Massasoit Community College awarded an honorary degree and the 2015 Presidential Medallion to President & CEO James W. Blake on Saturday, October 24.

Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College, presented Blake with the medallion and the honorary degree at the annual Portraits of Success Gala, held at the college. The gala benefits The United Student Fund at Massasoit Community College, which provides financial assistance to students for educational expenses beyond traditional financial aid.

“It is a great honor to receive recognition from Massasoit Community College,” said James W. Blake, President & CEO of HarborOne Bank. “HarborOne and Massasoit share a dedication to empowering Greater Brockton residents to learn new skills, grow their businesses, and enhance their communities. I’m very proud to receive this degree and I look forward to continuing our partnerships to strengthen our region.”
Massasoit Community College selected Blake because of his outstanding support for the College and overall contributions to the community. Blake has led HarborOne since 1994, when he was named president six months after joining as the chief operating officer. Under Blake’s leadership, HarborOne has remained steadfast in its commitment to the City of Brockton, creating the award-winning MultiCultural Banking Center, now known as HarborOne U. The center has offered free financial education courses and seminars in financial planning to over 7,000 residents of all ages and backgrounds since 2007, with locations in Brockton and Mansfield.

“Jim has been a supporter and friend of Massasoit Community College for many years, and we are pleased to have presented him with the 2015 Presidential Medallion award,” said Dr. Wall. “Our annual Credit for Life event would not have been possible without his support, and we are grateful for his many years of efforts on behalf of our students.”

Blake serves on the Old Colony YMCA’s Downtown Operations Task Force Committee and as Co-Chair of the Signature Healthcare Executive Business Council Committee. He has also served in a number of volunteer positions in the community, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, past Chairman of the Brockton Housing Partnership, and past Chairman of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.