Message from the President INSIDE
Dear Alumni and Friends,
They say there’s no place like home and, for many of our graduates, that saying rings especially true. In this issue of alumnecc, we celebrate those who have chosen to make their home right here in the Merrimack Valley — planting roots to make their communities stronger and cultivating success that serves as inspiration for others.
The stories you’ll find in these pages highlight alumni who have built meaningful lives close to campus—launching businesses, raising families, serving in local organizations, and giving back in countless ways. You’ll meet Amy Marsen ’07 whose experience with NECC’s Early Childhood Education program left her uniquely qualified to step in when a beloved local preschool was about to close its doors. You’ll read about Merissa Titus-Abate ’16 who made history when she became the first full-time female firefighter on the Rowley Fire Department. And you’ll hear inspiring stories from three first-generation college graduates who, with the help of NECC’s PACE program, sowed initial seeds of doubt into blossoming, successful careers.
Their decisions to stay and invest in their communities reflects a deep connection not only to the Merrimack Valley, but also to the values and experiences they carried with them from their time at Northern Essex. Home is more than an address—it’s where we feel rooted, where our contributions matter, and where we find a sense of belonging. I am proud that so many of our alumni see this community as the place to continue writing their stories. Together, we strengthen the bonds that make NECC not just a stop on our alumni’s journeys, but a lifelong home.
Appreciatively,
Lane A. Glenn President
Bravo to NECC Theater on the fall production of “All in the Timing” featuring alumni Samantha Wheatley ’16 and Mirrorajah Metcalfe ’25 and current students Naima Eve, Ben Swanney, and Devin Michaud. The play was co-directed by Associate Professor Brianne Beatrice and Wheatley.
Editor: Melissa Bouse
Contributing Editor: Sarah Comiskey
Creative Director: Trev Stair
Writers: Melissa Bouse, Sarah Comiskey, Alex Pecci ’02, Nicole Sabando ‘22
Research Assistance: Shana Murrell
It’s a small world! This fall in NJ, the Dominican Republic’s top two basketball teams faced off: Club Bameso, with former NECC men’s player Luis Reynoso, and Club Mauricio, coached by Jose Molina, father of NECC women’s volleyball coach Yemayma Molina.
Alumna Andrea Vannett ’25 was recently featured on WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle. She delivers groceries on her Harley Davidson trike for Lawrence non-profit Neighbors in Need.
NECC President Lane Glenn and Sheriff Kevin Coppinger (right) attended a ceremony at the Middleton Jail and House of Correction
Essex. Programs
The Institute of Dominicans Living Abroad (INDEX) and NECC signed a new pledge expanding on the landmark agreement signed in 2024, making Northern Essex the first educational partner of INDEX in the United States.
From Strong Roots to New Heights
Merissa Titus-Abate ‘16 makes history as the first full-time female firefighter in Rowley
There’s a moment that sometimes happens when Merissa Titus-Abate ’16 jumps off the firetruck in front of a bunch of kids.
“They say, ‘Oh my god, there’s a girl firefighter,’” she said. “That means a lot because it gives them the opportunity to see that there are other careers for females in the world. There’s not just gender-specific roles when it comes to picking your career.”
Titus-Abate should know. She made history in 2022 when she became the first full-time female firefighter on the Rowley Fire Department. Now, she’s been promoted to lieutenant, and part of her career began at NECC.
Titus-Abate started her first responder career as an EMT and realized she wanted to become a firefighter while responding to a traumatic call. When she arrived, she found firefighters and paramedics already providing medical care on the scene.
“I saw…how central fire departments are in providing medical care before the ambulance arrives,” she said. “With firefighting, I could do other things like putting out fires, going to motor vehicle accidents, and assisting the community in other ways.”
She enrolled at NECC in 2014 for paramedic technology as a step toward becoming a firefighter, completing both the certificate program and earning an associate degree. That, “in turn also helped me continue to finish my bachelor’s degree” from Salem State University, she said.
The NECC program ticked a lot of boxes for Titus-Abate. Not only did it allow her to work full-time at Cataldo Ambulance Service, but it also gave her the opportunity to learn from student instructors who were actually working in the community at places like Lawrence General Hospital, Trinity Ambulance, and a number of local fire departments.
