Another year is behind us and what a year it has been! December at QCC was filled with holiday spirit through a variety of events for students, faculty, and staff—many of which I had the pleasure of attending.
Camaraderie and collegiality were on full display during the Wyvern Wednesday Warm Wishes event, where I shared cookies, hot chocolate, and enjoyable conversation with students, faculty, and staff. Next, I attended the college’s Holiday Market, which showcased handmade creations by QCC students, faculty, and staff. The holiday festivities continued at the Wyvern Wonderland Holiday Luncheon, featuring delicious food, a festive photo booth, and live music by Professor Jose Castillo.
Spending time with our students is always one of the highlights for me and this month I took part in the Toys for Joy toy drive distribution. Thanks to Toys for Joy and Stuff A Cruiser, 120 students were able to pick up toys for 301 children to help make their holidays brighter. Other highlights included attending the Fall 2025 Psi Beta Induction Ceremony, the Fall Honors Colloquium Showcase, and the nurse pinning ceremony. At the pinning ceremony, I was honored to speak to these remarkable nursing graduates and share a personal story about the profound impact their profession has had on my life.
This month I once again spoke with Hank Stolz on his radio show, Talk of the Commonwealth. This is such a wonderful way to let the community know all the amazing things happening at QCC.
Speaking of community, I also had the opportunity to have some coffee, cookies, and conversation with the Human Resources and Access, Opportunity, and Institutional Compliance departments.
We ended the year on a high note by welcoming three new trustees at the New Trustees Orientation. What an honor to have these three individuals, who have close ties to our community, as part of the board. Max German, Maricelis “Mari” Gonzalez, and Jessica Mandes each bring their own unique and diverse experiences to our board of trustees, which will be an incredible asset to our college.
Other December highlights included celebrating our Assistant Dean of the School of Healthcare, Shanan Stratis, who was named Worcester Business Journal’s Healthcare Educator of the Year at the WBJ’s Champions of Healthcare Award ceremony.
In addition, I attended the HECCMA Board Meeting, the Workforce Advisory Council Meeting, the Worcester Chamber’s 150th Annual Meeting, and the NECHE Annual Meeting, as well as a special QCC Alumni & Friends Dinner Reception in Boston. The latter was a particularly special event that gave me a chance to meet with alumni and donors, who make such a difference in the lives of our students. I hope this will become an annual event.
Finally, we wrapped up the year with a full Board of Trustees meeting that shared the successes of the past year and the positive outlook for 2026.
Thank you all for what you have accomplished this past year, and I look forward to everything we will achieve together in 2026.