Berkshire Community College Graduates Historically Large Class
Class valedictorian Jeremiah Reagan says he found himself at BCC in in nursing, earning his associate's degree from the program. See more photos here.
It was also President Ellen Kennedy's last BCC commencement in the position, as she will step down at the end of June.
"It has been the greatest gift of my professional life to have been on this journey with you, all of you," Kennedy said.
"Though our paths will now diverge, I know that the memories, the relationships, the moments of conflict and pain that led to new possibilities and growth, those will stay with me always."
The 341 graduates in 38 programs of study earned a total of 377 awards: 218 associate degrees, and 159 certificates. This is the highest number of graduates the college has had since 2014, when it conferred awards to 362 students.
Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 68, and while a majority live in Massachusetts, others are from Connecticut, Kentucky, New York, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Travis Murach, who earned an associates degree in liberal arts, took the mic as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma to say he had been at BCC for a total of 15 years, dropped out three times, and has finally done it.
"So don't give up, do it," he said to applause.
Valedictorian Jeremiah Reagan, a nursing graduate, explained that he entered BCC dreading learning, and found himself while on campus.
"I did not come to BCC with the purpose of becoming a nurse. I came to BCC seeking a sense of direction and purpose. In a sense, I came to BCC to find myself," he said.
"I didn't know where my place was in the world, and I didn't know what it was that brought life meaning. I came to BCC hoping to learn how to answer those questions."
It was his father, an academic counselor at the college, who suggested that he pursue nursing and made him believe it was possible.
Reagan met a couple of teachers in his second year who changed his perspective, and his life, he said. He implored classmates to continue learning, growing, and serving others.
"The time I spent in nursing clinicals transformed me in a way I didn't know was possible. I learned that, at times, nursing means giving lifesaving medications and managing high adrenaline situations, and at other times it means to sit quietly at the bedside of another human being who is terrified and being their sole reminder that they are not alone," he explained.
"I've cared for several people with terminal diagnoses, and there was nothing I could do to heroically save them. All I could do was be there with them and provide them with safety and dignity. Caring for the sick, the injured, and the most vulnerable people in the world is the greatest honor of my life. I cannot put into words how fortunate or how privileged I am to do so."
Kennedy shared three student stories that had a profound impact on her, and reminded graduates that their journey will challenge them, bring manageable setbacks they can learn from, reward hard work and commitment, and inspire others.
Hara Charlier, who has been selected as the next president of BCC, was in attendance as well as Richard Riccardi, deputy commissioner for academic affairs and student success with the state Department of Higher Education, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Reps. Leigh Davis, Tricia Farley-Bouvier and John Barrett III.
When announcing the commencement speaker, Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness Lori Moon, Kennedy explained: "When I began thinking about my final commencement, about what I wanted it to feel like, and whose voice I wanted filling the shed entanglement, the answer was not difficult."
She said Moon will retire this summer, which is "a little terrifying" because the nursing programs bear her fingerprints everywhere. The President's Award was presented to Moon.
A 1990 graduate of BCC, she advised that the internal narrative saying "You can't" is actually a terrible life coach. She extended that sentiment to guests, reminding them it is not too late to invest in themselves.
"Let me say this clearly, you belong, not because you feel ready, not because you feel confident, but because you are here, and because you have earned your place," she said.
"Even when you're the only person who looks like you, thinks like you, or comes from where you come from, you belong."
During the college's 66th commencement, Wayne Klug was recognized as professor emeritus of psychology. Graduate Clara Bargas Guatta-Cescuni performed the national anthem, the City of Albany Pipe Band played in the processional and recessional, and Sheriff Thomas Bowler opened and closed the ceremony.
Tags: BCC, graduation 2026,
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