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March 2024
  • Carlos Crespo with his painting "Silver, Sword, and Stone". Photo by Nathan Fiske.
  • "Flooding Room" by Elliott Hunt
  • "Central" by Nehemias Torres Pacheco
  • "Penelope" by Ciara Pape
March 2024

Five QCC Students Chosen for ArtsWorcester 20th Annual College Show

For the first time ever, five QCC students had artwork selected for the 20th Annual College Show by ArtsWorcester. This juried show of Worcester's collegiate artists will be on view through April 21 at the Davis Art Gallery, 44 Portland Street, Third Floor, Worcester.

​The College Show will include artwork from the following QCC students:

  • Carlos...
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  • Marc Bolduc with a guitar created in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, and a custom design element (right)
  • Professor of Music Jose Castillo playing the guitar that Marc Bolduc created for his manufacturing capstone project
March 2024

Striking a New Chord: Retiree Finds Purpose in Manufacturing Guitars at QCC

To Marc Bolduc's surprise, when he finished a long career of computer systems engineering, he didn't actually enjoy retirement. Not one to sit idly by, Marc purchased a small CNC machine in hopes of making his own guitars. In the Spring of 2023 he enrolled in an advanced manufacturing course at QCC so he could learn a new programming language and put his CNC machine to use....

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  • Early College Worcester student Vianna Singh
March 2024

Early College Student Selected for State Advisory Group

Early College Worcester student Vianna Singh is someone to watch. This semester Vianna was selected to represent Early College Worcester on the Massachusetts Alliance Early College Student Advisory Council. The group focuses on promoting Early College programs in the state to increase access to higher education as well as improving current processes.

As a member of the Worcester...

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  • QCC community members learning afrobeats
  • QCC community members learning afrobeats
  • Executive Director of DEI Kevin Lovaincy (left) with afrobeats dance teacher Victoria Adinkra
  • Benetta Kuffour, descendant of Lena Jackson, a sitter in William Bullard's portraits of African-Americans in Worcester
  • A vendor at the Black Owned Business Pop Up
  • Assistant Director of Student Life Katelyn Hurley (right) at the VR Experience: Now is the Time
  • DEI Program Administrator Mendrick Banzuela at the VR Experience: Now is the Time
  • From left: Kalan Lewis, Suzanne Graham Anderson, Paul Anderson and Sean Harris
  • Maintainer Kazimierz Chojnowski getting a haircut at the Black Owned Business Pop Up and Jada Bell with Kyla Kamugu
March 2024

A Vibrant Celebration of Black History Month

Quinsigamond Community College celebrated Black history and culture in a remarkable fashion throughout February with a series of enlightening and engaging events for Black History Month. The Worcester Black History Photo Gallery immersed visitors in the rich legacy of Black Worcester residents through a captivating display of early 20th-century portraits, accompanied by a special presentation from historian Frank...

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  • HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center
March 2024

HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center Receives Donation

Last month Elm Electrical made a generous donation of food and personal care products to QCC's HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center. Donations like these make a tangible difference for QCC students facing food insecurity as they pursue their educations.

"We are more than happy to do it and plan to do it a few times a year," said Holly Lurgio, of Elm Electrical. "It was...

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  • QCC Safety Corner
March 2024

Safety Corner

Quinsigamond Community College receives grant for emergency response device

 

Quinsigamond Community College recently received a grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to purchase an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for one of the college’s security patrol vehicles. QCC was one of 80 Massachusetts municipalities, public colleges and universities, and nonprofits chosen to...

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  • Recipients of this year's QCC Service Awards
  • Parenting Student Navigator Michelle Brennan (left) and HR Generalist Jessica Schavrien
  • Clerk V for Facilities Nancy Chosta (left) and Executive Director of Facilities Operations Jim Racki
  • This year's Oscar-style Service Awards
  • Executive Director of Human Resources Sara Simms and Professor/Coordinator of the History & Liberal Arts Programs Kenneth Wong
March 2024

Celebrating Milestones at the Employee Appreciation Movie Matinee

On March 1st, QCC celebrated Employee Appreciation Day, honoring the dedication and hard work of its many faculty and staff members. The event included the Service Awards Ceremony, which celebrated employees who have reached 10, 20 and 30-year milestones at QCC.

"The success of QCC and our students would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible staff and...

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  • From left: Dr. Luis Pedraja, Taylor Rohena, Kristin Brown and Terri Rodriguez
  • From left: Matthew Casaubon, Paul Riley (and Panda Bear), Skylar Kuczwara, Semran Sahota and Jill Murray-Wildt
March 2024

Veteran Affairs Serves up Spicy Showdown with Chili Cook Off

Veteran Affairs asked QCC to put their cooking chops to the test with their recent Chili Cook Off. Entries included a classic New England Style Chili, Spicy Sausage and Ground Beef Chili, Vegan Chili, Beef Chili Con Carne, and finally, the winning chili – Spicy Venison Bacon Chili. Over 50 people came through the Veterans Center that day and by the end of the contest, all chilis were devoured. The...

