Newsletter Archive

Mixhe Bedrick Named Newman Civic Fellow

Every once in a while you meet a person who is motivated to better not only themselves, but work for the betterment of others. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Vice President Krystle “Mixhe” Bedrick is one such person. The QCC sophomore is set to graduate in May and has already been making a name for herself in the Worcester community, as well as the QCC community.  She was recently named a Newman Civic Fellow. This is a one-year fellowship experience for community-minded students, which supports the student’s personal, professional and civic development. This is the first time a QCC student was recommended for this fellowship. Each student is required to have his/her own mentor, a stipulation of the Newman Civic Fellowship. PTK alumna Kim Lawrence was asked and agreed to be Ms. Bedrick's mentor.

“It’s an honor giving back to anyone and it’s a privilege to give back to PTK,” Ms. Lawrence said.

"We are incredibly proud of Mixhe and the amazing accomplishments she has achieved. She has faced adversities in her life, but has never let those stand in the way of a brighter future," QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja said. "She is a shining example for others." 

Ms. Bedrick was also recently chosen as a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and is one of 456 finalists, chosen from over 1,500 applicant from across the nation. Winners for the award will be announced in April.

Ms. Bedrick attributes much of what she has accomplished at QCC to being an active member of the PTK, QCC's honor society.

“Phi Theta Kappa has been the platform that has lifted me up. As a person with many intersecting marginalized identities, it has been difficult to find success. My membership, outside of marrying my spouse and having children, has been the most challenging but fulfilling part of my life,” Ms. Bedrick said.” I have always enjoyed being a student and learning, but Phi Theta Kappa gave me the opportunity to be part of something greater, a global consciousness that is focused on improving the lives of all people. My life is changed for the better, and I will be forever grateful.”

Ms. Bedrick said it was the invitation to join PTK that was the catalyst for change within her life.

“It's difficult to say everything I feel for Phi Theta Kappa. I was extended an invitation to join the Honor Society and was thrilled, and then, melancholy. I knew that I did not have the money to pay for the membership fee, but still felt compelled to follow through. When I walked into the PTK office I told the advisors that I did not have the money to join, but still very much wanted to be a part of the organization. I said something to the effect of, "If this is for me, then it will be.”

Being part of PTK was "meant to be" for Ms. Bedrick, who was offered a scholarship to cover the cost of membership and encouraged to run for an officer position.

“I felt elated. I felt seen. PTK was already taking the time to tell me that I am deserving, and that made me feel welcomed. I found a place to grow as a leader as I was elected as Vice President of Leadership after coming in second in the race for the presidency,” she said.

The officer position offered Ms. Bedrick opportunities to expand her horizon and broadened her experience academia.

“The research that I have participated in has spurred my advocacy and activism. It is because of what we discovered during research that pushed me into my civic engagement. I have been active in advocating for transportation equity in my community, as a way to combat poverty and systemic oppression. Phi Theta Kappa opened the door for me to be able to become a voice for my community. It has given me the foundation and backing to be taken seriously as a student advocate,” she said.

Today Ms. Bedrick sits on the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Board as a representative for the QCC population, working to help reduce fare rates for all college students, as well as working to get public transportation closer to those who are incarcerated in the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.

“Currently the closest WRTA stop is 1.7 miles away,” she said, noting that studies have shown that visitation helps to reduce recidivism.

The next group of PTK officers will soon be elected and Ms. Bedrick wants to encourage others to take a chance and run for office.

“My membership, plainly stated, has changed the trajectory of my life forever. The opportunities that I have been able to take advantage of, the accolades, achievements and scholarships I have received, and the networking connections that I have made have all come from being active in my Chapter,” she said. “I am the first person in my family to attend college. I will be the first to graduate, and I'm slated to transfer to an Ivy League institution, something I never thought possible before joining PTK.”

For more information, visit Phi Theta Kappa.

