Throughout 2025, Southern Maine Community College (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.
STRENGTHENING THE COLLEGE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
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.
SMCC recognized for noncredit program excellence (NECHE non-credit recognition)
Southern Maine Community College was honored by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as part of the inaugural cohort recognized for high-quality noncredit programming. This distinction affirms the College’s commitment to rigorous, accessible learning opportunities that support workforce development, lifelong learning, and student success beyond the traditional classroom.
SMCC selected for Aspen–AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive (Student Success Iniaitive)
SMCC was selected to participate in the Aspen Institute–AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive, a national effort focused on improving outcomes for transfer students. Through this work, the College is strengthening data-informed and equity-focused practices to better support students as they navigate transfer pathways and complete their degrees.
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SMCC participates in Aspen–AASCU Transfer Student Success Intensive
FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
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.
SMCC students gain hands-on research experience at the University of Maine
SMCC students participated in 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.
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SMCC students gain hands-on research experience at the University of Maine
SMCC showcases new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab at Midcoast Campus
The College unveiled a new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab at its Midcoast Campus, 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.
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SMCC showcases new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab as part of statewide training initiative
Students from SMCC explore research opportunities at the MDI Biological Laboratory
SMCC students participated in 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.
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Students from SMCC explore research opportunities at the MDI Biological Laboratory
CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS
Throughout 2025, SMCC students earned recognition for academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance — reflecting both individual achievement and the College’s commitment to supporting learners from all backgrounds.
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.
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SMCC Phi Theta Kappa chapter earns top honors at regional conference
SMCC names 2025 Student of the Year
Southern Maine Community College recognized its 2025 Student of the Year, honoring outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to the College community. The award celebrates a student whose journey reflects resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of education.
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SMCC names 2025 Student of the Year
SMCC earns Military Friendly® School designation for 2025–26
SMCC was named a Military Friendly® School for the 2025–26 academic year, recognizing the College’s continued commitment to supporting student veterans and military-connected learners through dedicated services, resources, and inclusive campus practices.
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SMCC earns Military Friendly® School designation for 2025–26
SMCC Culinary team crowned People’s Choice Champion at Lobster chef competition
SMCC’s Culinary Arts team brought home the People’s Choice Champion title at the annual Lobster Chef competition, showcasing student talent and creativity while engaging with the regional culinary community. The event highlighted both the College’s culinary expertise and its deep connections to Maine’s food culture and local partners.
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SMCC Culinary team crowned People’s Choice Champion at Lobster chef competition
SEAWOLVES EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
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.
SMCC SeaWolves softball captures first-ever USCAA National Championship
The SMCC softball team made history by winning the USCAA 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.
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SMCC SeaWolves softball captures first-ever USCAA National Championship
SeaWolves capture two USCAA Golf national championships
In October 2025 at the USCAA Golf National Championships, the SMCC golf program captured both a team national title and an individual national championship — the first team golf title in program history and a standout individual triumph.
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SeaWolves capture two USCAA Golf national championships
Student-athletes celebrated for academic success and engagement
In the Spring 2025 Athletics Engagement and Academic Report, SMCC highlighted strong performance across the SeaWolves student-athlete cohort — including high GPAs, strong retention rates, and engagement that underscores how athletics supports academic success and personal development.
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Athletics Engagement and Academic Report: Spring 2025
A CAMPUS ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
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.
SMCC community participates in Tri for a Cure
Members of the SMCC community participated in Tri for a Cure, helping raise awareness and support for breast cancer research and care in Maine. As a longtime host site, the College once again welcomed participants and volunteers, reinforcing SMCC’s role as a community-centered campus committed to health, wellness, and service.
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SMCC community participates in Tri for a Cure
Culinary Arts students partner with R.M. Davis for day of giving
SMCC Culinary Arts students partnered with R.M. Davis for 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.
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Culinary Arts students partner with R.M. Davis for day of giving
CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY
In 2025, SMCC paused to recognize the individuals and collective efforts that strengthen the College every day — honoring service, leadership, and generosity that directly support students and the SMCC mission.
A Light on the Point honors five individuals and one organization for community impact
SMCC hosted the annual A Light on the Point celebration, honoring five individuals and one organization for their leadership, service, and generosity, which have made a lasting impact on the College 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.
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A Light on the Point celebration highlights community impact
SMCC honors employees for years of dedicated service
The College recognized faculty and staff for service milestones during its annual employee recognition celebration, honoring more than 920 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.
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SMCC honors employees for service milestones
COMMENCEMENT AND LOOKING AHEAD
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.
SMCC celebrates Commencement 2025
Southern Maine Community College honored the Class of 2025 at its Commencement ceremony, celebrating graduates who completed degrees and certificates across academic and workforce programs. The ceremony recognized student accomplishments and reflected the College’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that leads to meaningful outcomes for individuals and communities.
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SMCC celebrates Commencement 2025
As SMCC looks ahead, the achievements of 2025 underscore the power of community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success. The College remains focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening pathways, and supporting learners as they pursue their goals in the years to come. To learn more about our SMCC community, visit www.smccME.edu/news.