2024 Commencement Celebration

May 18, 2024

Franklin Cummings Tech’s 116th Commencement on May 18, 2024 was a joyous celebration of our nearly 300 graduates, who were cheered on by an exuberant crowd of family, friends, and supporters who filled the college auditorium.

• Watch a recording of the full Commencement 2024 ceremony

The event featured keynote speeches by philanthropists Joyce and Bill Cummings, co-founders of the Cummings Foundation, who were awarded honorary doctorate degrees from the college. Bill Cummings also founded Cummings Properties in 1970, serving as president and, later, chairman.

“One of the best parts of our work through Cummings Foundation is getting to meet and be inspired by young people like you, the graduates,” said Joyce Cummings. “Bill and I have special admiration for those of you entering the trades. Tradespeople are the backbone of Cummings Properties and indeed the backbone of the Greater Boston economy….In addition to our congratulations and good wishes for the future, you have our deep respect.”

In December 2021, Cummings Foundation made a $12.5 million commitment to Franklin Cummings Tech to advance its leading-edge work in creating technical career pathways for students typically underrepresented in post-secondary education. The gift supports the college in developing new programs that meet the evolving workforce needs of the region’s leading industries. This support also further aids students in defraying the costs of post-secondary education. In recognition of the transformational nature of the commitment—nearly equivalent to the school’s annual operating budget—the college was renamed Franklin Cummings Tech.

“There’s never been a better year than 2024 to step into the workforce,” said Bill Cummings. “I think we’ve all heard stories about people becoming overnight billionaires. For most people however—and certainly for me—financial security came much more slowly and much less dramatically. It came as a result of discipline, good decisions, and liking my work whatever it was….I’m fortunate to have found something I enjoy so much that I do go to the office every day at the age of 87 because I want to. My hope for you is that you find a career that you like anywhere near as much as I like mine.”

Graduates also received words of encouragement from Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson. Her district is home to many Franklin Cummings Tech students and includes Nubian Square, where the college’s future campus will be located.

“Graduates, you have emerged from Franklin Cummings Tech not only with technical skills but with a spirit of innovation and a commitment to excellence,” said Fernandes Anderson. “You stand on a threshold of a new era, one that demands action, results, and an unwavering dedication to justice and equity.”

Student Commencement speaker Clotilde Varela, who earned an associate degree in Computer Information Technology, talked about how challenging it had been for her to leave her home in Cape Verde to attend college in the United States. After the program in her first college was shut down, she transferred to Franklin Cummings Tech, where she immediately found the support and opportunities she needed to thrive.

“It was such a relief to finally feel like I belonged,” said said. “I broke out of my shell, excelled, and made my 18-year-old self who moved across an ocean for these dreams so proud,” she said. “In the future, I see myself as a full-stack developer creating innovative solutions that make the world a better place. But more importantly, I want to be a beacon of inspiration for young people, especially girls, who face discouragement and lack of support systems. I’ll shatter barriers and forge new paths and encourage them to boldly chase their dreams no matter how unbelievable they might seem.”

Dean of Students Jackie Cornog presented the college’s two most prestigious student awards: the Carnegie Award and the Franklin Award.

• The Carnegie Award, which is given to the student who demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and unselfish dedication to the college community, was awarded to Gurveer Sidhu, who earned an associate degree in Health Information Technology and is continuing into the Health IT bachelor’s degree program with a concentration in Data Analytics.
• The Franklin Award, which is given to the student leader has earned the highest overall grade point average at the college, was awarded to Katherine Anne Voog, who earned an associate degree in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Renewable Energy Technology.

Also honored was Monique Blocker, a 2020 graduate of the Computer Information Technology program, who served as Chief Marshal for the ceremony. Blocker is an IT manager at Castle Square Tenants Association.

Dr. Aisha Francis, college President and CEO, told the graduates: “You make this college what it is. Based on your accomplishments so far, I have no doubt that you’re going to achieve great things. My charge to you is to remember those who have supported you, to know that you are already a success, to promise to use your skills to invest in and improve the lives of others, and to stay in touch and remain grounded.”