For Pride Month, Middlesex Community College students, staff and faculty honored the college’s LGBTQ+ community by attending Pride events in Bedford, Boston and Lowell. Led by MCC’s SUCCESS Scholars Program (SSP) and professional staff across the college, community members marched and celebrated with live music, games and crafts.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Pride Month and uplift our LGBTQ+ students and employees,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “At MCC, belonging and equity are at the forefront of what we do. Our participation at the events provided an important opportunity to represent the college within the communities of Bedford, Boston and Lowell while showing off our MCC pride!”
At the Boston Pride Parade, MCC marched with MassBay and Cape Cod Community Colleges. Jaimie March, MCC’s Director of Student Access and Support Services, enjoyed representing MCC and connecting with and being alongside fellow Mass. community colleges.
“The experience was great,” March said. “Seeing the high number of parade spectators and participants was incredible. When spectators shouted in support of community colleges, I was filled with joy. Our efforts were for a great cause. I see participation in affirming events like Pride parades as a way to help students feel accepted for their whole being.”
“At MCC, belonging and equity are at the forefront of what we do. Our participation at the events provided an important opportunity to represent the college within the communities of Bedford, Boston and Lowell while showing off our MCC pride!” - Phil Sisson, MCC's President
Connor Nickerson, MCC’s LGBTQ+ Success Coach, believed the Pride events were a reminder of the progress that has been made in the United States. He appreciated how the experiences brought attention to struggles that the LGBTQ+ community still face.
“We wanted the students to have an opportunity to show their pride and celebrate their identity,” Nickerson said. “Having the students see that MCC supports them by attending Pride events is important. These experiences build community and act as a beacon for LGBTQ+ students and their allies to come and connect with each other.”
For Noreen McGinness Olson, MCC’s Assistant Dean of Student Success, the Pride events were an opportunity to bring individuals from a variety of backgrounds together. By engaging in activities and sharing the experiences, they were able to grow with one another.
“The events offered a platform for open dialogue and mutual support,” Olson said. “The opportunity enhanced the overall sense of belonging within the college and promoted acceptance. MCC’s participation helped strengthen our community by fostering relationships among students, faculty and staff.”
SSP’s programming serves Asian American, Black, African American, Latinx, Undocumented and LGBTQ+ students by providing guidance and resources. Students build relationships with peers who have similar academic goals, interests or hobbies, as well as faculty and staff mentors across the college.
The program focuses on helping students be successful in college. To support students in earning a degree, SSP offers financial and personal wellness, coaching and mentoring, and career development.
Tiffany Laudano, MCC’s Director of Success Scholars Program, believes that celebrating Pride Month helps students feel like they belong. She views discussions and events around Pride helpful for LGBTQ+ students. The experiences allow them to feel seen and recognized.
“SUCCESS students participating in the Pride parades signifies support for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity,” Laudano said. “Their engagement shows that MCC is fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and respected. The Pride parades promoted self-confidence and self-acceptance and empowered students personally by allowing them to express themselves authentically and proudly.”