Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (March 23, 2023)– Planning is underway for the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony at Northern Essex Community College. The event will be held Saturday, May 13 at 11 am, on the Haverhill Campus. More than 400 students and their families will gather under the tent for the occasion.

Justin Aguirre ’09 is this year’s Featured Commencement Speaker

This year’s Featured Commencement Speaker is keenly aware of the day’s significance. Justin Aguirre is now the executive producer and co-host of the Kiss 108 “Billy and Lisa in the Morning Show.” But back in 2006, he was a young man from Malden who had overcome issues with addiction. He wasn’t sure where life was going, but he knew he needed a change.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected to be the commencement speaker,” he said. “My journey began at NECC as a young student unsure of where I was headed – to be asked to return in this capacity is really special.”

Aguirre enrolled as a journalism/communications student in 2006 at the urging of a mentor who knew he was interested in media. He graduated in 2009 and transferred to Salem State. Aguirre eventually landed a coveted internship on the “Ramiro and Pebbles Morning Show” on JAM’N 94.5.

Aguirre was hired by JAM’N 94.5 as a part-time producer and, from there, moved on to Kiss 108, working first as a producer for Ryan Seacrest and, later, for Matt Siegel of “Matty in the Morning.”  Following the announcement of Siegel’s retirement in May, Aguirre was promoted to his current role as co-host and executive producer of the “Billy and Lisa in the Morning Show,” a position that has him waking up at 3 a.m., hosting live shows from 5 to 10 a.m., and a podcast, “The After Show,” until noon.

“I look forward to sharing with students that ANY dream you have is possible. I’m living proof of that.”

Aguirre recently shared the news with his co-hosts on air. You can listen here. He spoke about how he felt when asked to be the speaker at the 12:52 mark and shared more about his personal journey at 21:00.

The 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony will also feature a student speaker selected by faculty and staff and the presentation of awards, including the Outstanding Alumni Award, Social Justice Award, and Emeritus.

The 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony is May 13, 2023

To learn more about Northern Essex’s 61st  Annual Commencement Ceremony, visit the website.

Northern Essex Community College, the first Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, is an education leader for the Merrimack Valley. Through a supportive learning environment and cultural inclusion, NECC embraces all identities and inspires initiative and excellence through top-notch, affordable certificate and associate degree programs online and at campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. NECC offers many bachelor’s degree transfer options, workforce development, and community education classes and is host to the NECC Police Academy, MassHire Merrimack Valley, and Gallaudet University’s Regional Center for the deaf and hard of hearing. Visit Northern Essex online at www.necc.mass.edu.