Youth Librarian| Worcester Public Library

In 1981 when Iris Cotto enrolled at Quinsigamond Community College, she had no idea what she wanted to study. The coincidental creation of an applied arts program at the time of her enrollment set her on a clear course, leading to professional advancement and personal fulfillment.

At the age of five, she and her siblings moved from her native Puerto Rico to the United States and six years later settled in Worcester, where she has lived ever since. From the time she was a young girl, she worked a variety of jobs and at 18 landed at the library. A library administrator took Cotto under her wings and urged her to pursue a degree. With support from the library, her husband, two children and extended family, she reluctantly tested the academic waters. "Quinsigamond is where it all began for me," she said. "When I went into the classroom, my eyes opened up and I realized that I could do this. I started to become actively thirsty to be in the know."

When QCC launched its applied arts and illustration program, Iris, who had a lifelong penchant for arts and photography, signed up immediately. Under the guidance of Professor George Fitch, she excelled and earned her associate degree in graphic design. She also credits John Soloperto for his moral and academic support. "He was like a big brother to me," she said.

Citing QCC as a "gateway," she said, "Quinsigamond became a step-ping stone for me. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. That was huge for me. QCC is a welcoming, inviting place. It’s ideal for so many adults who are working, but also want to go back to school."

Vice President-Principal | Vital Emergency Medical Services

From his childhood home in Great Brook Valley, Eric Dunphy announced his intention to enter nursing school after attending Burncoat High School.

In 1976, Eric began the initial phase of his journey when he graduated in the first male enrolled class from the Registered Nursing program at Hahnemann Hospital. With no experience in the field, he applied for and landed a job as the first Director of Worcester City Hospital Ambulance. There was just one catch – he needed to be a certified emergency medical technician (EMT).

Nineteen seventy-seven found Eric at Quinsigamond Community College, where he earned an EMT certificate and then spent the next four years recruiting EMTs and helping coordinate the area’s first paramedic training program.

Eric joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1989 at the age of 37. While in the service, Eric held a series of healthcare positions, as Director of Marketing for Worcester Himmer Ambulance, then as an admissions coordinator at Oriol Health Care in Holden, and lastly at UMass Medical School/Commonwealth Medicine as the Client Relations Manager for the EOHHS/ Division of Medical Assistance.

In 2006, all of his previous educational and practical experiences culminated in the founding, with his partners, of Vital Emergency Medical Services, a successful medical transportation and emergency medical delivery system with some 50+ vehicles and a service area that includes Central, South, North and MetroWest Massachusetts.

If you ask Eric, he’ll credit QCC for "moving him along the path of his chosen endeavor." In the mid-1990s, he delivered the keynote address to the LPN graduates and also serves on the QCC Foundation. He said, "Quinsigamond is your first degree of education. It tandems nicely with the guardians."

Care Coordinator Emergency Room | UMass Memorial Medical Center

You could say that nursing defines Florence A. LeClair – who prefers to be called Flo. Since 1972, she has dedicated herself to serving the health care needs of others and credits Quinsigamond Community College for laying the foundation for her career.

A lifelong Worcester resident, she enrolled at the David Hale Fanning School immediately after high school and became a licensed practical nurse in 1972. Flo spent a few years in the workforce, but felt she needed additional training, so she entered QCC, earning her associate degree in 1978. "I had great bedside manner and clinical training, but when I went to QCC, I learned the theory behind what I’d been practicing for the last six years," she said, adding that she also received a BSN from Assumption College in 1988.

For the last 30 years, Flo’s career focused primarily on hospice and palliative care. She began in the oncology palliative care unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center and worked in this field at the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) for 11 years. In 1995, she started the hospice program at UMass Memorial Medical Center and worked there until 2010, when she became case manager in the emergency room at UMass Memorial.

Flo’s ties to Quinsigamond continue as she oversees a scholarship established in her sister’s name. Carmen Tobin graduated from the nursing program at QCC in 1984 and unexpectedly died two weeks later. Her brother-in-law was so moved by what the College had done for his wife that he created the nursing scholarship to provide financial assistance to other students.

For Flo, the small school community atmosphere at Quinsigamond proved to be ideal. "I felt the professors supported us and thought the nursing program was high caliber," she said. "This program presents a good way to taste the different health professions available."

Owner | Power Guide Marketing, Inc. & Apogee Power Sources, Inc.

In the fall of 1967, Ron Josephson was interested in learning more about electronics and turned to a local, reputable source: Quinsigamond Community College. Little did he know that this decision would present some amazing career opportunities.

Under the tutelage of Professor Bob Gillies, head of the electronics department, Ron flourished and earned his associate degree in social science and electronic engineering.

