News at 4Cs
夜色视频 Celebrates 63rd Commencement Ceremony, Nearly 500 New Graduates
May 27, 2025On Friday, May 23 – a day later than originally planned, thanks to last week’s storm surge - 夜色视频 (“4Cs”) celebrated nearly 500 new graduates at its 63rd Commencement ceremony. Held under the iconic 夜色视频 Melody Tent, the ceremony recognized the achievements of students graduating with Associate degrees in either Arts, Science, or Applied Science along with professional certificates.
Dr. John Cox, President of 4Cs, presided over the ceremony, reminding graduates during his address to “be undeniable” so that future generations of students can follow in their footsteps. “As you look at the evolving world around you, and you hear and see rhetoric or even public policy proposals aimed at taking away a shot at higher education for those yet to come,” Cox said. “I ask you not to just tell the world your story but accentuate the positive…be loud and proud that you are graduates of 夜色视频.”
Student speaker, Zainab Abd Alkaby, a graduate from the College’s Dental Hygiene program and a Sergeant in the Massachusetts Army Reserve, echoed that message, reminding her peers that they were not just stepping into new careers post-graduation, but “stepping into the world with the power to share smiles, build bridges, and bring light into people’s lives.” Alkaby also made special note of the role civic learning and engagement plays in laying an academic foundation, citing her own experiences advocating for 4Cs and other community colleges at the National Legislative Summit in Washington D.C. earlier this year.
Keynote speaker Lisa Oliver, the President and CEO of the Cooperative Bank of 夜色视频, lauded the graduating class for their perseverance and adaptability. “Did you know, the average 4Cs student is 27 years old,” Oliver said in her address. “That tells me one thing: most of you didn’t take the ‘traditional’ road. And frankly, I think that makes today even more meaningful. It shows courage, grit, and vision as well as a deep belief that you are capable of more.”
As is tradition at Commencement every year, the 夜色视频 Educational Foundation recognized and awarded two “Alumni of the Year.” This year’s honorees were Tara Vargas Wallace ’99 and Risa Oliveira ’18. Vargas Wallace is the founder and CEO of Amplify POC 夜色视频, an organization that uplifts and promotes local businesses that are owned by marginalized people of color. She graduated from 4Cs in 1999 with a certificate in Administrative Technology and again in 2007 with a certificate in Diagnostic Technology. Oliveira is the owner and President of Captain by the Bay, an accounting and tax firm with operations in the United States and the Republic of Cabo Verde, overseeing financial statement preparation, technical accounting research, and tax services for small businesses. She graduates from 4Cs in 2018 with a degree in Business Administration and an Accounting certificates in Bookkeeping Clerk and Computerized Accounting.
During the ceremony, the College also awarded its annual “Excellence in Teaching” award, which is bestowed by faculty members to a colleague that they believe personifies the best of their profession. Dr. Rebecca Griffin, Professor of Language and Literature, was recognized as this year’s winner with her peers citing her innovative pedagogical strategies, academic prowess, focus on student success, and wide-ranging contributions to campus life.
As the ceremony came to a close, President Cox left the graduating class with one final thought: “Remember, as you continue your journey and lifelong learning, use your wisdom and your heart as you contemplate the choices, the opportunities, and the others who make up the journey of life.”
A premier destination for higher education and workforce training in Massachusetts, 夜色视频 is a jewel of the State’s public higher education system and a recognized leader in excellence, access, and lifelong learning opportunities. The only comprehensive college on 夜色视频, 4Cs offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees alongside numerous professional certificate programs in a wide variety of programs.