Melodic sounds by Quinsigamond Community College student Yozue Davila and Music Program Coordinator Jose Castillo set the tone for the College’s annual Legislative Breakfast held on Friday, February 7 at the Harrington Learning Center. Over a dozen legislators or their representatives from across the region, in addition to QCC faculty and staff, spent part of their morning learning about what makes QCC so unique, from the people who can speak to this best – the students.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Vice President, Krystle “Mixhe” Bedrick,  gave an emotional and heartfelt accounting of her life as a first generation college student, whose experience at QCC she said, has been “wonderful and life changing.” She told those in attendance about an upbringing of intergenerational poverty. Today, poised to graduate in May with an Early Childhood Education degree, Ms. Bedrick is hoping to attend Smith College this fall.  Already the scholarships and awards are stacking up for her. She is the college's first Newman Civic Fellow, a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, and a recipient of the MLK Scholarship, Fuller Foundation Scholarship and the Roland Lajoie Scholarship.

“I never believed in my entire life I could attend college,” she said. “I stand before you having worked incredibly hard to be worth the accolades bestowed on me today.”

“QCC lifts you up and I’m proud to be a student here.  When I graduate from QCC I will be the first in my family to graduate college,” Ms. Bedrick continued, proudly adding, “I have Ivy League institutions emailing me!”

QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja told the legislators, “What we do here we do for our students. We are always striving to assist students in fulfilling their dreams.”

QCC’s Student Government Association President Jorgo Gushi, a bilingual engineering student from Albania, and a member of PTK, told the legislators of the metamorphosis he experienced when he began at QCC.

“QCC was the place where I grew as a student leader and individual,” he said.

Mr. Gushi is hoping to transfer to Worcester Polytechnic Institute or an Ivy League school in the fall to continue his education and told the legislators it is the pathway that QCC has paved for him that has transformed his life. “QCC is about far more than attending classes,” he said, noting that for him it was also about building confidence and acquiring leadership skills. “My voice was fostered by the QCC family. Many of the skills that are making me a good leader were developed and taught at QCC.”

Another student speaker, PTK President Tabitha Leber described her journey to QCC as a 21-year-old single mom who had experienced a debilitating, on-the-job injury and as a result could no longer work. Having to still take care of herself and child, she began working in her daughter’s kindergarten classroom and realized how fulfilling that was. A chance conversation with her daughter’s kindergarten teacher made her realize she wanted to become a teacher. She began taking classes at QCC part-time, while continuing to work for Worcester Public Schools. Today she is a full-time student, telling those in the audience of the amazing initiatives the College’s honor society works on such as the QCC Food Pantry and Resource Center and the PTK Live and Learn Greenhouse.

“We are so grateful for Dr. Pedraja who supports us through these initiatives, which helps students return to college and the community at large,” she said.

QCC Foundation Board President Dr. Linda Maykel addressed the inequity in the current state funding formula, which affords community colleges only 25 percent of higher education funding. She addressed the ways in which QCC is working to help students attend college by working to increase scholarships, expanding daycare, and even looking at an emergency fund for students who experience events that might preclude them from coming back to college.

QCC’s Student Trustee Mustafa Bowden, an immigrant from Libya, expounded on the issues students face, addressing one of the common obstacles – purchasing textbooks.

“Here we have the most dedicated, committed students who step over every barrier there is, yet the biggest barrier we face is paying for a $500 textbook,” he said.

Mr. Bowden went on to discuss the Open Educational Resources (OER) that offers students the ability to access online textbooks for free.

“This alternative will be an accessible way for our students to have better grades in college. I represent 7,000-plus students and close to 50 percent of them are facing hunger and close to 12 percent are facing homelessness insecurity. If we can take that $500 book cost away then no one will have to choose between a meal or the cost of a book,” he said. “We ask for your help, endorsement and support of the OER initiative so more students can pursue higher education.”

