FINDING THE HELPERS
NECC alumni answer the call to serve their communities
ALSO NECC’s program helped CNA achieve her “American Dream”
Message from the President INSIDE
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Fred Rogers once shared a simple but profound piece of wisdom: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
As I reflect on the stories in this issue of alumnecc, I can’t help but feel immense pride in how deeply that spirit of helping runs through the fabric of our Northern Essex family. Whether it’s in our classrooms, in our neighborhoods, or across new frontiers of careers and personal growth, NECC alumni have a remarkable way of stepping up to serve others — and changing lives in the process.
In this issue, you’ll meet alumni whose careers have been built on helping. You’ll read about local police chiefs whose first steps into law enforcement were taken right here at NECC. You’ll hear from Wanda Santos, whose journey from family caretaker to community leader and author reminds us that resilience, paired with opportunity, leads to profound impact. And you’ll learn about Atwia Wymy, who arrived in our region in pursuit of opportunities for her family, found NECC’s CNA program, and is now making a daily difference in elder care while continuing her education.
It brings to mind the way Mr. Rogers would say, “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” These alumni show us that every challenge is a doorway to possibility — and that beginnings, no matter how humble, can lead to lives of extraordinary service.
These are just a few of the many helpers you’ll find among our alumni. Their stories inspire not just for their individual triumphs, but for the ways they lift others along the way. This is the heart of NECC: we are a college of opportunity, of second chances, and of the belief that education is not an end, but a beginning — a pathway to serving others and building stronger communities.
Thank you for being part of the NECC story. I hope these pages remind you, as they reminded me, that helpers are everywhere. And more often than not, they got their start right here — in our own neighborhood. So go ahead — slip on your favorite cardigan, and enjoy these stories of courage, kindness, and community.
Lane A. Glenn
President
This issue is dedicated to the memory of one of our greatest “helpers,” former NECC President John Dimitry 1929-2024. Read more about his life and legacy at necc.be/dimitry
4 8 10 12 15 16 18 20
Editor: Melissa Bouse
Contributing Editor: Sarah Comiskey
Creative Director: Trev Stair
Writers: Naima Bogran, Melissa Bouse, Sarah Comiskey, Keith Paul, Alex Pecci ’02
Research Assistance: Shana Murrell, Emma Ruggiero
Editing Assistance: Anne Eshbaugh
For the past ten years, Art Professor Marc Mannheimer’s ART100-Intro class has run volunteer art therapy classes at Opportunity Works. Recent projects included color wheels to help students express emotions.
Officers who train at the NECC Police Academy will be equipped with the latest response method Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training. The FBI has deemed ALERRT the gold standard in response curriculum. The academy recently held an intensive “train the trainer” course for NECC Policy Academy instructors.
A new joint admissions agreement will allow NECC students to seamlessly transfer to Merrimack College once they complete their associate degrees. Merrimack President Christopher Hopey has also pledged scholarships of up to $10,000 for eligible students.
Comfort dog Winnie celebrated her first birthday earlier this year. Though she’s still in training, she has already had a big impact on students, faculty, and staff.
President Glenn is this year’s recipient of Campus Compact’s Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Presidential Leadership. The national award recognizes presidents and chancellors from community colleges who have exemplified a deep and sustained commitment to civic and community engagement throughout their careers.
Dr. Lane A. Glenn Winner of the 2025 Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Presidential Leadership
Local Police Chiefs Started Here
The pathway from NECC’s criminal justice program to local leadership
For decades, earning an associate degree in criminal justice from Northern Essex has been a springboard for those seeking a career in law enforcement, criminology, or the justice system. But for three local police chiefs, NECC’s criminal justice programs not only opened doors for advanced education and a solid foundation in law enforcement but also served as the first step on a path to community leadership.
“NECC was the foundation of all the career success that I may have had,” says Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara. “The associate degree got me started in law enforcement, and because I could work full-time while earning it, I hit the ground running with both education and experience.”
Here’s a closer look at three of our local law enforcement leaders’ NECC journeys.
Matthew Simons ’05 City Marshal Newburyport Police Department
Today, Matthew Simons, city marshal for the Newburyport Police Department, holds several degrees, including an associate, bachelor’s, and master’s. But as a student at Newburyport High School, he “hadn’t even considered college,” he said. Instead, he went directly into the Marine Corps after graduation and served for four years, including a year in the military police. That experience not only made him realize that he wanted a career in law enforcement, but that he wanted to further his education, too.
His experience in NECC’s criminal justice program provided an early opportunity to start honing that leadership focus.
“The courses went beyond just the course subjects of criminal justice,” he said. “If you wanted to get into the sociology side of things or the psychology pieces of leadership, there was that opportunity also.”
Simons says local law enforcement is “very connected” to NECC, thanks to the learning and training opportunities it offers, from the criminal justice program to the police academy.
