Recognizing Success

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

The Student Success Recognition ceremony on May 28, 2015, celebrated the achievement of 32 members of the Student Success Program who were set to graduate from the College this year. These students have met the program’s goals of remaining in school, maintaining good academic standing, or successfully transferring to four-year colleges or universities. The event took place in the Culinary Arts Dining Room.

“Without the Student Success Program, I don’t know if I would have made it,” said one student.  Others commented on the academic support, compassion, camaraderie and mentoring they received through the program. The students won praise from Program Director Margaret Bovill-Hawkins for the support they gave to one another as they celebrated their success and discussed the next steps in their academic paths.

Student Government President Lateia Johnson, a member of the program, spoke at the event.  Johnson, who founded the College's chapter of the Minority Association of Engineers and Scientists and formed both a Science Club and a Computer Technology Club, also spoke at the College Commencement exercises on May 30. She has been accepted at both UMass Boston and Wellesley College.

Bovill-Hawkins commented on the “outstanding community spirit” that pervaded the celebration and extended to the parents and friends of the students being recognized. The majority of the graduates were non-traditional students from a wide range of backgrounds. 

The BHCC Student Success Program is supported through federal TRIO funding.   The program provides a strong and supportive learning environment based on best practices to support retention, academic success, graduation and transfer to a baccalaureate college/university. Participants are either first-generation college students, or college students who meet federal income guidelines or students who have a documented disability.  They are required to apply and be accepted to the program.