�鶹��ý�Concord�s Community College will celebrate more than 600 graduates during its commencement ceremony on May 15. The college expects thousands to cheer on the class of 2026.

For Leslie Bartlett, this will be her first experience walking in a graduation ceremony. �I wish my high school math teacher could see me now!� she said.

Bartlett, who completed her high school program through summer courses, will earn her associate degree in Human Service with high honors at the age of 56. She is the student speaker for commencement day.

�I was humbled to be selected,� said Bartlett. �I submitted my application because I just wanted to share my story and say thank you.�

Bartlett achieved her degree 100% online, and made deep connections with �鶹��ý faculty, staff, and tutors. �Choosing �鶹��ý was easy because �鶹��ý made it easy to be successful,� she said.

�鶹��ý will also welcome acclaimed business leader Amanda Grappone Osmer as keynote speaker on graduation day. Osmer represents the fourth generation of her family to own and operate Grappone Automotive Group.

Perry Seagroves, full-time faculty member since 1985, will also speak at the ceremony. Seagroves received the college�s Chancellor’s award for teaching excellence on two occasions and was honored as Coach of the Year four times by the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC). He started two athletic programs at the college�track and field and cross country�and is beloved in the chemistry classroom.

�鶹��ý�s graduates represent a wide range of disciplines, but top areas of study include nursing, dental hygiene, and radiologic technology�all healthcare departments that boast nearly 100% employment rates after graduation.

All of �鶹��ý�s academic offerings are designed and curated to meet New Hampshire�s specific workforce needs. Other popular programs are business administration, criminal justice, mechanical engineering technology, and early childhood education. 97% of Early Childhood Education graduates have already found jobs within their field of study.

When Travis Graf first enrolled at �鶹��ý, he planned to focus on the high-demand field of healthcare. �I chose �鶹��ý because I wanted to try out different things,� he said.

Graf switched his focus to accounting and finance, and plans to continue his education in this area. 24% of �鶹��ý graduates follow this path�saving thousands on their tuition before committing to a 4-year program.

Graf balanced his studies with baseball at �鶹��ý, serving as both a shortstop and pitcher for the Lynx in the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC).

The class of 2026 includes student-athletes like Graf, adult learners like Bartlett, high school students earning college-level credentials, and professionals completing specialized workforce education trainings.

�鶹��ý�s commencement ceremony will be held outdoors at the college campus on Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. Learn more about the celebration at nhti.edu.

�鶹��ý�Concord�s Community College recognized outstanding students at an awards night on April 30. The annual event celebrated students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, campus involvement, and community spirit.

With hundreds of parents, faculty, and staff in attendance, the ceremony featured individual awards across a wide range of disciplines.

2026 student award recipients:

�鶹��ý�Concord�s Community College welcomed a new class of high-achieving students into its Alpha Upsilon Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society during an induction ceremony on April 16. The evening also marked a milestone for the chapter, which is celebrating 35 years on campus.

�鶹��ý president Dr. Patrick Tompkins congratulated the inductees and highlighted the significance of their achievement. His remarks underscored the college�s commitment to recognizing excellence and fostering leadership among students.

During a candle-lighting ceremony, chapter co-advisors Trisha Dionne and Dr. Rebecca Adey-Merrithew formally inducted five new members: Mohammed Amedyaz (Business Administration), Chrystal Bills (Architectural Engineering), Sarah D�Agostino (Education), Jonah Pinard (Criminal Justice), and Kyle Venegas (General Studies).

PTK is the official honor society for two-year colleges. With more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, PTK recognizes academic achievement while while helping members grow as leaders and scholars.

The 22nd Annual �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College and Northeast Delta Dental 5K Road Race brought over 300 people together on Friday, April 17. This marked the second event in the Capital Area Race Series (CARS).

�This race is a kickoff of our community�s spring season,� explained Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. �For many years, we�ve partnered to create this tradition that brings together runners of all ages, from the smallest sprinters in the Kids Fun Run to our local student-athletes and neighbors. We are incredibly proud to see this event grow every year.�

Cody Symonds from Alexandria took home the first-place prize with a blazing 15:42. Top honors for women went to Mary Klene from Manchester, who crossed the line with an impressive 18:52. �鶹��ý Lynx, Christian Forsythe, proudly took home first place in the men�s 15-19 division.

The evening kicked off with a Kids Fun Run and wrapped up with the beloved �鶹��ý and Northeast Delta Dental BBQ. The race also doubled as the second event in the �Battle of the Bridge� competition between �鶹��ý and Northeast Delta Dental.

�We have a shared goal to promote wellness and build team spirit, so we�ll be stoking some friendly competition,� said �鶹��ý director of athletics and campus life, Annie Mattarazzo.

Northeast Delta Dental took the �Battle of the Bridge� win at Friday�s race, with their team outpacing the Lynx in average running times. Next up, the organizations will compete at a softball game on June 13.