Scott McNamara ’91 Chief of Police
Methuen Police Department
For Scott McNamara, NECC’s Criminal Justice program offered more than just a chance to earn a degree. It was the start of a careerlong connection to the school and a bridge to opportunities to give back to his community, including NECC itself.
“To this day, I run into colleagues who got their start at NECC, and it’s like we’re still part of that tight-knit community,” he says. “The relationships I built at NECC have lasted a lifetime.”
was what set it apart,” he says. “I cherished that I wasn’t just getting textbook answers; I was hearing how things actually play out on the street.”
After graduating from NECC, McNamara went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He also served as a Lawrence police officer for 25 years before becoming Methuen police chief in 2021.
Through it all, he’s kept close ties with NECC. He credits NECC President Lane Glenn with helping the City of Lawrence secure nearly $60 million in funding for a new public safety center when he was a police officer there.
When McNamara got his own start at NECC, he was working full-time yet was able to keep his job while attending school because of the program’s affordability and flexibility.
“I didn’t have to move or quit my job. It was local, respected, and gave me a strong foundation in criminal justice that I could build on later,” he says.
Moreover, courses were taught by people who walked the walk.
“The real-world experience I gleaned from my NECC instructors, many of whom were current or former cops,
Now, he serves on the MPTC/NECC Police Academy advisory board and received this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award at the annual NECC Impact Awards ceremony, which honors people who have made lasting contributions to the college and its students.
McNamara calls NECC “the foundation of everything I’ve achieved in my career,” a place that gave him an “affordable, high-quality education from instructors with real-world chops.”
Now, he and the school keep giving back to each other.
“NECC’s network has been a full-circle gift,” he says.
That’s when he enrolled in NECC’s Criminal Justice program, which gave him the flexibility to go to school while working for the Newburyport Police Department.
“I was able to continue my education and finish up at NECC when I had already started working as a full-time police officer,” he says.
Since then, his career has blossomed into one committed to community-focused, forward-thinking leadership in law enforcement. He moved up the department’s ranks as a detective, a sergeant, and eventually city marshal in late 2024 and earned a master’s degree in executive leadership in 2020.
“That partnership has been a huge bonus for us,” he says. “That’s been a good relationship, for not just our department, but law enforcement in Massachusetts as a whole.”
It also helped Simons develop a thriving career, from the awards and citations he received in 2018 for performing life-saving care to a driver while he was off-duty; to attending the FBI National Academy in Virginia; to being a leader at the highest level in the Newburyport Police Department.
“I want to help people. I want to give back,” he says. “For me, the job is taking care of people.”
This story was written by Alexandra Pecci ’02
Eric Shears ’93
Chief Merrimac Police Department
Eric Shears, police chief at the Merrimac Police Department, always knew he wanted to be a police officer, so as soon as he graduated from high school, he sought advice from Merrimac’s police chief at the time, who encouraged him to continue his education at a reserve police academy and college. That’s when he enrolled in NECC’s criminal justice program.
“I think Northern Essex is a great place to start a college career,” he says.
Shears started working as a Merrimac Police Department dispatcher in 1991 and later as a part-time officer, all while attending school at NECC. Yet, NECC’s appeal wasn’t just its flexible class schedules and convenient location.
“A lot of the instructors were working police officers,” he said. “The instructors and professors were all involved somehow in whatever they were teaching…they had real life experience, and I just loved it.”
NECC was only the start of Shears’ education. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor and has remained committed to leadership and advancing the education of others. He’s held a variety of roles in addition to chief, ranging from adjunct instructor for the ALERRT Program at Texas State University to past president of the Essex County Chiefs of Police Association. He’s also been back to NECC itself, hosting large-scale trainings on campus. He’s been lauded by the community, too, including receiving the Community Hero award from Riverside Church in Haverhill.
It all stemmed from his start at NECC, where studying criminal justice provided a holistic view of law enforcement.
“You get the big picture of how things work so that when you go into the field, you have an understanding of the justice system and understanding of the court system,” he says.
Shears has been police chief in Merrimac since 2011, and still loves every minute of it, from motivating and mentoring new employees, to teaching and serving the community.
“I absolutely love coming to work. I love helping people,” he says. “It’s just what drives me. I truly love policing.”
That love was nurtured at NECC.
“It’s been an incredible career,” he says. “It all started at NECCO.”
LEVELS OF LEO s
The NECC Alumni Association has a robust network of graduates representing every level and field of law enforcement. Here’s a snapshot of just a few of our impressive alumni.
