With Help from MassReconnect, MassBay’s Arthur Nigro Finishes What He Started

MassBay Community College graduate, Arthur Nigro receives his diploma from MassBay President David Podell at the MassBay Community College 63rd Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Wellesley Hills, MA, May 2025 (Photo/ MassBay Community College).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
ecooper@massbay.edu

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (June 2, 2025) — When Arthur Nigro graduated from Arlington High School, he enrolled at Boston University, but after studying for three years he left BU without a degree. “When I heard about the MassReconnect program, which allows Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older to attend community college for free, I was all in,” said Arthur.

“I saw on the news that Governor Healey might sign free community college into the state budget, and I was watching, planning, and getting myself ready to jump on the opportunity,” he said. “I would call the staff in MassBay’s Student Accounts to check on the program, and I apologize if I was annoying, but I didn’t want to miss out. As a married father who works full time, this was the only way I could realistically afford to go after my degree.”

As a student, Arthur completed his MassBay coursework fully online due to his busy schedule. “I wasn’t able to get involved in campus life like clubs or events,” he said. “I was spending nearly three hours a day commuting, and driving my kids to school and myself to work.”

Image

MassBay Community College graduate, Arthur Nigro poses on the Wellesley Hills campus with Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler at the MassBay Community College 63rd Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Wellesley Hills, MA, May 2025 (Photo/MassBay Community College). 

He continued, “MassReconnect was the only way I could justify going back to school financially. It only cost me my time. For someone without a degree, it’s an opportunity not to miss. You can transfer credits to a four-year college, get a better job, and it’s free. Compared to $40,000 or $80,000 in tuition elsewhere, this is life-changing. And once you earn those credits, no one can take them away.”

Arthur’s journey back to the classroom was full of support from the faculty and staff. “Kathryn McGrath, my literature professor for two classes, was fantastic — organized and engaging. And my advisor, Jessica Henry, has been invaluable since day one. I met her at orientation, and she helped me navigate everything and made my transition back to college smooth. They have all been amazing,” Arthur said.

While studying at MassBay, Arthur thrived academically. He earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester, was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, and graduated with a 3.965 GPA. Arthur earned his Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies and plans to transfer to the University of Maine at Presque Isle to pursue a bachelor’s degree. 
His career goal is to combine his passion for photography and history to work in digital archiving, ideally in a museum setting. “I’d love to handle old manuscripts, preserve historical images, and contribute to making collections accessible digitally. Being around history every day would be amazing.”

Arthur added,” I’ve taken advantage of every educational opportunity available to me as an adult. You don’t get many chances at a free education. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished at MassBay, and I’d love to help spread the word so others can do the same.”

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, MassBay provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. MassBay students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art MassBay Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.