Boston’s record snowfall this year did not deter the College from celebrating Black History Month in February, with a lecture on Black Books, a performance, an art exhibit and several related events.

Cultural anthropologist, filmmaker, explorer and environmentalist Elizabeth Lindsey spoke as part of BHCC’s celebration of Women’s History Month. As the National Geographic Society’s first Polynesian explorer, Lindsey circumnavigates the globe four times a year documenting cultures in danger of extinction. She is a recognized expert in the field of cultural intelligence, which she defines as a holistic system of knowledge and wisdom based on indigenous science.

Bunker Hill Community College was honored to host Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows Arjana Blazic and Siradji Mahamane the week of April 5. Arjana, who is from Croatia, is studying at Penn State. Siradji, who is from Niger, is studying at Vanderbilt University. The Humphrey Fellows came to learn more about our ESL department.

‌U.S. Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell visited Bunker Hill Community College on April 8. Under Secretary Mitchell sought students’ opinions about what works and doesn’t work in U.S. education, telling them, “I’m excited to be here and to hear your stories.” Mitchell, who was appointed on May 8, 2014, is charged with helping implement President Obama's goal: for the U.S. to have "the best educated, most competitive workforce in the world." Also joining the Under Secretary was newly sworn- in Chris Gabrieli, Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. This was Gabrieli's first campus visit in his new position and he expressed his gratitude to be included in the visit.

On Friday, May 15, 2015, twelve students from seven countries celebrated the culmination of a year of hard work at Bunker Hill Community College. They came to Boston from countries as far-flung as Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey. The students were part of a U.S. State Department program called the Community College Initiative Program (CCIP) aimed at promoting partnerships and resource sharing among global communities.

Five hundred and thirty-five students from more than 30 local high schools celebrated their graduation from BHCC’s Dual Enrollment program on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, with cheers and applause. The event took place in the College’s Health & Wellness Center gym.

On May 28, 2015, Bunker Hill Community College honored high-achieving students with scholarships and awards as student after student ascended the stage to be recognized for outstanding academic achievement or service to the community. Family and friends filled the College gym and cheered enthusiastically as students received hard-earned recognition.

The Student Success Recognition ceremony on May 28, 2015, celebrated the achievement of 32 members of the Student Success Program who were set to graduate from the College this year. These students have met the program’s goals of remaining in school, maintaining good academic standing, or successfully transferring to four-year colleges or universities. The event took place in the Culinary Arts Dining Room.

On Thursday, May 21, 2015, the College’s athletes and members of the College’s many clubs were honored at a banquet in the College gym prepared by BHCC Culinary Arts students. Director of Student Activities Paul Moda and Director of Athletics Khari Roulhac praised the achievements of the clubs and athletes.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2015, Medical Imaging Program graduates celebrated the completion of their studies at their Pinning Ceremony. Sixty-five students received a pin depicting a caduceus, the symbol of healthcare, to mark their passage from student technologist to clinical practitioner.

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, graduates of the Bunker Hill Community College Adult Basic Education (ABE) program marked the completion of their studies at a celebration on the Charlestown Campus. President Pam Eddinger, BHCC Board of Trustees member Hung Goon, and ABE program director Toni Borge congratulated the graduates on their achievement. President Eddinger noted that 2015 is the 20th anniversary of the ABE initiative, which offers classes for adults to develop English language proficiency along with training in the skills needed for a successful transition to college. The program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Thirty-eight Allied Health Certificate students graduated and twenty-one received pins on Friday, May 15, 2015, in the Community Room at BHCC’s Chelsea Campus. The program prepares students to become healthcare providers. Family and friends joined in the celebration of the students’ completion of the program, as each student was pinned and given a rose to signify the transition from student to practitioner. “I am excited to apply all that I have learned. I am so proud to be standing here today,” said one student.

On May 21, 2015, STAND—Students Taking a Stand for Nursing Diversity—celebrated ten years of supporting, developing and guiding students into nursing careers at an event in the College’s gym. Current and past students, as well as family, friends, faculty and staff attended, as did representatives of the Boston Public Schools, Somerville High School and community partners. The students received certificates of completion—along with gifts and a cake.

Faculty and staff participated in lively discussions as part of Professional Development Day on Thursday, May 21, 2015.

Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) held their 2015 PIC Achiever Awards on September 16, 2015. The Achiever Awards are “given to those who exemplify the PIC's mission of connecting the youth and adults of Boston to the mainstream economy through education and employment.” Among the winners were current students Kendra Castillo, Rachel Marshall and Glendy Rodriguez, BHCC graduates Adullahi Macalin Tuusuf and Josue L. Morales, and BHCC staff member Elva Green. Congratulations to our students and staff.

U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin visited Bunker Hill Community College on October 23 to talk with students about student loans and college affordability. “You are putting the most important thing first—your education,” said Raskin, who listened to students’ stories about their struggles to pay for school, answered their questions and recommended visiting studentaid.gov, the Federal Student Aid website.

Hailing from institutions of higher education that included Xiangyang Vocational and Technical College, Hunan Arts and Crafts Vocational College, Ningxia Polytechnic and Changzhou Institute of Mechatronic Technology, 24 academics from China visited Bunker Hill Community College on December 2, 2015.