Titus-Abate said she valued “being able to learn from them and knowing that they worked in the communities that I wanted to work in.”
NECC also helped her forge connections with fellow students who later became her colleagues and peers in the field.
“In fire and EMS, the people that you learn with, you grow with, you become family. A lot of the people that I went to school with there are still my friends today. I still work alongside them, whether it’s in an EMS capacity or a fire service capacity,” she said.
Her firefighting career started to ramp up immediately after graduating from NECC when she was hired as a call firefighter for the town of Nahant, which also sent her to the call/ volunteer fire academy through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Fire Training Council.
“Starting my career as a call firefighter in Nahant, working in the community, and building relationships with the people that I worked with at that department made me see that there was more to that career field,” she said.
Indeed, Titus-Abate’s firefighting career has included much more than responding to calls. She got her first full-time firefighting position in Ware, which gave her the opportunity to undertake additional training with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, including achieving her firefighter I/II and hazmat certifications.
Her career in Rowley has taken her even further into serving the broader community. She works with the Council on Aging, giving seniors medical emergency advice, such as educating them about fall risk behaviors and when it’s appropriate to call 911.
Titus-Abate also runs the department’s SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program, which brings her into schools to provide fire education and teach kids about things like smoke alarms, crawling low under smoke, and calling 911.
“I take a lot of pride in being a good, positive role model in the community,” she said. “When I go into Market Basket, I know everybody when we’re shopping. I go into the school [and] most of the kids know my name.”
Although Rowley had other female call firefighters and call lieutenants, being the first woman to hold that full-time role has been special for Titus-Abate. She’s also aware that people may doubt her strength and
skills at the scene of an emergency until they see her in action.
“Then, when I step up and I do that task that they didn’t think I could do, it makes me feel good and hopefully proves to those surrounding me that I am as equal as everybody else,” she said.
She said she’s grateful to her parents for instilling within her a strong work ethic, as well as the fire chiefs who gave her a chance.
“Every department that I’ve joined had only a minimum of one or two female firefighters,” she said. “I just want to thank every single fire chief that’s ever given me an opportunity to highlight my actual skills and who I am as a person.”
This story was written by Alexandra Pecci ’02
Nurturing the Next Generation
Amy Marsen ’07 has breathed new life into a beloved preschool
It’s just after noon at Red Brolly Preschool in Georgetown. A dozen preschoolers sit quietly on the carpet in anticipation of story time. Teachers tidy up and prepare blankets and pillows for nap time to follow. And Amy Marsen ’07 beams with pride.
“That’s my husband, Kyle. He has reading duty today. This is truly a family affair,” laughs Marsen, gesturing to Kyle perched on a preschool size chair. “We got licensed at the end of July, we had our ribbon cutting on September 2, and our first day of school was September 3.”
While Kyle and Amy are new owners of the school, it’s a familiar setting for her and most of her staff. It’s the former home of Pentucket Workshop, a beloved preschool that operated in the community for 53 years. Amy Marsen started working there as a student teacher while studying at NECC. Many of her fellow teachers started out the same way. When she learned the Pentucket Workshop was closing its doors, she felt it was a sign to step up and open her own preschool in its place.
“I said, I can’t let this be the end. I believe so strongly in supporting children and families. I knew I had to continue the work I loved because of the mission — and because of all I had learned from the many incredible teachers I worked alongside during my tenure. At the time, I didn’t know if it was even possible — it felt like a far-fetched dream. There was so much to consider, figure out, and plan.”
Planting the Seeds
Marsen says she’s had a knack for caring for others for as long as she can remember. She gravitated toward helping younger family members and started babysitting from an early age. As she got older, however, she found she needed to apply those caretaking skills to her own mother, who struggled with several illnesses. By the time she was a student at Haverhill High School, the heaviness of homelife started to take a toll.
“My father’s amazing, we had an amazing support system, but I think we all had, like, different roles, because my mom was sick. So, I feel like some of that played into not feeling as confident in myself and because my focus wasn’t all on school and getting to that next step,” she remembers.
