NECC Student Mark Hargreaves of Methuen

Mark Hargreaves of Methuen, a Computer Information Technology major at Northern Essex Community College, will be among the honorees at next month’s “29 Who Shine” student recognition ceremony in Boston. Created in 2011 to recognize outstanding students at all 29 of the state’s public campuses, the event this year will take place May 2 at the State House.

Hargreaves graduated from Greater Lawrence Vocational Technical School 15 years ago and became a mechanic.
When he was laid off from his job with a forklift company two years ago, he decided it was time to pursue his dream of a college education and he enrolled at Northern Essex.

According to Computer Science Professor Russ Gouveia, who nominated him for the honor, Hargreaves was serious about his education from the start, excelling in the classroom and organizing student study groups.

He was soon recruited to serve as a supplemental instructor, leading study sessions for students enrolled in computer science courses, and as a computer science tutor. As Professor Gouveia writes “Everybody seeks out Mark because he’s so helpful.”

When the college created a college-wide information technology committee, Hargreaves was invited to serve as the student representative. He also volunteers to help college staff set up computer labs over summer and winter breaks.

Hargreaves is planning to transfer to Merrimack College or Southern New Hampshire University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science part time while working full time.

Hargreaves watched his uncle build his own business from the ground up, and he would like to do the same. He envisions himself developing a networking business and even has a few patents for computer inventions that he would like to market.

In May 2011, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education launched “29 Who Shine,” a program to recognize outstanding students representing each of our 29 public campuses. The honorees, chosen because of their academic achievements and record of student leadership and community service, stand poised to contribute greatly to the civic life and economic well-being of the state. Whether furthering their education or entering careers here in Massachusetts in fields as diverse as education, public policy, medicine, creative arts, and engineering, they truly embody the vibrant future that we all envision for the Commonwealth.

Northern Essex offers computer & information sciences associate degrees in applications, computer science transfer, and information technology as well as certificates in computer applications, computer forensics, computer networking, computer security, help desk, information technology fluency, and web design. For more information, visit necc.mass.edu.