Yohanna Almengo ’16
After graduating with a degree in criminal justice, Yohanna Almengo became a 911 dispatcher for the Methuen Police Department. As an emergency dispatcher, she is responsible for receiving calls and dispatching appropriate services, all while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
Emma Atwood ’17
Emma Atwood recently assumed a position within the United States Secret Service. Starting out as a student trainee, Atwood will work with our government to protect top government leaders and investigate crimes against the financial infrastructure of the United States.
Preston Carmichael ’24
Preston Carmichael is a school resource officer with the Lawrence Police Department. After receiving a degree in criminal justice at NECC, he continued to serve his community and was awarded Officer of the Month in 2017.
This story was written by
For more than 50 years, Waystone Health & Human Services has served the communities across Northeast Massachusetts. Annually, our services engage more than 1,800 youth and adults with disabilities, brain injuries, behavioral health challenges, complex medical needs and age-related conditions.
NECC Student Naima Bogran
WHY I HELP
NECC alumni reflect on the importance of giving back to their communities
“Born and raised in Lawrence to immigrant Hispanic parents, I have faced many challenges that allow me to deeply connect with the struggles of the youth I serve, seeing reflections of my own journey in theirs and understanding their struggles firsthand. These experiences have not only sharpened my ability to navigate critical cases, but have also ignited an unwavering passion for advocacy, inspiring me to become the guiding force I once needed.”
Darlysha Ortega ’21
Massachusetts Youth Diversion Program Coordinator, Family Services of the Merrimack Valley
“I have wanted to be a nurse since was about 6 years old. I enjoy helping people and teaching them about their conditions and how to maintain their health. I chose NECC because of the very high rate of people who passed their nursing boards after completing the NECC program.”
Susan Dunbar ’81 Registered Nurse, Lawrence General Hospital
“At the heart of healthcare is the simple yet powerful act of helping others. Whether it’s through direct patient care or improving the systems behind the scenes, my goal has always been to make a difference in people’s lives. Seeing that impact—whether in a single patient or an entire community—is why do what I do.”
Jason Moury ’06
Senior Director of Healthcare Operations, Making Opportunity Count
“I chose to work in human services and municipal government because it is a challenge that is also rewarding. You are able to affect lives on the local level in a positive way. What starts in small communities can spread and make changes at the state level and beyond.
The work that I do has helped to keep our older adults independent; we must continue to advocate for our vulnerable populations. Independence is freedom.”
Nisha Burke ’05
Assistant Director, Groveland Council on Aging
“My reason for working in this profession is that I want to make a difference in people’s lives. want to be the one that they feel they can turn to when there is a problem. The positive impact of my work on the community is that people are more open with me and willing to come to me when there is a problem or to just talk.”
“I chose to work with the YWCA as a way of giving back to the community that taught me so much and helped me with so much. There’s nothing more rewarding than being a student that grows into adulthood being able to provide what was given to you during your childhood.”
Rivera
“As a first-generation non-native English speaker, an immigrant, and an adult student, understand firsthand the needs of those who would like to be successful but who, without helping hands that show them the road, choose to give up instead. We, as humans, need good hands that help us to pursue our dreams.
As a mental health counselor, I work for the Office of Refugee Reinstallation (ORR) with Unaccompanied Children. I provide them with professional treatment to address traumas they are going through on the journey to USA soil. I know that am making a positive impact in their lives and on the immigrant community.”
Andres Guzman ’11
Mental Health Counselor, Office of Refugee Reinstallation
“As the Financial Opportunity Center manager at ACT Lawrence and HUD counselor, I am able to impact not only the lives of the youth in our community, but the lives of their parents. Through education, our programs empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to ensure they’re able to overcome obstacles and build generational wealth. I’m lucky enough to have a job where I can impact the lives of others and help guide them through difficult times.
I have always worked in fields that are centered around helping the most vulnerable, and this is what truly motivates me to continue my work.”
Issamar Herrera ’16
Financial Opportunity Center Manager, ACT Lawrence
Lisa
’23
Domestic Violence Advocate, YWCA
Elizabeth Raymond Campus Police Officer, NECC; NECC Police Academy Graduate
PUTTING COMMUNITY FIRST Wanda Santos ’19
“It was transformative and necessary.”
These are the words that Wanda Santos now uses to describe her experience at Northern Essex – a place that at one time seemed far out of reach for her.
Twenty years ago, the Lawrence native, who now resides in Methuen, was unsure of where life might lead. A recent high school graduate at the time, she was forced to put all personal goals on hold following a sibling’s diagnosis with epilepsy, and the subsequent loss of her family’s refrigeration business. College was out of the question.
For a time, Santos took on roles as a server and cashier to support her family, until a friend approached her one day about a work opportunity at a local nonprofit, perfect for individuals with caretaking experience. She decided to take a chance and, to her surprise, was hired immediately.
“I was not sure I believed the HR manager who called me for an offer at the time,” she says, “but it was a great opportunity to finally get myself and my family to a better place.”
