Quinsigamond Community College Satisfies Obama’s American Graduation Initiative

Worcester, MA – May 16, 2012 – Quinsigamond Community College’s Commencement is always a significant event for faculty, staff and especially students, but Commencement 2012 has greater significance than usual. QCC has met President Obama’s challenge to double community college graduation numbers by 2020 – eight years ahead of schedule!

The nation-wide charge to community colleges, called the American Graduation Initiative was proposed by President Obama shortly after taking office in 2009. The Initiative calls for wide-spread community college reforms and most importantly, doubling the number of community college graduates by 2020.

QCC has risen to the challenge. At tomorrow’s commencement ceremony, President Gail Carberry will hand diplomas to 1,327 deserving students – double the number as when she first took office in 2007.
President Carberry remarked, “I am so proud of our QCC students. Against remarkable odds, they persevere. Their dedication is inspiring and I am honored that they chose QCC for their higher educational pursuits. Faculty and staff are to be acknowledged, as well, for their constant support and guidance.” Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, Steve Sullivan added, “Our enrollment continues to grow every semester. It’s apparent that we’re doing all the right things. Our students are succeeding and we’re pleased to be a part of their intellectual and personal growth.”