After graduation in 2002, she was working full-time at a local Marshall’s store. She was on track to become a manager, until one day she thought about what it might mean down the road.
“I said, ‘I really don’t want to do this. I want to be a teacher.’ So, I went back to school.”
Marsen enrolled at Northern Essex as an Early Childhood Education major and soon realized she’d made the right choice.
“During my time at NECC, I met incredible professors like Deirdre Budzyna and Gail Feigenbaum, whose guidance and encouragement were life changing. Their mentorship extended far beyond the classroom, shaping not only the teacher I became but also the way I view early childhood education as a whole.”
“I don’t come from a business background — I am an educator through and through. But I’m also resourceful, creative, and eager to learn. The business side can be learned; what I bring is a caring, empathetic style of leadership and unconditional love for what I do and who I serve.”
Amy Marsen
’07
Marsen graduated in 2007 and went on to Fitchburg State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and interdisciplinary studies, along with her Massachusetts teaching license. She later returned to NECC for her director’s certification and recently completed a certificate in Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Education.
Watching Her Dream Grow
Though the idea of opening her own school was daunting at first, Marsen says knowing she had the support of her family, her fellow teachers, and her former professors gave her the confidence to pursue her dream. She decided to give the school a new name—Red Brolly is a playful term for an umbrella—and a few coats of new paint. She was able to use a lot of the fixtures and furniture from the previous school, and the landlord was happy to make a few adjustments to get the space to match her vision. When they officially cut the ribbon on Red Brolly on September 2, NECC professors Deirdre Budzyna and Doris Buckley were there to celebrate.
“This preschool is truly my dream realized. I feel so blessed to be able to continue doing what I love, alongside people I love. I won’t lie — I’m both scared and thrilled at the same time. But as I often remind my own children: being brave doesn’t mean not being afraid, it means moving forward in spite of your fears.”
Red Brolly staff includes alumni Celia Rollins, Becky Papageorgiou ’01, Amy Marsen ’07, and Sarina Leclerc ’17
Cultivating Home
First Generation College Student Success Stories
Navigating the college experience is rarely easy, but for first-generation college students, who enter the higher education landscape with limited family guidance, the process can be downright daunting.
Luckily, thanks to Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence (PACE), NECC’s longstanding student support service funded by the U.S. Department of Education TRiO grant, first-generation college students have all the tools, customized advising, and community resources they need to find success in college and beyond.
The proof can be seen in the hundreds of PACE graduates who are achieving greatness every day. In this column, hear from three PACE alumni who share their unique stories and perspectives with the alumnecc team.
Glenda Cancel ’09
District Residency and Truant Officer for Lawrence Public Schools; Real Estate Agent, Jason Mitchell Group
At 17, Glenda Cancel was a young mother with a passion for basketball and an eye on the future.
NECC was a place she recognized early on as having a reputable athletics program alongside flexible course offerings, and she was set on going there as soon as she graduated from high school.
“Staying close to home was crucial so I could balance parenting with my education,” she says. “NECC offered the right environment for me to pursue both my academic and athletic goals during this important time in my life,” she says.
Upon entering campus she found, in her words, “a home from the start.” A member of the award-winning 2000 – 2001 women’s basketball team, which ranked in the national semi-finals and earned a place in the NECC Hall of Fame, Cancel found the discipline and community she needed to push forward. She returned to campus several years later to officially pursue a degree in criminal justice
– a career path that conveniently melded her commitment to community with her appreciation for disciplined mentorship. Here, she found her calling.
“NECC offered the right environment for me to pursue both my academic and athletic goals during this important time in my life”
Glenda Cancel ’09
For the next 12 years, she served in various law enforcement roles, first as a reserve police officer for the West Newbury Police Department, and later as deputy sheriff and correction officer for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department. Now, she holds dual full-time positions as the district residency and truant officer for Lawrence Public Schools, and as a real-estate agent, two roles that allow her to continue positively impacting and building community within the cities she proudly serves.