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  • Maria Milagros
March 2024

Upcoming Events for Faculty and Staff

Lunch and Learn: Trauma-Informed Teaching & Learning

March 13 | 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | 107 Ahlfors and Zoom

This informal discussion about trauma-informed teaching will illustrate how to support QCC's student population by developing trusting connections with students to foster resilience. Professors of Early Childhood Education Karen O'Neill and...

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  • Daniel Edmonds
  • Sean Manning
  • Luka Vlajkovic
  • Connor Manning (left) and Jeromaine Archibald
  • Jaylyn Williamson (left) and Trevor Oliver
  • Junaid Taufeeq (left) and Chris Paul
  • Marino Preziosa (left) and Luka Vlajkovic
March 2024

Wyvern Sports Corner

Basketball

A big congratulations is in order for the Men's Basketball team for an epic season that included 15 wins and entry to the NJCAA Semifinals for the second year in a row. Their tenacity caught the eye of several media outlets including...

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  • Vamsi Margapuri (left photo) and Nohemi Medina Otero with her husband Alex (left)
  • Brenda Phan (left photo) and Joseph Vaudreuil (right) with his parents
  • Truc Tran (left photo) and (from left) QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja, Augustin Anon and Interim VP of AA Kathy Rentsch
  • (left photo, from left) QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja, Kyle Mendoza and Kathy Rentsch, (right photo) Jonathan Kimball
  • (left photo, from left) QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu and Kathy Rentsch, (right photo) Andrew Jubinville
March 2024

Students Recognized as STEM Students of the Fall 2023 Semester

In December 2023, QCC Dean of Math & Science Ben Benton and Acting Dean of Business, Engineering & Technology (now Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs) Kathy Rentsch announced that 27 QCC students were recognized as STEM Students of the Fall 2023 Semester. In February’s Wyvern Newsletter we profiled half of these students. We are pleased to highlight the...

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  • Emoji Bear
March 2024

Student Happenings

Astrology Afternoon

March 12 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | HLC 109A&B

More than just horoscopes, this event will explore birth charts, manifestation mantras and tarot cards. Giveaways include astrology wands, crystal jars, star sign dishes and zodiac charm keychains.

 

Stuff-It-Yourself

March 27 | 1:00 p.m. until supplies last | Downtown...

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March 2024

QCC Welcomes New Staff

On February 17, 2024,  QCC welcomed Cody Davenport - Skilled Laborer Grounds (1st Shift) - Administrative Services. Cody brings several years of experience. Most recently, he was a part-time Skilled Laborer at QCC. 

On February 26, 2024, QCC welcomed Beth Auger - Senior Director of Students Accounts & Grants - Administrative...

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March 2024

In The News

February, 2024

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February 2024
  • New Police Chief Stephen DiGiovanni (left) with outgoing Police Chief Kevin Ritacco
  • Colleen DiGiovanni (left), pins a badge on her husband, Police Chief Stephen DiGiovanni
  • COO/CFO Stephen Marini (center) swears in Police Chief Stephen DiGiovanni (left) with QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja
  • Retiring Police Chief Kevin Ritacco (left) with QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja
February 2024

QCC's New Police Chief Sworn In

Quinsigamond Community College held a ceremony on February 2, to swear in its new Police Chief, Stephen D. DiGiovanni.

“Steve’s exemplary education, knowledge and police work make him the perfect person to fill some big shoes and ensure the continued safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.

DiGiovanni has...

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  • QCC student and veteran Tom Vincent
February 2024

Veteran Student Finds a True Community

Taking the plunge into higher education after 50 years out of school may not be for the faint of heart, but for Quinsigamond Community College student and veteran Tom Vincent, the support of QCC’s Veteran Affairs department has made all the difference in his confidence and academic success.

“Before I was in school, I was depressed. But the staff and students in Veteran Affairs...

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  • QCC Student Trustee Maria Mikhaeil (left) with Senator Elizabeth Warren (center) and other student representatives
  • (From left) QCC Trustee Dr. Satya Mitra, Congressman James McGovern and QCC Trustee Dr. Barur Rajeshkumar
  • Dr. Satya Mitra (far left), James McGovern, Dr. Luis Pedraja, Geraldine Herlihy (second from right) and Maria Mikhaeil (right)
February 2024

QCC President and Trustees Attend National Legislative Summit in Washington

QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja and several members of the QCC Board of Trustees recently attended the 2024 National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. The Summit gathers over 1,000 leaders from community colleges across the country to showcase the importance of community colleges and educate leaders on federal policy issues. 

Dr. Pedraja and the Board of...

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Black History Month February 2024

Celebrating Black History Month

As Black History Month continues through February, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has prepared a full schedule of events that truly offer something for everyone. The celebration began with the short film screening that got people laughing, smiling and talking about these works of art such as the Oscar-winning animated piece "Hair Love."

The Office of DEI has strived...

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  • QCC's new community resource dog, Siggy, with Community Resource Officer Nick Yacuzzi
  • Reporting for duty, Siggy is ready to assist the QCC community
February 2024

QCC's Canine Resource Officer

In case you missed it, QCC has a new four-legged friend roaming the halls. The QCC Police Department welcomed the arrival of its first community resource dog, a 12-week-old English Cream Golden Retriever named Siggy. Students will be able to pet, play with, and snuggle up to Siggy to help relieve stress.

