Massasoit Congratulates Olivia Hughes, 2016 “29 Who Shine” Honoree

May 9, 2016 – Olivia Hughes, a Liberal Arts Transfer student at Massasoit Community College, has been chosen as one of Massachusetts’ “29 Who Shine,” a group of outstanding students from each of the Commonwealth’s community college, state university, and University of Massachusetts campuses. The students were honored on Monday, May 9, by Governor Charlie Baker in a ceremony at the State House.

Massasoit Community College’s honoree, Olivia Hughes of Halifax, will graduate from Massasoit on June 3 with a Liberal Arts Transfer degree and plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations this fall, with the ultimate goal of one day becoming a college president. She is the elected president of the Massasoit Student Senate and was selected to serve as a Presidential Student Ambassador. She is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Olivia enthusiastically pursues leadership and civic engagement opportunities, giving back to her campus and the community at-large.

“During her time at Massasoit, Olivia has made a name for herself as a dedicated and capable student leader,” said Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College. “She is a role model for her classmates, and we are pleased to recognize her achievements.”

As part of the ceremony, students were asked to name a faculty or staff mentor who has contributed to their success. Olivia chose to honor Kathleen Reid, Massasoit’s director of student life.

“Kathleen has been highly influential in my college career,” said Olivia. “She has helped me build myself into a strong professional leader who can walk into any situation and feel prepared – just like she can.”

Reid was recognized at a luncheon held in the Great Hall of the State House immediately following the student award ceremony.