Hey, Where did Everybody Go?

By now, you all have noticed the magic trans for m ationact that has occurred on the Quincy College campus. It

seems as if a wand was waved and “PRESTO!” an officedisappeared and reappeared in a new location. But this wasno trick and it took months of planning and strategicorganization to pull off. What are we talking about? The administrative offices moving, of course! It happened

in early October. Now on the second floor of Presidents Placewe have a one-stop shop for student services. Once you stepoff the elevator you will find Advising, Financial Aid, theRegistrar and Student Accounts all in one convenient place.

Financial Aid moved down from the third floor andAdvising from the fourth floor. But none could be happierthan the staff at both the Registrar and Student Accounts whowere sharing space on the first floor behind the frosty glass.There is no more confusion as to which line to stand in; each

By SYNDIE J. DESROCHESQC Voice Staff

By KEN HALEYQC Voice Staff

The QCVoice“A newspaper by students for students”

Fall 2015 Volume 9, Issue 2

Gamma Beta Phi inducts new members

The Quincy College chapter of Gamma Beta Phi, anational coeducational honor and service society,

held its Fall 2015 new member induction ceremonyNov. 5 at the Quincy Historic Society.

Jim Orcutt, co-founder of MyBrother’s KeeperAlliance, was thekeynote speaker,addressing theattendees thatincluded 42inductees (of the 76 new membersnamed), their familymembers, facultyand staff.Among other

guests were Jimmy D. McNutt, Gamma’s NationalExecutive Director, and Peter H. Tsafferas, Presidentof Quincy College.With chapters all across the country, Gamma Beta

Phi regularly inducts thousands of academicallyexcellent students whoshare its mission ofpro moting educationand providingcommunity service totheir colleges andcommunities.Eligibility is limited tostudents who haveearned 12 or more credits toward a degreewith a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Continued on page 7

Among the guests were (from left)Jimmy McNutt (Gamma NationalExecutive Director)); Amanda Deck(QC Chapter Advisor); Jim Orcutt(Co-Founder of My Brother’sKeeper); Susan Bossa (QC AssociateVP of Student Development); and Peter H. Tsaffaras (President ofQuincy college).

Inductees take Gamma BetaPhi pledge.TheStaff of the

QC VoiceWishes You...

Photos: DANIELA HUYNH

The new second floor Student Service Center now provides one-stop-shopping.

Photo: SYNDIE J. DESROCHES

President’s CornerPeter H. Tsaffaras, J.D.

Access and Opportunity to Higher Education. Themission of Quincy College is now, and always has been,

access to an affordable education that prepares our studentsto enter the workforce. This mission will not change. Inachieving this goal, Quincy College is focused on continuousquality improvement. This fall, for example, we inaugurated the Physical

Therapist Assistant program and opened the program’s newClassroom/Laboratory on the Plymouth campus. We arequite proud that our PTA program distinguishes us amongour peer institutions in higher education. It is one of only six programs in Massachusetts and one

of only six other institutions in the country that was approvedlast year to offer a PTA program.The PTA program is a combination of foundational

education courses, technical education courses and clinicalexperiences. Students complete three clinical affiliationsduring the program, allowing them to network and createemployment prospects after graduation. Average salaries areapproximately $55,000 a year.PTAs are employed by hospitals, outpatient facilities, and

rehabilitation facilities, to name a few, and can work in areasspecializing in a wide range of topics, including geriatrics,pediatrics, neurology and orthopedics. Looking ahead to the spring, we will open another

laboratory – the Engineering Technology and RoboticsLaboratory. This cross-disciplinary lab will serve a dualpurpose as a lecture hall and laboratory for Robotics and willmark the start of our Engineering Technology program. The Engineering Technology Associate Degree provides

students with the knowledge and experience required tobecome Engineering Technicians in the areas of electricaland electronic systems. Additional courses in electro -mechanical principles and robotics will aid in pursuing jobopportunities in the emerging 3D printing and roboticsengineering fields. Our focus on teaching and learning extends beyond the

classroom and blends itself into every facet of the studentexperience. With this in mind, we have created the newStudent Service Center on the on the second floor ofPresidents Place. In this newly constructed space, studentswill find all of their resources they need to navigate thebureaucracies for a successful college experience. The officesof the Advising, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Student

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 2

Inquiring Photographer

Question: Did you know that the Administrative Officeshave moved to the second floor of Presidents Place?