“Supporting people who need you can be overwhelming, but it is an experience you will never forget and a privilege you will be forever grateful to have experienced. ”
Wanda Santos ’19
That company was Waystone Health and Human Services and now, nearly two decades later, Santos serves as their vice president of community living, overseeing multiple departments that provide critical services to individuals with disabilities.
It was a long road to this point, she says, but one she is grateful to have achieved with support from colleagues, clients – and a certain local community college.
With a secure career, Santos eventually had the leverage and income she needed to pursue a college degree. Northern Essex seemed like an obvious choice.
“I had always heard about NECC and how wonderful their [human services] program was,” she says.
She got the additional boost she needed, she adds, thanks to professors like Lisa FabbriLopez, who taught her the importance of community, collaboration, and mentorship within the profession.
Now, Santos holds an associate degree in human services and a certificate in trauma coaching and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in human service: general management at Cambridge College. For her, what started as an unexpected job opportunity became a career –and then a lifelong passion.
“This professional ladder has humbled me in ways I don’t think I could have ever expected,” she says. “… Supporting people who need you can be overwhelming, but it is an experience you will never forget and a privilege you will be forever grateful to have experienced.”
Santos’ stalwart commitment to helping others has also led to a range of outside pursuits, including volunteer work with REquipment DME Reuse Program – a program that provides free refurbished equipment to people with disabilities – as well as the Greater Lawrence Fellowship of the Arts and the 2025 CCI Changemakers Cohort for Essex County. She recently published her debut children’s book, “Discovering Brady,” a story about finding courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
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One Call Changed It All
CNA credits NECC program with opening a world of possibilities for her family.
“This experience is an eye-opener for me. This is the American dream they told us about. I never paid a single penny,”
Atwia Wymy
Leaving Uganda with four children and little more than determination, Atwia Wymy arrived in the Merrimack Valley seeking a better life in 2022. She and her husband were prepared to work hard and be resourceful. Still, she says, she never imagined that in just three years they’d own their own home and have flourishing careers, thanks in large part to opportunities that arose after she made a simple phone call to Northern Essex.
Atwia was born and raised in Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa. Though it is rich in biodiversity and natural beauty, political instability and corruption made it difficult for families like Atwia’s to advance economically. It wasn’t uncommon for family members to work temporary jobs overseas and send money home. Atwia did just that, taking a retail job in the United Arab Emirates while family helped to care for her young children. A manager there told her about the United States’ Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery. The program awards up to 55,000 immigrant visas a year to people from countries with low immigration rates.
“I applied and I didn’t get it the first year. But my manager said, ‘don’t lose hope.’ And then by the third year, I was chosen.”
Atwia’s mind was suddenly filled with possibilities. But most of all, she was looking forward to her family being together once again.
“Everyone was overjoyed to come to America, even my teenagers. Our circumstances were happy,” she remembers.
Atwia’s sister was living in Methuen at the time and welcomed the family of six into her home while they
mapped out their new life in the United States. They quickly found a home to rent in Haverhill and Atwia found work at a nearby group home. There, she discovered a love of caring for the elderly.
“In my culture, we care for the older generations. I enjoy being with them, whatever they go through; I want to help.”
Through coworkers, she learned she could take an even more hands-on approach to helping residents as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). As luck (or skilled digital marketing) would have it, she discovered Northern Essex offered a convenient CNA program.
“I saw a Facebook post from NECC about courses for EMS and CNA. I got the number and called the next day.”
It was after hours so she left a message for Program Coordinator Heather Waniga. Waniga called her back first thing the next morning and explained not only that a new cohort was starting soon, but that, thanks to grant funding, it would be 100% free.
“I did not expect that response. ‘How about I tell you that you can have this program for free?’ I got off the phone and started to check this was for real, that this was really NECC. Friends of mine paid $3,000 at a different school.”
Atwia scrambled to get everything in order to start with the September 2023 cohort. She said Waniga was encouraging and helpful every step of the way, including ensuring that she had the right paperwork and credentials. She even helped verify her high school degree from Uganda.
“In my culture, we care for the older generations. I enjoy being with them, whatever they go through; I want to help.”
Atwia Wymy
“Everyone was so wonderful from the first call that I made. I’ve never met Heather, but I feel like she’s a sister. I can ask any questions and call for guidance. I felt like I entered not just a family, but a community.”
Once she enrolled, Atwia says she just had one remaining concern. She was pregnant with her fifth child and worried that the baby might come before she could finish the fourweek program and take the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam.
“Imagine being pregnant and you feel like you hate everything,” jokes Atwia. “I didn’t have any problem; it was an amazing program for me. I was never stressed at any time. They always made sure I was comfortable. I felt like I mattered to people as a person. I knew I was in the right place.”
