STATE UNIVERSITIESBridgewater State University Dana Mohler-Faria, President

Fitchburg State University Robert Antonucci, President

Framingham State University Javier Cevallos, President

Massachusetts College of Art and Design Kurt Steinberg, Acting President

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Cynthia Brown, Interim President

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Richard Gurnon, President

Salem State University Patricia Maguire Meservey, President

Westfield State University Elizabeth Preston, Interim President

Worcester State University Barry Maloney, President

UMASS CAMPUSESUniversity of Massachusetts System

Robert L. Caret, President

University of Massachusetts Amherst Kumble R. Subbaswamy, Chancellor

University of Massachusetts Boston J. Keith Motley, Chancellor

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Divina Grossman, Chancellor

University of Massachusetts Lowell Marty Meehan, Chancellor

University of Massachusetts Medical School Michael F. Collins, Chancellor

A Massachusetts Public Higher Education partnership