On Tuesday, May 21, Middlesex Community College held an Evening of Excellence Student Award Celebration to honor the achievements of the 2024 graduating class. Recognizing students for their academic achievements in their program pathways, the event featured three student speakers sharing their stories of success, including Prachi Dayal, Maddy Fadden and Muy Ngy Lov.
“Being named an Evening of Excellence speaker is such an honor,” Dayal said. “My speech reflects on a letter I wrote to my future self in sixth grade, and it was so healing to write and read out loud. Being nominated and then selected instilled so much confidence, and I am so grateful to the people who helped me get there.”
Dayal, from Lowell and now living in Acton, graduated from MCC’s paralegal studies program with highest honors. An MCC tutor and Blackboard Ambassador, she completed an internship at Lowell Juvenile Court and was this year’s recipient of the Deborah Walsh Paralegal Studies Award. She plans to transfer to pursue her bachelor’s degree and one day go to law school.
A Liberal Studies major from Dracut, Fadden graduated with honors. A member and now mentor of MCC’s Success Scholars Program, she was president of Club Prism and is a Commonwealth Honors Scholar. Hoping to one day work in student affairs in higher education, she will transfer to Southern New Hampshire University to earn a bachelor’s in General Studies with a concentration in Diversity and Cultural Awareness.
“To be an Evening of Excellence speaker is such an honor,” Fadden said. “I feel appreciated for everything I’ve done for this community. I truly don’t have enough words to explain how much this means to me.”
“At MCC, we have incredible, hard-working students who have proven their commitment to their academic studies, the college and themselves. During their time here, these award recipients have showed strong academic achievement and worked in valuable roles across our campuses. We are so proud to honor them with this prestigious recognition.” - Arlene Rodríguez, MCC's Provost
From Cambodia and now living in Lowell, Lov graduated from MCC’s biology program with high honors. An active member of the college community, she participated in as many MCC activities and clubs as possible. For her work around campus, she received a Distinguished Student Award for Student Spirit. Interested in pursuing pre-medicine studies, Lov plans to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree and one day go to medical school.
“To be named an Evening of Excellence speaker, it is both an honor and an opportunity to use my voice to inspire others – especially the youth – and to share my story,” Lov said. “To win an award, it felt surreal as I never thought I would even be considered. It is a privilege and an honor.”
In addition to honoring academic achievements, awards focused on students’ service to MCC through their involvement in programs and leadership experiences. These include Commonwealth Honors Scholars, Engaged Scholars, Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders, Academic Centers for Enrichment Tutors, and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society members.
MCC’s President Phil Sisson, Provost Arlene Rodríguez and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates’ family, friends and supporters at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. A reception followed the event.
Provost Rodríguez shared how proud the college was of the students and their dedication throughout the duration of their time at MCC.
“At MCC, we have incredible, hard-working students who have proven their commitment to their academic studies, the college and themselves,” Rodríguez said. “During their time here, these award recipients have showed strong academic achievement and worked in valuable roles across our campuses. We are so proud to honor them with this prestigious recognition.”