The entry blog was taken directly from the Middlesex Community College blog…be sure to check it out.

Congrats go out to our 2011 grads, who celebrated their academic accomplishments last Thursday during ceremonies at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium!

Surrounded by their families and friends, the proud grads made their way across stage, basking in the spotlight for their individual achievements.  This year’s student commencement speakers Moses Kirori and Rita Hashem each delivered personal, heartfelt messages to their fellow grads.  The commencement address was delivered by Lucille O’Neal, mother of the Boston Celtics’ Shaquille O’Neal and author of the book Walk Like You have Somewhere To Go.  O’Neal showed the students that she’s living proof that it’s never too late for a new beginning.

The ceremonies also honored two of MCC’s Distinguished alumni – Kim Zunino of Tewksbury from the class of 2004 who now works with the Lowell Historic Board to help preserve the city of Lowell’s history, and 1975 graduate Steven Wright, a world famous stand-up comedian who has also won an academy award and received multiple Grammy nominiations.

Here’s a quick photo montage of the day, courtesy of photographer Kevin Harkins at www.harkinsphotography.com