ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Throughout 2025, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ (SMCC) advanced work that strengthened the institution while keeping student success at the center of every decision. Milestones include national recognition, strategic initiatives that support innovation and engagement, student success, and tremendous success from student-athletes. They reflect SMCC’s continued commitment to moving forward together.Ìý

STRENGTHENING THE COLLEGE FOR STUDENT SUCCESSÌý

In 2025, SMCC made intentional investments in institutional quality and student-centered practices, earning national recognition and participating in initiatives designed to improve outcomes for learners across pathways.Ìý

SMCC recognized for noncredit program excellenceÌý(NECHE non-credit recognition)
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ was honored by theÌýNew England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)Ìýas part of the inaugural cohort recognized for high-quality noncredit programming. This distinction affirms the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s commitment to rigorous, accessible learning opportunities that support workforce development, lifelong learning, and student success beyond the traditional classroom.Ìý

Read More:
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ recognized among inaugural NECHE cohort for noncredit program excellenceÌý

SMCC selected for Aspen–AASCU Transfer Student Success IntensiveÌý(Student SuccessÌýIniaitive)
SMCC was selected toÌýparticipateÌýin theÌýAspen Institute–AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive, a national effort focused on improving outcomes for transfer students. Through this work, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is strengthening data-informed and equity-focused practices to better support students as they navigate transfer pathways and complete their degrees.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC participates in Aspen–AASCU Transfer Student Success IntensiveÌý

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREERÌý

In 2025, SMCC expanded hands-on learning opportunities and strengthened partnerships that connect classroom instruction with real-world experience, helping students build clear pathways from education to employment and continued study.Ìý

SMCC students gain hands-on research experience at the University of Maine
SMCC studentsÌýparticipatedÌýin an immersive biology research experience at the University of Maine, gaining exposure to advanced laboratory techniques and collaborative research alongside university faculty. The partnership provided students with valuable experience that bridges community college coursework with upper-level academic and career opportunities.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC students gain hands-on research experience at the University of MaineÌý

SMCCÌýshowcasesÌýnewÌýAdvanced Manufacturing Skills Lab atÌýMidcoastÌýCampus
The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ unveiled a new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab at itsÌýMidcoastÌýCampus, expanding access to industry-aligned training in automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. The lab supports Maine’s workforce needs by providing students and trainees with hands-on experience using modern equipment in a real-world learning environment.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC showcases new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab as part of statewide training initiativeÌý

Students from SMCC explore research opportunities at the MDI Biological Laboratory
SMCC studentsÌýparticipatedÌýin a weeklong research experience at the MDI Biological Laboratory, working alongside scientists and faculty to explore biomedical research and disease modeling. The experience introduced students to career pathways in science and research while reinforcing the connection between classroom learning and professional practice.Ìý

Read More:
Students from SMCC explore research opportunities at the MDI Biological LaboratoryÌý

CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESSÌý

Throughout 2025, SMCC students earned recognition for academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance — reflecting both individual achievement and the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s commitment to supporting learners from all backgrounds.Ìý

SMCC Phi Theta Kappa chapter earns top honors at regional conference
SMCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, earned multiple awards at the New England Regional Conference. The recognition highlights student leadership, academic excellence, and the chapter’s commitment to service and scholarship.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC Phi Theta Kappa chapter earns top honors at regional conferenceÌý

SMCC names 2025 Student of the Year
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ recognized itsÌý2025 Student of the Year, honoring outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ community. The award celebrates a student whose journey reflects resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of education.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC names 2025 Student of the YearÌý

SMCC earns Military Friendly® School designation for 2025–26
SMCC was named aÌýMilitary Friendly® SchoolÌýfor the 2025–26 academic year, recognizing the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s continued commitment to supporting student veterans and military-connected learners through dedicated services, resources, and inclusive campus practices.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC earns Military Friendly® School designation for 2025–26Ìý

SMCC Culinary team crowned People’s Choice Champion at Lobster chef competition
SMCC’s Culinary Arts team brought home theÌýPeople’s Choice ChampionÌýtitle at the annualÌýLobster Chef competition,ÌýshowcasingÌýstudent talent and creativity while engaging with the regional culinary community. The event highlighted both the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s culinaryÌýexpertiseÌýand its deep connections to Maine’s food culture and local partners.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC Culinary team crowned People’s Choice Champion at Lobster chef competitionÌý

