WORCESTER, MA – July 15, 2026 – Quinsigamond Community College celebrated a major construction milestone with a Topping Off Ceremony for its new QCC Center, marking the completion of the building’s structural frame. State and local leaders, project partners, and members of the college community gathered to witness the raising of the final beam and celebrate the progress of this transformational project.
"Through careful planning, advocacy, fundraising, design and construction, the vision is now becoming a reality,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja. “Most importantly, this will create opportunities for students to develop the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce and strengthen the connection between education, industry and our community."
The event featured a ceremonial beam signing and remarks from Pedraja; State Sen. Robyn Kennedy; State Rep. James O’Day; Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty; Assistant Secretary Robert LePage of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education; Deputy Commissioner Dr. Richard Riccardi of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; Commissioner Adam Baacke of the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM); and Craig Skurka, operations manager for Gilbane Building Company.
"The raising of the beam is a moment for us to give gratitude and thank those who have stepped up to make this a reality,” Kennedy said. “As you join into the growing skyline of Worcester, we continue to grow with you. By signing our names to these beams, we are signing our commitment to make sure the school continues to be successful.”
The Topping Off Ceremony commemorated the progress of the $37.4 million renovation and expansion project, which is transforming a 1960s-era athletic facility into a modern, accessible hub for learning, workforce development and student life.
Upon completion, the 57,000-square-foot facility will feature advanced manufacturing and robotics laboratories, hospitality training spaces, flexible classrooms and revitalized athletic facilities. The project also includes significant upgrades to aging infrastructure and accessibility improvements designed to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
“This project is so important to the mission and vision of Quinsigamond Community College, the region it serves and the Commonwealth,” Riccardi said. “We know that holistic student success incorporates curricular and co-curricular initiatives, and this project provides the infrastructure to check both of those boxes.”
Speakers highlighted the collaborative partnership among the college, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and project stakeholders that have made this investment possible.
“It is a necessity that we continue to improve our community college environments,” O’Day said. “The legislature has made it very clear that not only is higher ed important, but certainly the community college segment is equally as important. It’s been an honor to be able to represent the college.“
While the majority of the renovation is funded by DCAMM, the project reflects the type of transformational campus investment envisioned through the Commonwealth's BRIGHT Act (An Act to Build Resilient Infrastructure to Generate Higher Education Transformation). The statewide initiative is designed to support modernization of public higher education facilities.
“I want to thank our legislative partners for championing the BRIGHT Act to date and hopefully getting it across the finish line so we can keep doing impactful projects like this one,” Baacke said. “As someone whose parents both worked at community colleges, I know there are few things we do that are more important in changing the lives of residents across the Commonwealth than what community colleges do every day.”
Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the facility will support improved energy performance, enhanced indoor air quality and long-term sustainability goals.
“Buildings like this bring jobs to your community – great-paying opportunities for advancement. We are looking forward to continuing to make these investments. They are about the future of the economy,” LePage said.
Skurka recognized the efforts of the construction team and project partners in reaching the milestone safely and efficiently.
“Today's event celebrates a significant construction milestone and the many people and partnerships helping us bring this project to life,” Skurka said. “At Gilbane, we are committed to creating healthy, safe and sustainable spaces that have a lasting effect on the community. We are honored to partner with QCC on this transformative project.“
The QCC Center is expected to open in Fall 2027 and will serve as a centerpiece of the college's campus, creating new opportunities for hands-on learning, workforce training and community engagement.
“When we look at this structure, we aren’t just looking at steel beams and concrete; we’re looking at the literal framework of Worcester’s economic future,” said Petty. “True progress means lifting everyone up. By expanding physical accessibility and producing state-of-the-art, energy-efficient systems, QCC is ensuring our green energy and equity goals move forward.”