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The Sky’s the Limit for Gateway to College Graduates

June 2019
  • Gateway to College Class of 2019
    Gateway to College Class of 2019
  • Student speaker Gelianni Torres
    Student speaker Gelianni Torres
  • Gateway to College Grad
    A Gateway to College grad is poised for his future.
  • Director of Gateway to College Marci Skillings
    Director of Gateway to College Marci Skillings
  • Gateway to College 2019 graduates
    Gateway to College 2019 graduates

It all started back in 2013 when Gateway to College held its first graduation for a total of four students. Six years later 30 students received their diplomas in the seventh Gateway to College graduation, held at the Hebert Auditorium on May 30. College greetings were offered by Assistant Vice President for Workforce Readiness and Innovation, Kathy Rentsch, who told the graduates, “You are the absolute best in what Quinsigamond has to offer in terms of our students. We need more of you here and I hope that you will encourage your friends and family members to take the path you took.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the auditorium as student speaker Gelianni Torres told of her journey to Gateway to College and what the experience has meant to her. Ms. Torres not only graduated from the Gateway program, she also earned 45 college credits and will be transferring to Worcester State University in the fall to major in biology. Her dream is to complete her bachelor’s degree, go to medical school and become “one of the best surgeons.”

“Once you believe in yourself you become unstoppable,” she said.

During the ceremony nine faculty and staff members were honored with Student Choice Awards. These awards were nominated by students to acknowledge faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond for the students and the Gateway program. This year’s honorees include:

  • QCC Campus Police and Community Resource Officer Catherine “Kate” Dixon
  • Senior Gateway Outreach Counselor Jenna Glazer
  • Faculty member Patricia LaFountaine
  • Faculty member Kathleen O'Connor 
  • Gateway to College staff member Glenda Rodriguez 
  • Director of Disability Services Kristie Proctor
  • Associate Director of Disability Services Terri Rodriguez
  • Director of Gateway to College Marci Skillings
  • Faculty Member Randeen Zanca 

2019 Gateway to College graduates:

  • Kayla Avila*
  • Nathan Basile
  • Maya Bastian
  • Amanda K. Bellino
  • Elliot Matthew Benoit
  • Tyler Max William Carey
  • Joseph A. Carr IV
  • Luis P. Contreras
  • Daniel J. Costa
  • Allissa R. Doud
  • Maxamillion M. Duncan*
  • Owen Alexander Ernst*
  • Matt Fors**
  • Christopher G. Gannon**
  • Xiomara Carleen Garcia Cruz*
  • Jody Lee Gonzalez
  • Tyler J. Grebel
  • Olivia C. Howard**
  • Elizabeth Jeanne Kelley*
  • Hailey L. Krueger*
  • Zoe Rane Kuebler*
  • Savannah Do Carmo Lopes
  • Virginia McKay*
  • Luke Mullaney**
  • Jenitza Kiara Negron*
  • Caitlin Mary Plant*
  • Corey Rose
  • McKenna Marie Stephens
  • Ivy Tartaglia**
  • Gelianni Torres*

*Linda Huddle Award (cumulative college GPA of 3.0+)

**President’s Award (cumulative college GPA of 3.7+)

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