SEAWOLVES EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELDÌý

SMCC SeaWolves Athletics delivered a historic year in 2025, capturing multiple national championships and celebrating outstanding student-athlete success both on and off the field.Ìý

SMCC SeaWolves softball captures first-ever USCAA National Championship
The SMCC softball team made history by winning theÌýUSCAA National Championship, finishing a dominant postseason run with a commanding performance in the title game. The SeaWolves capped their season as national champions, a milestone that reflects exceptional teamwork, resilience, and competitive excellence.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC SeaWolves softball captures first-ever USCAA National ChampionshipÌýÌý

SeaWolves capture two USCAA Golf national championships
In October 2025 at the USCAA Golf National Championships, the SMCC golf program capturedÌýboth a team national title and an individual national championshipÌý— the first team golf title in program history and a standout individual triumph.Ìý

Read More:
SeaWolves capture two USCAA Golf national championshipsÌý

Student-athletes celebrated for academic success and engagement
In the Spring 2025 Athletics Engagement and Academic Report, SMCC highlightedÌýstrong performanceÌýacross the SeaWolves student-athlete cohort — including high GPAs, strong retention rates, and engagement that underscores how athletics supports academic success and personal development.ÌýÌý

Read More:
Ìý

A CAMPUS ROOTED IN COMMUNITYÌý

In 2025, SMCC students, faculty, and staff continued to show up for the broader community — supporting important causes, addressing food insecurity, and strengthening partnerships through service and engagement.Ìý

SMCCÌýcommunityÌýparticipatesÌýin Tri for a Cure
Members of the SMCC communityÌýparticipatedÌýinÌýTri for a Cure, helping raise awareness and support for breast cancer research and care in Maine. As a longtime host site, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ once again welcomed participants and volunteers, reinforcing SMCC’s role as a community-centered campus committed to health, wellness, and service.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC community participates in Tri for a CureÌý

Culinary Arts students partner with R.M. Davis forÌýdayÌýof giving
SMCC Culinary Arts students partnered withÌýR.M. DavisÌýfor a day of service focused on addressing food insecurity. Through hands-on preparation and community collaboration, students put their skills to work in support of neighbors in need, highlighting the impact of experiential learning beyond the classroom.Ìý

Read More:
Culinary Arts students partner with R.M. Davis for day of givingÌý

CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITYÌý

In 2025, SMCC paused to recognize the individuals and collective efforts that strengthen the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ every day — honoring service, leadership, and generosity that directly support students and the SMCC mission.Ìý

A Light on the Point honors five individuals and one organization for community impact
SMCC hosted the annualÌýA Light on the PointÌýcelebration, honoringÌýfive individuals and one organizationÌýfor their leadership, service, and generosity, which have made a lasting impact on the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ and its students. The event brought together alumni, donors, and community partners while raising critical support for student-focused initiatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to student success.Ìý

Read More:
A Light on the Point celebration highlights community impactÌý

SMCC honors employees for years of dedicated service
The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ recognized faculty and staff for service milestones during its annual employee recognition celebration, honoring more thanÌý920 years of combined service. The event celebrated the dedication, experience, and commitment of employees whose work helps make SMCC a supportive and successful place to learn and work.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC honors employees for service milestonesÌý

COMMENCEMENT AND LOOKING AHEADÌý

Commencement 2025 marked a defining moment for graduates and their families, celebrating academic achievement, perseverance, and the next chapter for SMCC students as they move forward in their educational and professional journeys.Ìý

SMCC celebrates Commencement 2025
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ honored theÌýClass of 2025Ìýat its Commencement ceremony, celebrating graduates who completed degrees and certificates across academic and workforce programs. The ceremony recognized student accomplishments and reflected the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that leads to meaningful outcomes for individuals and communities.Ìý

Read More:
SMCC celebrates Commencement 2025Ìý

As SMCC looks ahead, the achievements of 2025 underscore the power of community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success. The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÌýremainsÌýfocused on expandingÌýopportunity, strengthening pathways, and supporting learners as they pursue their goals in the years to come. To learn more about our SMCC community, visitÌý.Ìý