While President Pedraja explained the many projects and programs that are going on at QCC, he reminded the legislators of the quality workforce QCC has delivered to the Commonwealth, through the students of QCC.

“I’ve talked to employers who like having our students.They know our students are dedicated. It says a lot about what we are all about. We need to continue to invest in higher education to ensure the Commonwealth succeeds,” he said.

“Education is a way to release those bonds so that our dreams can be a reality. This can’t happen without legislative support,” Ms. Bedrick said, pointedly telling legislators, “Without this institution I would not be the person I am today.”

Quinsigamond Community College’s Dean of Institutional Research and Planning, Dr. Ingrid Skadberg, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award. She is the fourth person from QCC to be honored as a Fulbright Scholar, and is one of only six from the U.S. who will be visiting Russia for two weeks in April. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program and is designed to build lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. It operates in over 160 countries worldwide. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as record of service and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields.

Dr. Skadberg holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the City University of New York (CUNY), specializing in immigration studies and education, and has been a QCC staff member since 2006. In addition to her duties as dean of Institutional Research and Planning at QCC, she is the co-chair of the College’s strategic plan.

During her two-weeks in Russia she will spend time in Moscow, Tula and Volgorad, in a variety of academic, business and cultural settings learning about Russia’s educational processes, as well how their educational system is working to meet industry demands. She will also do a presentation about QCC and its programs.

“Exposure to various viewpoints will enable me to approach my work from a different perspective and be more effective in shaping institutional policy,” Dr. Skadberg said. “There is a lot that we could learn from Russia’s approach to education. One challenge that many countries encounter is how to better align workforce development with industry needs. Many of Russia’s challenges in workforce development are similar and I’m interested in learning how and what they are doing.”

Dr. Skadberg is one of over 800 U.S. citizens who will teach, conduct research, and/or provide expertise abroad for the 2019-2020 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. QCC's other Fulbright Scholars include: English Professor Trent Masiki; Assistant Vice President for Workforce Readiness and Innovation, Dr. Kathleen "Kathy" Rentsch; and Business Administration Professor Flo Lucci.

Two peas in a pod…that’s what most people think of when they meet South High School students Milexie Evri and Shannen Jimenez. The seniors, who have been friends and virtually inseparable since high school, have recently been taking part in Quinsigamond Community College’s Early College Program. They are currently on-track to complete their fifth class this semester, which will earn them a total of 15 college credits before they even graduate high school.

QCC’s Early College program gives high school students the ability to take college courses for college credit at no cost. The program gives students a chance to experience college ahead of time, with the goal of having students enroll in college after they graduate from high school. The program allows students to earn college credits while simultaneously attending high school as is the case for Ms. Evri and Ms. Jimenez.

According to Ms. Jimenez, both students are currently taking AP classes at their high school; however, when they found out about the opportunity to take college courses for credit at no cost, they each jumped at the chance.

The students say they find the college courses challenging, but both said they are enjoying the independence.

“You have to be independent and you either do the work or you don’t. You are treated as adults,” Ms. Evri said. “Being able to experience college, the classes, and the college environment for credit, and for free, has been great.”

“As my parents said, ‘if you do it, do it right,’” Ms. Jimenez continued.

Both young women have already taken a variety of courses together that included art, psychology, business law and introduction to microcomputer applications. This semester they are each taking a different mathematics course. They come to QCC each day on a Worcester school bus and travel home at the end of the day by way of the city bus.

Their schedule is incredibly busy and they each put in hours nightly doing homework, yet the two don't seemed phased by the work load.

“We’ve got it down and we know how to manage our time,” Ms. Jimenez said.

The early college experience has been one that both young women say has been a positive one, noting the support they have been receiving from their QCC instructors.

“The teachers are very nice and a lot of them are really encouraging. They understand we have other things in our lives and high school too,” Ms. Jimenez continued. “They make you feel comfortable and listen to you.”

According to Ms. Jimenez, her older sister has also started QCC and her mom is now interested in coming to QCC for nursing.

