Professor of Sociology Carlos Maynard

The core of the Commonwealth’s annual Performance Recognition Program is to recognize those whose daily work strengthens the community around them, and this year, among the honorees were two members of the BHCC community—individuals whose dedication is felt daily in classrooms, hallways and student spaces.

Professor of Sociology Carlos Maynard received the Commonwealth Equity in Governance Award, an hon-or given to those who advocate for fairness and justice in government. For Maynard, the moment prompted reflections on a decade of conversations with students—discussions about identity, community, and what it takes to create a more equitable world. His journey began long before joining BHCC, from studying at UMass Boston to mentoring students as an academic coach at Roxbury Community College and Action for Boston Community Development. Each step, he said, strengthened his commitment to equity.

“I share this award with my faculty and staff colleagues,” he said. “Fair, just and equitable service is at the core of community colleges’ mission.”

Joining her colleague at the State House, Renata Mauriz, director of Community Integrated Services, received the Eugene H. Rooney Public Service Award. Since joining the College in 2023, Mauriz has built a reputation for meeting students where they are—listening first, responding with compassion, and weaving together supports that help students thrive. Her work, rooted in both lived experience and professional dedication, radiates throughout the College’s immigrant and multilingual communities.

This statewide recognition, President Pam Eddinger reflected, affirms what the BHCC community sees every day. “Community college employees are on the front lines of ensuring opportunity is accessible in all corners of our Commonwealth,” she said. “It is heartening to see their work celebrated.” The awards are part of a 41-year tradition honoring public servants whose quiet efforts often go unseen. For Maynard and Mauriz, the acknowledgement is not simply a moment of celebration—it is a reminder of the profound impact of service and the community that inspires it.