After graduation, he landed a technician position at Raytheon Company and soon earned a promotion to engineer. During his nine years at Raytheon, Ron contributed designs to several important projects, including the Patriot Missile, the Aegis Combat System and Hawk Weapons System. His fingerprint can also be found on technology used in an Apollo space mission. "I give Bob Gillies credit for providing me with the foundation I needed to get into a company like Raytheon," Ron said. "I had the opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant people in the electronics world at Raytheon." Working at Raytheon proved to be more exciting than Ron imagined. In one instance, he came under mortar fire at Fort Devens from an Army Reserve group taking practice; in a helicopter flight from Fort Bliss to White Sands, he barely escaped a hit from a heat-seeking missile.His manufacturing representative firm specializes in power supplies for electronics suppliers in New England. Nine years later, in response to customer demand, Ron launched a second company, Apogee Power Sources, which designs and manufactures power supplies in China.

Throughout the years, Ron maintained ties to QCC. A College trustee and member of the QCC Foundation, he serves on the electronics advisory committee and has contributed to the structure of some technology programs. Ron also taught Electronics at QCC for many years as part of the adjunct faculty. As for Quinsigamond, he praises the dedicated and supportive faculty who helped launch a successful career in the electronics industry.

Worcester Police Department

In a strange turn of events, Miguel Lopez’ decision not to go to college eventually led him to the Quinsigamond Community College campus. After a stint in the National Guard and some odd jobs, he took advantage of the GI Bill, a choice he calls "a lifesaver."

A 1988 South High graduate, Miguel enrolled in QCC’s criminal justice program in 1990, looking toward a career in law. "I immediately blossomed as a person," he said. "The professors brought out the best in me, and I excelled right away."

In 1992, he earned his associate degree from QCC and applied to UMass Lowell, nervous that he was making a mistake. "But I hit the ground running. Quinsigamond prepared me for the lateral transition," he said.

By the time he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UMass Lowell, he accumulated significant student debt, so when the Worcester Police Department offered him a job, he took it. "It was then that I decided law was not the best thing for me. I could make a bigger impact as a police officer."

Miguel has been a QCC trustee since 2009 and enjoys the opportunity to see the "mechanics of everything behind the curtain." In the greater community, he served on the board for the Boys & Girls Club and currently chairs the Worcester Latino Education Institute and is a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative steering committee.

Miguel chose QCC at a time when the college was a household name among the Latino population due to its extensive work in English as a second language (ESL). "Now the school is again a household name due to the work of leadership. QCC not only has an eye on the world, bridging com-munities, but it is also leading the way in workforce development."

Senator | D-Millbury, representing the Second Worcester District

Growing up, civic duty was instilled in Senator Michael Moore by his parents who ensured that when he turned 18, he took care of two responsibilities: one required by the federal government – register for the draft – and the other required by his parents – register to vote. It’s no surprise that belief in civic duty led him to the Senate, where he is taking care of another responsibility: boosting financial assistance to community colleges, including Quinsigamond Community College.

Prior to the start of his political career, Michael worked for the Massachusetts Environmental Police. He wanted to add more credibility to his résumé and began taking courses nights and weekends at QCC, earning his associate degree in criminal justice in 1988. He began a slow transition into politics when he became a member of the Massachusetts Police Association executive board and interacted with legislators.

Back in his hometown of Millbury, a committee approached Michael and suggested he run for selectman, a campaign he won easily. In 2008, the current state senator was retiring and Michael was considered the ideal replacement.

Currently the chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, he seeks ways to reform the complex funding system for community colleges. QCC scored very high on all metrics and, as a result, experienced a nearly $4 million increase in state support.

Michael considers QCC an ideal starting point for students, from both an academic and economic standpoint. "Being able to attend QCC for two years at a drastically reduced cost affects a student’s loan debt," he said. "And with the school’s networking and collaborations, a student can get into any other college or university."

The Senator applauds Quinsigamond for creating the concept of guardian protectors. "Being honored with this award makes me appreciate the role I have in helping students."

Director/Case Manager, Women Economic Empowerment | YWCA of Central Massachusetts

A seasoned secretary, Brenda Safford excelled at her job until rheumatoid arthritis derailed her work life. In some ways, the illness proved to be a blessing in disguise. A counselor who was helping her manage the disease encouraged her to return to school, specifically Quinsigamond Community College.

As a non-traditional student, Brenda felt she’d be out of place, but decided to take a chance. "I was embraced and made to feel welcome," she said, although she still worried about the coursework. "I hadn’t done math since high school." Faculty quickly dispelled her fears and helped cultivate a positive attitude. "They whet my appetite for learning."

She satisfied that hunger by earning an associate degree in human services from QCC in 1998, along with Student of the Year Award.

In 2003, QCC asked her to become its admissions and financial aid coordinator. Two years later another alma mater called. "Assumption College hired me to develop its multi-cultural office. I worked there until 2011." In the meantime, she kept in contact with YWCA colleagues. "I learned that they needed someone to rebuild the young parent program," Brenda said. In short order, she became case manager and director of the Women Economic Empowerment program.

