Musical Legend Shines on LMA as Part of MCC’s Celebrity Forum

At Middlesex Community College’s Spring 2024 Celebrity Forum on Thursday, April 25, award-winning singer, author and humanitarian Dionne Warwick performed at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. MCC welcomed the 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree and 2024 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to raise funds for student scholarships and celebrate an evening of music.

“Education is one of the most valuable things that we all should revere,” Warwick said during a sit-down conversation with MCC President as part of the Celebrity Forum. “Without it, we would know nothing. With it, we can learn and know everything, if you take the time to care enough to make sure students continue their education, especially in music. Please continue to give and let your friends know to give.”

“The Celebrity Forum is possible because so many in our community and business partners support our students, many of whom are represented here tonight,” President Sisson said in his introduction. “This event is a critical source of support for our central mission of providing affordable access to high-quality education for the very diverse population of learners that we serve each and every day. We cannot build a successful open access institution without your help, and we greatly appreciate those committed sponsors in the audience who have supported us by attending the forum for many years. We are blessed at Middlesex with an amazing group of friends to help our students accomplish their goals.”

Hosted by the Middlesex Community College Foundation, the event was the 24th Celebrity Forum to bring educational and cultural enrichment to Greater Lowell area residents. TJX Companies, Inc. has been a proud Presenting Sponsor of MCC’s spring fundraisers since 1999.

“TJX has long been committed to helping unlock educational opportunities for young people to help them reach their full potential,” said Mary Ellen Mattheos, TJX Senior Vice President of Human Resources. “We are pleased to support the Middlesex Community College Foundation’s 2024 Celebrity Forum as we have for many years, and to enjoy the wonderful performance by Dionne Warwick!”

“On behalf of the MCC Foundation, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dionne Warwick and our incredible donors, community partners and employees who made this extraordinary evening possible,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Workforce Development. “It was an honor to witness Ms. Warwick perform some of her greatest hits in front of an enthusiastic audience as we raised critical funds to assist MCC students in attending college. This support goes a long way in helping our students focus on school and stay on track to reach their goals and transform their lives.”

Warwick earned more than 75 charted hit songs and sold over 100 million records in her 50+ year career. Discovered by Burt Bacharach and Hal David in 1961, she recorded 18 consecutive Top 100 singles, including “Don’t Make Me Over,” Walk on By,” “Say a Little Prayer,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Alfie,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Déjà Vu,” among others.

Known as the artist who “bridged the gap” with her soulful blend of pop, gospel and R&B music that transcended race, culture and musical boundaries, Warwick became first African American solo female artist of her generation to win the prestigious award for Best Contemporary Female Vocalist Performance. She is also the recipient of several coveted and prestigious awards, including the 2017 Marian Anderson Award and the 2019 GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award.

She participated in recording the hits “That’s What Friends Are For” and “We Are the World,” and performed at “Live Aid.” Author of the best-selling “My Life As I see It,” Warwick was honored in a 2018 PBS Television Special “Then Came You” and was named a 2019 Ambassador to the Smithsonian Institute’s Year in Music.