QCC e-News April 2013

QCC Students Honored as MA All Academic TeamCongratulations to QCC students selected for the All-Massachusetts Academic Team: Jodi Christian of Spencer, Asma Chaudri of North Oxford and Jasmine Solaperto of Worcester (pictured clockwise at right.)

The honorees were recognized in a ceremony at the State House, Boston, on April 17 accompanied by PTK Advisor Bonnie Coleman, Liz Woods, Dean of Students, Interim Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, Steven Budd and President Gail Carberry.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society, community college presidents and community college state associations co-sponsor All-State Academic Team recognition programs in 38 states. Nominations are based on outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community. Ranking on the All-State team is determined by the student’s score in the national competition. To be eligible for nomination, students must have earned a minimum cumulative college-level GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and be graduating with an associate degree by August 31, 2013. Ms. Christian was also named 2013 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar with a $1250 scholarship.

The Campus Newsletter of Quinsigamond Community College

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Chad Bleakney Selected as “Twenty-Nine Who Shine”Congratulations to Charles Whitfield Bleakney IV, QCC’s 2013 Honoree to the MA Department of Higher Education’s Annual “Twenty-Nine Who Shine” Student Recognition Program. Mr. Bleakney is an engineering major and Vice President of Scholarship in the PTK Honor Society where he has held regular

workshops for Honor Society members on scholarship opportunities. He also chaired the extremely successful Honors in Action project, called One Small

Step, One Giant Leap: Completion and Science, Math and Technology that promoted STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education in which dozens of elementary school girls decorated, packed and launched their own rockets. An active member of QCC’s Engineering Club, Mr. Bleakney is headed to Worcester Polytechnic Institute as an aspiring automotive engineer. He credits his Faculty Mentor, Dadbeh Bigonahy, Coordinator of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Sciences for inspirition, motivation and perseverance.

A ceremony on May 2 will be held in recognition of all “29 Who Shine” honorees at the State House, Boston.

Campus News

The 15th Annual QCC Spelling Bee coordinated by Community Engagement was held on April 4 at the Hebert Auditorium. 16 teams entered consisting of QCC students, faculty, staff and community members. The winning teams are: First Place: “Spell or BEE Spelled” from Bowditch & Dewey Second Place: “Worker Bees” from Mechanics HallThird Place: “Bee Afraid...Bee Very Afraid” sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce

Spelling Bee a Rouzzzing Success

PTK Inducts 190 New Members QCC’s Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society inducted its newest members on April 2 in a candlelit ceremony at Mechanics Hall. The ceremony included speakers President Gail Carberry, Liz Woods; Dean of Students, Steve Budd; Interim Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, out-going PTK President Jodi Christian, Chad Bleakney, PTK Vice President of Scholarship and newly elected President Kennedy Udechukwu.

PTK International Honor Society is the largest

honor society in American higher education with 1,250 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than two million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 100,000 students inducted annually. QCC’s PTK chapter is one of the most active in the region with over 800 students eligible to join PTK this year.

Send us your news! We want to hear what’s happening in your department and with your students or staff. Submit information at www.QCC.edu/newsletter.html. Events, awards, success stories... We want to share your news with the

entire QCC community. The deadline for the May e-newsletter is May 10, 2013.

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Allen Fletcher, retired chairman and owner of Worcester Publishing Ltd., QCC’s Spellmaster presents the Spelling Bee “Bible” to the audience.

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Campus News

QCC Children’s School Art Exhibit Celebrates Week of the Young Child The fourth Annual Children’s School Art Exhibit kicked off with an evening reception for family and friends on April 17. The exhibit celebrates the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s, “Week of the Young Child,” from April 14 - 20. The exhibit features artwork from talented, young artists ranging in age from two years, nine months to five years, five months from the Children’s School and will be on display in the Art Gallery Hall in the Administration Building until May 6. (Pictured at left is artwork in oil pastels by Noah B.)

QCC Campus Police Attend MIT Memorial QCC Police Officers Stephen DiGiovanni and Ali Hasnain attended a Memorial Service for slain MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, on behalf of the QCC Campus Police and QCC. A convoy of over 70 police cruisers from the Worcester County area proceeded to the service, held on April 24 at Briggs Field on the MIT Campus. Keynote speakers were MIT President Rafael Reif, MIT Police Chief John DiFava, Vice President of the United States Joseph Biden and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. A performance by James Taylor and a police helicopter flyover concluded the service.

2013 Stand Against Racism April 26 marked the 4th Annual Stand Against Racism Event held in the HLC. The President’s Office would like to give special thanks to speakers Kevin Butler, Ricardo Caton, Lamont Slater and Gaelan Benway for their presentations and their continued leadership on campus. Thanks also, to the many faculty, staff and students who have supported the program by distributing and wearing wristbands and buttons and by encouraging colleagues and students to attend. The recent event was QCC’s largest yet with many students actively engaged in the discussion.

