Proclaims May ā€œEarly College Monthā€ in NH

Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation identifyingĀ May as Early College MonthĀ in New Hampshire.Ā Through itsĀ , the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at low or no cost to New Hampshire families.Ā At a State House event,Ā CCSNHĀ andĀ theĀ Governor recognized sevenĀ high school partners asĀ ā€œEarly College Advocatesā€ for promoting the program to students.

Jaclyn Chisholm, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Portsmouth High School, was recognized for her efforts to grow the Early College program and broaden access for Portsmouth students. She was named the ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Early College Advocate for her advocacy, innovation and commitment to the program.

“Early college programs at New Hampshireā€™s community colleges enable thousands of high school students each year to earn college credit, save on college costs, and gain the confidence to thrive in postsecondary education and in careers,ā€ said Governor Ayotte.

CCSNH’s Early College programs help students get ahead academically by earning dual high school and college credit while reducing college costs and debt. This year, 11,100 students from 125 high schools enrolled in Early College and earned 18,552 college credits. Through recent investments by the governor and state Legislature, students and families are expected to save at least $15 million in future college costs through CCSNHā€™s Early College program.

ā€œEarly College enables motivated students to pursue academically challenging courses and lessen the barrier of cost and the burden of debt that might otherwise inhibit them from pursuing postsecondary education that is critical to their futures and to New Hampshireā€™s,ā€ said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor. ā€œThis is only possible through a partnership with these talented educators and with the strong support CCSNH receives from the State of New Hampshire.ā€

At the May 20 proclamation ceremony,Ā CCSNHĀ andĀ Governor Ayotte recognizedĀ Chisholm as the ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Early College Advocate, as well as the following Early College Advocates from across the state:

• Lakes Region Community College:Ā Cheryl Dore-Chapman, School Counselor, Franklin High School
• Manchester Community College:James Choquette, Social Studies Teacher, Londonderry High School
• Nashua Community College:Ā Stacey Kallelis, Career-Connected Learning Coordinator, Salem High School
• NHTI – Concordā€™s Community College:Jessamyn Rockwell, Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator, Concord High School
• River Valley Community College:Kim Gogan, Flexible Pathways Coordinator, Windsor High School
• White Mountains Community College:Ā Michelle Larcomb, Math Teacher, Groveton High School

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At the Chamberā€™s Annual Awards Celebration, ā€œA Night To Shine,ā€ held on Wednesday evening, May 20, 2026, at The Oaks Grandview, the Chamber proudly presented the 8^th Annual Nonprofit of the Year award to ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×.

Since 1945, ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× has served as a vital educational and workforce development institution across Strafford and Rockingham counties. With nearly 90,000 students educated over its history, the college has maintained a longstanding commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality education.

ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× is the largest public provider of affordable workforce training in the region and plays a critical role in preparing individuals for in-demand careers. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, the college provides accessible, personalized instruction that supports student success and workforce readiness.

The college offers diverse academic and career pathways, including culinary arts, medical assisting, phlebotomy, analytics, and data-focused programs. These offerings are designed to meet evolving workforce needs while creating meaningful opportunity for students across the region.

ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× has also strengthened its community impact through partnerships including the Judy Mettee Institute and the Housing Authority Education Partnership. These collaborations reflect a commitment to removing barriers and expanding access to education for all learners.

At the core of its mission, ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× believes in each studentā€™s potential. That belief continues to guide its work in education, workforce development, and community advancement.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was proud to recognize ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×ā€™s impact and present it with the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year award.

Representatives from New Hampshire Farm Museum, the 2025 recipient, presented the award.
Dr. Cheryl Lesser, President, accepted on behalf of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×.

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Accounting A.S. Degree- Brady Cox

Analytics A.S. Degree- Aidan Kearney

Biological Science A.S. Degree- Amiah Duddy

Biotechnology A.S. Degree- Brandon Smith

Business Administration A.S. Degree-Ā  Meghan Wentworth

Chemistry A.A. Degree- Miguel Teixeira

Computer Technologies A.S. Degree- Daniel Esmonde

Criminal Justice A.S. Degree- Anna Scruton

Cyber Security Infrastructure A.S. Degree- Donald Coates

Digital Media Communications A.S. Degree- Isabel Alvarez

Early Childhood Education A.S. Degree- Isabella Raiti

Educator Preparation A.S. Degree- Liam Charte

Engineering A.S. Degree- Osiris Willow

English A.A. Degree- Kathryn Klemarczyk

Environmental Science A.S. Degree- Autumn Anderson

Fine Arts A.A. Degree- Jasmin Fuller

Homeland Security & Emergency Management A.S. Degree- Edward Priestley

Information Systems Technology A.S. Degree- Finnian Allen

Liberal Arts A.A. Degree- Erin Boylan

Nursing A.S. Degree- Emily Lewis

Psychology A.A. Degree- Elliott Lane

Surgical Technology A.S. Degree- Amy Lunt

Technical Studies A.S. Degree- Khali Heath

Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree- Hailee Moore

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ā€œWith the liberal arts path at Great Bay, I was able to explore everything I wanted to explore,ā€ he said. ā€œThe affordability of a Great Bay education makes all the difference in the world. It allowed me to explore my interests and figure out what I want to do.ā€

