Three Middlesex Community College students were named to the 2025 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Massachusetts Team: Gechleng Lim, Nnadubem Ganobi and Samantha Sanford. The students were recognized at a ceremony at the State House in Boston on Friday, May 9.
An international student from Cambodia, Leng found a supportive community at MCC. At the 2025 commencement, he was one of two graduation speakers representing the class of 2025. President of MCC’s PTK chapter, he was president of MCC’s Computer Science Club and a member of the Asian Students in Alliance Club, as well as an MCC student employee. Recipient of the 2025 New England Transfer Association Scholarship (NETA) Jane Fain Scholarship, he will transfer to a four-year college.
“As an international student, this recognition makes me feel seen and appreciated, not just for my academics but for everything I have poured into this journey,” Lim said. “My leadership, my persistence, and the work I have done to help build a more supportive and connected community at MCC reminds me of how far I have come and how much I have grown.”
A graduate from the computer science program, Ganobi started at MCC as part of the Early College program with Lowell High School. In addition to PTK, Ganobi was involved with the National Society for Leadership and Success, the African Cultural Club, the Brotherhood Club, and the Success Scholars Program at Middlesex. After graduating, Ganobi transferred to UMass Lowell to pursue electrical engineering and continues to “build on the momentum and experiences I gained at Middlesex.”
“[At MCC], I developed a strong foundation in both academics and leadership,” Ganobi said. “These experiences allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills, connect with a diverse community of students, and engage in advocacy through opportunities like the Early College Student Policy Fellowship, where I published an Op-Ed promoting equitable access to college.”
Samantha Sanford, of South Yarmouth, is an MCC Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) student. At the college, Sanford has benefitted from learning from supportive faculty and a population of students from different backgrounds. From getting involved with PTK to planning to transfer to UMass, Sanford believes Middlesex offers opportunities and experiences to build connections and develop skills.
“It’s such an honor to be recognized for my hard work and dedication, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence,” Sanford said. “Phi Theta Kappa has been such a transformative part of my college experience, pushing me to excel even further in my studies and leadership development. This recognition motivates me to keep striving for excellence and continue giving back to my community.”
Since 1918, PTK – the international society for two-year colleges – has recognized and encouraged scholarship among community college students, while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK.
“We are so proud of our PTK student leaders and all of the amazing work they have done during their time at Middlesex and throughout the year,” said Maria McDuffie Clark, MCC’s Director of Student Engagement for Equity. “It was an honor to witness Leng, Nnadubem and Samantha be celebrated for their accomplishments at the State House and to have received the All-Massachusetts Academic Team recognition.”