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News  MRC and RCC Celebrate Networking Technology Program Graduates

On Friday, July 15, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) celebrated its Spring 2022 Networking Technology Program Graduation at Roxbury Community College (RCC).
7/20/2022
  • Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
a black woman in a tan blouse and white and tan dress poses with a black woman wearing a red dress.

Boston — On Friday, July 15, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) celebrated its Spring 2022 Networking Technology Program Graduation at Roxbury Community College (RCC). For the second year, the successful program saw 14 graduates earn a certificate in cybersecurity and complete more than 300 hours of training. Hillel Sims, Dean of STEM at RCC, told the students, "This certificate isn't just to celebrate graduation, but a culmination of so much more."

The ceremony began with a welcome from Josh Crary, the Director of Academic Support at RCC. He welcomed the graduates, their families, and their guests and introduced the Jackie Jenkins-Scott, the Interim President of Roxbury Community College. "This has been a great partnership with MRC," President Jenkins-Scott said, noting that the program has given students excellent exposure to new opportunities.

Student speaker William Heines thanked the graduates, their families, and their professor Nate Bowen, noting that all of his graduates need to take the time to know themselves. "When you know who you are, you can be wise about your goals and dreams," Heines said. Bowen told the students how proud he was and reminded them he was not their professor but a colleague with more experience in the field. "Whenever you take a step in life, that's a call for celebration," Bowen said. "Experience is a hard teacher, but have earned it."

Keynote speaker Gene Fay, CEO of ThreatX, told the graduates that going into the field of cybersecurity is rewarding, challenging, and very competitive. "Stay curious. Cybersecurity is a continuous learning experience, and that's what makes it so exciting." He also told all the graduates to constantly network with people in the field and offered his business card to each student, saying, "I'm a part of your network."

The ceremony closed with Assistant Commissioner of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Joan Phillips, telling the graduates that their success and the program's success have inspired MRC to create similar programs statewide. "The rest of the story for you will depend on the decisions you make when you leave here today, Phillips told the class. "Remember, you are capable. And you will still have MRC and RCC to lean on as you create the rest of your story."

  • Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 

    The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) helps individuals with disabilities to live and work independently. MRC is responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Living, and Disability Determination for federal benefit programs.
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