MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Rochester, New York
Sixty-Third Annual Commencement

Processional

• Music - Wilmot Brass Quintet
• Robert Muhlnickel, Chief Marshal

Board of Trustees

• Allen K. Williams, Chair
• Carla M. Palumbo, Esq., Vice Chair
• Gladys Pedraza-Burgos, Secretary

Officers of Administration

• DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, President
• Robin Cole, Jr.,
  Vice President, Economic and Workforce Development and
  Career Technical Education
• Calvin Gantt,
  Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Belonging, and
  Executive Director, Downtown Campus
• Craig M. Ross,
  Chief Financial Officer and Vice President,
  Administrative Services
• Michael Jacobs,
  Provost and Vice President, Academic and
  Student Affairs
• Gretchen D. Wood,
  Vice President, Institutional Advancement, and
  Executive Director, MCC Foundation

Directors

• Robert Muhlnickel, Professor of English and Philosophy, is carrying MCCʼs Mace and serving as the 2026 Commencement Ceremony Chief Marshal.

Congratulations to the Monroe Community College Class of 2026!

By continuing your education and growing your job skills, you are making Monroe County a better place to live, work, and play. My administration has invested in workforce development programs and created new jobs in our region—the very jobs you are now ready to take on.

I know the promise an education from MCC holds. That’s why we are so excited that the new state-of-the-art Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center on the Brighton Campus will officially open this fall. This facility will fully integrate MCC’s technical programs with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses, preparing students for high-demand careers as automotive technicians, precision machinists, solar panel technicians, and more.

Monroe County also remains proud to invest in the MPower program, which supports students training as certified nurse assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. By providing income, childcare assistance, and transportation, we ensure that no barriers stand in the way of our students' success. Additionally, our new partnership with MCC and Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance is now actively training the next generation of EMS professionals to serve our community’s healthcare needs.

Whether you are continuing your education or entering the workforce, I have every confidence that the MCC Class of 2026 will help build a brighter future for Monroe County. I’m honored to celebrate with you and congratulate you on your achievement!

~ Adam J. Bello, Monroe County Executive

To the 2025 graduates of Monroe Community College:

It is my distinct honor to extend heartfelt congratulations to Monroe Community Collegeʼs class of 2025. On behalf of the residents of Rochester, I celebrate your incredible achievement and commend the hard work, commitment, and perseverance that brought you to this moment.

Earning your degree is no small feat—it requires discipline, resilience, and vision. Youʼve proven this to be true, and your accomplishment is a testament to your determination to build a better and brighter future.

Whether your next step is continuing your education, beginning a career, serving in the military, or pursuing a trade, I am confident that your MCC education has prepared you to meet the challenges ahead and contribute meaningfully to your community.

Take time to celebrate this accomplishment, youʼve earned it. The tools and knowledge you now carry will help shape not only your future but the future of Rochester. Together, we are working toward a more equitable and prosperous city, and your success plays a vital role in that vision.

I wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in our city, county, and the world.

~ Malik D. Evans, Mayor

Emand H. Kadhim

“MCC is more than a college—it is a foundation for growth, hope, and opportunity. Being inducted into the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame is a reflection not just of my story, but of what is possible when education and community come together to support those seeking a better life.”

Emad Kadhim, his wife Ayda and young family of four fled Baghdad during the 2006 civil war. After briefly living in Syria, the family moved to Rochester. As a refugee, Emad had to rebuild his life. He did so with resilience and purpose. At the same time he was learning English, he began his studies at Monroe Community College. Emad earned a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and begin working as an engineering technician at Classic Automation.

Seeing opportunity, Emad started his own company, Roc Industrial LLC, in 2018 from the basement of his home with the help of his family, including all his children, and quickly outgrew the space, moving twice into larger spaces. Housed in a 5,200 square-foot facility, Roc Industrial provides high-quality industrial automation parts and repair for companies across the country and internationally. The ten-person firm recently earned its ISO 9001:2015 certification, a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. Roc Industrial is deeply rooted in the Rochester region as a proud member of the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association, the Rochester Business Chamber, the Greece Business Chamber, the Wayne County Business Chamber and the Lyons Main Street Program.