Proceeds from the �鶹��ý and Northeast Delta Dental 5K benefited the Jennifer Kemp Memorial Scholarship Fund at �鶹��ý, which supports students who excel academically and stay actively engaged in campus life and community service.

To learn more about supporting �鶹��ý�s scholarship opportunities and athletic programs, visit . For more information about the Capital Area Race Series, visit .

Photo: �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College and Northeast Delta Dental 5K Road Race hosts and winners (left to right): Saleena Ramboer (third place for women), Russell Leino (third place for men), Rachel Jastrebsky (second place for women), Annie Mattarazzo (�鶹��ý director of athletics and student life), Tom Raffio (Northeast Delta Dental President & CEO), David Chorney (second place for men), Mary Klene (first place for women), Cody Symonds (first place for men, overall race winner).

Aspiring paramedics studying at �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College went through a rigorous airway competency test on April 15. Students needed to successfully assess and intubate patients within seconds, so that vital airflow could occur.

�Each student goes through all the key steps of intubation, and is timed and judged by a professional paramedic or medical director,� said clinical coordinator Justin Hinds. �Then they repeat the process with each mannequin, so they can test their skills on adults, children, and infants.�

On test day, the paramedic suite at �鶹��ý was filled with students, medical professionals, and specialized mannequins of every shape and size. Each student worked in a chaotic environment, within limited space, and with only 90 seconds to save each mock patient.

To pass the exam, first year students must achieve a 75% successful intubation rate on the first pass. This prepares them to continue their studies in a clinical environment with real patients.

Each senior student must pass at a 90% successful intubation rate on the first pass; this is required for graduation from the program. On April 15, 22 out of 24 students passed the test.

Paramedics are in high demand across New Hampshire, and graduates of �鶹��ý�s prestigious healthcare programs achieve a 100% employment rate. To learn more about �鶹��ý�s paramedic program and other healthcare offerings, visit nhti.edu.

Photo: Julie Ramsdell, a student in �鶹��ý�s rigorous paramedic program, tests her airway competency skills on a specialized medical mannequin. She is being judged on her performance by 2024 program alum, Joshua Brown.

Jason Olenio graduated from �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College in 1992 with an associate degree in Radiologic Technology. 34 years later he returned to campus to install medical imaging equipment that will be used by current students enrolled in the same program.

�We do this every day,� said Olenio, describing his job at Associated X-Ray Imaging Corporation. �What�s unique is for �鶹��ý to buy an x-ray system from a former student.�

�鶹��ý�s Radiologic Technology program gives students access to real medical equipment so they can practice their skills. When it came time to make updates, Olenio was thrilled to return to campus.

�It was a hundred times different than what I remember. All the buildings are renovated� said Olenio. �It�s so much better than 1992, but it still feels like home.�

Current �鶹��ý students were excited to see the new equipment being installed and took out their smartphones to photograph the event. Olenio was excited to see their passion for x-rays being shared on social media. �You couldn�t do that in the 90s,� he said.

Jason Olenio is not the only alum who has returned to support the program. �Right now, all of our Radiologic Technology faculty are alumni of the program,� said program coordinator Kate Marcouillier. �That is a testament to �鶹��ý�s impact across the state in the medical imaging field.�

When Jason Olenio enrolled at �鶹��ý in 1991, he knew right away what he wanted to study. As the son of two radiologic technologists, he was already familiar with the medical imaging field and knew �you�re always going to have a job.� Today, �鶹��ý sees a 100% employment rate for graduates of its healthcare programs.

��鶹��ý was the perfect community environment,� said Olenio, who lived on campus. �I�m so glad I went to �鶹��ý where there were 3,000 students instead of 10,000. Being a name, not just a number, is so important.�

After working in a clinical setting for several years, Olenio began working at Associated X-Ray Imaging Corporation�the company his father, John Olenio, started.

John Olenio knew his son and his peers would take diverse career paths. �Your friends at college are going to be administrators and leaders of the future,� Jason Olenio recalled his father saying.

�I�m a big fan of the [Radiologic Technology] program, and sell it to young people all the time,� said John Olenio. Both father and son are proud to see the medical imaging program continue to thrive on �鶹��ý�s campus decades later.

To learn more about �鶹��ý�s prestigious healthcare programs, visit nhti.edu.

Photo 1: Kate��Marcoullier, Radiologic Technology program coordinator at �鶹��ý, teaches students how to use x-ray��equipment��in one of the college’s medical imaging labs.

Photo 2: Jason Olenio graduated from �鶹��ý in 1992 with an associate degree in Radiologic Technology.

While earning an advanced certificate in Early Childhood Education from �鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College, Ashley Crosbie wrote and illustrated an entire children�s book. The Common Man Kitty Band is now available for purchase at several Common Man restaurants and retail locations throughout the state.

