It is hard to believe that it has been three years since I joined the QCC family. It seems like it was just yesterday that we embarked on our joint journey. As I prepared to assume the presidency, I sought advice from experienced presidents. In their advice, common themes emerged: seek the advice of experts and listen to them; surround yourself with capable people and empower them to get the job done; live with integrity and humility; be visible and accessible; be fair and consistent; when possible seek input, data, and make informed decisions in a timely manner; be respectful; take
criticism gracefully; do what you believe is right for the college and the people it serves; give credit to others when things go right, take responsibility when they don’t; be courageous; etc. But the most important lesson I learned is that leadership is about serving others, not yourself. I do not know if I’ve always been able to live to these ideals, but I will always strive to do so. Throughout the years in various roles, I have learned that while a position might give you authority, respect and trust has to be earned. I hope to continue to earn yours.
Under the direction and oversight of Dr. Kathy Rentsch, Associate Vice President for Strategic Academic and Workforce Initiatives, as well as the Academic Affairs team, we are pleased to announce that we have executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southbridge Public Schools. QCC Southbridge will be moving from 5 Optical Drive to Southbridge High School, 132 Torrey Road later this Summer.
As we acclimate to the changes that have occurred due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, our current and former students and alumni are adapting as well. They are working around the clock to protect our communities as first responders, respiratory therapists, nurses, mental health workers, social service workers, custodial workers, delivery drivers, grocery store and restaurant workers who are keeping essential services running. They have the ability to jump right and and save lives with confidence because of the education they received from their talented, experienced professors.
Quinsigamond Community College has begun a new e-sports team for the League of Legends, a highly competitive, fast paced, action-strategy online game. Nate Mello (QCC learning manager for Interactive Media Design) is coaching this year’s inaugural team.
Welcome or welcome back, we've missed you! No matter if you are a new or returning student, you're a student and we are thrilled that you're here! Coming to school for the first time or going back to school after a long time can be an intimidating experience. If that's the way you feel, have no fear, we are all in it together.
Congratulations are in order for the newly elected president of the Student Government Association. Jorgo Gushi was elected last week. New to the position and excited to get started, Jorgo would like to share the following letter with fellow students:
The secret is out... starting your degree at community college can literally save you (or your parents) thousands and thousands of dollars. Quality, affordable education combined with small class sizes, personal attention and hands-on learning is becoming a trend... and with good reason. When you start your education at community college, you will likely save your future self from student debt.
They say a smile is worth a thousand words and students at Quinsigamond Community College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic, (main campus) are in total agreement. Since the doors opened in 1972 (updated in 1999), dental hygiene and dental assisting students have had the opportunity to administer affordable dental hygiene care to Worcester and the surrounding communities. It's proven to be an invaluable resource to students as well as those seeking lower cost alternatives for dental care.
Congratulations are in order for hundreds and hundreds of you. We know our students are intelligent, driven and determined, but this is impressive. A total of 556 students were named to the Dean’s List and 597 students were named to the Merit List.