Klinbert Garcia ’17
Client Services Associate for Wisehaupt, Bray Asset Management at Hightower Advisors
It wasn’t until his senior year of high school, when he began to explore post-graduation options with his guidance counselor, that Klinbert Garcia realized college was a viable option for him.
Born in the Dominican Republic, and raised in New York and Lawrence, Garcia learned and perfected English by watching cartoons as a child, and until high school was chiefly focused on helping his family adjust to life in the Merrimack Valley.
“The conversations of ‘What do you want to be when you grow up’ or ‘I want you to become a doctor/lawyer’ was not in mind because at that time my family was just trying to survive and work hard,” he explains.
NECC stood out to him for its proximity and affordability, and he made the decision to enroll upon learning about just how beneficial it could be.
“The
conversations of ‘What do you want to be when you grow up’ or ‘I want you to become a doctor/lawyer’ was not in mind because at that time my family was just trying to survive and work hard”
Klinbert Garcia ’17
Garcia arrived on campus months later ready to make an impact. An active member of PACE, he became involved with the Student Leadership Development Program and the All-College Advisory Council Executive Committee and later served as the student representative to the NECC Board of Trustees. Upon earning his associate degree, Garcia was awarded the highly selective Foster Furcolo Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship to UMass Boston, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 2019.
From there his career in business and finance took off, first through roles at tech startups and nonprofits, and later in banking, where his work would take him to New York City, Florida, and beyond. Today he enjoys a rewarding career as a client services associate for an asset management firm and spends his free time exploring his artistic side through spoken word poetry.
Despite being far from the Merrimack Valley these days, Garcia says NECC remains close to home.
“I represent NECC’s alumni network and whether I am in New York, Florida, or Massachusetts, I have to deliver results, all in return for the amazing experience I had with the professors and faculty at the college.”
Shayra Castillo ’19 Microbiologist
The “close and familiar” feel of NECC is what solidified Shayra Castillo’s decision to attend. The Lawrence resident, originally from the Dominican Republic, was unsure of where she wanted her life to head after high school and knew as soon as she entered campus that NECC would provide her with the direction and guidance she sought.
She found herself at home in the biology program, where she would develop formative and lasting relationships that positively impacted her throughout her academic journey.
“NECC helped me immensely, especially the professors I had,” she says. “They became mentors for me and guided me through all my years at NECC and UMass as well.” Combined with the support she found through the PACE
“Start.
Start somewhere, even if you don’t know what you’re actually trying to achieve. Just starting and showing up on the first day is enough”
Shayra Castillo ’19
Program, which helped her understand her post-graduation options, Castillo developed a clear vision for her future and soon graduated with an associate degree and a PACE transfer scholarship in hand, securing a path for the rest of her academic career.
Castillo went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in biology from UMass Amherst, and for the past few years has enjoyed a role as a QC microbiologist for an analytical testing laboratory. Now, she has her sights set on the next step: working in the healthcare industry as a doctor.
For those who are considering higher education, but haven’t yet committed to a career path, she offers a word of sage advice.
“Start. Start somewhere, even if you don’t know what you’re actually trying to achieve. Just starting and showing up on the first day is enough.”
Rooted in Tradition
Alumni bring a taste of home to the Merrimack Valley
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” — James Beard.
For many, a meal is not just sustenance but a connection to family, culture, and memories of home. Take the story of Matt Gaiero, an NECC alum who, after more than two decades in the restaurant industry, found his own slice of “home” when he and his wife, Denise, opened G’s Southern Flare in Haverhill.
Matt and Denise’s story is one of a deep love for food, culture, and the communities they have found themselves in. Both seasoned professionals, the couple spent years honing their skills in kitchens across the country before deciding it was time to create something entirely their own. The goal was simple: to bring a taste of Texas to the Merrimack Valley. Denise, originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, had a strong attachment to the flavors and traditions of her home state, and Matt’s culinary expertise made it possible for them to share that love of food with their new community.
“There wasn’t really anything like what we wanted to do in the area” says Matt.
The couple’s decision to open a restaurant in Haverhill did not happen overnight. After years of working in the restaurant industry, Matt explained, “we wanted to create a space where guests could experience southern hospitality at its finest.”
