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December 2023
  • From left: Reynaldo Rodriguez, Anthony Simo and Carl Tirocchi
  • A large Thanksgiving donation for the Veteran Affairs Office
  • From left: Jada Bell, Natanial Dinis, Nick Yacuzzi, Gina Cone, Dawn Davis and Anthony Simo
December 2023

QCC Cares

The QCC community truly came out to support each other this holiday season for a variety of causes. 

The Veteran Affairs Office expressed immense gratitude to everyone who donated turkeys, canned goods, fresh produce, socks, underwear and shirts that ensure QCC's veterans can spend the holidays in comfort with full bellies and warm clothes. 

Once again the Stuff-A-Cruiser...

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  • Tyler Wills (left) with QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja and Santa at the Worcester Public Market
December 2023

QCC Student Spreading Joy Throughout Worcester

If you were at the Worcester Public Market recently you may have noticed a familiar elf, QCC student Tyler Wills, spreading holiday cheer! Tyler's friend has been making appearances as Santa for a decade and a few years ago Tyler wanted to join in on the fun. They have been spreading holiday cheer in the Worcester area ever since. They were recently at the Worcester Public Market where...

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  • Donate a winter coat or accessory for the Coat Drive
December 2023

Help Someone Keep Warm This Winter with the QCC Coat Drive

QCC’s Early Childhood Education Club in conjunction with the Athletic Center will be collecting donations of new or gently used winter coats and accessories for QCC students and their children, in preparation for the cold weather! Please make sure garments are clean and in good condition before dropping them off.

The Coat Drive is going on through January 19, 2024.

Donation areas...

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  • Marketing Manager Gina Cone (left) and student Tyler Wills with Cone's homemade dog treats
  • Alumni Association President Suzanne Graham
  • Sarai Rivera with fair trade global goods
  • Former QCC employee Déborah González (right) selling jewelry
  • Alum Michelle Memnon
  • Student Tue Lac with a homemade crochet keychain
  • Student Michael Frey with self-published novels
December 2023

QCC Community Gets Crafty with Second Holiday Market

The halls were decked and spirits were high as Quinsigamond Community College hosted its second annual Holiday Market, which brought together faculty, staff, students and alumni to share their creativity and celebrate the festive season.

Booths overflowed with unique creations, showcasing the diverse talents of the QCC community. From handmade jewelry and fine art to festive knitwear and ...

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  • Professor of Environmental/Physical Science and Coordinator of Liberal Arts-Environmental Science Option Program Anita Soracco
December 2023

Environmental Science Professor Challenges Thoughts on Climate Change

Anita Soracco is hopeful about combating climate change but says that we need to collectively act now, which includes comprehensive education starting at an early age. As a professor of Environmental/Physical Science and the Coordinator of the Liberal Arts-Environmental Science Option Program at QCC, Soracco has noticed that her students are frustrated about the lack of climate change...

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  • The 2023-2024 Interactive Media Advisory Committee
December 2023

Alumni Experts Join Forces for the Interactive Media Advisory Committee

In a fitting celebration for the 30th anniversary of QCC's Applied Arts program, the Interactive Media 2023-2024 Advisory Committee recently met for its first in-person meeting to discuss current trends in the dynamic world of design. The committee is made up of 13 professionals who graduated from QCC with a degree in Interactive Media (or the former Applied Arts program) and went on to...

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  • Assistant Professor of Radiologic Technology Nicole Wolfrum
December 2023

Rad Tech Professor Gets Published for Innovative Imaging Technique

Assistant Professor of Radiologic Technology Nicole Wolfrum was recently published in the Journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (Volume 95, Number 2, November.December 2023) for her innovative technique for shoulder imaging.

Wolfrum's innovative technique came about when she was working in an emergency room about six years ago.A patient...

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  • Annawon Weeden presents for Native American Heritage Month at QCC
  • Annawon Weeden presents for Native American Heritage Month at QCC
  • Members of the audience perform a dance with Annawon Weeden (left)
  • Annawon Weeden presents for Native American Heritage Month at QCC
  • Annawon Weeden presents for Native American Heritage Month at QCC
December 2023

Native American Heritage Month: There's More to the Story

In a departure from his lecture format from 2022, Anawon Weeden visited QCC once again for Native American Heritage Month and gave an immersive portrayal of a Native American person interacting with European colonists. He started the presentation in what would have been the 1400s and only spoke to the audience in the native language of that time period, using hand gestures to communicate. He...

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  • ACLC student Joselyn Suero and ESOL Instructor Jay Villagómez
December 2023

Adult Community Learning Center Gets Increase in Funding

Quinsigamond Community College’s Adult Community Learning Center (ACLC) has received over $1.8 million per year for five years in its latest funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The increase has enabled the hiring of more instructors and support staff to accommodate ACLC’s high-demand programs. This increase in funding has led to approximately 140 additional...

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  • (From left) Shanan Stratis, Michelle Savrann, Dr. Said Nafai and Dr. James Keane
December 2023

Occupational Therapy Alum Expresses Gratitude to QCC

QCC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program got a special visit last month from Dr. Said Nafai, who has been referred to by some as the "father of occupational therapy in Morocco."

