CT State Manchester

🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓

Connecticut State Community College Manchester proudly celebrated Commencement 2026 at the Bicentennial Band Shell, honoring the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of this remarkable graduating class.

The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Campus President Joshua Moon-Johnson, Interim President Dr. Christina Royal, Regent Richard J. Porth, and commencement speaker Dr. Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Connecticut’s Chief Workforce Officer. Student speaker Hailie Lee Genco shared an extraordinary story of determination and resilience, embodying the spirit of this year’s graduates.

From the stirring sounds of the Manchester Pipe Band to the conferral of degrees and certificates, the evening was a celebration of academic excellence, personal growth, and bright futures ahead.

CT State Manchester’s Respiratory Care program graduates were recognized today at a pinning ceremony, symbolizing the completion of their educational requirements and their transition into the profession.

The tradition of pinning dates back to the Crusades, when pins were awarded to monks who provided medical care. Over time, this practice extended to nurses and eventually to professionals in allied health fields.

Today, the pinning ceremony serves as a meaningful milestone—signifying that these soon-to-be graduates are prepared to assume their new roles as healthcare professionals.

Each year, on the eve of the commencement ceremony, the faculty and staff of CT State Manchester come together to celebrate student excellence. This special event honors outstanding academic achievements and recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to student life. Many of the awards presented include a monetary component, which recipients can apply toward their continued education. These awards span all academic programs and are often established in tribute to esteemed faculty, staff, and friends of CT State Manchester.

Our campus community came together for this year’s May Institute: Campus Destination Showcase - an engaging afternoon of learning, collaboration, and exploration focused on supporting student success. Faculty and staff “traveled” across campus to participate in workshops led by talented colleagues from throughout the institution, highlighting the knowledge, expertise, and innovation that exists across our campus. Sessions reflected a wide range of timely and impactful topics, including instructional technology, artificial intelligence, classroom management tools, student support services, equity and inclusion, tuition-free community college initiatives, and strategic planning for the future of CT State.

The TRIO SSS Graduate and Transfer Student Celebration brought together students, families, and guests for an afternoon of recognition and community. The event featured a former TRIO student, Deyquan Little, as our alumni guest speaker, a brunch for attendees, celebration activities, and the presentation of TRIO Certificates of Achievement honoring students’ accomplishments and academic journeys.

The Visual Fine Arts & Graphic Design Programs, along with the Music Performance Programs, hosted an inspiring evening of art viewing, live music, and refreshments. Guests experienced a vibrant showcase of student work from the Spring 2026 semester in the Hans Weiss Newspace Gallery, the Virginia & Adolf Dehn Gallery, and the AST D-wing Art Studio Halls. The exhibitions featured a wide range of media, including painting, ceramics, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, graphic design, and illustration.

The evening continued in the SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium with a performance of Misatango by Martín Palmeri. The concert featured the CT State Manchester Chorale, Jazz and Chamber Ensembles, guest musicians, conductor Christine Gevert, and soloist Dr. Nadia Aguilar. This special performance was supported by the Manchester Arts Commission.

CT State Manchester helped students unwind during finals with a series of relaxing pet therapy visits! Friendly therapy animals from Tails of Joy. Jasper, Jake, Ruthie and Lilly Dell stopped by campus to offer comfort, smiles, and much-needed stress relief. From gentle cuddles to cheerful wagging tails, these visits created a calming break from studying and reminded everyone to take a moment to recharge.

The Student Leaders/Work Study Appreciation event was hosted by CT State Manchester Campus President Joshua Moon‑Johnson, in collaboration with the Department of Student Life. The event brought students and staff together in a welcoming, community‑focused setting. Students introduced themselves and shared information about their clubs, while staff members discussed their roles and reflected on campus history. Attendees enjoyed snacks, refreshments, and board games, creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere of appreciation and connection.

The Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural Café brought the campus community together for an engaging and welcoming cultural experience. Attendees enjoyed music, cultural facts, and hands-on activities like origami and coloring, while relaxing with coffee, tea, and treats provided by Culinary Arts. The event offered a casual, inclusive space to learn, create, and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures, and was free and open to all.

Celebrating the Season with Spring Fling. The event built community, showcased our student clubs and even dunked Dean of Students, Dr. Dalexh Hunt! A wonderful wrap up to an exciting year.