Their menu is a love letter to Texas, a celebration of flavors that transport diners to the heart of the Lone Star State. Dishes like brisket, hushpuppies, queso, and salsa give guests a taste of the warm, comforting food that Denise grew up with. However, the real stars are the dishes that embody the couple’s idea of “comfort food”—the kind that makes you feel like you are sitting around a family dinner table.
“I would say Chicken Fried Chicken and our signature Corpus Chrispy Chicken Sandwich are great comfort foods,” Matt shares. What truly sets G’s Southern Flare apart is the sense of community and connection that Matt and Denise have worked to create. People who had been craving a taste of southern comfort flocked to the restaurant, but it was not just the food that kept them coming back—it was the sense of belonging, the feeling of warmth and kindness that radiated from every corner of the space.
The same sentiment rings true for Rosa Garza, a graduate of NECC’s Class of 2024, marketing student at Suffolk University, and restaurant owner. At Rosita’s Cocina in Newburyport, she shares the vibrant flavors of her Mexican upbringing, offering a taste of home to both those who share her heritage and those discovering it for the first time.
During a recent visit to her restaurant, Garza prepared flautas de queso, a beloved Mexican dish many customers now frequently order. The crispy, cheese-filled tortillas are simple yet full of nostalgia, a dish she remembers fondly from her life in Mexico.
Garza’s journey to Newburyport was driven by a desire to bring the flavors of Mexico to the region, but also to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the local food scene. “I wanted to bring something authentic, something that was part of me,” she explains. “But I also wanted to make sure our Latinos here felt seen. It is about honoring my roots and offering comfort to those who might be far away from home.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Rosita’s Cocina quickly became a gathering place for Newburyport’s Latin residents, while also attracting locals eager to explore new tastes. Through her food, Garza bridges cultures, sparking conversations, and opening hearts.
NECC Student Named as Haverhill Events Coordinator
Hailey Pearson is no stranger to multi-tasking. She is the co-head of a Montessori school, the director of the Haverhill Art Walk, a full-time NECC student, and a mother of two. Now, she’s adding one more title to that list.
In May, Pearson was appointed by Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett for a contractual position as the city’s downtown events coordinator, a position made possible through a state economic development grant. For Pearson, who describes herself as a passionate community organizer, it is a dream role.
“It has been a wonderful process since I came on board this spring,” she says. “I hope to continue bringing people
together through art, music, and culture.”
Pearson’s initial focus is to connect with residents and city officials about the programming they would like to see in the city. In the longer term, Pearson, who is taking a range of education and sign language interpreting courses at NECC and is passionate about ASL, hopes to find ways in which she can use her studies to make Haverhill even more vibrant and inclusive for people of all cultures and backgrounds.
“I would love for Haverhill to be a center that the Deaf community feels comfortable in, welcome in, and excited to visit,” she says.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 – October 15
At Northern Essex, Hispanic Heritage Month is a testament to the vibrant, diverse culture that shapes both the college and our community. The college’s celebration highlights not just the historical and cultural significance of Hispanic communities, but also their invaluable contributions to society.
This year’s celebration at NECC was filled with events, performances, and educational opportunities that highlighted the depth and breadth of Hispanic culture. The festivities also included opportunities for reflection and dialogue, allowing students to share their personal stories and experiences.
One of the highlights of the month was a workshop led by musician, speaker, and advocate Gustavo Moradel focusing on mental health, advocacy and the healing power of music. Moradel, the Honduran-born artist, shared his personal story of immigration, education, and his selfproclaimed ever-shifting identity.
“I travel to college campuses across the country,” Moradel said, “and wherever I go, the thing we all share is our desire for community.”
For audience members, this conversation was informative and deeply personal, as it offered a chance to connect with community leaders who understand the challenges and triumphs of navigating Latino/a heritage and academic achievement.
Rosa Garza ’24 of Rosita’s Cocina
New Leadership
Welcome, Dr. Joanne Landers and Dr. Austin Gilliland!