While Ms. Evri and Ms. Jimenez have applied to several colleges along with QCC, they both believe they will end up attending QCC.

“The faculty are here for you if you need anything,” Ms. Jimenez added. “This has been a good experience.”

To learn more, visit QCC’s Early College Program.

February is Black History Month and at QCC on February 25, the college’s Black Student Union and the League of Women Voters in Worcester hosted a program by Bridgett Hylton, Esq. that highlighted the history of the black vote. Ms. Hylton is the assistant director of the Counseling and Assessment Clinic of Worcester, a clinic that provides mental health services to the residents of Central Massachusetts. She attended Dartmouth College and received her law degree from Harvard Law.

QCC students Ryan Rios, president of the Black Student Union, and Destiny Fausta, vice president of the Black Student Union, introduced Ms. Hylton, who represents the League of Women Voters in the Worcester Area and gave a bit of background on the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

The program began with a video, “Bridging History: Selma and the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” describing what has historically been known as “Bloody Sunday.” Out of these injustices came the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which created a significant change in the status of African Americans throughout the South. The Voting Rights Act prohibited the states from using literacy tests and other methods of excluding African Americans from voting. Prior to this, there was only an estimated 23 percent of voting-age African Americans who were registered nationally, but by 1969 that number had jumped to 61 percent.

“Ms. Hylton shared a timeline of events to help students understand how important voting is in our country and how their vote can help with our identity, decision-making and judgment. History provides models of good and responsible behavior, as well as teaching us how to learn from the mistakes of others,” said Associate Professor of Human Services Brenda Safford, who is also the advisor for the Black Student Union.

Quinsigamond Community College's Veteran Affairs department recently learned that it has earned the 2020-2021 Military Friendly^® School designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly^® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,000 schools participated in the 2020-2021 survey with 695 earning the designation.

"This is an honor to be designated as a military friendly institution. We try our best and do whatever it takes to help our student vets be successful," said Paula Ogden, director of Veteran Affairs.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly^® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining each institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

QCC's Veteran Affairs and Veterans Club offer veterans a robust array of services that range from academics, fellowship and comradery to social events and social service activities.To learn more visit Veteran Affairs. 

QCC Cheerleaders Bring Out Team Spirit

QCC’s Cheerleaders took to the courts at halftime during the Wyvern Men’s Basketball games, bringing a sense of community and camaraderie to the team and its spectators. The cheering squad performed dynamic dance routines, as well as mounts that showed the team’s skill and dexterity. Go Team Wyvern! 

Wyverns Rallied to End their Season on a High Note

The QCC Men’s Basketball team started off the year a bit slowly, but everything jelled in the second half of their season for the Wyverns, falling just shy of making the playoffs.

“They played hard, fast and with heart. Completing their season with a record of 10-11,” said Director of Athletics & Fitness Center, Lisa Gurnick.

The last game of the season featured Wyvern sophomore student athletes during the annual “sophomore game,” where the students presented a parent or guardian with flowers.

Standouts from the season included Victor Florentino, who averaged 12.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, and Brendan Dion, who ranked first in the NJCAA, Region XXI 3-point field goal percentage.

It was by pure chance that Douglas resident Ingrid Murphy read a story in the local paper about Quinsigamond Community College’s Food Pantry and Resource Center. A mother to two grown daughters, she was stunned to learn of the food insecurity that college students face, particularly right in her own back yard.

“I had never thought about college students going through hunger,” she said.

Deciding that she wanted to learn more, Ms. Murphy contacted QCC and spoke with Bonnie Coleman. Ms. Coleman is the college’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society advisor and has been instrumental in helping to run the food pantry. Ms. Murphy learned from Ms. Coleman that a college survey (2018 Wisconsin Hope Lab Survey) showed close to 50 percent of students at the College were food insecure.

“This is just so sad that these students are going through this on top of all the other things they have to deal with,” Ms. Murphy said.

