Search form

You are here

Philip Pettinelli leads the charge again for QCC; South County donors contribute nearly $150,000 to the College’s Regional Investment and Service (RISE) Campaign

Contact: Cherie Ronayne
Office of Institutional Communications
508.854.2849
cronayne [at] qcc.mass.edu

Release Date: 
12/16/2014

Southbridge, MA – December 16, 2014 – Under the leadership of recently retired President and CEO of Southbridge Savings Bank Philip Pettinelli, five major institutions in South County have stepped up mightily for QCC’s RISE Campaign. 

Chaired by Susan Mailman, President of Coghlin Electrical Contractors in Worcester, the campaign is in full swing, raising funds for endowed scholarships and teaching positions, supporting state-of-the-art program delivery in high-growth industries throughout the region -- including South County -- and securing the best and newest instructional equipment for the College’s new Healthcare and Workforce Development Center and Quinsigamond Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST) Center in Worcester. The Campaign is organized by the private sector, non-profit QCC Foundation, whose President is Larry Morrison of Sturbridge. 

On October 29, Ms. Mailman announced the $5 million campaign, noting that $3.2 million had been raised from numerous institutional donors, to date. With Mr. Pettinelli at the helm, South County is well-represented with generous contributions from the Southbridge Savings Bank, United Lens Company, Savers Bank and Southbridge Credit Union, with in-kind support pledged from the Harrington Hospital. Several years ago, Mr. Pettinelli headed QCC’s Open Door Campaign, to which all of these South County donors and many others contributed nearly $150,000, as the College opened its Southbridge site.  In Mr. Pettinelli’s words, “We are proud to support QCC in its efforts to provide advanced training and education for our region’s workers.”  

Over 70 certificates and degrees can be completed on-site at QCC’s Southbridge location, which opened in 2009. In support of expanded programming for South County, Governor Deval Patrick announced a $2 million grant for advanced manufacturing equipment to support the creation of QCC’s new Innovative Technology Acceleration Center (ITAC) in Southbridge. QCC is collaborating on this project with Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MMEP) and Fitchburg State University. With respect to the College’s growing public/private partnership in South County, QCC President Gail E. Carberry said, “QCC is honored to collaborate with such a dedicated group of private partners to provide access to training and education in high-growth industries in our service area.  Collaborative, strategic investment will help ensure that people in our community have access to the training they need to get good jobs and that employers have access to an educated workforce.”

The South County donors expressed the sentiment that community is vitally important to local businesses and the economy; contributing to QCC’s presence in South County is equally as important. Joseph A. Coderre, President and CEO, Savers Bank, said, “We couldn’t be happier than to support QCC. What the college has done for the town of Southbridge has been critical. We’re all part of the fabric of the community that we continually weave to serve more residents and improve their lives. We’ve also had many employees take advantage of QCC being in the neighborhood by taking classes.”

Todd M. Tallman, President and CEO, Southbridge Savings Bank, echoed those sentiments saying, “We are very supportive of educational opportunities in Southbridge and are committed to giving back.  The connection with QCC is natural and easy.”


Tara King, Sales Manager, United Lens Company, added, “United Lens has been in the community for 98 years. It’s important for us to support our community and always has been - we’re very proud to do so.” 

Kim Quinn, Southbridge Credit Union’s Chief Operations Officer representing President and CEO  Jeffrey Davenport, went on to say, “This is part of our mission – to support the community and QCC is an important part of the community.”

Ed Moore, President and CEO, Harrington HealthCare System added, “As the largest employer in the area, we’re thrilled to be part of this mutually beneficial partnership. It works. It’s been a great partnership.”

QCC is celebrating 50 years of serving Central Massachusetts with high quality, affordable higher education. The College serves 45 towns and cities in the southern 2/3 of Worcester County. Since its establishment in 1963, QCC has produced more than 23,000 alumni, the vast majority of whom stay to live and work in the area. The College offers more than 70 certificate and degree programs, and graduates nearly 1,400 students each year.   As a regional leader in education and workforce development, QCC serves the diverse educational needs of Central Massachusetts by providing affordable, accessible, high quality and relevant programming that leads to transfer, career, and lifelong learning.

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.