Quinsigamond Community College held its 58th commencement ceremony Friday at the DCU Center. Nearly 1,200 students graduated, 846 with degrees and 394 with certificates.

Judge Margaret Guzman was the class’s keynote speaker. Guzman was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. senate as a federal district court judge for the District of Massachusetts, sitting in the Worcester Federal Court, in 2023. She is also is a native of Worcester and shared a story similar to many of QCC's students.

“You're my people,” Guzman told the students during her speech. “You are my people, and I want to say to you, let every opportunity to be something to consider. Take nothing off the table. Forget about the naysayers, try different things. Go back to school, or don't. If you don't like your job, get another. If you don't like the person you're with, get another one.”

Guzman previously served for nearly 14 years in the Massachusetts State District Court, including a term as first justice of the Ayer District Court.