The Inauguration of Quinsigamond Community College’s Sixth President

Friday, April 13 became a historical moment for Quinsigamond Community College with the inauguration of its sixth President, Dr. Luis G. Pedraja.

Senator Michael Moore, Representative James O’Day, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and other community leaders, along with QCC students, faculty and staff were on hand to extend Dr. Pedraja their congratulations and support at the morning ceremony held on QCC’s main campus in Worcester. Keynote speaker for the event was Framingham State University’s President Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, a friend who worked closely with Dr. Pedraja when he was the vice president for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

“Dr. Pedraja’s inauguration comes at a time when a college degree must be accessible and affordable,” said Senator Michael Moore, a QCC alumni who credits the college with starting his own career.

The inauguration parted ways from the typical pomp and circumstance with a procession of ethnic dancers from the community that included: Ritmos Dance Academy, Sacred Earth Singers/Drummers, Island Vybe Dance Fitness and music from QCC’s Student Ensemble and the QCC Chorale group. This set an uplifting and inspiring mood for the occasion. While many noted the unusual timing for such an event, Friday the 13th, a historically unlucky day, Dr. Pedraja explained the timing.

“I chose this date intentionally. My father was one of 13 brothers and they had a store in Cuba named, ‘13,’ …13 is a lucky number in my family. They were able to turn a negative into a positive,” he said, adding that he even defended is dissertation on a Friday the 13th, at the 13th hour. “We must turn negatives into positives and turn obstacles into opportunities.”

He has taken that very message and implemented it throughout life, discussing the challenges many community college students may face, especially first generation students (of which he is one) and those who live in poverty. He said there must be shift in the way people think about community colleges and their students.

“These students are determined, resilient and high achievers. They have aspirations and hope for the future,” he said, adding, “Receiving an education is not for a community of a few, but a basic human right.” 

“He has all the qualities that make a great leader. Throughout his career he has demonstrated wise leadership and his commitment to students is exemplary,” said Dr. Cevallos, detailing how Dr. Pedraja exemplifies the qualities of wisdom, yearning, being a visionary, empathy, having resourcefulness and being nimble, using the college’s mascot name as an acronym.

“You have found a real Wyvern (QCC’s mascot-a protective mythical dragon),” he continued. “You have found a leader who will watch over the college and it will thrive.”

In his inaugural address, Dr. Pedraja said 100 percent student success is his goal and everything the college will do now and in the future is designed to reach this goal. He outlined many of the programs that are currently underway, from the creation of community-based learning centers in Worcester this fall; the formation of a multi-faceted Student Success Center on QCC’s main campus this fall, to increasing mentorship programs; expanding partnerships with communities such as Blackstone and Marlboro, and creating scholarships with business partners.

In addition, since taking office he has worked to expand partnerships with colleges and universities that include Framingham State University among others, as well as the recent partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art integrated photonics lab. He also addressed shifting the focus of teaching for the future instead of teaching for today.

“We must be daring, agile and innovative. I will not rest until our present and future students achieve their dreams,” he said.

Learn more at QCC's inauguration page.