November 2025
(From left) Assistant to the Program Coordinator for PTK & SSMC Matthew Vitolo, Professor of Environmental/Physical Science Anita Soracco, student, PTK Coordinator Lizette Reid and student

STEM Students Team Up With PTK Greenhouse

If you passed by the Administration Building last month, you may have spotted towering stalks of corn surrounding the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Live & Learn Greenhouse. These weren’t just festive fall decorations—they were grown by QCC students! Earlier this year, Environmental Science students… Read More

Student of the Month Ryan Heath

Student of the Month: Ryan Heath

Engineering Student and President of Student Government Association (SGA) Ryan Heath is a standout leader at QCC, who is using his determination and sense of purpose to make positive change for himself and the QCC community. 

A Worcester native who attended Worcester… Read More

Saskia

Dutch Nursing Educator Brings New Perspectives to QCC

Quinsigamond Community College recently welcomed Saskia van den Akker, a nursing professor from Koning Willem I College in ’s-Hertogenbosch/Oss, Netherlands, for an educator exchange program. Her visit offered valuable insights into how Dutch institutions are addressing workforce challenges in… Read More

Can you tell me how to get to West Boylston Street?

Festive Spirits Abound at QCC's Halloween Celebration

What an incredible Halloween at QCC this year! Faculty, staff, and students knocked it out of the park with creative costumes and holiday enthusiasm. The energy on campus was infectious, and it's clear that days like this make our college community special. Thank you for bringing your creativity… Read More

QCC alum Elijah Grant

Alumni Spotlight: Elijah W. Grant

Name: Elijah W. Grant, MSN, MHA, PMHNP-BC. 

Title: Clinical Instructor at Worcester State University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate at UMass Chan ’26. 

Degree: A.S. in Business, Class of 2014

Read More

The Department of Developmental Services at the Health & Human Services Direct Care Career Expo

Exploring Meaningful Careers at the Health & Human Services Career Expo

Quinsigamond Community College’s Career & Transfer Services recently hosted the Health and Human Services Direct Care Career Expo, a dynamic event that welcomed over 150 participants eager to explore meaningful career paths in public service and direct care.

Sponsored by MassHire and… Read More

QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja

From the Desk of President Pedraja

The month of October began on a high note full of energy and engagement, highlighted by one of the first Professional Development Days for faculty and staff in recent years. From the impactful keynote speaker, Dr. Tara Zirkel from EAB, to the variety of morning and afternoon sessions coupled… Read More

Health Consultant Mackensey Snyder (left) and Director of Health and Wellness Heather Lukas

Get to Know Health and Wellness!

This month, we’re shining a light on the dedicated team behind Health & Wellness, a department that supports the well-being of our campus community.

Heather Lukas, a… Read More

QCC Men's Baseball team celebrated the end of a great season - Go Wyverns!

Wyvern Sports Corner

Fitness Classes

QCC is still offering free fitness classes to keep you healthy and happy! Equipment is provided and all experience levels are welcome.

Mat Pilates
Instructor Amy Booth

Mondays 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
B61A (SSMC)

Yoga… Read More

qcc campus

In the News

October 2025

qcc campus

QCC Welcomes New Staff

QCC is pleased to announce the following full-time staff updates:

On October 5, Administrative Services congratulated Cody Davenport as Motor Equipment Operator I. Cody brings to this position several years of experience. Most recently, he worked… Read More

October 2025
QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja

From the Desk of President Pedraja

September is always a busy month. From the start of the semester with All College Day and its timely theme, “Moving Forward During Challenging Times in Higher Education,” to our spirited Wyvern Wednesdays, the college community is in full swing. Add to that the Alumni WooSox … Read More

Professor of History and Political Science Lisa Cook

History Professor Celebrating 175 Years of Women's Rights

As part of the 175th anniversary of the Women's Rights Convention, Professor of History and Political Science Lisa Cook will be participating in a panel discussion diving into the history of this important movement. The event will take place at the Museum of Worcester on… Read More

Professor of Integrated Science/Physics Andria Schwortz

Teaching Exchange Brings Innovation to Physics Education

This academic year, Professor of Integrated Science/Physics Andria Schwortz is serving as a visiting assistant professor at Holy Cross College through a teaching exchange program. Holy Cross conducted a national search for this position, which covers classes during faculty leave… Read More

CNC certificate recipients with for-credit CNC students and Professor of Manufacturing Technology Lee Duerden (front row, left).