�The book was a passion project. I wanted to keep it quiet and safe until I knew it was ready to share with the Common Man,� explained Crosbie.

The children�s book was inspired by a walk with her children several years earlier that led behind the Common Man restaurant in Ashland. On that outing, Crosbie stumbled upon �an adorable gathering of barn cats dining on delicious leftovers set out by a kind cook.”

�The children�s lit class at �鶹��ý helped remind me to ask myself, how is this book going to feel when it�s read aloud? What are some punch words that kids are really going to enjoy? What age group is this story written for?”

After the story was written, Crosbie began the intense process of illustration. �The last time I had painted with watercolor was my freshman year of high school� and now I�m 40,� said Crosbie. After an initial learning curve, the watercolor painting process became a joy.

Even after the book was completed, the project was kept under wraps. Crosbie completed three business courses at Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) to help her put together a business proposal for The Common Man.

The hard work paid off. The Common Man Family eagerly welcomed Crosbie�s book into their stores, and are working with her on complimentary merchandise�candy, dolls, and more.

Crosbie explained that her experiences at �鶹��ý and LRCC gave her the confidence to trust herself and pursue her dreams for the book.

 �My confidence kept growing every time I took a course. When I completed a challenging assignment or earned an A, I told myself, �you can do this�,� said Crosbie. �Receiving positive feedback from my instructors reminded me that I am capable and should chase my dreams, even if they felt a little out of reach.�

Crosbie works as a stay-at-home mom and has been working in early childhood education since 18. She has often dreamed of owning her own preschool, which led her to �鶹��ý.

�I saw this ad on Facebook about a new grant through the Community College System of New Hampshire. It covered the cost of coursework and books for the program. I had been waiting for an opportunity like that,� said Crosbie.

Crosbie completed her �鶹��ý certificate online and graduated in May 2025. Her required observation hours were completed at local school near her home in Holderness. �I love community colleges. It feels like such a close-knit community, even online,� said Crosbie.

Crosbie hopes that other non-traditional students will feel encouraged to pursue their purpose. �As a mom, it can at times feel as though you have lost your sense of self. This project and my experiences at �鶹��ý and LRCC helped me to find my way back to that curious part of me that dared to dream,� she said. �This journey taught me not to count myself out and that everyone�s timing is different.�

Photo: Ashley Crosbie poses with a copy of her book The Common Man Kitty Band at the New Berry�s on the Common in Plymouth.

Three graduates from �鶹��ý�s two-year Civil Engineering Technology program have passed the prestigious Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Civil exam within a year of graduation. This is a milestone typically reached by bachelor�s degree students in their third or fourth year of study.

Sean Dwyer, Lane Madeja, and Hoang Nguyen were initially intimidated by this intense six-hour exam, but each passed within nine months of graduating from �鶹��ý with an associate degree. The FE exam is an important step in the process of becoming a professional engineer.

�I felt I had everything I needed from �鶹��ý. All I needed to do was practice for the test,� said Dwyer.

Dwyer, Madeja, and Nguyen are now pursuing bachelor�s degrees at UNH.

Dwyer explained how �鶹��ý softened the steep transition from high school coursework to college level engineering curriculum. �My classes at UNH would have been too intense right off the bat,� he said.

��鶹��ý is smaller, so it�s easy to get help,� said Madeja. �I could not have gotten into UNH right out of high school, but �鶹��ý sets you up for success.�

To wrap up their bachelor’s degrees, these students will primarily complete courses that are typical for freshmen and sophomores, along with an intense senior capstone project.

�The �鶹��ý engineering curriculum is equivalent to a junior or senior year at UNH,� said Madeja.

The students agreed that �鶹��ý offered the unique opportunity to become familiar with an engineering career within just a few months of study.

�I didn�t 100% know what my major would be, and did not want to spend all that money trying to figure it out,� said Madeja.

All three students will receive their bachelor’s degrees at a significantly reduced cost because their �鶹��ý credits transferred directly into UNH�s engineering curriculum.

Together, Dwyer, Madeja, and Nguyen credit both �鶹��ý and UNH for preparing them for successful careers in the broad, high-demand field of engineering.

To learn more about �鶹��ý�s Civil Engineering Technology program, visit nhti.edu.

Photo: Hoang Nguyen, Sean Dwyer and Lane Madeja studied Civil Engineering Technology together at �鶹��ý.

The Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) has announced its All-Academic Teams for the Fall 2025 semester, and �鶹��ý�Concord�s Community College is proud to recognize its student-athletes who earned this distinction.

Student-athletes named to the teams exemplify excellence both in the classroom and in competition, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher while demonstrating dedication to their respective sports.

�鶹��ý-Concord�s Community College is proud to announce their Fall 2025 Dean�s list for academic excellence.