If you were unable to attend the event and would like to sign the QCC 2013 Stand Against Racism banner, please stop by Susan LaPrade’s office, Room 132A – anytime during the first week of May. The banner will be hung in an appropriate location after all who wish to do so have signed.

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Campus News

Ms. Zanca echoed his sentiments saying, “The experience was truly life-changing, and I have made many friendships that will last a life-time. I encourage fellow QCC members to apply.”

Congratulations Reverend McDermott, Ms. Zanca and Kernel!

Faculty Graduate from Leadership AcademyThe Reverend George S. McDermott, Randeen Zanca and Kernel (Reverend McDermott’s guide dog), pictured at right recently graduated from the National Education Association’s Emerging Leaders’ Academy (NEA-ELA).

The training consisted of three intensive sessions: the first from June 20 to 24, 2012 in Washington, D.C.; the second from November 1 through 5, 2012 in Tallahassee, Florida; and the last session from March 19 to 22, 2013 in Portland, Oregon, which piggy-backed the 2013 NEA Higher Education Conference. Each of the three sessions dealt with a focused look at leadership and leadership skills, with the second session calling for emerging leaders to put their newly-acquired skills to work in a real-life, practical experience on the campuses of Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU). Of the training, Reverend McDermott said, “My experience with the NEA-ELA and the members I have met over this past year has proven to be one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. As one who has a disability, I found that the experience with the ELA and more recently with the higher education conference has given me insight that I never had before. It is an experience that will prove advantageous to anyone who wishes to reach out and broaden their own life experience in the field of leadership and to unite with higher education members from across the nation.”

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QCC Faculty Host International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics

Mathematics Faculty Mr. Steve Zona and Ms. Carol Rinaldi hosted the 25th annual International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics (ICTCM) in Boston from March 21 - 24. The conference focused on specific technology and innovations for mathematics learning. Over 850 educators from all over the world attended. QCC President Dr. Gail Carberry gave welcoming remarks and faculty Denise Robichaud and Andreana Grimaldo both presented at the conference.

Mr. Zona and Ms. Rinaldi were presented with a glass obelisk award for their committment and involvement in the conference. (The award is now on display in the glass case located in the A building main hall.)

International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics

Campus News

Theatre Club Brings Fun Farce to the QCC Community The QCC Theatre Club, advised by Kevin Butler, Assistant Dean of Students, recently presented “Honeymoon at Graveside Manor” on April 23, 24 and 26 at the Hebert Auditorium. The play by Patrick Cooke was a well-timed farce with fast action, comedy and an element of spookiness.

The Club wishes to thank faculty, staff and fellow students who attended the show for their enthusiasm and support; it was well-received and due to its success, the Club plans to present two shows per academic year in the future. A director is currently being sought for the Fall show. Please contact Kevin Butler for details at kbutler@qcc.mass.edu or ext. 4526.

Club members who participated in the show, pictured at top left are cast members, left to right, rear: Gus Sanchez, Shelby Bastarache, Brayan Mendez, Nana Amaning, Roger Jake Vancour, Marirose Watters, Jennifer Fields, Kieran Gilman and Kayla Bennett. Crew members, front, left to right: Jaqueline Underwood, Max Rossmeir, Javel Sosa, Beka Hagg and Bell Li with cast member and outgoing Club President, Kimberly Collazo and Advisor Kevin Butler.

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The Human Resources Training Committee of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, (COWC) Inc. held their 2013 Certificate Awards Ceremony/Luncheon, “Tomorrow’s Skills for Today’s Managers,” Series I on Wednesday, April 10 at the College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center. Mark Bilotta, Chief Executive Officer of the Colleges of the Worcester Consortium, Inc. presented opening remarks and awarded certificates to the participants.

Congratulations to QCC’s four certificate recipients pictured at right: Laurie Comeau, Human Resources Administrator; Josh Cole, Assistant Manager Athletics and Fitness Center; Sara Simms, Human Resources Generalist Administrator and Kathy Uribe, Assistant Payroll Manager.

COWC Awards Certificates to QCC Staff

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Club members rehearse

Campus News

Employee at Bobby M’s Diner in the spotlight

Smoking Cessation Workshop SeriesIn anticipation of QCC’s “No Smoking Policy” scheduled to take effect at the start of the Fall 2013 semester, a “Smoking Cessation Workshop Series” is being offered to support faculty and staff members interested in tobacco cessation. Workshops are held on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. conducted by QCC Respiratory Care faculty members trained in Tobacco Cessation Treatment. To register, contact Erica Merrill at emerrill@qcc.mass.edu or 508.854.4229.