Nafai was born and raised in Morocco and started at QCC in the ESL program. With the encouragement of his family, he enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, received his...

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  • The Black Student Union at Brooklyn Library
  • BSU's Paint Night
  • BSU's Paint Night
  • BSU's Paint Night
December 2023

An Exciting November for the Black Student Union

Last month, several students from the Black Student Union and their faculty advisor Brenda Safford went to Brooklyn, New York to see The Book of HOV exhibit at the Brooklyn Library. The exhibit is an installation created by Roc Nation to celebrate the life and work of Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. Afterward, the students enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Cheryl...

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  • The 2023 Women's Soccer Team
December 2023

Women's Soccer Team Perseveres Through Playoff Making Season

In case you missed last month’s Wyvern Sports Corner, don’t forget to congratulate the women’s soccer team on an amazing season that brought them all the way to the National Junior College Athletic Association regional playoffs.

Before the Fall 2023 semester, there hadn’t been a women’s soccer team since 2019. Former Head Women’s Basketball Coach Andy Lynch stepped in to...

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  • QCC Safety Corner
December 2023

Safety Corner

Ongoing Run, Hide, Fight Training

As we wind down the year, thus far 121 students, faculty and staff have taken the first step in the three-part Run, Hide, Fight program. Training is being offered by Community Resources Officer Nicholas Yacuzzi and Sergeant William McGuinness II at both the main campus (670 West Boylston St., Worcester) on Tuesdays and Thursdays...

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  • QCC Men's Basketball player Daniel Edmonds
December 2023

Wyvern Sports Corner

Pep Rally

Come to the pep rally on Thursday, January 23, 2024 to cheer on the Wyverns Men’s and Women’s basketball teams for their first home games of the spring semester. Don't miss the exciting half-time show featuring a foul shot contest to win air pods, QCC swag bag and more. Games will take place in the Athletic Center.

  • Women's game at...
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  • Natalie Cook, facilitator for the Movies for Mental Health workshop
  • Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kevin Lovaincy (left) and Director of Counseling and Wellness Tina Wells
  • (From left) Tanieka Gentles, Director of Counseling and Wellness Tina Wells, Natalie Cook and student Jada Bell
December 2023

Art With Impact: Movies Take on Mental Health

Art With Impact is a non-profit organization that promotes mental wellness by creating space for young people to learn and connect through art and media. 

The non-profit put on a two-hour workshop, “Movies for Mental Health,” which was sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Counseling and Wellness. Natalie...

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  • STEM Students of the Semester
December 2023

STEM Deans Announce STEM Students of the Semester for Fall 2023

STEM Dean Ben Benton (School of Mathematics and Science) and Acting Dean Kathy Rentsch (School of Business, Engineering & Technology) announced the names of 27 STEM students whose efforts and achievements are being recognized for Fall 2023 as STEM Students of the Semester.

“Students were selected by their course professors, based on demonstrating persistence in their...

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December 2023

QCC Welcomes New Staff

On November 20, QCC welcomed Mendrick Banzuela - DEI Program Administrator - Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Administrative Services. Mendrick brings several years of experience. Most recently, he was a Career and Transfer Services Generalist at QCC. Mendrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Worcester State University.

On November 20, QCC ...

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December 2023

In the News

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November 2023
  • Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Mariana Atencio
  • Mariana Atencio (left) with Future Focus Program Assistant Asia Bridell
  • From left: Dr. Lorna Rivera, Germán Chiriboga, Mariana Atencio, Dr. Luis Pedraja, Elena Quiroz-Livanis and Kevin Lovaincy
  • From left: Dr. Viviana Abreu-Hernandez mediating the panel with Elena Quiroz-Livanis, Dr. Lorna Rivera and Germán Chiriboga.
  • QCC Alumni Board President Suzanne (left) and Mariana Atencio
  • Mariana Atencio signing a book for Director of Health and Wellness Heather Lukas.
November 2023

Hispanic Heritage Month with Mariana Atencio

QCC concluded Hispanic Heritage Month with an incredible day of inspiration and connection centered around an inspiring keynote presentation by journalist, author and motivational speaker Mariana Atencio.

"Representation matters," said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja in his welcoming remarks. "I want to help all minoritized populations so that everyone feels like...

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  • Maria Milagros (center in green) with QCC employees at the Staff Development Conference
November 2023

Staff Development Conference Reveals the Truth About Work-Life Balance

October's Staff Development Conference kicked off with Maria Milagros (Vazquez), an award winning keynote speaker, author, two-time TEDx speaker, storyteller, personal growth expert and empowerment life coach. Milagros gave an energizing presentation that focused on her belief about work-life balance: it doesn't exist. 

"The thing about a full-time...

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  • QCC alum Jennifer Hernandez
November 2023

QCC Alum Named Outstanding Woman in Business by Worcester Business Journal

Hard work and a community focus have been paying off for QCC Alum Jennifer Hernandez, who was recently named one of Worcester Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Worcester Class of 2024.