How does this affect you?

Jessica FonsecaMajor: Early Childhood Education

From: Quincy

“No, actually I didn’t know that.That sounds so much easier.”

Catherine WayMajor: Early Childhood Education

From: Quincy

“Yeah, I saw the (posted) signs. I think there should have been abigger announcement or mass e-mail sent out about it. It’sgreat. I’m always checking onmy academic progress, so I useall those offices frequently.”

Natalys Ngo VuMajor: Early Childhood Education

From: Saigon, Vietnam

By SYNDIE J. DESROCHESQC Voice Staff

Margaret BorosMajor: Early Childhood Education

From: Quincy

Accounts now are all conveniently located within the StudentService Center in Suite 203N.At Quincy College we provide pathways to certificates,

degrees, and professions, and we are here to assist you everystep of the way. I promise you, our students, that we will remain focused

on continuous quality improvement. We are all here for onereason – Your Success.

“Yes, I did. It’s jamming up theelevator. I don’t think peopleknow that they can take thestairs to the second floor now.That door used to be locked.”

“Yes. I like it. No moreupstairs, downstairs, backand forth. So easy to find

everyone.”

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 3

For most Quincy College students,handling three or four courses a

semester can be hard enough.But for some students trying to juggle

their schoolwork with a job and a familylife is an even tougher assignment.One such student is Said Nejmi, who

came to the United States with hisfamily from Morocco a few years ago. Nejmi is taking three courses — two

science and one Algebra — this fall ashe pursues a Biotechnology andCompliance Certificate, which he hopesto complete in the spring.In addition to his studies, Nejmi works

a 40-hour job at Logan Airport, fuelingplanes, while also providing financialsupport for his wife, three young childrenand his mother and father.

Nejmi and hiswife, also astudent whoworks part timestockingsupplies at alocal hospital,take turns caringfor the children.But when bothare gone, Nejmi’sparents take over.But with his parents now back inMorocco for a visit, it’s back to thedrawing board.Yet, Nejmi still manages to find some

down time and unwinds by going to thegym twice a week and mentoring at hismosque. He also manages to squeezesin more family time with visits to localmuseums and parks.

Despite this hectic, stressful schedule,Nejmi still feels he’s achieved a sense ofbalance in his life.Another student trying to maintain an

even keel with her studies, a full-timejob and a family life is Luz Javier, aBehavioral Science major, hoping towork with children as a schoolpsychologist when she graduates.

Continued on page 7

Located less than 10 miles fromBoston—home of some of the top

four-year academic institutions in thenation—Quincy College has alwaysheld its own as one of the moreaffordable community colleges in thecountry.According to the College Board, the

average tuition and fees at public two-year schools totaled about $3,350 in2014-15 compared to public four-yearcolleges and universities of $9,140 forin-state students and nearly $23,000 forout-of-state attendees. Besides costs, smaller class sizes and

flexible schedules, outstandingacademic programs, opportunities totransfer to four-year schools, and a

convenient location in the Boston area,have been a big draw for the school’snearly 4,800 students enrolled each yearon both the Quincy and Plymouthcampuses. The same holds true for the nearly

400 international students attending thisfall. But for many of those students, QCalso presents a steeper learning curve.

Take Ujjwal Poudel of Nepal,studying computer programming, forexample. Coming from a small country,Poudel has always had a big dream ofbecoming successful in his field. QuincyCollege gave him a place to startwithout putting much of a financialstrain on his family back home.But it hasn’t always been an easy

transition for Poudel since his arrivalnearly a year ago during his firstsemester at QC. He struggled at firstwith adapting to the English languageand adjusting to America’s independentlifestyle, coming from a culture centeredaround family, where everything is oftendone as a group. But he does like the advance

technologies he’s experienced in thiscountry, which is important in his field.

Continued on page 7

For some, it’s a balancing act to stay on course

Int’l Students have a lot more to learn at QCBy KREETY KC

QC Voice Staff

Said Nejmi, left. and Luz Javier.

QC helps ease the transition forinternational students by holding eventssuch as the Cultural Bazaar in November.

