On Thursday, December 5, Middlesex Community College held the Fall 2024 Fundraiser, featuring Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann, a former U.S. Army Green Beret. Hosted by the Middlesex Community College Foundation, Mann spoke about his experience to raise funds for student scholarships.

“At Middlesex, we know that one of the largest barriers our students face while earning their education is financial,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “Our fundraisers present an opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy culture and entertainment, and raise funds to ease our students’ financial burdens. This critical support goes a long way in helping our students on their paths to reaching their academic and professional goals and pursuing their dreams. Thank you to the MCC Foundation for hosting another wonderful evening, as well as to Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann for sharing his story with our community.”

Scott Mann and MCC President Phil Sisson shake hands

“Thank you to Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, our incredible donors, the MCC Foundation, and our college community for making our Fall 2024 Fundraiser a success,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Workforce Development. “Led by our Advancement team and the MCC Foundation, our fundraisers celebrate the impact of Middlesex and the importance of supporting our students. We were grateful Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann could join us at the UML Applied Research Corporation and discuss his life story, his best-selling book, and his amazing play during such an important event.”

The event took place at the UMass Lowell Applied Research Corporation (UMLARC) in Lincoln. Following the discussion, Mann attended a book signing for audience members.

During his time as an Army Green Beret, Mann toured all over the world, including Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. A warrior storyteller, he is the founder of Rooftop Leadership, sharing the rapport-building skills he learned in Special Forces to help leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements.

Mann is the author of the New York Times best-seller “Operation Pineapple Express,” a third-person narrative detailing the harrowing stories of the Veterans, volunteers, and Afghan Allies who navigated the U.S. abandonment of Afghanistan in August of 2021.

Scott Mann speaks during event

The Gary Sinise Foundation partnered with Mann to bring his play, “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” to stages across the country in an effort provide healing to Veterans and Families of the Fallen, as well as insight to citizens on the personal cost of the longest war in the Nation’s history.

“We were thrilled to host a fun and knowledgeable event with Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann in a new venue for our fundraisers,” said Sherri McCormack, MCC’s Dean of Advancement. “While raising money in support of MCC students, the community celebrated with a networking reception, as well as an engaging discussion and book signing with Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann. Thank you to all our donors and community members who made this event possible.”

Learn more about the MCC Foundation.