QCC President Gail Carberry Honored with Prestigious Economic Development Award

QCC President Gail Carberry was presented with the Bowditch Economic Development Award by the Worcester Business Development Corporation at its April meeting.

The Robert S. Bowditch Award, named after one of the founders of the WBDC, is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of Worcester and the region.

Dr. Carberry has been president of the college for a decade. During that time, the college has expanded and made multiple investments in the community, including opening the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester, and opening the new QuEST Center, a science and technology center on the main campus.

The college is also looking to expand its footprint in Southbridge, with an Innovation Technology Advancement Center. The new facility will host photonics, electronics and other technology-based programs, which are high-demand fields in Massachusetts, Dr. Carberry said.

“We know there’s a huge need in Central Massachusetts for skilled workers,” she said, adding that Quinsigamond is working with several local companies that specialize in the fields to determine workforce needs and training.

“There is no place like Worcester for collaboration, specific to higher educational opportunities for students and for business leadership,” she said. “Seventy-five percent of our graduates stay local, and local students match up with local business.”

Established in 1965, the Worcester Business Development Corp. (WBDC) is a non-profit business organization with a mission to increase economic development in the Worcester area.

The meeting was held April 13 at the Hanover Theatre. Past recipients of the Bowditch award include Congressman James P. McGovern, Timothy Murray, president of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce and former Lt. Governor, and Michael V. O’Brien, former Worcester City Manager.

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