It didn’t take long for her to decide that she wanted to help make a difference. As a member of the Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church in Whitinsville, and active member of the church’s women’s group, she knew it was the perfect time to bring this to the church’s attention, as the women were putting together a retreat and looking for a mission project. She presented her idea of gathering donations for the college’s food pantry and the women of the church were immediately onboard.

“They thought this would be great to use as our mission project,” she said.

Quickly the project snowballed as the entire church learned of the students’ needs. For eight Sundays the entire church collected donations for the school’s food pantry.

“We got a lot of donations. It was just wonderful and it spurred a lot of conversations,” she said, adding that she has no connection to QCC. “After we made our donation to QCC, another article was in the paper about college students and food pantries and people from the church sent it to me.”

Recently Ms. Murphy celebrated a milestone birthday and her husband, Brian Murphy, decided to do something extra special for her. Unbeknownst to her, he planned a surprise party in her honor and asked the invited guests to bring donations for the college’s food pantry. Needless to say, Ms. Murphy was flabbergasted when they held the party.

“Oh my gosh, I had no idea! They had all this food in the back and they brought it to me and asked that I donate it to the food pantry. I just lost it,” she said.

Donations ranged from food to toiletries, and even included $102 in cash.

“The whole car was filled. It was just amazing,” Ms. Coleman said.

Between the two donations, Ms. Coleman estimates there was close to $1,000 worth of food and toiletries donated. Ms. Murphy said she plans to keep making donations and bringing awareness to the needs’ of college students. The church is also planning to do another donation drive for the college’s food pantry in the spring.

“Young people need a break and we need to help them more. They’re our future,” she said, adding, “It takes a village doesn’t it?”

To learn more, visit the QCC Food Pantry and Resource Center .

As new and current students converge on Quinsigamond Community College’s campus, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) student volunteers will be manning the QCC Food Pantry and Resource Center to help any students experiencing food insecurity. A recent food donation made to the food pantry and resource center by Albert and Magdalena Maykel, owners of Living Earth Natural Market & Café, has enabled the pantry to be well-stocked for the start of the new semester. The food was even delivered to the food pantry by Mr. Maykel himself.

This semester there is a new addition to the food pantry -  a “Recipe of the Month,” which gives students the opportunity to pick up the majority of the ingredients in the featured recipe. This month’s recipe is “Mediterranean Cracked Wheat Salad.” While there is a limit of 15 items per month, anyone who chooses the “Recipe of the Month” will only be charged for two food items. 

Students wishing to use QCC’s Food Pantry and Resource Center must be current QCC students with a valid ID. Students who are new to the food pantry and resource center will be asked to fill out a confidential application on their first visit. During the intake process, students will be assigned a unique pantry ID number that they should bring with them each time they come to the food pantry and resource center.

The Food Pantry and Resource Center is located in on QCC’s main campus (670 West Boylston St., Worcester) in the Administration Building, room B63A.

 Currently the hours of operation are:

• Monday: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Closed on weekends.

Hours of operation will be subject change depending on volunteers, exam schedules, holidays and other factors. Due to limited volunteer availability, volunteers are only able to assist during posted hours.

One upcoming event will take place on Wednesday, February 26 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in room 367A (Administration building on QCC’s main campus). Cooking Matters Massachusetts will offer nutritional education to the first 20 students who sign up.  Developed to teach parents and caregivers with limited food budgets how to make healthy food choices, Cooking Matters Massachusetts, has visited the college’s food pantry and resource center on a few occasions. Students who wish to attend the session will receive a gift card from Market32. Space is limited. Interested students must RSVP to foodpantry [at] qcc.mass.edu  

Jacqui Viar is a 2017 Quinsigamond Community College graduate and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) alumna who graduated with highest honors with an Associate Degree in Business Administration Career, a certificate in Accounting/Finance and a Clerical Office Certificate. She was inducted into PTK in the spring of 2016 and was the PTK recording secretary from 2016-2017.

