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02/2024

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February 2024
  • New Police Chief Stephen DiGiovanni (left) with outgoing Police Chief Kevin Ritacco
  • Colleen DiGiovanni (left), pins a badge on her husband, Police Chief Stephen DiGiovanni
  • COO/CFO Stephen Marini (center) swears in Police Chief Stephen DiGiovanni (left) with QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja
  • Retiring Police Chief Kevin Ritacco (left) with QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja
February 2024

QCC's New Police Chief Sworn In

Quinsigamond Community College held a ceremony on February 2, to swear in its new Police Chief, Stephen D. DiGiovanni.

“Steve’s exemplary education, knowledge and police work make him the perfect person to fill some big shoes and ensure the continued safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.

DiGiovanni has...

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  • QCC student and veteran Tom Vincent
February 2024

Veteran Student Finds a True Community

Taking the plunge into higher education after 50 years out of school may not be for the faint of heart, but for Quinsigamond Community College student and veteran Tom Vincent, the support of QCC’s Veteran Affairs department has made all the difference in his confidence and academic success.

“Before I was in school, I was depressed. But the staff and students in Veteran Affairs...

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  • QCC Student Trustee Maria Mikhaeil (left) with Senator Elizabeth Warren (center) and other student representatives
  • (From left) QCC Trustee Dr. Satya Mitra, Congressman James McGovern and QCC Trustee Dr. Barur Rajeshkumar
  • Dr. Satya Mitra (far left), James McGovern, Dr. Luis Pedraja, Geraldine Herlihy (second from right) and Maria Mikhaeil (right)
February 2024

QCC President and Trustees Attend National Legislative Summit in Washington

QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja and several members of the QCC Board of Trustees recently attended the 2024 National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. The Summit gathers over 1,000 leaders from community colleges across the country to showcase the importance of community colleges and educate leaders on federal policy issues. 

Dr. Pedraja and the Board of...

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Black History Month February 2024

Celebrating Black History Month

As Black History Month continues through February, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has prepared a full schedule of events that truly offer something for everyone. The celebration began with the short film screening that got people laughing, smiling and talking about these works of art such as the Oscar-winning animated piece "Hair Love."

The Office of DEI has strived...

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  • QCC's new community resource dog, Siggy, with Community Resource Officer Nick Yacuzzi
  • Reporting for duty, Siggy is ready to assist the QCC community
February 2024

QCC's Canine Resource Officer

In case you missed it, QCC has a new four-legged friend roaming the halls. The QCC Police Department welcomed the arrival of its first community resource dog, a 12-week-old English Cream Golden Retriever named Siggy. Students will be able to pet, play with, and snuggle up to Siggy to help relieve stress.

Community resource dogs have become a common practice for both educational institutions and police...

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  • Microsoft Office Championship
February 2024

Business Student Secures Spot in Microsoft Championship With Perfect Score

Quinsigamond Community College student Austin Cunningham became the college's first Microsoft Office Specialist Massachusetts State Champion. He will compete in Certiport’s 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Orlando, Florida in June 2024. Austin qualified for the championship not only for his perfect score on the Microsoft Word exam, but also for the time it took...

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  • CAE Technology Conference
February 2024

12th CAE Technology Conference

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) recently held its 12th annual educational technology conference "Change Change Change: Preparing for the Present and Future." The event featured five sessions facilitated by QCC faculty and staff, focused on effectively integrating technology to best serve students.

"We think about the role that technology plays in education, as well as the role it...

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  • Professor of Sociology Robbin Miller
February 2024

Intro to Sociology Professor Gets Real With Final Project

For Adjunct Professor of Sociology Robbin Miller, it’s essential that her students engage in meaningful and accessible assignments, which is why her Introduction to Sociology students were tasked with researching a social movement and its presence on social media, for their final assignment of the fall semester.

Students were asked to study a movement that they were personally interested...

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  • April Swanson (left) and Dallas Burgess
  • QCC students Danielle Ellis (left) and Elizabeth Martinez with her brother Matt
  • QCC students Gustavo Santana (left picture) and Harris Taube (center in right picture) with President Pedraja and Kathy Rentsch
  • QCC students Heather Lyons (left) and Patrick Brennan with his sister
  • QCC students Pavlina Adhami (left) and Quoc Huy Chuong Le
  • From left: QCC students Rye Hogan, Shelle Edwards and Sofia Silva-Rosa
February 2024

STEM Students of the Semester

In December 2023, QCC Dean of Math & Science Ben Benton and Acting Dean of Business, Engineering & Technology (now Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs) Kathy Rentsch announced that 27 QCC students were recognized as STEM Students of the Fall 2023 Semester. Below are profiles of a group of these students, sharing stories of their journey on the road to...

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  • Valentine's Day
February 2024

Student Happenings

Valentine's Day 

February 14 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | HLC 109A&B

Self love is in the air! This event will include a lunch at noon, following by a conversation about lessons in love, a stuffed bear activity and community resource tables.

For more information contact Student Life at studentlife [at] qcc....

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  • QCC Safety Corner
February 2024

Safety Corner

Winter Driving Tips

Quinsigamond Community College considers your safety when commuting, especially during the winter months. The winter weather can be unpredictable in Massachusetts and if the college is not closed due to inclement weather and you have to drive to campus, preparation is key to staying safe when traveling.

Adverse conditions can arise and you should practice safe...

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  • Enrollment Celebration
February 2024

Upcoming Events for Faculty & Staff

Enrollment Celebration

February 16 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | HLC 109A&B

Since QCC sailed past the most recent enrollment goal, it’s time to celebrate! VP for Strategic Enrollment & Student Engagement, Michelle Tufau Afriyie, often emphasizes the importance of rowing in the same direction and that is just what our crew has done. Come recognize...

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  • From left: Lisa Gurnick, Josh Cole, Meaghan Stearns and Rich Small
  • Men's basketball captain Luka Vlajkovic goes for the dunk.
  • The Women's Basketball team with coaches Rich Small (left, back row) and James Griffin (right, back row)
February 2024

Wyvern Sports Corner

Women's Basketball

This year's only sophomore, Meaghan Stearns, was recognized at the women's last home game of the season on February 1. 

Head Coach Rich Small reflected, "It has been a pleasure to coach Meaghan over the last few years. She has worked hard to improve her skills, which is a good...

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February 2024

QCC Welcomes New Staff

On December 18, QCC welcomed Nicole Maffei - Campus Police Officer I (B4T) - Administrative Services. Nicole brings several years of experience. Most recently, she was a Corrections Officer for the Worcester County House of Corrections. Nicole holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.

On December 18, QCC ...

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February 2024

In The News

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