QCC's 2025 commencement will take place Thursday, May 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the DCU Center Worcester.
Commencement Speaker
Lauren Jones, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development
Secretary Lauren Jones brings nearly two decades of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus on workforce development. Prior to joining the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Jones served as Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and led the organization’s workforce development policy and strategy. She previously led the Massachusetts market for the non-profit Apprenti, where she worked with companies to cultivate and diversify tech talent through registered apprenticeships. She also created and led the Business Strategy Unit for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s Office of Economic Development, supporting business attraction and employer engagement in the city of Boston. Prior to that, she held several roles in the Patrick-Murray Administration, including Communications Director for the Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development, Policy & Communications Director for former Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, and Senior Program Manager of the Economic Development Incentive Program in the Office of Business Development.
As Executive Vice President of the Roundtable, Jones was the Co-Chair of the Workforce Solutions Group and served on the Board for the Massachusetts Workforce Association, the Executive Committee for the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education, the Board of Advisors for the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, the Boston Private Industry Council, and previously served on the Future of Work Commission. She holds a Master's in Public Administration from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Providence College. She lives in Boston.
Information for Graduates
Graduates will need to be at the DCU between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. and will enter through Door 2 to the South Hall-Student Robing Area. Please see The Q for more information.
Information for Guests
Please assist us by leaving at home such personal items as large bags, diaper bags, wrapped gifts, backpacks, etc. All such items will be subject to search. If there are things you or your guests absolutely must have with you, please bring them in a clear plastic bag.
As always, if you see something, say something, and we will work together to ensure a safe and joyous Commencement Ceremony.
- Graduates are welcome to invite as many family members or guests to the Commencement Ceremony as they like, there is no limit. Invitations are not required.
- Family members and guests will enter the DCU Center through the main entrance (Doors 10-12). Programs will be distributed at this entrance. All bags will be subject to search. Doors open for guests at 11:30 a.m.
- Students will enter through Door 2 to the South Hall – Student Robing Area
- Per the DCU Center, no balloons are allowed, so please refrain from bringing them.
- The event venue has accessible routes and seating throughout the DCU Center. The ceremony will be closed-captioned. Sign Language interpreters will interpret the ceremony from the platform.
The QCC Bookstore will have a selection of QCC clothing and gift items available for purchase in the Main Lobby at the DCU Center during the Commencement Ceremony. The store will be accepting cash and credit card at the event.
Additional Contact Information:
- General Commencement Info: 508.854.4257 | Registrar@qcc.mass.edu
- ADA Concerns: 508.854.4470 or 4471 | kproctor@qcc.mass.edu
Parking Information
The DCU Center does not own or operate parking facilities but there are several garages and flat lots located within walking distance of the Arena and Convention Center. To access parking information, visit the DCU website.
Worcester has over 10,000 available parking spaces in municipal and private lots as well as on street parking.
