James O’Neill, Lucille Jordan’s husband, and his son Sean, delivered their remarks during the dedication of the Lucille Jordan Commons on June 2. Courtesy photo/Nashua Community College

NASHUA – As confetti fluttered through the air, the spirit of Lucille Jordan could be felt by all in attendance as the Wellness Center at Nashua Community College was officially renamed the Lucille Jordan Commons.

Jordan served as president of NCC from 1997 until her passing in December 2024.

During the June 2 dedication, Jordan’s husband, James O’Neill, said his late wife always strived for perfection.

“I remember her saying to me once, ‘Jim, don’t settle,'” he said. “I think that captures Lucille. Everything she did, she wanted it to be the best it could be. The biggest gift we could give Lucille is to continue the excellence here.”

Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she first met Jordan in 2002 while working as an attorney for then-Gov. Craig Benson.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte delivered her remarks during the dedication of the Lucille Jordan Commons on June 2. Courtesy photo/Nashua Community College

“She was a force to be reckoned with,” said Ayotte. “She always thought out of the box. Every governor since has known Lucille Jordan and the value of this college.”

Ayotte also called attention to the partnerships Jordan had formed with corporations such as BAE Systems, Inc.

“She helped students believe in themselves and what they’re capable of; that is a special quality,” said Ayotte. “The impact on this area and the whole state is hard to describe. Her legacy will live on forever.”

Former Mayor Donnalee Lozeau spoke about Jordan’s commitment not only to NCC but to Nashua as well.

“If you were a business in this community and you needed something; it took one phone call,” she said.

Alfred Williams, interim president of Nashua Community College (front left), led a cider and confetti toast to celebrate the dedication of the Lucille Jordan Commons on June 2. Courtesy photo/Nashua Community College

Lozeau, who served as mayor from 2007 to 2015, recalled receiving funding requests from Jordan in 2008 when the country was in the throes of the Great Recession.

Although Lozeau tried to explain that no money was available, Jordan refused to back down and told the mayor in no uncertain terms to “figure it out.”

Dr. Mark Rubinstein, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, said community college presidents typically serve for seven years. Jordan exceeded that average by two decades.

“Her focus was on people,” he said. “Particularly on her students.”

NCC had 450 students when Jordan took the helm in 1997 — that figure now sits at 1,400.

During her 27-year tenure, Jordan spearheaded the construction of the Walter R. Peterson Library, the Wellness Center, Judd Gregg Hall and Gregg Auditorium. She also led the renovation of the STEM wing in Streeter Hall. Completed in September 2024, the wing is now known as the BAE Systems, Inc. STEM Center.

“Her legacy is one of transformation,” said interim President Alfred Williams. “She was a fierce advocate, never afraid to stand up for her students.”