Atwia made sure she was in the first group of students to take the state exam, which she passed with flying colors. Ten days later, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl. After a maternity leave, Atwia says she virtually had her pick of CNA jobs.
“Before I even finished, Heather presented us with 40 people looking to hire CNAs.”
Honoring Those Who Have Impacted NECC
Northern Essex Community College is proud to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to the college and its students with the third annual Impact Awards. The following outstanding community members were honored during the awards breakfast on May 7:
This award honors an individual, group, or organization who, through their support, made a lasting impact on Northern Essex. As first-generation Ecuadorian Americans, Luis and Juan Yepez understand the transformative power of education firsthand. Mainstream Global’s founders and chief executives support Northern Essex and its students through financial support, mentorship, and guidance. Their contributions have impacted Lawrence students through the NECC Lawrence Promise program, where students can receive full scholarships to NECC after completing the Early College program.
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus/a who has achieved career-related success, is active in the community, and/or has exemplified active support for the college’s efforts. Methuen Chief of Police Scott J. McNamara earned his associate degree in criminal justice at NECC in 1991 (read more about his journey on page 4) and is now the Chief of Police in Methuen. Chief McNamara demonstrated throughout his career a dedication to building positive relationships between police and community members and developing community partnerships.
Atwia signed on with a care center in Haverhill. Knowing she had a steady income in an in-demand field gave Atwia and her husband the confidence to start looking for a home to purchase. They eventually found the perfect opportunity in Fitchburg and she was able to transfer her CNA job to a facility there.
Atwia didn’t completely leave the Merrimack Valley. Her CNA program earned her six credits toward a degree program at NECC. She’s now enrolled as a General Studies: Health Specialization major and commutes to the Lawrence Campus once a week. She plans to continue to work in elder care while studying to get her degree.
“This experience is an eye-opener for me. This is the American dream they told us about. I never paid a single penny,” reflects Atwia. “The love and compassion that I give outside now is the love I received from day one when I called NECC, and someone said I can help you.”
Grant funding for the CNA program covers tuition, books, scrubs, and testing fees. To learn more, contact the Corporate and Community Education office at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3060.
This award is given to a member of the Northern Essex community who has demonstrated commitment to NECC through financial support, volunteering, and leadership. This year’s recipient is Haverhill business leader Sally O’Rorke, founder and president of Gold Leaf Fine Jewelry. She previously served as president of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and volunteered with many area organizations including the American Red Cross, the United Way, the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board, the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council, Girls, Inc., and the Boys & Girls Club of Haverhill. O’Rorke has also served on the Northern Essex Board of Trustees since 2015. Throughout all her endeavors, O’Rorke has served as a vital connection between NECC and Merrimack Valley communities, working to strengthen partnerships and develop opportunities.
The Public Service and Advocacy Award honors an individual who has greatly impacted the lives of Northern Essex students through public service or advocacy. This year’s awardee, State Senator Barry Finegold, always understood the importance of education: his mother was a teacher in the Andover Public Schools and his father taught at Northern Essex. Senator Finegold made advocating for education a pillar of his three-decade career in public service. In his current role representing the Second Essex and Middlesex District in the Massachusetts Senate, he is a key supporter of many initiatives to increase access to higher education including MassReconnect, MassEducate, and Tuition Equity.
This award recognizes individuals, organizations, or initiatives that have impacted the NECC community through values such as a commitment to equity, diversity, and the advancement of human rights and social justice. Derek Mitchell is the founder and president of the LEADS (Leaders Engaged and Activated to Drive System-wide change) Program. The leadership program provides executive training and development to community members in the Merrimack Valley, creating meaningful and productive connections and collaborations. LEADS was first developed when Mitchell served as executive director of the Lawrence Partnership.
Derek Mitchell, Equity & Social Justice Award
Juan & Luis Yepez and Mainstream Global, Community Partner Award
Sally O’Rorke, Philanthropy & Volunteerism Award
Scott J. McNamara ’91, Outstanding Alumni Award
Senator Barry R. Finegold, Public Service & Advocacy Award
NECC Alumna Makes Life Less Taxing
For Paula Moore ’99, tax season is an opportunity to give back to the community she loves.
A retired IRS professional, Moore has devoted much of the last decade to helping senior citizens, students, and low-income individuals file their taxes for free. This past season, she saw over a dozen NECC students – many of whom were returning clients – for personalized
consultations. She considers this to be a full-circle experience for her, having once been a struggling community college student herself.
“I attended NECC on a credit card,” she says, “so I know that if I can save these students the price of having taxes done, it will help them out.”
