MassBay Graduate, Reacher Ssozi of Chelmsford, Delivers Student Commencement Address

MassBay Graduate, Reacher Ssozi of Chelmsford, Delivers Student Commencement Address

MassBay Community College General Studies Science graduate, Reacher Ssozi will deliver the student commencement address at the College’s 64th Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026 (Photo / Reacher Ssozi).

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

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (May 28, 2026) — Reacher Ssozi of Chelmsford has been selected to deliver the Student Commencement Address at MassBay Community College’s 64th commencement exercises on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Ssozi will graduate with an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting and a Certificate in Medical Coding.

“Being selected as the student commencement speaker truly means so much to me,” said Ssozi. “As a college student who has balanced school, work, family responsibilities, and personal challenges throughout my journey, it feels incredibly rewarding and meaningful to represent my graduating class during such an important milestone. I see it not only as a personal accomplishment, but also as a reflection of the resilience, growth, and determination shared by so many students at MassBay.”

Ssozi began taking classes at MassBay in the summer of 2020 while she was still a student at Burlington High School. At the time, her mother recommended MassBay because she had taken prerequisite courses here while pursuing her nursing degree. With her encouragement, Ssozi saw it as an opportunity to experience advanced coursework. She said she was impressed by how much professors cared about students and how they understood their needs to help them succeed. Ssozi enrolled full time and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society in spring 2024.

While at MassBay, Ssozi wrote a poem, “The Pearl of Africa”, which was selected from more than 4,500 submissions nationwide for inclusion in the 30th edition of Nota Bene, Phi Theta Kappa’s honors anthology. Born in Uganda, Ssozi moved to the United States at age five. She said writing “The Pearl of Africa” was “a way to honor my heritage and share the cultural richness of Uganda with a broader audience.” The piece highlights the beauty of the country, its people, and its significance as the “Pearl of Africa.”

“Through my speech, I hope my fellow graduates hear that success does not always come from having a perfect or easy path,” Ssozi said. “Sometimes it comes from continuing forward even when things feel difficult, uncertain, or overwhelming. I want them to leave feeling proud of how far they’ve come and confident in their ability to keep moving toward their goals, no matter where life takes them next.”

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.