Community resource dogs have become a common practice for both educational institutions and police...

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  • Microsoft Office Championship
February 2024

Business Student Secures Spot in Microsoft Championship With Perfect Score

Quinsigamond Community College student Austin Cunningham became the college's first Microsoft Office Specialist Massachusetts State Champion. He will compete in Certiport’s 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Orlando, Florida in June 2024. Austin qualified for the championship not only for his perfect score on the Microsoft Word exam, but also for the time it took...

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  • CAE Technology Conference
February 2024

12th CAE Technology Conference

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) recently held its 12th annual educational technology conference "Change Change Change: Preparing for the Present and Future." The event featured five sessions facilitated by QCC faculty and staff, focused on effectively integrating technology to best serve students.

"We think about the role that technology plays in education, as well as the role it...

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  • Professor of Sociology Robbin Miller
February 2024

Intro to Sociology Professor Gets Real With Final Project

For Adjunct Professor of Sociology Robbin Miller, it’s essential that her students engage in meaningful and accessible assignments, which is why her Introduction to Sociology students were tasked with researching a social movement and its presence on social media, for their final assignment of the fall semester.

Students were asked to study a movement that they were personally interested...

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  • April Swanson (left) and Dallas Burgess
  • QCC students Danielle Ellis (left) and Elizabeth Martinez with her brother Matt
  • QCC students Gustavo Santana (left picture) and Harris Taube (center in right picture) with President Pedraja and Kathy Rentsch
  • QCC students Heather Lyons (left) and Patrick Brennan with his sister
  • QCC students Pavlina Adhami (left) and Quoc Huy Chuong Le
  • From left: QCC students Rye Hogan, Shelle Edwards and Sofia Silva-Rosa
February 2024

STEM Students of the Semester

In December 2023, QCC Dean of Math & Science Ben Benton and Acting Dean of Business, Engineering & Technology (now Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs) Kathy Rentsch announced that 27 QCC students were recognized as STEM Students of the Fall 2023 Semester. Below are profiles of a group of these students, sharing stories of their journey on the road to...

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  • Valentine's Day
February 2024

Student Happenings

Valentine's Day 

February 14 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | HLC 109A&B

Self love is in the air! This event will include a lunch at noon, following by a conversation about lessons in love, a stuffed bear activity and community resource tables.

For more information contact Student Life at studentlife [at] qcc....

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  • QCC Safety Corner
February 2024

Safety Corner

Winter Driving Tips

Quinsigamond Community College considers your safety when commuting, especially during the winter months. The winter weather can be unpredictable in Massachusetts and if the college is not closed due to inclement weather and you have to drive to campus, preparation is key to staying safe when traveling.

Adverse conditions can arise and you should practice safe...

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  • Enrollment Celebration
February 2024

Upcoming Events for Faculty & Staff

Enrollment Celebration

February 16 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | HLC 109A&B

Since QCC sailed past the most recent enrollment goal, it’s time to celebrate! VP for Strategic Enrollment & Student Engagement, Michelle Tufau Afriyie, often emphasizes the importance of rowing in the same direction and that is just what our crew has done. Come recognize...

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  • From left: Lisa Gurnick, Josh Cole, Meaghan Stearns and Rich Small
  • Men's basketball captain Luka Vlajkovic goes for the dunk.
  • The Women's Basketball team with coaches Rich Small (left, back row) and James Griffin (right, back row)
February 2024

Wyvern Sports Corner

Women's Basketball

This year's only sophomore, Meaghan Stearns, was recognized at the women's last home game of the season on February 1. 

Head Coach Rich Small reflected, "It has been a pleasure to coach Meaghan over the last few years. She has worked hard to improve her skills, which is a good...

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February 2024

QCC Welcomes New Staff

On December 18, QCC welcomed Nicole Maffei - Campus Police Officer I (B4T) - Administrative Services. Nicole brings several years of experience. Most recently, she was a Corrections Officer for the Worcester County House of Corrections. Nicole holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.

On December 18, QCC ...

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February 2024

In The News

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December 2023
  • QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja (left) and Dean of Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education Kathie Manning
  • Program Manager at Healthcare Career Advancement Program Joy Jameson (left) and Director of Apprentice Expansion Mari Cooney
  • (From left) Giselle Rivera- Flores,Mass. Sec. of Labor and Workforce Dev. Lauren Jones and QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja
  • Mass. Sec. of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones (left) and Vice Pres. of External Affairs Dr. Viviana Abreu-Hernandez
  • (From left) Rachel Wallace, Jacqueline Kaczowka, Kelly Penrod and Kate O'Connor
  • (From left) Steve Savage, Rita Kapur and Brad Kane
December 2023

QCC Holds Second Annual Apprenticeship Conference

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Quinsigamond Community College hosted its second annual Apprentice Conference on November 15. Employers, government officials, advocates and educators from across the region gathered to learn about implementing an apprenticeship program, as well as current local and national employment trends through breakout session workshops and speakers. Culminating the daylong...

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