Once an NECC accounting student, Moore’s fortunes changed in 1997 when she cast a winning ticket in the MassMillions lottery game. Since then, she has committed herself to supporting a wide array of campus and community initiatives. Moore played an integral role in securing funding for such projects as the Haverhill Campus Hartleb Technology Center atrium, the campus carillon, and the Lawrence Childcare Program. She served as a member of both the Women of NECC Board and NECC Foundation Board and, for more than 25 years, has given back to students through the Moore Family Scholarship. In 2000 she received the NECC Outstanding Alumni Award for her years of service.
NECC’s fourth annual Giving Day was another success!
During our 24-hour celebration 180 individuals contributed a total of $26,000 to the NECC Fund, providing substantial and immediate support for scholarship awards, internship stipends, wellness initiatives, classroom technologies, and much more. In addition to generous donations from the community, this year’s Giving Day featured a live musical performance courtesy of the NECC music department, tables throughout campus, a mobile photo booth, a visit from Winnie the Campus Comfort Dog, and a kickoff event at G’s Restaurant in downtown Haverhill (owned by NECC alumnus Matt Gaiero).
NECC Giving Day is held each year on the first Thursday of April. For more information, please visit www.necc.mass.edu/necc-giving-day
NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year
The Northern Essex Community College Athletics Department has another trophy to add to its collection. Nicole Pyburn is the 2024-2025 NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year. The honor is awarded to an athletic trainer who best exemplifies the overall purpose of leading their institution, athletic department, and student-athletes through athletic training. Pyburn joined NECC in 2023 and has since overhauled the training room and created the Knights Recovery Lounge, which was designed to give student-athletes a mental health break. She is currently the only athletic trainer on staff, caring for student-athletes across ten varsity sports teams.
Created in the spring of 2020, the NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year is part of the NJCAA Annual Awards that honor three distinct categories across the association – Athletic Director of the Year, Sports Information Director of the Year, and Athletic Trainer of the Year. These awards represent individuals who strive to create the optimal student-athlete experience on their campus while also performing duties that go far beyond the institutional level.
Historic Agreement with Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
The spring cultural immersion trip to the Dominican Republic yielded another significant partnership. Dr. Franklin García Fermín, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic, signed onto a collaboration agreement between Northern Essex and all colleges and universities in the D.R. This will allow for more student and faculty exchanges, expanded research, enhanced professional development and increased servicelearning opportunities.
“I have never seen a two-year institution with this type of agreement,” said Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, vice president of the Lawrence Campus and community relations. “This is the result of years of shared vision and work with the Ministry during these cultural immersion trips.”
Dr. Franklin García Fermín signed the agreement with President Glenn and González-De Jesús on the Lawrence Campus in April.
In Memoriam
Michael J. Archetti ’66
Michele M. Pankauski ’70
Kenneth W. Lang ’71
Luanne M. Hurley ’75
Jane P. Ring ’80
Mary R. Marzioli ’83
Debra J. Hoffman ’86
Theresa Ouellette ’88
Mary E. Sweeney ’89
Nancy J. Shea ’91
Joseph H. Talty ’92
Terry A. Murphy ’93
Mary G. Richards ’95
Beverly J. Nollet ’08
Christopher D. Cox ’09
NON-GRADUATED ALUMNI
Annie F. Atwood
John Bilodeau
Eric Bostwick
Linda R. Dadak
Richard J. Fearon
Francis H. MacKay-Smith
Alumni News
PAMELA CARR ‘84, a former long-time member of the NECC Alumni Board, was elected to the Haverhill Retirement Board. She became the first woman in recent memory to hold this position.
DIANA DEHM ‘87 started a new role as director of innovative strategic partnerships for Green Sports Alliance.
BRETT YANNALFO ‘90, owner of Roma Ristorante and former NECC Alumni Board member, received a business rising star award from the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.
DARREN STRATTON ‘93, NECC men’s basketball coach, was named Coach of the Week by Just Play Solutions. This marked the third consecutive year Stratton earned this recognition during the season.
SANDY ROCHON ’96, director of career services at NECC, received the annual Daniel W. Griffiths Award, granted by the Greater Merrimack Valley Human Resource Association.
VILMA MARTINEZ-DOMINGUEZ ‘97 received two prestigious awards during the annual “Premios Dominicanisimo” recognition event in Danvers.
MICHAEL O’HARE ‘97 began a new position as business development manager at Topflight Corporation.
MICHAEL ISOLA ‘02 was named the newest boys basketball coach at Lawrence High School.
NISHA BURKE ‘05 was featured in the Daily News of Newburyport for her dedication to community service. Burke recently celebrated 20 years of service to the Groveland Council on Aging.
SHEILA MULLER ‘06, chair of NECC’s business administration department, was promoted to associate professor.
DUSTIN LUCA ‘07 was appointed associate director of external relations at Salem State University.
MATT ZAPANAS ‘07, a ten-year employee of Design Communications, was promoted to the Project Development team.
