As we welcome the start of a new academic year, August has been filled with meaningful opportunities to connect with the QCC community, from meeting new students during orientation to engaging with employees, alumni, and community partners. It has been exciting to see our campus come to life as we prepare for another successful semester at QCC.
August began with a visit to the Children’s School to film a fun and informative Campus Connections, followed by an appearance on Talk of the Commonwealth and participation in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Grove Village Lofts on August 10, highlighting the partnerships that strengthen our community and expand opportunities throughout the region.
Mid-month, I joined the QCC team at the Somos Boriquas Festival on Worcester Common. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate culture, community, and education, while connecting with current and prospective students and their families. We were also pleased to welcome Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who stopped by the QCC booth during the event.
On August 20, I had the pleasure of welcoming our newest employees during the New Full-Time Faculty Orientation and New Adjunct Faculty Orientation. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to student success will help shape the educational experiences of our learners in the year ahead.
Toward the end of the month, we celebrated the Welcome New Student Experience, greeting new students as they began their journey at QCC. The enthusiasm and excitement across campus served as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the vital role we all play in supporting student success.
One of the month's highlights was participating in the Key to the City Ceremony honoring Rocky Knight, a respected entrepreneur, educator, nonprofit founder, and advocate for youth development. During the event, I had the privilege of introducing Rocky and recognizing her extraordinary commitment to empowering communities through education and entrepreneurship. Through the For One Child Foundation, she has positively impacted more than 1,500 students in Massachusetts and Jamaica, while her leadership of QCC's Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship continues to help students develop the skills, confidence, and resources needed to pursue their business goals.
The month concluded with QCC Alumni & Friends Night at the WooSox on August 28. It was wonderful to connect with alumni and supporters of the College.
As classes begin, I want to thank our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners for their continued dedication to QCC. I wish everyone a successful and rewarding semester and look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months ahead.
Luis