CNC Certificates Opening Doors

A group of students recently celebrated a significant milestone, earning their CNC machining certificates from QCC. Five students from the refugee program run by Ascentria Care Alliance completed the machinist certificate offered by QCC over the summer.  The intensive training program… Read More

(Top row, from left) Alyssa Benefit, Jessica Favreau, and Jennifer Hernandez. (Bottom row, from left) Jacob Rucker and Jetari Veal.

QCC Foundation Board Welcomes Five New Members

The Quinsigamond Community College Foundation has gained five new members on its board of directors. Elected in August and September 2025, the new directors are dedicated to advancing the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education and supporting student success through… Read More

(From left) Associate Director of Human Resources Jenilee Simmons, Human Resources Generalist Karyssa Callahan, Human Resources Generalist Jessica Schavrien, Executive Director of Human Resources Sara Simms, Human Resources Staff Assistant Roger Flores Guzman, Associate Director of Human Resources Operations David Shapiro, and Human Resources Generalist Conner Meece

Get to Know Human Resources!

The Human Resources team is evolving to better serve the QCC community. In 2025, HR transitioned to report directly to the president, a change that reflects the department's growing role as a strategic partner and change agent for the college. 

"We're more than just hiring," said… Read More

Dean of Library and Academic Support Services Cary Morse at the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara with author Sergio Ramírez (left).

Library Dean Brings Latin American Literary Perspectives to QCC

Dean of Library and Academic Support Services Cary Morse traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, last December to attend the Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL), the premier publishing and literary event in the Spanish-speaking world. This professional development opportunity… Read More

QCC alum Harolyn Castillo Arriaga

Alumni Spotlight - Harolyn Castillo Arriaga

Name: Harolyn Castillo Arriaga

Title: Founder and CEO OF World of Foods Worcester, CEO of Verde Events, Visiting Nurse of two Homecare Agencies, Community Outreach Coordinator for various Worcester Organizations

How did QCC impact your… Read More

QCC will be hosting Anna Maria's hybrid BSW program.

QCC to Host Anna Maria Bachelor of Social Work

Anna Maria College just launched its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program housed at QCC. The innovative program offers an affordable and accessible pathway for students with an associate degree to complete their four-year degree in the high-demand field of social work. Classes will begin this… Read More

John Holloway and Shaun Murphy

State Recognition for QCC Employees in New Black Leaders Program

Two QCC employees were given official citations this summer as part of the state’s New Black Leaders recognition program. Executive Director of Access, Opportunity & Institutional Compliance John Holloway and Adjunct Faculty Member Shaun Murphy received the… Read More

(From left) Cliff Rucker, founder of Rucker Investments and The Cliff & Susan Rucker Foundation; Noah MacDonald, QCC student; Rocky Knight, director of the Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at QCC; Dr. Luis Pedraja, QCC president; Stephanie Ramey, vice president of Special Projects at Rucker Investments; Jacob Rucker, co-founder of Auxilium Worcester; Zachary Dutton, executive director of Auxilium Worcester; and Tim Murray, president and CEO of Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at QCC Uplifting Student Entrepreneurs

Quinsigamond Community College and Auxilium Worcester celebrated the launch of the Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at QCC, a new partnership designed to provide students with the mentorship, resources and tools needed for launching successful startups. The event was held at Auxilium… Read More

Foundation Director Linda Cavaioli (second from left, front) at the Katharine F. Erskine Awards ceremony.

Foundation Member Recognized With Katharine F. Erskine Award

QCC Foundation Treasurer (and former QCC Trustee) Linda Cavaioli was recognized as one of the 2025 Katharine F. Erskine Award recipients. The Katharine F. Erskine Award is given by YWCA Central Massachusetts and recognizes women who have demonstrated leadership and reached… Read More

The 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit ride

Remembering 9/11 Ride at QCC

QCC hosted the starting point of the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit escort ride last month. This powerful traveling exhibition tribute joined a convoy of police, fire, and EMS professionals in route to the Fitchburg Municipal Airport, where the exhibit was on display for the public.

Read More

The 25/26 Women's Soccer Team

Wyvern Sports Corner

Fitness Classes

As the weather cools down, bring the heat back up with a free fitness class!

Yoga

  • Mondays 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. | Hebert Auditorium
  • Wednesdays – TBD

Pilates

  • Mondays 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Hebert… Read More