RALPH BASILIERE ‘08, a veteran and Haverhill City Councilor, delivered the keynote address at NECC’s Veterans Day Breakfast in November.
STEVEN PRIVITERA ‘08 started a role as director of operations for Injured Workers Pharmacy.
HOPE HUNT ‘11 was named managing editor of the Westerly Sun.
YANNI MERCADO ‘18 has been hired as a Risk Advisory Consultant at Baker Tilly US.
MABEL COVARRUBIAS-DOUCETTE ’12 received a local hero award from the City of Salem, MA, in honor of Women’s History Month.
MICHAEL LITMAN ‘12 accepted a role as associate brand manager at The Upper Deck Company.
CHRISTINA SILVA ‘13 became owner and broker of Silver Key Homes Realty.
CHRISTIAN MEDVECKY ‘16 was sworn in as an officer with the Plaistow Police Department.
MARK MANGION ‘17, a PGA professional, was featured in the Salem News “Meet the Pro” column in August.
JASMINE MCISAAC ‘17 was promoted to Director of Transfer Admission and Enrollment Services at Merrimack College.
FERLIANNIE BONILLA ‘18 was promoted to Program Director of the Lowell Community Counseling Center for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.
SAMANTHA LEUNG ‘19 joined the NECC staff as a financial aid technical operations specialist.
FELIX CARPIO DELROSARIO ‘20, the first recipient of UMass Lowell’s Gregory Sydney Scholarship, joined the engineering team at US Extruders.
JEURYS SANTIAGO ‘20, founder of Minds with Purpose, was named to Boston Business Journal’s BostInno 25 Under 25 List for 2024.
ROBERTO MERCADO ‘23 was among the first individuals in the state to receive the new Community College Advantage Scholarship.
SARAH PACHANO ‘23 joined the staff at ACT Lawrence as a community engagement coordinator.
NAYELI ALMANZAR LIZARDO ‘24 was appointed to the YMCA of the USA National Youth Advisory Council.
SABRINA SPERO ‘24 was sworn in as one of the newest members of the Haverhill Fire Department.
The following four alumni were honored during the 2024 MA Black and Latino Caucus Excellence Awards at the Massachusetts State House: MICHAEL BASTIEN ‘19, MILADY FIGUEROA ‘12, ROSA GARZA ‘24, AND LISA RIVERA ‘23.
Remembering Alumnus, Former Poet Laureate of Alaska
Former Alaska Poet Laureate Thomas (Tom) Francis Sexton, age 84, passed away at home in Anchorage with his wife by his side this spring. Sexton attended Northern Essex on the GI bill and became the editor-in-chief of the first edition of Parnassus in 1965. The Lowell native, who graduated in 1966, published more than a dozen books of poetry and served as professor emeritus of English at the University of Alaska.
The alumni office is always on the lookout for the next great story. We’d love to hear yours! If you have news to share, please fill out an Alumni Information Update Form at: www.necc.mass.edu/update-contact
New Leadership
Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús brings decades of experience in higher education administration and international public diplomacy.
This spring, NECC welcomed Dr. Naydeen GonzálezDe Jesús as Vice President of Lawrence Campus and Community Relations.
Reporting to the president, and in close collaboration with other college leaders, the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations Council, and the Lawrence Partnership, the Vice President of Lawrence Campus and Community Relations (VP LCCR) plays a crucial role in fostering student success, cultivating a vibrant campus community, and developing strong strategic partnerships.
“The work is deeply personal to me—being a firstgeneration college graduate, I understand the power of education to transform lives,” said González-De Jesús. “I’m working to build stronger connections within the Lawrence community and beyond. By collaborating with local and international partners to develop innovative solutions and elevate educational outcomes, we can foster workforce development and economic growth throughout the Merrimack Valley.”
González-De Jesús is an Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow and a National Community College Hispanic Council Fellow.
Prior to her position at NECC, González-De Jesús served at San Antonio College as its 13th president, making her the first woman president in a quarter century and only the second to hold the office since the college’s founding in 1925. González-De Jesús also previously served as the public diplomacy officer for the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, dedicating her time to impacting the lives of students from the U.S. and abroad by creating connections and platforms
“I’m working to build stronger connections within the Lawrence community and beyond.”
Dr. Naydeen
González-De Jesús
for student success and faculty-led research.
Her previous roles include serving as vice president of student affairs at Bergen Community College; associate dean for academic advising and special populations at Rowan College at Burlington County; and as assistant dean of student services and founding member and director of the Center for Student Success at Salem Community College.
“We had terrific candidates across our hiring selection process, but Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús’s twenty-plus years of experience in higher education administration combined with her mastery of international public diplomacy was wonderfully on display across the entire process,” said NECC President Lane Glenn.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State University, a master’s degree in student personnel services from Rowan University, and a doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology from Northcentral University.
