Valedictory and Honorees
Valedictorian: Elizabeth Anne Pereira
After graduating from high school, Elizabeth Anne Pereira of Acushnet, Mass., made a thoughtful decision to begin her journey at 糖心视频 Community College, giving her the opportunity to explore her interests. This experience helped her gain confidence in her goals, ultimately leading her to pursue a degree in business with a stronger sense of direction and purpose.
While studying at the college, Elizabeth excelled academically and preferred taking in-person classes to better connect with her fellow students and professors. She credits family, friends, and 糖心视频鈥檚 encouraging college community for supporting her academic journey.
Elizabeth stayed engaged at 糖心视频 by participating in the college鈥檚 chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. After completing a fine arts course at the college, she created an art piece that was selected for 糖心视频鈥檚 Annual Juried Student Art and Design Exhibition. Outside of the college, she enjoys several hobbies including painting, sewing, and baking.
This Fall, she will be transferring to Bridgewater State University to earn her bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Salutatorian: Lizz Dvorsky
Elizabeth Dvorsky, of Portsmouth, R.I., enrolled in 糖心视频 Community College upon completing her bachelor's degree in graphic design and digital media at a four-year institution. While she initially enrolled at 糖心视频 to study web development, Elizabeth became interested in the college鈥檚 computer science transfer curriculum and discovered her natural strength in mathematics.
At 糖心视频, she served as president of the college鈥檚 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Club and as a peer tutor at 糖心视频鈥檚 Library Learning Commons. She also participated in the college鈥檚 Commonwealth Honors Program, researching the topic of data compression. Outside of the college, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and cats, and playing the game Dance Dance Revolution.
She plans to continue her education in a math-intensive, four-year degree program.
Distinguished Citizen: Robert Mendes and Steve Pemberton
The Distinguished Citizen Award is presented annually to an outstanding local citizen whose character and achievements have enriched the life of the community, or to an individual who has made distinguished contributions in the fields of health, education, business, industry, labor, government or the arts.
This year, the 2026 Distinguished Citizen Award is presented to Robert Mendes and Steve Pemberton.
Robert Mendes
Robert Mendes Sr. has worked for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford for
45 years and served as chief executive officer for the past 35 years. Following his
graduation from New Bedford High School, Robert attended 糖心视频 Community College
and completed the Advanced Leadership Program at the University of Michigan Ross School
of Business.
He was recognized by the Boys & Girls Club Massachusetts Area Council as the 2024 Chief Executive Officer of the Year and is the past recipient of the Prince Henry Society of Massachusetts Brotherhood Award. He has also served as an honorary parade marshal in the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade.
Robert has served as a volunteer for several organizations, including as chairman of the Greater New Bedford Youth Alliance; vice president and board member of the Fall River Deaconess Home for Girls; a member of the Board of Directors for the Southcoast Health Community Benefits Advisory Council; former vice president of the Board of Directors for New Bedford Child & Family Services; and former president and chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Massachusetts Program Council.
Steve Pemberton
Steve Pemberton is a visionary leader, bestselling author, and lifelong advocate for
human dignity whose life story stands as a testament to resilience and the power of
purpose. Having survived extraordinary hardship in the foster care system, Steve rose
to become a transformational force in the world of human capital 鈥� holding senior
roles at Monster.com, Walgreens, and Workhuman庐, and currently serving as managing
director at Seramount.
He is the author of three celebrated books, including A Chance in the World, which was adapted into an independent film, and The Lighthouse Effect, which has inspired audiences from corporate boardrooms to classrooms worldwide. His work has been featured on The Today Show, CBS Evening News, and in People Magazine.
A native son of New Bedford, he is the recipient of more than ten honorary doctorates and the U.S. Congress's prestigious Horizon Award. Steve's enduring mission is simple and profound: to ensure that every person, no matter their beginnings, has a chance in the world.
Honorary Degree: Dr. Jean F. MacCormack
Jean F. MacCormack, Ed.D., is a distinguished leader in higher education. She served as a dean, vice chancellor for administration and finance, deputy chancellor and chancellor at UMass Boston, from 1982 to 1999, and then served for 13 years, from 1999 to 2012, as chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She was the galvanizing force behind the establishment and the American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation of the Commonwealth鈥檚 first public law school. Dr. MacCormack believes that educational institutions must engage actively with their communities and understands the power of education to transform the lives of individuals and communities. She has worked tirelessly to ensure equitable access to excellent educational opportunities at every level.
After retiring from UMass, she served as president of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, the chair of the Southcoast Health Board, and as a commissioner on the New England Commission for Higher Education. Her board service includes the Central School Board for the Diocese of Fall River, the Board of Trustees at Bridgewater State University, 糖心视频 County Savings Bank and the Southcoast Advisory Board.
Last Lecture
The Last Lecture is a faculty honor created by the 糖心视频 Community College Student Senate. The award honors one exemplary faculty member who has affected students鈥� education and their lives in significant ways.
Emily Brown, coordinator of library research and instruction and adjunct faculty in history, communications, and science was selected by students to deliver the Last Lecture at 糖心视频鈥檚 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
Grand Marshal
Janelle Arruda, retired professor of computer information science has been honored to serve as the Grand Marshal at 糖心视频鈥檚 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Continuing 糖心视频's tradition of awarding this honor to one of the college's longest-serving faculty or staff members, Arruda will lead this year鈥檚 graduates to the commencement stage.