Mount Wachusett Community College recognized 137 students for their volunteer service during the 2025-2026 academic year at its annual Civic and Service-Learning Celebration held on May 13. The event highlighted the significant contributions made by students, with some volunteering over 300 hours each.
The recognition underscores the college’s commitment to civic engagement and community service. The Class of 2026 contributed a total of 22,300 hours of service through volunteerism and service learning projects.
“I want to recognize and thank Senator Stephen Brewer for his commitment to the college, the importance and value that we place on civic engagement and volunteerism here at the Mount is a direct result of his work,” stated President James Vander Hooven in his opening remarks. “I am in tremendous awe of the students we are honoring today. Everyone in this room lives complicated lives – whether you work full time, care for children or loved ones, or have a long commute to complete your education – you have also made it a priority to serve others. You are going above and beyond in ways that you don’t have to. I am in tremendous awe of you, and I thank you for the role models you are for me, and for our community.”
Brewer Center Director David Thibault-Munoz said, “Today is about recognizing those efforts and celebrating the people behind them. Service learning is one of the most meaningful ways our students connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the needs of the broader community. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this work possible and to all of you for being here to celebrate alongside us.”
Pathways for Change was named Community Partner of the Year during the ceremony. Katt Bosworth, Assistant Coordinator of Civic Engagement, said: “At the heart of every strong community are partnerships rooted in trust, compassion, and action. Pathways for Change embodies all three. Their work supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence is not just a service; it is a lifeline… What makes this partnership so meaningful is not just what they do, but how they do it… Partner of the Year is not just about collaboration, it’s about impact.”
Other awards presented included Service Learning Awards given to Cameron Laughlin (Gardner) and Aaliyah Deltoro (Fitchburg), Hillary Bartlett Award recipient Danielle Cormier (Gardner), Newman Civic Fellowship Nominee Samuel Nieves (Fitchburg), Sharyn Rice Award winner Betty-Jo Caisse (Baldwinville), Club of the Year awarded to Hiking Club as well as recognitions for Department of Higher Education Interns SLiCE leaders Sprouting Joy team members.