Guided by the belief that one should give more than they take and always honor the people and places that shaped their journey, Emad is deeply committed to giving back, uplifting others, and supporting his local community—especially by mentoring individuals from immigrant and underserved backgrounds who are pursuing careers in trades and technology.

Emad’s connection to MCC runs deep: not only is he an MCC graduate, but so is Ayda, who graduated from the dental assisting program and three of his four children also attended MCC. Emad enjoys reading business leadership books, traveling for international trade opportunities and exploring cultural experiences that support personal and professional growth.

Gold Cords: Graduates who earned a GPA of 3.5 and candidates for May graduation who entered the spring 2025 semester with an overall GPA of 3.449 are wearing gold cords. They are recognized in the program with an asterisk (*) as graduating with distinction.

Red, White and Blue Honor Cords: Veterans and current members of the armed forces wear these cords in recognition of their faithful service to our country.

Green Cords: MCC Foundation Scholarship recipients are recognized with this color.

Lilac Cords: These cords are worn by students who were leaders in student government, clubs and organizations, who created social, educational, and cultural activities on campus.

Medallion Recipients

Monroe Community College is pleased to honor these graduates who have demonstrated commitment to excellence through outstanding academic achievement.  Medallion recipients have maintained a 4.0 grade point average. We proudly award them the College’s highest academic honor.

The medallion was designed specifically for this occasion by Professor Emeritus Bruce Brown of the Art Department, Monroe Community College. The medal is cast in bronze and carries symbols that reflect “infinite wisdom.”  The serpent loop is an Egyptian symbol that stands for infinity. The torch traditionally represents wisdom.

In 1961, Monroe Community College was established as a unit of the State University of New York (SUNY) and officially opened to students in September 1962. Two years later, the College held its first commencement, with 82 students receiving associate degrees. MCC is now one of 30 community colleges in New York State.

Over the years, the college has grown from a single building at the former East High School on Alexander Street in the City of Rochester to two main physical campuses, one in Brighton on East Henrietta Road and the Downtown Campus on State Street in Rochester, which houses the Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center. In addition to these campuses, MCC has a Virtual Campus, one of the top online providers in the SUNY system. MCC also has two training centers, the Public Safety Training Facility on Scottsville Road and the newly named Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center (formerly the Applied Technologies Center), currently on West Henrietta Road. In fall 2026, it will move into a new state-of-the-art facility on the Brighton Campus.

Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna is the sixth MCC President and the first person of color to hold the position. Since her tenure began in 2021, she has spearheaded efforts to catalyze bright futures for the community and its people through innovative partnerships, programs, and initiatives.

MCC officially began welcoming students in 1962 at a campus on Alexander Street in the city of Rochester. In 1968, the Brighton Campus opened on land provided by Monroe County, which had previously been a dairy farm. 

In 1992, MCC's Damon City Campus opened. Twenty-five years later, the College established a permanent Downtown Campus at 321 State Street in the city's High Falls District. The Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center at the Downtown Campus opened in 2022 to prepare current and future workers for in-demand, technology-oriented careers focused on emerging smart technologies and Industry 4.0 skills. 

Operated in partnership with regional workforce organizations, industry associations, and educational institutions, the regional FWD Center provides short-term and accelerated training and education.

In 1997, MCC opened its Applied Technologies Center, which was renamed the Advanced Technology Center in 2025. A new state-of-the-art location for the ATC is under construction on the Brighton campus and is scheduled to open to students in fall 2026. It will house training programs for in-demand fields, including optics, automotive technology, precision tooling, HVAC service, and diesel mechanics. In addition, the center will feature a new solar lab to prepare students for roles in the renewable energy sector.

MCC's Public Safety Training Facility opened in 1974 on Scottsville Road. In partnership with public safety departments throughout the county, MCC provides training for police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel in a state-of-the-art emergency training complex.

Through MCC's Virtual Campus, professors specially trained in online instruction became a critical asset to students who began or completed their studies online. MCC is one of the top online providers in the SUNY system.