Other graduates are making plans to continue their studies or begin their careers in New Hampshire, across New England, and across the country.

Criminal Justice graduate Anna Scruton is transferring to Southern New Hampshire University to pursue a bachelorā€™s degree. ā€œThe criminal justice degree program at Great Bay allowed me the opportunity to gain real-world experience,ā€ she said. ā€œThe professors are passionate about their subject and willing to help students succeed.ā€

Isabella Raiti, who earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, will transfer to UNH to pursue a bachelorā€™s degree in education. ā€œI came to Great Bay because I wanted a school where I could continue sports and start my education in a financially reasonable way.Ā  The professors are amazing, and at the same time, understanding.ā€

Early Childhood Education graduate Hanna Andersonā€™s next step is to work full-time at her current daycare job. ā€œMy education at Great Bay has prepared me for this,ā€ she said. ā€œI would tell someone who is considering applying to Great Bay that they should absolutely do it. It is an amazing experience, and there are many resources, and support available. I have also met some of my best friends along my journey, and for that, I am forever grateful.ā€

Veterinary Technology graduate Erin Cogan is also fully employed in her field. ā€œThe vet tech program has prepared me for my future, and I would not be where I am today without this program,ā€ she said. ā€œGreat Bay changed my life for the better.ā€

Surgical technology graduate Naveah Acevedo is moving to Boston to start a new career as a Certified Surgical Technologist at Brigham and Womenā€™s Hospital. ā€œI feel more than prepared for whatā€™s next,ā€ Acevedo said. ā€œMy teachers and instructors gave me the tools, knowledge, and support I need to succeed in my career.ā€

Surgical technology student Jacob Sansoucie was hired during the final semester of his clinical rotation and balanced working full time in the Operating Room while also doing his required clinical hours. He dedicated 5 years, to starting and then completing the Surgical Technology program after a short break and feels ready for his career. ā€œŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× has become a large part of my life.ā€

Kathryn Klemarczyk is moving to New Mexico to continue her studies at the University of New Mexico, where she will pursue a B.A. in English studies. She credits her education at Great Bay for expanding her opportunities.

ā€œThrough Great Bay, I have been introduced to many different possibilities of what I can do with my degree, and by extension, myself,ā€ she said. ā€œGreat Bay was an excellent choice for my associateā€™s degree. While I was attending school, I was simultaneously working almost full-time. While this was challenging, my professors were all wonderful in helping to make this experience work for me.ā€

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Great Bay opened its doors in 1945 as the State Trade School Portsmouth at the Morley Button Factory to teach new skills to veterans and adults returning to the workforce after World War II. Today, the College plays a vital role in workforce development and community engagement across the Seacoast.

Associate degrees and certificates were awarded to graduates of the Accounting, Analytics, Automotive Technology, Biological Science, Biotechnology, Business Administration, Leadership & Management, Sales and Digital Marketing, Chemistry,Ā  Computer Technologies, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security Infrastructure, Digital Media Communications, Early Childhood Education, Educator Preparation, Engineering, English, Environmental Science, History, Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Hospitality, Event & Meeting Planning, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Spa Wellness Management, Information Systems Technology, Liberal Arts, Massage Therapy, Motorcycle Maintenance & Repair Technology, Nursing, Psychology, Surgical Technology, Technical Studies, Veterinary Technology and Welding Technologies programs.

The nursing, psychology, and business administration programs had the highest number of graduates.

Distinguished members of the College community and honored guests included Great Bay President Dr. Cheryl Lesser; student speaker Nicole McFarlane; Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) Board Trustee Alison Stebbins; CCSNH Chancellor Dr. Mark Rubinstein; Great Bay Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Altobello; Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management Robert McGann; Vice President of Academic Affairs Lisa McCurley; CCSNH Board of Trustee Chair, Donnalee Lozeau; CCSNH Board Members, Sharon Harris and Nick Toumpas as well as ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Advisory Board Chair Casey Snyder and ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× Board Members, Michelle Halligan-Foley, Ben VanCamp and Sean Clancy.

