Who Are the “29 Who Shine”?

In May 2011, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education launched “29 Who Shine,” a commencement season awards program to recognize 29 outstanding student graduates from the Commonwealth’s public higher education system. Each honoree from a community college, state university or University of Massachusetts campus is nominated by a faculty or staff member, or by a university awards committee.

The criteria:

• The individual student graduate shows exceptional promise as a future leader in civic affairs or in business or professional activity in Massachusetts, having already demonstrated an ability to contribute to the civic and economic wellbeing of the Commonwealth. The student should have a strong record of academic achievement and civic engagement.
• He or she intends to pursue a career track or interest for which there is a demonstrated need in the Commonwealth, such as a high-demand STEM-related career (health care, life sciences, information technology), or a start-up business that will produce jobs, or a community service role to better the lives of fellow Massachusetts citizens (such as teaching, working in a social service agency, or community organization, etc.).
• He or she is a Massachusetts resident who plans to continue living and working in the state upon graduation. A student who plans to live in Massachusetts after furthering his or her education, either in or out of state, would also qualify.
• He or she will complete his/her degree or certificate requirements at a Massachusetts community college, state university, or UMass campus within the academic year.

Whether furthering their education or entering careers in fields such as education, public policy, health care, creative arts, or engineering, the “29 Who Shine” embody the vibrant future that we all envision for the Commonwealth.

The Awards Ceremony

Each year the Governor honors the “29 Who Shine” at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. Approximately 250 invited guests attend the event, including House and Senate leaders, the Secretary of Education, Commissioner of Higher Education, members of the Board of Higher Education, college presidents, chancellors, business and non-profit leaders, students and their families. Before the ceremony, students’ state senators and state representatives are also invited to present their district honorees with citations and pose for photographs.

Reception and Program to Honor 29 Who Shine Mentors

The Department of Higher Education joins student honorees in honoring the faculty and staff mentors at a reception immediately following the awards ceremony.

Publishers’ Campaign

Each year the publishers of many Massachusetts daily newspapers donate full-page color ads to salute the “29 Who Shine.” Most local media also publish profiles of student honorees.