Haverhill, MA (February 6, 2023) – Northern Essex Community College is proud to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to the college and its students with the second annual Impact Awards. The following five outstanding community members will be honored at a breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, at 8:30 am on the Haverhill Campus. Learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities by contacting Allison Dolan-Wilson or visiting the webpage.

Community Partner Award

Lloyd Hamm Jr., President and CEO of Newburyport Bank

This award honors an individual, group, or organization who, through their support, has made a lasting impact on Northern Essex. This year, NECC is proud to recognize Lloyd L. Hamm, Jr. and Newburyport Bank. As president and CEO of Newburyport Bank, Hamm has been instrumental in promoting the NECC Foundation and in making critical community connections. This includes facilitating a major investment from Newburyport Bank into the new Seacoast Promise program, which will allow students from area high schools participating in NECC’s Early College program to continue their education at NECC for little to no cost. Hamm is a current member of the NECC Board of Trustees and of the NECC Foundation, Inc. board.

Zoila Gomez, ’97

The Outstanding Alumni Award

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus/a who has achieved career-related success, is active in the community, and/or has exemplified active support for the college’s efforts. This year’s recipient, local immigration lawyer Zoila Gomez ‘97, has dedicated countless hours to helping current students and their families with the immigration process. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Gomez graduated from Northern Essex in 1997 with a degree in paralegal studies, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from UMass Lowell, and her juris doctor degree from Massachusetts School of Law. She founded her law office in 2006, and in the fall of 2011, she returned to NECC as a professor of Immigration Law and Policy. She recently joined the Lawrence Partnership Board of Directors.

Jennifer A. Borislow, Chairwoman of the NECC Board of Trustees

Philanthropy & Volunteerism

This award is given to a member of the Northern Essex community who has demonstrated commitment to NECC through financial support, volunteering, and leadership. Northern Essex is proud to give this year’s award to current NECC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Jennifer Borislow.  Borislow, founding principal of Borislow Insurance of Methuen, has served on the board since 2017 and was named chair in 2020. In that time, she has provided invaluable connections to the local business community, championed fundraising efforts, advocated for the creation of new, inclusive programs, and assembled a strong and diverse board.

Representative Andy Vargas

Public Service & Advocacy

The Public Service and Advocacy Award honors an individual who has greatly impacted the lives of Northern Essex students through public service or advocacy. With his continued advocacy for community college students, this year’s recipient is Representative Andy Vargas (D, Essex 3rd District). Rep. Vargas has championed affordable and accessible higher education since taking office in 2017. Most recently, he helped secure a $100,000 matching grant for the Haverhill Promise program and is advocating, along with NECC President Lane Glenn, to make completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) a requirement for high school graduation in the Commonwealth.

Equity and Social Justice Award

Governor Maura Healey

This award recognizes individuals, organizations, or initiatives that have impacted the NECC community through values such as a commitment to equity, diversity, and the advancement of human rights and social justice. Governor Maura Healey is this year’s honoree for her Administration’s historic investment in higher education. The FY24 budget includes funding for MassReconnect, Community College Nursing Scholarships, and an increase in SUCCESS Programs. Governor Healey also created the new Tuition Equity Law, which provides access to in-state financial aid and tuition to many undocumented students in the Commonwealth. These, along with many other programs and initiatives, have made higher education affordable and accessible to thousands of individuals across the state.

To learn more about the Impact Awards and past recipients, visit the webpage.