May Workshop Schedule May 2: “Making a Quit Plan” - Suggested Strategies for Quitting, Room 110 A May 9: “Living as a Non-Smoker”, Monks RoomMay 16: “A Balanced Life” (Leads to Health) - Resources to Support the Quitting Process (Medication and Counseling, EAP, Physicians), Room 110 A May 30: “How to Prevent a Relapse”, Individual Consultation, Room 110 A

QCC Smokefree September 3

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At Bobby M’s Diner, QCC’s training facility for the Hospitality and Recreation Management program housed at the Worcester Senior Center, employee Ryan Dixon is a celebrity. Mr. Dixon is a well-decorated Special Olympian and cook at Bobby M’s, who recently had an opportunity to discuss his Special Olympics involvement with Mark Shriver, Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Senior Advisor to the CEO of Save the Children in Washington D.C., who was in the area promoting his book, A Good Man: Rediscovering my Father, Sargent Shriver. (Sargent Shriver was founder and director of the Special Olympics.) Mr. Dixon started as a volunteer at Bobby M’s at his aunt’s invitation, who was then an employee of the QCC Hospitality and Recreation Management program. When his remarkable work ethic was recognized, he was put on the payroll.

Pat Hutchinson, Program Coordinator, Hospitality and Recreation Management program says, “Ryan is an inspiration to the program, a very hard worker and always enthusiastic. He plans to take classes in the program and will be a welcomed addition.”

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Top: Mark Shriver and Ryan Dixon Above: Pat Hutchisnson and Ryan Dixon

Campus News

The Annual Celebration of Excellence and Retirement Recognition Reception will be held: Thursday, May 23, 2013

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Center for Academic Excellence, 107 Ahlfors Hall

All QCC Staff & Faculty are invited to attend. (Retirement Recognition begins at 12:30 p.m. A light lunch will be served.)

Save the Date for “The QCC Annual Celebration of Excellence”

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Spring Fling 2013 FUN!

Campus News New Faculty and Staff On April 10, Administrative Services welcomed Jose Rivera as Institution Security Officer II. Mr. Rivera has served the College for four years as the Parking Enforcement Officer. He brings over 15 years supervisory experience in private security and nine years as an Auxiliary Officer for the New York City Police Department to the College.On April 15, Enrollment Services welcomed Paula Ogden as Director of Veteran Affairs. Ms Ogden has served QCC for almost four years serving in the role of Director of Financial Aid. She brings over 30 years of higher education experience from both the public and private sectors, in the areas of Financial Aid, Admissions and Veterans Services, and has a passion for military service having been a Navy dependent for 25 years. Ms. Ogden earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Education in Vocational Education from the University of North Florida.On April 16, Academic Affairs welcomed Matt Sullivan as HRM Program Food Service Lab Site Supervisor. Mr. Sullivan brings six years of culinary and fine dining experience from the private sector to the College. He has been a QCC student and has served as Interim Diner Supervisor, Diner Chef, Student Mentor and Lab Assistant at Bobby M’s Diner in support of QCC’s Hotel and Restaurant Management Program. Mr. Sullivan earned both an Associate Degree in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts Management from the Culinary Institute of America, New York.On April 16, Human Resources welcomed David Shapiro as Human Resources Generalist Administrator. Mr. Shapiro brings eight years of Admissions and Human Resources experience from private sector organizations and higher education to QCC. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Clark University.On April 22, Academic Affairs welcomed:Christina Hebert as Manager of Educational Partnerships. Ms. Hebert has served QCC and the Adult Basic Education community for the past 27 years as the Director of Adult Basic and Occupational Education, Manager of the Adult Community Learning Center, Admissions Counselor-Coordinator-Instructor for Workplace Education, and as an ABE Instructor and Adjunct Faculty member. She earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Worcester State College.Junior Labeach as Clerk III, Career and Academic Planning (Advising). Mr. Labeach brings over 10 years of private business and customer service experience to

QCC and most recently served the college as Clerk III for the Gateway to College Program. He earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from QCC and completed Police Training College in Jamaica.Eric Saczawa as Coordinator, Career and Academic Planning Services, Technology and Web-Based Services. Mr. Saczawa brings over 14 years of private higher education experience in the areas of advising, recruiting and career services to QCC. He earned an Associate of Science degree in Media Communications from Greenfield Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Fitchburg State University, and a Master of Science Degree in Professional Communication from Clark University.Lupe Lomeli as Coordinator, Career and Academic Planning Services, Technology and Web-Based Services. Ms. Lomeli brings four years experience in secondary education and four years experience in post-secondary education, in the areas of placement, admissions, recruitment, and outreach to QCC. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Education Degree in Counseling-Human Relations from Northern Arizona University.Leo Burgess as IT Service Manager. Mr. Burgess brings seven years of private sector data technician experience, and has served the college IT Department for the past five years as a Technical Assistant/ EDP Systems Analyst. He earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from QCC and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Clark University.On April 29, Enrollment Services welcomed Sarah McLaughlin as Senior Admissions Counselor. Sarah brings four years of Admissions Counseling experience in the private sector and two years of vocational rehabilitation counseling experience to QCC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Community Studies/Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. The QCC Family welcomes Mr. Rivera, Ms. Ogden, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Shapiro, Ms. Hebert, Mr. Labeach, Mr. Saczawa, Ms. Lomeli, Mr. Burgess, and Ms. McLaughlin into their new roles at QCC!