Global Graduates

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

On Friday, May 18, 2018, 12 students from seven countries celebrated the culmination of a year of hard work at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), along with a gathering of their faculty, BHCC staff, host parents and well-wishers. The students came to Boston from countries as far-flung as Columbia, Dominican Republic, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and South Africa.

student receiving his awardThe students were part of a U.S. Department of State program called the Community College Initiative Program (CCIP) aimed at promoting partnerships and resource sharing among global communities. The program is administered by Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) on behalf of the Community College Consortium.

Elzbieta Kijowska, Director of the College’s International Center, opened the program, and students were recognized for the successful completion of the program by Clea Andreadis, Associate Provost. “You should feel accomplished, successful and proud of the work you’ve done at Bunker Hill Community College and here in Boston,” said Associate Provost Andreadis. “I encourage you to continue your education beyond what you’ve learned at BHCC, and I wish you continued success.”

“We’ve formed a family, and I know that you won’t forget each other” said Program Coordinator Zoisa Edwards to the graduates. “Your future is wide open. You have so much to look forward to, and so much you are going to accomplish.”

Now in its fifth year at BHCC, CCIP is aimed at building diplomacy and understanding and increasing global partnerships. Students spend the year taking classes, meeting members of the Boston community and gaining practical experience through internships. This year’s cohort completed more than 2,050 hours of volunteer service at Boston organizations, including the Prison Book program, Bikes Bot Bombs, American Red Cross and the Elizabeth Peabody House.

Hafsa Rehman, one of the graduates, shared stories of how she met and became friends with each of her cohort members. “It was so exciting to meet people from all over the world,” she recalled.

To wrap up the ceremony, the students shared a video photo montage of their memories that they’ve made over the past few years. Students shared laughs and shed tears as they relived the moments together.

View more photos along with video and the event program on the Ceremony Highlights page.