Two New Trustees Join the NECC Board
The Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome two new members. Governor Maura Healey has appointed Zoila Gomez and Juan Yepez to fiveyear terms.
Local immigration lawyer Zoila Gomez has dedicated countless hours to helping current students and their families with the immigration process. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Gomez graduated from Northern Essex in 1997 with a degree in paralegal studies, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from UMass Lowell, and her juris doctor degree from Massachusetts School of Law. She founded her law office in 2006, and in the fall of 2011, she returned to NECC as a professor of Immigration Law and Policy.
“As a proud NECC alumna, Class of 1997, who began my journey in ESL classes as a newly arrived immigrant from the Dominican Republic, I am honored to join the Board of Trustees. NECC played a pivotal role in shaping my future, and I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the board, one rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to educational access.
I look forward to helping the college continue its mission of empowering underserved communities to achieve their academic and career goals.”
Juan Yepez founded Mainstream Global in 2000, a company that provides supply-chain solutions to some of the world’s largest technology organizations. As a first-generation Ecuadorian American, Yepez says he understands the transformative power of education firsthand. Through Mainstream Global, Yepez along with COO Luis Yepez have supported Northern Essex and its students through financial support, mentorship, and guidance. They recently helped the Lawrence Promise to reach a significant funding milestone. The endowment provides financial support to early college
students from Lawrence who continue their educations at Northern Essex.
“Together, we can shape a community college that is a beacon of opportunity and innovation for all,” says Yepez.
“We’re grateful to have two involved, local leaders join the Board of Trustees who have already shown a deep commitment to NECC students and our mission,” says Northern Essex President Lane Glenn. “Both bring an incredible wealth of expertise and passion for the communities we serve.”
Zoila Gomez
Juan Yepez
WHY I HIRE
Partners in Child Development
“For over fifty years, Partners in Child Development has worked with families in Northeastern Massachusetts to improve the lives and educational gains of thousands of children with special needs. Our mission is, ‘Nurturing the growth and potential of EVERY child.’ We can be a part of a student’s career journey by allowing them to gain work experience in their field of study, receive one on one mentoring, and work in our truly unique work environment that values respect, integrity, inclusion, innovation and excellence in all we do. Students can network with our staff who do work with a lasting impact.”
Partners in Child Development HR Team
Interested in partnering with NECC to hire future interns or employees? Visit www.necc.mass.edu/business-industry to learn how.
Sarah Tavitian ’19
For Sarah Tavitian ’19, success in college meant flexibility.
The Haverhill resident was already working three part-time jobs by the time she graduated high school, and needed an academic experience that would get her to the next step in her career while allowing her to manage a busy outside schedule. That is where Northern Essex came in. Tavitian’s brother, Benjamin Tavatian ‘15 who is also a graduate, had long sung praises about the faculty, education, and career opportunities he encountered at NECC, and she was eager to explore the culture for herself.
At NECC, Tavitian took part in Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Beta Gamma, and the National Society of Leadership & Success, and graduated cum laude with an associate degree in business. She went on to attend UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and Fitchburg State University, where she earned an MBA in human resource management. Now, just a few years later, she has found a career she loves, working as a small business developer for NewVue Communities, a nonprofit that provides aspiring business owners with the technical assistance and coaching they need to succeed in their journeys.
Looking back, Tavitian is proud to have gotten to this point thanks to the foundational experiences that NECC afforded her early on.
“NECC gave me a foundation in the business world that carried me through my academic career. I am grateful for every opportunity—and every faculty member—that contributed to my growth as a professional.”
Celebrating 60 years of providing quality, affordable housing and supportive services to low and moderate-income seniors age 62+
Independent and Assisted Living
Nutritious Meals
Personal Care
Transporation
Wellness Programs
Activities and Events
We applaud the NECC alumni serving and helping in their communities!
www.bethanycommunities.org
The President’s Circle recognizes generous benefactors who demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and impact of NECC. Any individual who makes a gift of $1,000 or more each fiscal year automatically qualifies for membership.
The NECC Loyalty Giving Society was established to honor and recognize motivated individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting NECC through consistent annual contributions. Anyone who has donated a gift of any size to the NECC Fund for five consecutive years or more is automatically considered a member of the Loyalty Giving Society.
The William and Rosemary Klueber Planned Giving Society
Named after two beloved members of the NECC alumni family, the Klueber Planned Giving Society honors individuals who have chosen to include NECC in their long-term giving plans through a will or trust, life insurance, bequests, real estate, and more. Setting up a gift with NECC is a great way to provide long-term support, helping the college and its students to thrive well into the future.
Representing NECC alums at Bethany Communities are Savanna Hegarty, Resident Service Coordinator, Jeanette Martinez, Director of Operations and Laura Maynard, Wellness Administrative Coordinator.