In the December 2019 issue of the Wyvern Guardian, Ms. Viar was mentioned in an article for giving back to her alma mater by knitting and crocheting hats for QCC students. Recently the Wyvern got a chance to learn more about this amazing alumna.

• After you graduated from QCC did you continue on in school or enter the workforce?

I will graduate with my BS in Accounting from UMass Dartmouth this May. I have done volunteer work for both Abby's House in Worcester and as a money management volunteer for Elder Services of Worcester for some time. Last summer I actually stepped out of my comfort zone and sought out an internship in accounting.  (*Recently Ms. Viar received a job offer to be an accountant. “I'm still in a bit of disbelief, but absolutely thrilled at the same time!”)

• You transferred to QCC from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Why did you choose to come to QCC?

Actually, I went to WPI out of high school and have three courses remaining to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. It was something I had been considering completing but thought better of it - I'm much happier with accounting.  Honestly, I chose QCC because I had been out of school for so long, and had been through a very dark and difficult time, I wasn't sure at all how well I would fare returning to school. Fortunately, it appears to have been just what I needed. QCC gave me the much needed courage and confidence to strive for more.

• You were an active member of PTK and are now an active alumna. Why is PTK important to you?

I was fortunate to know several fabulous students making invaluable contributions to the organization while I was active and it really motivated me and made an impact. I also admire how hard Bonnie (PTK Advisor Bonnie Coleman) works each year to make the organization successful and I guess in a selfish way, I wanted to continue to be a part of her goodness.

• You crochet (and knit) hats each year for QCC students. How long have you been doing this and why do you continue to do this?

I've been donating handmade items since I was a student, but last year one of the officers did a "hats for the homeless" campaign, which was something I could really contribute to. As long as the hats are useful to others, I'm honored to be making them.

• Lastly, what is it about QCC and PTK that is special for you?

I was impressed from day one by PTK's goal to actually help real people. It's a sincere mission and I think that's special all in itself! (I also just absolutely ADORE Bonnie and the remarkable work she does.)

To learn more visit PTK Honor Society.

As the Spring semester gets underway and students are back in classes, Director of Counseling and Wellness, Tina Wells, a licensed social worker with years of student experience, is prepared to help those students who may feel overwhelmed or in need of support. The office of Counseling and Wellness is dedicated to promoting the emotional well-being of QCC students, with the intent to facilitate the student's ability to achieve their life goals and manage everyday challenges.

“My position is essentially counseling and wellness. I focus on support and solutions for student wellness - personally and academically,” Ms. Wells said.

Services that are provided include:

• Direct personal counseling
• Community referrals to local vendors and resources, to help assist with therapy resources
• Health and wellness consultation, coaching and information
• Resource information for legal, financial, childcare, elder care, utility support, housing and transportation

According to Ms. Wells, students generally come to her office when they are in distress and in crisis. The goal is to manage the crisis or immediate distress first, then access what the primary needs of the student might be and go from there.

“We discuss their strengths and their abilities and help them move to a better mindset,” she said. “We then create a plan of action with the student.” Counseling and Wellness support is meant to be short-term and solution-focused.

A large inner city college that has a very diverse student population brings its own set of unique challenges. Ms. Wells said that a variety of different issues are routinely brought to her, which she then has to triage and deal with accordingly. “How students deal with things often has a cultural component to it as well,” she said. 

The priority is always mental health treatment, which is dealt with first and foremost. During emergency situations, Ms. Wells accesses local emergency rooms when needed. 

Ms. Wells has been at QCC for four years, playing an integral role in connecting students with the services they need both on and off campus. She wants faculty and staff to know she is a resource that is available to them for any questions or concerns they may have.

“I work hard to meet with any and all students who contact me, as well as those who are referred by faculty and staff,” she said.

