LYNN — During his Commencement Address, former Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler stood in front of the Class of 2026 graduates at North Shore Community College and left them with just two parting words:

“Those words are love and outrage,” said Tutwiler, who previously served as the Massachusetts Secretary of Education and is now the President and CEO of Walker Therapeutic and Educational Programs. “Because here’s the truth: the community needs both. It needs your love, your belief in people, your commitment to others, your willingness to create something better, and we need your outrage, your refusal to accept inequity, your insistence that things can improve, your courage to challenge systems that fall short.”

For the very first time, NSCC’s 60th Commencement Ceremony was held outdoors on its Lynn campus. The celebratory event was split into two ceremonies, beginning at 10 a.m., honoring the graduates of the Liberal Studies, STEM, and Business programs. At 2 p.m., the graduates of the Health Professions, Human Services, and Emergency Response were honored.

This year’s graduating class featured more than 450 students, 300 of whom are first-generation college students, according to the commencement program. The institution, which is free to Massachusetts residents who do not have a Bachelor’s degree, has also seen a 10% increase in degree conferrals over last year.

Also in attendance were Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Interim Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Molly Cohen, Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Chris Gabrieli, and Commissioner Noe Ortega.

The morning ceremony began with a welcome address by NSCC President Dr. William Heineman, followed by student speaker and graduate Andres Cuellar Herrera.

Herrera, who has earned a degree in Liberal Arts, Dual Language Pathway, will be continuing his education at Northeastern University. During his speech, he shared his journey of arriving in the United States from Colombia just three years ago, with the plan to work so he could save enough money for his college tuition and then return home to Medellín, Antioquia. When his plans changed, he “lost all hope” of attending school.

“I was full of doubts, but everyone at North Shore only gave me confidence,” he said, later adding: “I met professors who believed in me from the very beginning, even when I was still trying to figure things out myself.”

During the afternoon ceremony, student speaker Sayuri Mojica, who is graduating with an A. A degree in Elementary Education, she shared the impact attending NSCC has had on her.

“Coming to North Shore gave me a place not just to earn a degree, but to work towards finding myself in some of the most formative years of my life,” said Mojica, who is from Beverly and will be continuing her education at Bridgewater State University.

Afterward, Tom Sands, Market President-North Shore and NHC Board of Trustees, gave the Commencement speech, where he emphasized the importance of self-belief.

“You have made it this far in this journey and have continued to bet on yourself,” he said. “Betting on yourself is what got you here, and that’s what’s going to get you into the future.”

Board Chair Maria Vegas Arias authorized the degrees, which were then presented by NSCC Provost Dr. Christian Bedbar. Elizabeth Paz, director of English as a Second Language, read the names of the Liberal studies graduates at the morning ceremony, followed by Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Dr. Jonathan Miller, who then read the names of graduates who have earned STEM and Business degrees.

In the afternoon, Academic Counselor Hannah Andry read the names of the graduates of the Health Professions program, followed by Yandi Figueroa, director of Advising & Retention, who read the names of the graduates of the Human Services and ERP.

Dr. Christina Bednar led the turning of the tassels as a roar of applause filled the tent before the graduates proceeded out onto the lawn, where volunteers had formed a long tunnel for them to walk through while they rang bells, held congratulatory signs, and even waved red and blue pool noodles in celebration.

“It’s an awesome school,” said graduate Massah D. Jones, who moved to Lynn in 1997 from Liberia and graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts Transfer, Associate in Arts. She also sang the national anthem during the morning commencement ceremony.

“They have all the resources that you need to be a productive citizen,” she said.

North Shore Community College students file into the large tent on the Lynn campus for their graduation ceremony on Friday.

Phones and hands are held in the air to film and wave to North Shore Community College graduates.

North Shore Community College President Dr. William Heineman welcomes graduates and their families to the commencement ceremony on Friday.

North Shore Community College graduate Massah Jones sings the National Anthem at the start of the commencement ceremony.

Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy Principal Heather Fabiano wipes away tears as the first class to graduate the program and receive degrees from North Shore Community College cheers for her.

Andres Cuellar Herrera delivers the student address during North Shore Community College’s commencement ceremony on Friday.

Former Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools and former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler delivers the keynote address during North Shore Community College’s commencement ceremony on Friday.

A graduates decorate cap during North Shore Community College’s graduation ceremony on Friday.

North Shore Community College graduate Christie Woignac waves to the crowd after receiving her diploma.

Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy student Jeiandy Lizardo walks across the stage to receive his North Shore Community College diploma.

Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy student Ava Atton shakes hands with North Shore Community College President Dr. William Heineman as she receives her NSCC diploma.

Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy student Frances Pecjo smiles after receiving her North Shore Community College diploma.

Alexander M. W. Crowe Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy student is all smiles after receiving his diploma from North Shore Community College on Friday.

Leyka Louis smiles as she receives her diploma from North Shore Community College President Dr. William Heineman.

Melvin Rosario gives North Shore Community College President Dr. William Heineman a hug as he receives his diploma on Friday.

Bridget Ngu-Atem is all smiles after receiving her diploma during North Shore Community College’s commencement ceremony on Friday.

North Shore Community College graduate Camden Lovelace waves to the crowd as he walks across the stage during the commencement ceremony on Friday.

Hiba Jabrane is all smiles after receiving her diploma during North Shore Community College’s commencement ceremony on Friday.

Lily Salka is all smiles after receiving her diploma during North Shore Community College’s commencement ceremony on Friday.

Melvin Rosario turns his tassel and officially becomes a graduate of North Shore Community College.

North Shore Community College graduates walk through rows of pool floats and people cheering at the end of commencement on Friday.