Brenda never forgot the reception she received at QCC. In fact, she now teaches cultural competence in QCC’s human services program as an adjunct faculty. In the greater community, Brenda serves on the YWCA, Youth Center and Girls CHOICE Advisory Boards as well as the City of Worcester Advisory Board for Affirmative Action and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation Scholar-ship Committee.

All of these accomplishments reflect upon Brenda’s decision to attend QCC. "It was a priceless experience. They helped me believe in myself and gave me confidence."

Business & Office Technology Teacher | Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School

Even though he graduated from Bay Path Vocational Technical High School eighth in his class, Shawn Sanders didn’t consider attending college until his senior year. Intimidated by the thought of entering a four-year program, he opted for Quinsigamond Community College.

Shawn began his QCC experience as an accounting major, then switched to a Business Transfer degree program with a concentration in accounting, management and marketing. During his last four semesters, he earned a 4.0 GPA and was admitted to Phi Beta Kappa; he also started a small business club for students, a significant feat for someone so shy. Armed with his associate degree, he enrolled at Nichols College and earned a BA in Business, majoring in both accounting and finance.

His entry into the working world did not proceed as smoothly. He realized after only eight months at a local CPA firm that he preferred working with computers. For the next ten years, Shawn worked in Washington, DC, working his way from a technical support representative at various companies to a computer trainer at an international law firm. In the process, he developed a penchant for teaching. Coincidentally, his high school alma mater was seeking a teacher; life came full circle when Bay Path hired him. "I’ve been here now for five years. Everything I learned along the way has helped me be the teacher and person I am today," he said.

"I was a decent student at Bay Path, but blossomed at Quinsigamond. The school helped me get out of my shell and taught me how to study. It’s also helped me in the work-place as I’ve come out of the gate strong in every job I’ve had."

Even though his QCC years are behind him, he continues to promote the college every chance he gets. "I’m now selling my college alma mater to my students," he said.

Program Officer | Global Health, Discovery & Translational Sciences at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

For Sandra Laney, the operative word is opportunity. This Spencer native had no idea what she’d study when she tested the collegiate waters, taking a couple of classes at a time. She opted to concentrate in visual arts and fulfilled all her graduation requirements, except for science, a subject she feared due to an unpleasant high school experience. Fortunately, QCC offered a science class for non-majors, which became an important turning point for her.

The self-paced class included a weekly exam and group discussion or lab with unlimited access to the professors, Robert Prior and Melvin Shemluck. "I discovered that science is all about asking questions. Once I started taking it, I was so jazzed."

Dr. Shemluck opened her eyes to opportunities well beyond the walls of QCC when he informed her of the Ada Comstock Scholars Program at Smith College. At Smith, Sandra majored in biology, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree. Opportunity came in the form of a research associate position in Steve Williams’ laboratory at Smith, where she was also able to take courses and earned her master’s degree in 2002. Smith’s affiliation with Ain Shams University in Egypt eventually led to her doctorate in molecular parasitology and zoology.

In addition to her incredible academic accomplishments, Dr. Laney received an AAAS Science Diplomacy Fellowship in 2010 and a Superior Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State for establishing the NeXXt Scholars Initiative, which provides opportunities for young women from Muslim-majority countries to study science and math at U.S. women’s colleges.

When Sandra began her journey at QCC so many years ago, she had no idea where it would lead. "I am hugely indebted to Quinsigamond. Taking that science course was transformative. It completely changed the trajectory of my life," she said.

Registered Occupational Therapist | Worcester Public Schools

Tammy Murray graduated from South High School with few financial resources and the understanding that a college degree could open doors. When her guidance counselor discovered that Quinsigamond Community College offered an occupational therapy program at an affordable price, Tammy’s path was clear.

"For the first time, I loved school and became really excited about learning," she said. Tammy added that the late Nancy Ohan set the stage for her success at QCC. "Nancy’s kind nature helped build my confidence as a young college student. She provided me with an exceptional introduction to the field of occupational therapy. When I received my degree from QCC in 1992, not only was I the first person in my family to earn a college degree, but more important, I had found a career pathway."

After graduation, Tammy worked at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island and Prism Healthcare before joining the team at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital in 1993. For the last 15 years, she has worked in the public school system and be-came an adjunct faculty member at Assumption College in 2009.

Receiving a degree from QCC whetted her academic appetite; she earned a Bachelor of Science from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1997. Hungry for more, Tammy earned her master’s from Cambridge College in 2007 and achieved the pinnacle when she received her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University in 2012.

QCC was the starting point for her. "The College was my first higher education opportunity. It’s where I received a solid academic foundation through small class sizes, individualized attention and academic supports," she said, noting the challenges she overcame along the way. "At QCC, students gain the relevant skills that will allow them upward economic and educational mobility with jobs and careers that are valued and needed in the region."