Dr. Lesser welcomed graduates, families, and friends. She congratulated the students on their accomplishments and thanked families and friends for their encouragement and support.

ā€œThis has been a very special year for ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× as we celebrated our 80th anniversary,ā€ Lesser said. ā€œā€¦and today we get to top off the year by celebrating with you, the graduating class of 2026.ā€

ā€œThis milestone of being part of the community for the past 80 years,ā€ she continued, ā€œis a testament to the generations of students, educators, and community members who believe in the transformative power of education. For eight decades, this college has opened doors, created opportunities, and helped individuals build better futures for themselves, their families, and our region.ā€

Dr. Lesser then urged the students to ā€œuse your voice with confidenceā€ and ā€œstay true to your values, discover your purpose, and let it guide you throughout your life.ā€

During the ceremony, Assistant Registrar Sara Lang was recognized for receiving the Chancellorā€™s Award for Service Excellence, in addition to Dr. Kim Williams, professor of biology and Chair of the Life and Physical Sciences Department, who received the Chancellorā€™s Award for Teaching Excellence. Both awards were presented at an earlier event by CCSNH, Mark Rubinstein.

Adjunct Faculty member James Taylor was recognized for receiving the Presidentā€™s Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, and graduate Raven Burwell, who majored in studio art, received the Presidentā€™s Award for Outstanding Student. Both awards were presented by Dr. Lesser at an earlier event.

This yearā€™s award recipients of the Presidentā€™s Award for Special Contributions were James Carroll, Accounting Technician Purchasing, Stock Clerk and the ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× facilities team: Christopher Cummings, Dylan Follansbee, Scott Stadig, and John Vermette.

Student speaker and 2026 nursing program graduate Nicole McFarlane told the gathering that Great Bay prepared her for a fulfilling, rewarding career, providing a solid foundation of skills and a supportive community.

She moved to New Hampshire with her two children after living in Alaska. She put herself through school to become a Licensed Nursing Assistant and started working full-time at Portsmouth Hospital.

She was motivated to become a nurse by her children and her desire to help her patients. Ā ā€œEvery day I worked at the hospital, I found myself wishing I could do more to help people,ā€Ā Ā  Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā said McFarlane.

ā€œWhile attending Great Bay, I learned how to be a student as a 35-year-old, single mother, adjusting to a new life. I was welcomed into a community of staff and fellow nursing students who reminded me, on a daily basis, that I have what it takes to make it to this podium,ā€

said McFarlane, who plans to attend the Nurse Residency program at Cape Cod Hospital in Massachusetts. ā€œI learned nursing skills that I will use for the rest of my career.

But most importantly, I learned that I am capable of doing more than I ever thought possible.ā€

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The event included a History of Pinning offered by Dr. Dulcinea Kaufman, Nursing Department Chair who also presented the graduates with their pins. The Student Speaker was Elizabeth Gardner. The Nightingale Award for Professionalism and Academic Excellence was awarded to Milena Woods. Classmate Sarah Cleary received the Nightingale Award for Exemplary Clinical Practice. Professors of Nursing, Lori Mancuso and Erin Regan (Class of 2008) read the Pinning Sentiments and Professor Kelly McDonough led the Nursing Class of 2026 in the Florence Nightingale Pledge.

This year marked the inaugural class of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×ā€™s Iota Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu, the national honor society for associate degree nursing students. Established through the collegeā€™s membership with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), Great Bay is the only nursing program in New Hampshire with this honor society and one of only a few programs in New England to hold this distinction. Alpha Delta Nu recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence, integrity, and professionalism by earning a grade of B or higher in all nursing courses, maintaining exemplary conduct in classroom and clinical settings, and participating in chapter educational and service activities. Inductees were recognized with the Alpha Delta Nu pin and apricot honor cord, symbolizing their outstanding achievement in nursing. Seven students met the criteria for this honor and were recognized.

ā€œThis graduating class has demonstrated remarkable resilience, professionalism, and dedication throughout their nursing education,ā€ said Kaufman. ā€œThey have supported one another, embraced opportunities to serve the community, and grown into compassionate future nurses who are ready to make an immediate impact in healthcare. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the difference they will make across our region.ā€ Over 65% of the class have already been offered and accepted a position as an RN in the Seacoast area.