To refer a student, faculty and staff can reach out directly to Ms. Wells at 508.854.4479 or email her at twells [at] qcc.mass.edu to schedule an appointment. For non-urgent issues, they can also fill out the “Care Form” located on the College’s intranet (Frequently used Forms section under “Student Incident Report”.)

As the spring semester begins, Ms. Wells has several simple recommendations to students on how they can cope with the stress of being in college.

• Take breaks from studying           
• Try to get enough sleep
• Make healthy food choices
• Talk to yourself as you would your best friend. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

The optimum way to contact the Office of Counseling and Wellness is by phone or email (see above) for an appointment. 

Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. To learn more visit Counseling and Wellness.  

Does the recent fairly mild January weather get you dreaming of a day on the links? If golfing is your passion and you want to help a student in need, the QCC Foundation might just have an answer for you. The Ultimate Golf Raffle, 30 Rounds in 30 Days™. The raffle is being held from April 1, 2020 - April 30, 2020 to raise funds for the Endowed Scholarship Fund and the QCC Food Pantry and Resource Center. This raffle offers you a chance to golf at some of today’s most elite golf clubs and raise money for the Quinsigamond Community College Foundation’s Endowed Scholarship Fund and the QCC Food Pantry.

Grand prize is a Las Vegas golf extravaganza, with a round of golf at the famed Cascata Club, in Nevada, considered by some to be the “8th Wonder in the Golfing World,” and one of the most spectacular places to golf. The grand prize package includes airfare for two to Las Vegas, Nevada, overnight accommodations at the Marriott Grand Chateau (4 nights), as well as golf for two at Cascata.

Other top prizes in the 30-day raffle include:

•  A trip to Naples, Florida that includes airfare and overnight accommodations for three people and golf at The Vineyards Country Club’s two link style and traditional style courses, where challenging play is available for every golfer at every skill level and handicap.
•  A getaway to Chatham on Cape Cod that includes overnight accommodations and golfing at Eastward Ho!, considered the finest course on Cape Cod and named one of the best courses in North America by Golf Digest. An early morning Bluefin tuna deep sea fishing trip completes this package.

Additional prizes include golf at 27 golf courses and clubs across New England to appeal to both the seasoned or beginner golfer.

Tickets are $50 each and a limit of 1,000 tickets will be sold. You have a one in 1,000 chance of being a winner!

Winning tickets are based on the last three digits of the Massachusetts mid-day daily lottery number. The raffle will begin on April 1, 2020 and end on April 30, 2020. Numbers will be posted daily by 4:00 p.m. at 30 Rounds in 30 Days

To purchase a raffle ticket, contact the QCC Foundation at qccfoundation [at] qcc.mass.edu; contact a QCC Foundation Director, or contact Assistant Director of Operations, Shirley Dempsey at 508.854.4520. The deadline to purchase tickets is March 31, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. No tickets can be sold after this deadline. To learn more, visit 30 Rounds in 30 Days

The Veterans Club is currently holding a K-Cup Coffee Drive for U.S. troops serving overseas. Those wishing to donate K-Cups for the troops may drop off their donation to the Veteran Affairs Office, room 258A (Administration Building at QCC’s main campus). 

Recently Veteran Affairs, in conjunction with the Veterans Club, hosted a Valentines for Veterans Drive to show appreciation for veterans and active duty service members. Donations of cards, notes and drawings were sent to veterans overseas, as well as those in local VA hospitals. QCC's Veterans Club President Tony Barnardo, spoke to his daughter's second grade class at Park Ave Elementary School in Webster, about his time in the U.S. Navy and what he does with the Veteran's Club. After listening to Mr. Barnardo, the students took part in the Valentine Drive, making cards that were sent ot the veterans.

“We send our cards at Christmas time to our veterans, but why not remember them again and say ‘thank you,’ Director of Veteran Affairs Paula Ogden said.

To learn more about the services and opportunities offered to veterans at QCC, visit Veteran Affairs.