Greenfield, Mass – On Saturday, June 1st, Greenfield Community College (GCC) honored 2019 Graduates at its 56th Commencement Ceremony, where it conferred Certificates and Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.

GCC President Yves Salomon-Fernández, Ph.D. opened the ceremony and Dr. Jonathan Keller from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education offered greetings from the DHE. "We are not only thrilled for you today, we are also excited for what your journey beyond today will be," offered President Salomon-Fernández. "Once you're part of the GCC family, there's no getting out. Spread your wings and fly out of the nest, and know that you can continue to lean on us."

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Andrew Dreyfus, delivered the keynote address. Serving in leadership at one of the largest independent healthcare plans in the country, Mr. Dreyfus offered graduates inspiring words to navigate an ever-changing world and had particular words of wisdom for GCC's graduates entering the healthcare field.

 "There is demand for leadership to show how our health systems can meet Americans' needs much more effectively," Mr. Dreyfus shared. "We need to improve health, rather than just health care. And that means addressing deep underlying social issues such as hunger and housing education – the factors that can make it possible or impossible to live a healthy life, regardless of medical care…We need to make health care convenient and simple while ensuring it is high-quality and affordable. In short, our field needs your ingenuity."

The faculty address was given by retiring Professor of Psychology, Terry Boyce, who offered an engaging speech that encouraged graduates to step into their leadership and take stock of the long term. The student address was given by Tess Burdick, a graduating student in the Associate in Science in Farm and Food Systems as well as the World Language in Spanish Certificate Program.

Reflecting on her time at GCC, Tess shared "It has been an honor to get to know my classmates, professors, and mentors here at GCC; everyone from age 15-85. Together, their lessons, kindness, and friendships, have made my time here so much more special. I am graduating today, having learned that every person has something to teach. Regardless of where that person is from, what they look like, or how old they are: they have wisdom to share, and that knowledge is a gift."

From GCC students go on to fulfill many different paths. From continuing on to Bachelor's Degree Programs at renowned institutions such as University of Arizona, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and UMass Amherst, or continuing on to jobs or careers. GCC's students don't stop at graduation. Rather, it's just the beginning. 

GCC awarded 326 degrees and certificates for 2018-2019 academic year.

GCC awarded 326 degrees and certificates for 2018-2019 academic year.

Download Class of 2019  Awards

Download Class of 2019 Graduates