Last yearā€™s Nursing class achieved a 95% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). For the past 5 years, Great Bay nursing students have consistently tested above the national average, with pass rates averaging 95%. Demand for slots in the nursing program at Great Bay remains strong, due in part to regional and national trends as well as the programā€™s reputation for training exceptional nurses.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×. Throughout the Collegeā€™s history, the nursing program has remained a cornerstone of its academic offerings. In 1960, the College applied to the State Department of Education to establish a School of Practical Nursing. The Practical Nursing Program officially began in 1961, when at the time, the institution was known as the New Hampshire Vocational Institute Portsmouth.

When the College relocated to its Greenleaf Avenue campus in Portsmouth in 1966, the Nursing program moved along with it. During the academic year of 1988-89, the College began to no longer accept applications to the Practical Nursing Program changing the program officially to become to an Associate Degree Nurse Program to better meet the seacoast area needs for registered nurses. Today it remains a vital part of the Collegeā€™s mission to this day.

Gardner said her motherā€™s experience at Great Bay directly influenced her decision to pursue a nursing degree. Her mother, Ann, studied nursing at Great Bay, graduated in 2022, and now works as a registered nurse. ā€œSeeing my mom work so hard to build a better future for herself and for us showed me that nursing school was possible, even when life felt overwhelming. Great Bay has been such an important part of both of our journeys, and Iā€™m grateful to be able to share that.ā€

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Elizabeth followed the same path, enrolling as a nursing student at Great Bay the year her mother graduated. She will graduate with her nursing degree this spring.

ā€œI have wanted to be a nurse since I was 11 years old, when I was present for the birth of my younger brother,ā€ she said. ā€œHigh school was very challenging for me, and I never truly believed college was an optionā€”let alone nursing school.ā€

Gardner started by taking a few classes ā€œto test the watersā€ and quickly realized that she was more than capable. She was accepted into the nursing program and deferred enrollment for one year due to the birth of her first child.

ā€œNavigating nursing school as a young single parent while working multiple jobs has not been easy, but the faculty at Great Bay and the support they showed me every step of the way is a huge part of why I am graduating,ā€ she said.

Gardner said her motherā€™s experience at Great Bay directly influenced her decision to pursue a nursing degree. Great Bay was part of her childhood, she said. She remembers attending a Polar Express movie night in the gymnasium, playing pool with her younger sister in the student center while her mother studied for exams, and other campus activities.

ā€œThose experiences helped me see from a young age how welcoming and supportive the campus community was,ā€ Gardner said. ā€œSeeing my mom work so hard to build a better future for herself and for us showed me that nursing school was possible, even when life felt overwhelming. Great Bay has been such an important part of both of our journeys, and Iā€™m grateful to be able to share that.ā€

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Each year, ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× serves thousands of students whose paths to higher education are as varied as their ambitions. Our students include high school learners earning early college credit, traditional aged college students and adults finding an affordable way to obtain the degrees they need to launch their careers or further education, employees learning new skills, and adults returning to school to pursue new paths. More than 70% of our students attend college part-time while they work or raise a family.

As president of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×, I have the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of education every day. I see students who once questioned whether college was possible proudly crossing the commencement stage. I see employer partnerships opening doors to meaningful careers. I see students acquiring new skills to meet the evolving demands of industries that were unimaginable just 80 years ago.

The path to a new life often takes unexpected detours. I think of one Nursing program graduate who began her education at ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× in 2014 as an Early Childhood major. She discovered a passion for healthcare when she worked as an assistant educator serving a young student with accessibility issues. She applied to the Nursing program, but challenges in life kept getting in the way of her studies.

Throughout her 10-year academic journey, she experienced homelessness, lost a loved one, survived a toxic relationship, experienced health challenges and raised a daughter. Through it all, she never gave up. With the help of the academic and nonacademic supports at ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×, she graduated with her degree in Nursing and is currently working at a Seacoast area hospital as a medical-surgical nurse.

This individual, like so many others, achieved her goals through her own hard work and dedication, but also because she had ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× faculty and staff supporting her in her journey. I am proud to lead an institution filled with superheroes who go above and beyond to find solutions that enable our students and community to transform and grow. In some cases, this might mean finding a little funding for a car repair so a student can get to class. In others, it may mean holding roundtables to listen to Seacoast-area workforce needs and designing programs to address those needs.

Increasingly, students are turning to community college to achieve their goals. Enrollment at Great Bay continues to grow, attracting students across the Seacoast, southern Maine, and northern Massachusetts. Associate degrees, certificates, and short-term workforce programs help fast track careers or provide a cost-effective way to obtain a bachelorā€™s degree. ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× offers more than 50 programs ranging from liberal arts to welding, surgical technology, business, early childhood education, biotechnology, and many others.