Through access to affordable academic programs, MCC leads excellence and innovation in higher education, inspires diverse students to transform their lives and communities, drives regional economic development, and builds global engagement and understanding.

The success of MCC graduates continually affirms the Collegeʼs academic excellence. Over the years, the community has received other external affirmation of MCCʼs excellence. In 1986, MCC was selected for membership in the League for Innovation in the Community College. MCC is one of 19 colleges that serve as the organizationʼs board of directors.

Most recently, MCC is among ten U.S. community colleges—and only one in New York state—selected to participate in the Unlocking Opportunity: The Post-Graduation Success and Equity Network in collaboration with The Aspen Institute and Columbia Universityʼs Community College Research Center. The 2023-2028 initiative focuses on expanding educational and career opportunities for all students.

Monroe Community College graduates have provided a tremendous workforce for Monroe County and the surrounding areas. An impressive number of technicians, health care professionals, police officers, firefighters, teachers, engineers, accountants, and business executives received their initial career preparation at MCC.

MCC graduates receive academic scholarships for baccalaureate study. The transfer success of MCC graduates is noteworthy. It is anticipated that the graduating class of 2026 will maintain the same high tradition of career employment and continued academic success.

Of the career program graduates employed full time, 87.5% will find employment locally. Over 69 employers will hire these graduates.

• After graduation, 98% of graduates will be employed or will continue their education within a year (WHTCO 2023).
• Graduates will transfer to over 70 different colleges and universities (WHTCO 2023).
• Of our graduating transfer students, 72% will be enrolled in units of the State University of New York, and 19% will attend either a private four-year college within New York or transfer to an out-of state college/university.

The Monroe Community College Foundation—a 501(C)(3), nonprofit corporation—seeks philanthropic investment to advance academic achievement, innovation, and the mission of excellence at the College. The Foundation provides scholarship assistance, faculty enrichment programs, funding for educational equipment, and seed money for innovative programs. Through its partnership with the MCC Foundation, MCC is able to sustain high standards of excellence, pursue innovative ideas, and respond to opportunities in our community that engage and advance the mission of the College.

Each year, the MCC Foundation selects four outstanding MCC alumni to be inducted into the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame at the annual Salute to Excellence dinner. Past inductees of the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame include retired CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., Timothy Wentworth ʼ80; President and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Robert J. Duffy ʼ75/ʼ88; Olympic gold medalist Cathy Turner ʼ84; recording artist Lou Gramm ʼ71; Sheriff Todd K. Baxter ʼ10; professional golfer Jeff Slumanʼ77; and many others who have achieved remarkable success in their business and personal pursuits. Someday, we hope to celebrate your success and include your name on this distinguished roster! To meet all the members of the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame or to nominate someone you know, visit  www.monroecc.edu/go/alumnihalloffame.

The MCC Foundation celebrates the achievements of the Monroe Community College Class of 2026.

Members of the MCC Foundationʼs Alumni Committee are pleased to present each new graduate with a special alumni honors ribbon. At the end of this month, we will mail you a one-year complimentary Associates Level alumni benefits card.

For more information on the benefits and services available to MCC graduates and their families, please contact the MCC Foundation at 585.685.6020.

The College and the MCC Foundation are deeply grateful for your first class gift which will help future MCC students achieve their dreams. Contributing to the 2026 class gift by writing a dedication is a great way to start a lifetime of giving that ensures the success of future graduates. Your class gift symbolizes your appreciation for the education, experience, and opportunities you were encouraged to pursue at MCC. Your willingness, and that of your family and friends, to give back to MCC by writing a dedication is appreciated and cherished. Thank you, Class of 2026, for your extraordinary gift. We hope to hear from you again soon.

Provided by Interpretek. Alisa Supplee and Olivia Donahower, Interpreters

Provided by Island Photography

The Student Association has arranged for candidates to be photographed as they cross the stage for individual recognition by professional photographers.

Special sections with an MCC backdrop for individual photography have been arranged in the main lobby of the arena. It is requested that you move quickly in and out of these areas so that all may be accommodated in an orderly fashion.

• Ryan Messenger, Co-chair
• Eric Wheeler, Co-chair
• Jieun Ahn, Committee Support