This summer, the college welcomed two new key members to the leadership team: Dr. Joanne Landers as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dr. Austin Gilliland as Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Landers was previously Vice President of Enrollment Management and Communications at Plymouth State University, where she oversaw undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid operations, and recruitment strategies. Additionally, she led initiatives that increased collaboration between faculty, staff, and administrators through the development of their Enrollment and Retention Committee.
The first in her family to graduate from college, Landers earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University, her graduate degree from The University of Akron, and her Ph.D. in Education Specialization in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University.
“I’ve been a first-generation student, and so I know firsthand what it’s like to experience college without any guidance or little direction,” said Landers. “Under President Glenn, Northern Essex has earned a reputation for providing such thoughtful guidance to their students, from admissions to graduation. I’m eager to advance this mission, which is so near and dear to my heart.”
Gilliland joined NECC after spending 13 years at Bunker Hill Community College, most recently as the Dean of Professional Studies. Gilliland worked with faculty and staff to develop quality industry and transferaligned programs to better connect students with opportunities. Her career highlights include launching and directing the Federal TRIO Grant
WHY I HIRE
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center
“In healthcare, skill and compassion go hand in hand. We hire from Northern Essex Community College because their graduates consistently demonstrate both. They’re not only clinically prepared—they bring empathy, professionalism, and a true commitment to patient care from day one. When hiring, we are looking for potential, curiosity, and the kind of mindset that thrives on learning. NECC graduates arrive not only with knowledge, but with the humility and drive to keep growing.”
Stephen Brooks Vice President of Workforce Development & Talent Management
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center
Interested in partnering with NECC to hire future interns or employees? Visit www.necc.edu/business-industry to learn how.
Dr. Joanne Landers
Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Austin Gilliland Vice President of
“I’ve been a firstgeneration student, and so I know firsthand what it’s like to experience college without any guidance or little direction”
Program in Chelsea Public Schools, and providing services and resources to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I’m really motivated by building bridges across organizations, connecting teams, and supporting staff and faculty,” said Dr. Gilliland. “It seemed like a perfect opportunity to bring this passion to Northern Essex, which already has such innovative, exciting work happening across campuses. That NECC paved
Academic Affairs
“I’m really motivated by building bridges across organizations, connecting teams, and supporting staff and faculty”
the way as the first Hispanic Serving Institution in New England really speaks to how the college values student backgrounds, cultures, and everything they bring to the institution.”
Gilliland earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at The University of Texas at Austin, before earning her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
NECC HELPED ME GET THERE
Katie Cook
For Katie Cook, choosing NECC was a practical decision. Uncertain of where her future might lead, she sought a space that would allow her to explore her interests in a supportive environment. She found that here on campus.
“NECC was the foundation for everything that came next in my career. It helped me build confidence, develop a strong work ethic, and figure out what I was passionate about.”
That passion, she realized, was public service. After 15 years working in healthcare administration, HR, and sales, Cook eventually pivoted to a role as chief for the state auditor, where she found her footing in building community connections. Earlier this year, her career came full circle when she returned to the area to serve dually as CEO and president of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, and as co-owner and publisher of the Haverhill Life and Salem Life news publications.
Outside her busy leadership roles, Cook also serves as a yoga instructor and as a columnist for the Valley Patriot, through which she spotlights the good work of local nonprofits.
Asked what she enjoys most about her work, Cook asserts that it always comes down to the community members she meets.
“It’s the people,” she says. “I love being able to help all of the area businesspeople grow… I’m always looking for new ways to bring people together and make a meaningful impact.”
In Memoriam
Michael D. MacDonald ’70
Kathleen J. Wright ’76
John H. Wazlaw ’77
Peter Manning ’79
John F. Powers, Jr. ’79
Elaine B. Moore ’81
Gary R. Carpenter ’84
Joseph A. Dipalermo ’84
Frederick C. Copp ’90
Thomas K. Robert ’92
Darlene A. Ebert ’98
Robert M. Horan ’12
Anthony J. Brown ’13
NON-GRADUATED
John D. Alex
Laurel A. Bernier
Bruce Capaldo
Nancy A. Caruso
James E. Henderson, Jr.