Many of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×ā€™s programs are developed in close collaboration with the community. We regularly meet with community members and local employers, learn about changing needs, and develop programs to address those needs. For example, we work closely with healthcare providers such as Wentworth Douglass Hospital (part of Mass General Brigham), Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and Exeter Hospital (part of Beth Israel Lahey Health) to prepare the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. We also collaborate with advanced manufacturers and technology companies to support training in manufacturing, biotechnology, and other high-demand fields.

Great Bay has been an essential part of the fabric of New Hampshireā€™s Seacoast Region since 1945 legislation established State Trade Schools in Portsmouth and Manchester. We celebrate our milestone 80-year anniversary in concert with Manchester Community College and we share the distinction of being among the longest established community colleges in New England. As we celebrate 80 years serving the Seacoast Region, we remain focused on our central mission: opening doors, creating opportunity and serving our communities.

Please join us on campus on April 22 as we celebrate our milestone 80^th anniversary and recognize the Stebbins family with the Walter R. Peterson Award for Public Service & Higher Education. Ā Visit greatbay.edu/about/80anniversary/ for details.

Dr.Ā Cheryl Lesser resides in Dover, N.H. and is the president of ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ×.

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First exam: 96; mid-term: 100; second exam: 102.

For a student who struggled with her grades during her early days at Great Bay, Vatcherā€™s good grades ā€œfeel amazing. I went from getting Cs and Ds and barely passing, or not passing, to maintaining a 98 average,ā€ said Vatcher, who is majoring in Veterinary Technology. ā€œIt was a big struggle for me at first, but eventually something clicked. Itā€™s a surreal experience going from a C or D average to As.ā€

That ā€œsomethingā€ was taking advantage of the academic support offered by Great Bayā€™s Center for Academic Planning and Support, or CAPS. CAPS offers one-on-one tutoring, academic coaching, and study space, among other services.

ā€œThis year, I just started putting in more effort, I started going to CAPS and I began asking for help. My professors have been super understanding, and they have all been there for me. I appreciate Great Bay because the professors really do care about their students and they want to see us succeed.ā€

She singled out Deborah Discher, who serves as the director and chair of the Veterinary Technology Department and has taught at Great Bay for 15 years. ā€œDeb has seen me struggle, and she has stayed with me since year one.ā€

Vatcher also attributed her turnaround to spending more time on campus, which has immersed her in an academic environment and helped her develop better study habits. ā€œI never expected I would say something like this, but I like studying and I like learning. Before, studying felt like a tiring activity, like it was work. But now, with my improved study habits, I actually enjoy it. I put on my headphones and just go for it.ā€

Vatcher, 22, expects to graduate from Great Bay in three years. During that time, she hopes to build her experience at a vet clinic and is especially interested in emergency veterinary medicine. Long term, she imagines going back to school to study zoology. ā€œMy final goal is work in a zoo as a vet tech or an animal handler. I have always been passionate about animals, and I am glad I am on track with my goals and dreams.ā€

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ā€œCreole Soul ā€“ Zydeco Livesā€ Photographs by Gary Samson

The Gateway Gallery at ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× is honored to present ā€œCreole Soul ā€“ Zydeco Lives,ā€ a solo exhibition of photographs by renowned photographer Gary Samson. The exhibition runs from February 13 through April 10, 2026, and is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Fridays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. ŗ£½ĒĀŅĀ× is located at 320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, NH.

Curated by Thomas Devaney, ā€œCreole Soul ā€“ Zydeco Livesā€ features photographs from the book of the same name, a fifteen-year collaboration between folklorist Burt Feintuch and photographer Gary Samson. The exhibition presents original images from the publication, offering an intimate look at the musicians, traditions, and communities that sustain the vibrant zydeco music culture of Louisiana and Texas.

Published in 2022, ā€œCreole Soul: Zydeco Livesā€ brings together Feintuchā€™s interviews with contemporary zydeco musicians, including Sean Ardoin, Nathan Williams Jr., and Leroy Thomas, alongside Samsonā€™s compelling photographs. The book explores the evolution of zydeco music, its cultural roots, and ongoing conversations within the community about tradition, innovation, and the role of instruments such as the accordion.

Through Samsonā€™s lens, visitors encounter the expressive energy and deep cultural heritage of zydeco. The photographs capture performances, portraits, and everyday moments that reveal the musicā€™s close ties to community life and identity.

About the Artist

Gary Samson is a fine art photographer and photo educator who has received numerous awards, grants, and fellowships over a career spanning more than four decades. He currently serves as the Artist Laureate of New Hampshire and is Professor Emeritus of Photography at the New Hampshire Institute of Art (NHIA).

Please visit the contact page with any inquiries or to schedule a studio visit.

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