N a s h u a C o m m u n it y C o l l e g e
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2026 EDITION
A Message from the President The annual Commencement Exercise is one of the most meaningful celebrations in the life of Nashua Community College. It is a time when we gather with family, friends, faculty, staff, and community partners to honor the achievements of our graduates and recognize the remarkable journeys that brought them to this milestone. As I watched the Class of 2025 cross the stage this past May, I was reminded that every graduate has a unique story. Many balanced work, family responsibilities, military service, and other commitments while pursuing their educational goals. Their success reflects determination, resilience, and a belief that education can open doors to new opportunities and brighter futures.
At Nashua Community College, we see firsthand the transformative power of higher education. An NCC education provides more than knowledge and technical skills. It builds confidence, expands possibilities, and empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions in their careers, their families, and their communities. Whether our graduates are entering the workforce, advancing in their current professions, or continuing their studies at four-year institutions, they leave NCC prepared to make a positive impact. The accomplishments of our students are also a reflection of the support they receive from dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. Together, we create an environment where students can discover their potential, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they may once have thought beyond reach. As you read this special commencement edition of our Alumni Newsletter, I hope you will join me in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025. Their success reinforces the important role community colleges play in changing lives and strengthening our region. It also reminds us that the true measure of our institution is not simply the degrees and certificates awarded, but the positive difference our graduates make in the world. To our newest alumni, congratulations. We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to following your continued success in the years ahead. Dr. James M. Keane President Nashua Community College
www.nashuacc.edu/alumni
Nashua@ccsnh.edu
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COMMENCEMENT NEWS Alumni Speaker Class of 2017 NCC graduate Kyle Moschen served as Commencement Speaker. Since leaving NCC, Kyle has earned his bachelor’s and launched a PR career in Seattle. Kyle shared his college and career journey in detail on an NHBR podcast, take a listen at: www.nhbr.com/buildingcommunity-starts-with-yes
Student Speaker
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026! Nashua Community College celebrated its 55th Commencement Ceremony this May comprising 298 students, with 210 joining in person for NCC’s largest in-person ceremony in 10 years. This is the first graduation presided over by NCC’s president, Dr. James M. Keane, who joined the college in summer 2025. From the community, Mike LaChance, Executive Director of the YMCA, received the Presidential Community Service Award. Professor Lisa Furman, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, presented the award. Professor Kim Eckenrode presented CCSNH Chancellor Mark Rubinstein with a token of appreciation as he has announced his retirement after 5 years in his role and 40 years in education.
www.nashuacc.edu/alumni
Anthony Corbin earned his associate degree in Computer Science. He planned to earn his bachelor’s in Software Development with the goal of becoming a healthcare-focused software engineer. “I know I’m not the only one who took a long, complicated road to come here,” he said. At 19 years old, Anthony moved alone from Jamaica to Nashua in 2020. He joined the Army Reserves, completed training, and came back to Nashua where he enrolled in college. “NCC became one of the biggest turning points in my life.”
Nashua@ccsnh.edu
Commencement Photos
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NCC NEWS NEW Finance Degree Announced Nashua Community College is launching a new Finance degree starting this fall. Students will prepare for entry‑level roles in banking, insurance, investments, corporate finance, and non‑profit organizations. Graduates can transfer to bachelor degree programs in finance or related fields.
Summer Camp Nashua Community College has offered Youth and Teen Summer Camp for the past several years. For the Summer of 2026, NCC offered: FREE Fire Rescue camp (plus $20 CPR test), hosted by Nashua Fire Rescue FREE Early Childhood Education camp Culinary and Baking Sessions Automotive General Vehicle Maintenance & Information 'Sunny Strides' Running Camp Healthcare D&D worldbuilding 'Beauty Basics' for hair and manicure tips
www.nashuacc.edu/alumni
Nashua@ccsnh.edu
N a s h u a C o m m u n it y C o l l e g e
NCC NEWS YMCA Partnership In Fall 2023, NCC partnered with the Merrimack YMCA and established an ECE satellite location offering one ECE course per semester. This has led to 19 students earning certificates and associate degrees. Students – YMCA members and non-members – are also welcome to drop their children off at the YMCA Kid Stop during class for free childcare.
ECE Lab at NCC
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION NEWS This summer, the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs granted accreditation for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) associate degree program at Nashua Community College. NCC’s ECE program has substantially met the requirements of the NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Standards A-F, including adequate demonstration of candidate proficiency in the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. The accreditation covers July 2026 through July 2033.
www.nashuacc.edu/alumni
Earlier this year, NCC received $933,500 from a bipartisan Congressional appropriations package that will go toward supporting the College’s Early Childhood Education Center. As part of this investment, the College plans to establish a childcare facility on site for student parents. The ECE investment will help New Hampshire address its shortage of childcare teachers and childcare availability.
Nashua@ccsnh.edu
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NCC NEWS Healthcare Management Degree NCC is offering a new Healthcare Management associate degree this fall. The program blends foundational business knowledge with essential healthcare industry skills, equipping grads to support the daily operations of healthcare organizations as well as transferring to a 4-year institution to continue their education. Students learn how healthcare systems function, how to manage patient information ethically and how to support teams in delivering high-quality care.
Drone Training A new Remote Pilot Certificate preparation course at Nashua Community College begins August 15 at Nashua Community College. The 8-week class can accommodate up to 15 students. “This course will be an FAA (Part 107) Remote Pilot Certificate preparation course to operate drone up to 55 pounds,” said Professor Doug Mitchell, Chair of the Aviation Department at NCC. “Students who take this course will learn the knowledge test topics areas needed to pass the ‘Unmanned Aircraft General- Small UAG’ Test needed to get their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (AKA Drone License).”
N a s h u a C o m m u n it y C o l l e g e The Journey to Commencement: Stories of Perseverance and Success One of the things that makes Nashua Community College so special is the determination of our students. While commencement celebrates academic achievement, it also honors the perseverance required to reach that milestone. Recent Student Financial Wellness Survey data from Trellis Strategies highlights the realities many NCC students face while pursuing their education. Nearly two-thirds of our students report experiencing financial challenges, and more than half say they would have difficulty covering an unexpected $500 expense. Food insecurity affects 39% of students, while 37% experience housing insecurity. Nearly half report challenges meeting their basic needs. At the same time, NCC students are balancing responsibilities beyond the classroom. Eighty percent of our students are employed while attending college, significantly higher than the national average for community college students. More than half are the first in their families to pursue higher education, often navigating the college experience without the benefit of family guidance.
These statistics tell an important story, but they do not fully capture the resilience behind them. They represent students who attend class after long work shifts, parents who study after putting their children to bed, and individuals who continue pursuing their goals despite financial, personal, and emotional challenges. The increasing use of the NCC Food Pantry underscores both the need within our student community and the importance of providing support systems that help students stay on track toward graduation.
When our students walk across the commencement stage, they bring with them more than academic credentials. They carry the confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles, the skills needed to succeed in today's workforce, and the knowledge that perseverance can change the course of a life. Their success is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of community colleges and the importance of ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their potential.
N a s h u a C o m m u n it y C o l l e g e
SUPPORT TODAY'S STUDENTS, TRANSFORM TOMORROW'S LIVES Every day, NCC students work to overcome financial, personal, and academic challenges in pursuit of their educational goals. Your gift to the NCC Annual Fund helps ensure that unexpected hardships do not become barriers to success. Contributions support emergency financial assistance for students facing urgent needs, while also providing scholarships that make higher education more accessible and affordable. Together, our alumni community can help students stay enrolled, complete their degrees, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. We invite you to make a gift and invest in the next generation of NCC graduates.