Judith L. Thornton
Alumni News
GEORGE MORIARTY ’72 and LUCINDA NOLET ’93 were among the distinguished honorees recognized at the Haverhill YMCA & Plaistow Community YMCA 2025 Legacy Gala.
ELAINE BARKER ’88, TIM COCO ’90 and FRAN BEVILACQUA, III ’00 were honored for their community service efforts during the 109th Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.
JUSTIN HATEM ’97 was appointed as VP and chief information security officer at 1upHealth, Inc.
HILLARY STASONIS ’98, academic catalog manager at NECC, received the Commonwealth Heroine Award from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), in partnership with state legislators.
HEATHER RILEY ’01 was promoted to Captain of the Groveland Police Department.
DAVID TOTO ’01 succeeded Tim Sheehy as Methuen Fire Department Chief.
ERIC HAFNER ’03 received the Correctional Officer of the Year Award from the Haverhill Exchange Club and was honored at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 28th annual excellence in Corrections Awards.
MAURICE AGUILER ’04 has been appointed as the next Police Chief of Lawrence. Aguiler is a 27-year veteran of the Lawrence Police Department.
EDDIE ENEA ’10 joined the Merrimack Valley YMCA as director of human resources.
JOSEPH ROBINSON ’10 started a new role as computer vision engineer at Meta.
KELVIN MORENO ’12 is the new senior subcontractor administrator for MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
LENA ARANGO ’15 has joined CenterPoint Energy as their lead meteorologist.
ROBIN REID ’15 is the 2025 recipient of the MA Department of Mental Health’s Karin Orr Award, an honor granted annually to mental health clinicians who demonstrate superior collaboration skills with both law enforcement and with people who are encountered by police in the community.
JAIME MCHUGH ’18 is a 2025 recipient of the Rare Impact Award, granted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
WANDA SANTOS ’19 is the latest recipient of the Andreina Viera Hope Award, granted annually to an individual who exemplifies hope, resilience, and a commitment to helping others. She accepted the award during the May 2025 Rise and Thrive Women’s Conference.
PEDRO RENTAS ’25 started a new role as branch manager at Reading Cooperative Bank. The Boston Globe recently highlighted Rentas’ career success as part of an article on the commonwealth’s popular MassReconnect program.
Congratulations to the following alumni, who recently joined the staff of NECC: ALLISON BELISLE ’14, assistant professor of nursing; CLAUDIA BELTRAN ’15, education and career advisor; LORI CAPRA ’91, associate professor of accounting; ALFRED DENESOWICZ ’98, veteran services & special populations coordinator; MARLON PINEDA ACOSTA ’15, testing, enrollment & data specialist; and NICOLE SABANDO ’22, marketing communications specialist. Returning to NECC in new roles are VANESSA PEPIN ’00, administrative assistant II; and SHARON MCDERMOT ’94, assistant vice president for academic affairs.
Alumni Appointments
The NECC Alumni Board is pleased to announce six new membership appointments for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. Joining the Board are accomplished graduates Chris Capano ’00, director of student activities at Phillips Academy, Andover; Marisa Carrasquillo ’18, product specialist at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Samantha Romano ’16, senior solutions consultant at ServiceNow; Wanda Santos ’19, vice president of community living at Waystone Health and Human Services; Dennis Spurling ’65, attorney at law; and Srinidhi Yerramaneni ’12, tax examiner at the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
All six individuals will serve as leading representatives for the college’s alumni association, contributing to NECC’s growth and increasing engagement with its robust network of 50,000+ alumni.
In addition to the six Alumni Board appointments, NECC also welcomed alumna Christina St. Onge ’91, vice president and senior relationship manager for Enterprise Bank, to the NECC Foundation Board. In her role, St. Onge will support the mission of NECC by helping the college connect with local businesses, foundations, and other potential revenue sources.
Interested in contributing to NECC’s mission by serving as a Board member? Learn more at www.necc.edu/necc-boards
Named after two beloved late 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 longterm support, helping the college and its students to thrive well into the future.
New NECC Foundation Board member Christina St. Onge ’91
Home Away From Home