Hernandez runs GEM Marketing Solutions in Worcester and focuses on helping local businesses become the best...

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  • Jorge Sierra receiving his associate degree from QCC in 2022.
  • Jorge Sierra with members of the QCC community.
November 2023

Disability Awareness Month Brings QCC Alum Back to Campus

In celebration of October's Disability Awareness Month, Student Accessibility Services and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, hosted QCC alum and motivational speaker Jorge Sierra. Sierra was shot in a gang-related incident in 1997, which left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair at the age of 17. Initially, he was devastated, but as he told the crowd at QCC, it showed him that...

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  • Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kevin Lovaincy reads to children.
  • A child shows Kevin Lovaincy a drawing during his visit to the Early Childhood Education Lab School.
  • Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kevin Lovaincy looks at a child's drawing.
  • Children's School students get a handle of the fire hose.
  • A Children's School student up front on the fire engine
  • QCC Campus Police Officer Anthony Simo shows off some gear.
November 2023

Children's School Students Get DEI Days with Kevin Lovaincy

On Monday, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kevin Lovaincy paid a special visit to the The Children’s School: Early Childhood Education Lab School to read and discuss a book called "Be You!" by Peter H. Reynolds. 

The children got to see vibrant illustrations and hear inspirational messages about growing into a unique person such as, ...

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  • The 2023-2024 Student Government Association
  • Director of Student Life Ashlee Givins swearing in Maria Mikhaeil
  • Performance at the SGA Swearing-In Ceremony
  • SGA members Phoenix Zaja, Mike Frey, Jessica Heywood and Dignamar Figueroa
November 2023

Student Government Sworn In for 2023-2024 Academic Year

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023 the 2023-2024 Student Government Association (SGA) was officially sworn in. The new association consists of:

  • Dignamar Figueroa - Chair 
  • Mike Frey - Vice Chair of SGA 
  • Jessica Heywood - Vice Chair of Public Relations
  • Maria Mikhaeil - Student Trustee
  • ...
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  • QCC police patch badge
November 2023

QCC Police Department Awarded State Recognized Accreditation

In early October, the Quinsigamond Community College Campus Police Department was once again awarded state accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).

“This is an honor not only for our department, but also for the college,” said QCC Chief of Police Kevin Ritacco. “Accreditation assures the college community that the Police Department is...

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  • QCC Director of Community Engagement Sean Harris (left) and Kwame Appiah of Kumasi FC Soccer Club
November 2023

QCC Presents First Community Impact Award to Kumasi Soccer Club

On October 12, 2023, Quinsigamond Community College presented its first Community Impact Award to Kwame Appiah and his family members for their work and founding of the Kumasi FC Soccer Club. The Kumasi FC Soccer Club has been serving the Greater Worcester community since 2010 and offers a variety of soccer workshops to children ranging from toddlers (age 2) to 15-year-olds.

The Community Impact Award was...

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  • QCC Safety Corner
November 2023

Safety Corner

Valuable FBI-LEEDA Training Helps Advance Safety Communications

As QCC continues to advance and fortify its safety protocols and procedures, understanding the importance of delivering timely, appropriate and accurate information, particularly during crisis situations, is a vital part of safety communications. Last month Deputy Chief Stephen DiGiovanni and Karen Hutner...

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  • A student uses virtual reality technology during the Transfer and Technology Fair.
November 2023

Transfer and Tech Fair

On Halloween, QCC hosted an epic transfer and technology fair. Students were able to visit with over 60 colleges and universities to learn about higher education options after QCC. Some of the institutions, including QCC, also showed off their latest technology projects.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute let attendees try out a special head cap that measures brain activity. When wearing the...

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  • Grace Kiffney, Beth Fullerton, Nicole Wijkamp, Leoni Gaikema and Maria Rachel de Paula Gomes
November 2023

Transfer Services Goes International with Exchange Program

QCC had the privilege of hosting a cultural job exchange through the Netherlands Professional & Cultural Exchange Program thanks to Coordinator of Transfer/Articulation Beth Fullerton. Fullerton and Nicole Wijkamp, a career and student support counselor at Rijn Ijssel in the Netherlands, were matched through the program, which began with Wijkamp's visit to QCC. For two weeks, Wijkamp...

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  • Career & Transfer Services Counselor Oscar Chavez and Coordinator, Career Services & Credit for Prior Learning Nichole Wheeler
  • A QCC Computer Science student with Penny the robot.
  • Dir. of Community Engagement Sean Harris, Corporate Dev. Specialist John McCarthy and STEM Starter Coordinator Darcy Carlson
  • QCC alum Christian Thompson and Yank Chhoeuk from David Clark
  • Representatives from Table Talk Pies, Inc.
November 2023

STEM Spectacle Shows Students Ins and Outs of Industry Careers

Students got a hands-on feel for careers in STEM on October 18 at the STEM Spectacle, sponsored by the Center for Career & Transfer Services and the STEM Starter Academy.

Representatives from several dynamic companies were in attendance to tell students what it's like to work in their industries, what day-to-day responsibilities are like and the benefits that come with employment. Companies...

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