The year 2024 has been historic for Northern Essex Community College. We saw the advent of free community college, started exploring the creation of an innovative shared campus with Whittier Tech, celebrated our students and programs, and “hired” everyone’s favorite new employee, Winnie!

Here are the most-read NECC News stories from 2024:

Making History

In signing the FY25 State Budget, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey made another historic investment in higher education. Community college is now tuition and fee-free for most Massachusetts residents who don’t have a bachelor’s degree under the newly-created MassEducate program. Several of the most-read stories from 2024 showcase significant milestones in making higher education more affordable and accessible:

Free Community College is Here 
Administration to Explore Shared Campus Model for Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School
NECC Northern Essex Community College Becomes First US Educational Partner of the Dominican Republic
NECC Providing Stipends for Internships

Academic Innovation

Northern Essex continues to be at the forefront of reducing barriers for students through developing free course materials and textbooks, known as Open Educational Resources (OER). Three of this year’s top stories focused on the college’s innovative work in OER:

NECC Equity-Focused Projects Receive State Funding
New Grant for Creation of Free Class Materials
NECC Hosts Faculty Showcase for OER Textbooks

A Lasting Legacy

This year, we also paused to remember a man who left an indelible mark on Northern Essex. Former President Dr. John Dimitry passed away this summer. In his 20 years as president, Dr. Dimitry led with compassion, tenacity, and a dedication to equity, which remain embedded in the fibers of NECC to this day. Read more about his legacy:

Remembering NECC President John R. Dimitry

Student and Alumni Success Stories

Students and alumni find success in many ways at Northern Essex, and many cite the tight-knit community as a major source of support. Of the most-read stories of 2024, these six showcase the hard work of students, alumni, faculty, and staff:

Graduate Plans to Help Teens Map Out Their Futures
Change of Plans Leads to Change of Heart for Liberal Arts Major
Turning the Tables on the NECC Observer’s Entertainment Reporter
Journalism Student Receives National Fellowship
At the Cutting Edge: One Alum’s Journey from Construction to AI
Criminal Justice Student Chosen for Exclusive Study Abroad Program at The Hague, Netherlands

Meet Winnie! 

Winnie officially joined the NECC family in April as a 9-week-old puppy. She is training to be the school’s comfort dog! Her arrival (and continued presence) made quite the impression on the community:

Summer Classes Going to the Dogs
Meet Winnie, NECC’s Soon-to-be Comfort Dog

Much to Celebrate

Throughout the year there have been many reasons to celebrate, with members of the NECC community getting well-deserved awards and honors:

NECC Student Literacy Magazine Parnassus Wins National Award
Hurricane Diane Set to Land at Firehouse Center for the Arts
Alumni, Staff Among Top 100 Latino Leaders in MA
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
NECC Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024

Do you have an idea for a great story for 2024? Want to share your accomplishments or those of your peers? Contact Melissa Bouse, director of public relations at mbouse@necc.mass.edu. Thank you to all who have shared your stories and made 2024 one to remember!