BHCC Celebrates the Success of STEM Alumni

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

On Thursday, April 5, 2018, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) hosted the first annual Science and Engineering Alumni Dinner to celebrate the success of BHCC alumni and thank the many supporters who created research, internship and employment opportunities for BHCC students. 

“One of the challenges community colleges have is trying to connect with alumni,” said Dr. James F. Canniff, Provost and Vice President. “I am so proud to say that we have close to 70 alumni that have graduated from BHCC and have come back to participate in this event with our community partners and most importantly our students.” Dr. Canniff also discussed the importance of internships as a critical part of the students’ educational journey that will help frame their path forward.

At the event, Dr. Kevin Kit Parker of the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and his colleague Dr. Kathryn Hollar, Director of Community Outreach and Diversity Engagement, were honored for their commitment to mentoring BHCC students. 

“We have many veterans flowing into the laboratory, most of them from BHCC. They bring practical insights and, more importantly, they bring something that almost no one ever talks about and that is the emotional component to innovation. Innovation is about disrupting the status quo and these students from BHCC are doing just that,” said Dr.  Parker.

Dr. Parker also offered advice to the BHCC students in attendance. “One of the most important things you can do when planning your career is to think about how you can translate all the skills from your hobbies, avocations and your passions into a for-profit endeavor.”