You are here
QCC Employee Inducted into MA Special Olympics Hall of Fame
Contact: Karen Hutner
Office of Institutional Communications
khutner [at] qcc.mass.edu
Release Date:
6/13/2023
WORCESTER, MA— June 13, 2023 — Longstanding employee Ryan Dixon of Bobby M’s Diner, a diner located in the Worcester Senior Center and run by Quinsigamond Community College’s Hospitality and Recreation Management program, was recently inducted into the Massachusetts Special Olympics Hall of Fame.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Dixon received an official senate citation from State Senator Michael Moore on behalf of the Massachusetts State Senate for his work with the Special Olympics. Dixon received the citation during Wednesday’s announcement at the Worcester Senior Center about the state’s recent funding for elder services.
A Shrewsbury native, Dixon has been working at QCC for 15 years as a line cook and assistant manager. Dixon said he loves working with students and helping them learn what it’s like to work in a professional kitchen.
“I am so proud of Ryan's accomplishments as a co-worker and as my nephew. He is a joy to everyone he comes into contact with,” said Rebecca King, Dixon’s aunt who works with him at the Senior Center.
Dixon has played sports since he was a young child and has been participating in the Special Olympics for almost three decades. He said his favorite sports are basketball, soccer, bocce and bowling. Not only does Dixon enjoy participating in the Special Olympics, but also has done multiple polar plunges to fundraise for the organization. He also participates on the Special Olympics Board of Directors.
Local musician Cara Brindisi who has worked at the Worcester Senior Center with Dixon and attended high school with him, was in attendance at Wednesday’s event.
“I’m so proud of Ryan. He is a staple to the Worcester Senior Center, to this community and to the state,” Brindisi said.
Quinsigamond Community College is the most affordable higher education in Worcester County. As a regional leader in education and workforce development, QCC serves the diverse educational needs of Central Massachusetts by providing affordable, accessible, and high quality programming leading to transfer, career, and lifelong learning.