Photos: JANE LEE

By JANE LEEQC Voice Staff

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 4

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SYMPOSIUMThe Quincy College Addiction Awareness Club held Substance Abuse Symposiums in October on both the Quincy and Plymouth campuses,touching on aspects of drug and alcohol abuse. Top left, among those taking part in the Quincy panel discussion at Presidents Place were(from left) John Fortes III, the Southeast and Metro West Regional coordinator for the Mass. Organization for Addiction Recovery; the Rev.James Hawker; Quincy Mayor Tom Koch; Kevin Rosario, regional outreach representative for Gosnold on the Cape; QC student KristenMcLaughlin; and Mary Jane Knox, QC Financial Aid associate. Top right, Doctor Kenneth Texeira, a QC instructor of Psychology, addressesthe audience at the Plymouth Campus Library.

TRICK OR TREAT!Ghosts, zombies and witches were among a cast of characters who invaded the Quincy and Plymouth campuses in October to take part inseparate Halloween parties, sponsored by the Student Life office. By the look of things a scary but fun time was had by all. Clockwise fromtop left: In Plymouth, Derek MacDougal shows off his pumpkin-hurling form while Cathalina Macdonald sits patiently to get her face paintedbefore their party. In Quincy, Dan Meehan takes a zombie coffee break while Shayna Palmer walks off with the award for best costume asLittle Red Riding Hood.

HAPPENINGS AROUND CAMPUS

Photos: AMANDA DECK

Photos: MARISSA CARSON

Plymouth Campus

Quincy Campus

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 5

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONQuincy College’s Military and Veteran Services Department hosted Veteran’s luncheons (and cake) for veterans, their families, and themilitary service community, Nov. 9th and 10th on its Quincy andPlymouth (right) campuses, respectively. The goals of the luncheonswere two fold; to honor Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and to develop a senseof veteran camaraderie and awareness. The event was organized bythe school’s Military and Veterans Specialist Chris Breton. QC has alsobeen recognized as a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs Magazine.

PLYMOUTH CAMPUS FOOD DRIVEMembers of the Women’s Leadership Collaborative at thePlymouth Campus took part in a Food Drive, hosted by QC’sGamma Beta Phi service organization, at the end of October tobenefit The South Shore Women’s Resource Center in Plymouth.Taking part in the event are WLC student members (from left) KatieCarreau, Colleen O’Brien, Melissa Dowd, Lindsey Goodwin,Stacey Brussow and Patricia Deeneen.

HAPPENINGS AROUND CAMPUS

QC Club Hopping A look at what’s happening at some of the QC Clubs on the Quincy and Plymouth campuses.

Photos: AMANDA DECK

Photo: THOMAS FULLER

Continued on page 6

Drama Society—Quincy

This semester the Drama Society performed WilliamShakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in its

original language but in the form of a romantic and excitingnight of fairy magic and comedy. Club president, EvjoGjura, who played Helena, called it “the most ambitiousQuincy College play yet.” Dennis Campbell, in the role

of Demetrius, said, “We have a person who changes into adonkey, lots of fairies, and a very wacky play within theplay.’’ Other cast members in the Dec. 5 production atPresidents Place Convention Center included: A.J. Beers,Kerstin Francis, Victor Alvesr, Stanleen Michaud,Gulistan Malikate, Brenda Lee, Ashley Field, BryanBurns, Bianca Almeida, Amber Lee Whitney, TyNera

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 6

Lewis, Ryleigh Sinclair and AshSingh. Costumes were designed bySandra Kalayjian. For moreinformation, contact Adviser SteveDonner at sdooner@quincycollege.edu

KEN HALEYFrench Club

Parlez-vous français? If you do,then this is the club for you.

Anyone is welcome, says club advisorJim Fox, a QC history professor, aslong as you can converse in French onany level. Meetings are mostlyconducted in French, but occasionallysome English sneaks in for thepurposes of questions or clarifications.The small group, which meets onMondays (3:30 p.m. Rm 309 PP) thissemester, is made of many studentsfrom around the globe, including Peru,Mexico, Haiti and France. Besidesoffering the opportunity to socialize inFrench, club meetings focus on music,French video clips of comedians,culture and student presentations onvarious topics. For more information,contact Adviser Jim Fox at jfox@quincycollege.edu.

KIARA MARK Wellness Club

The goal of this first-year club is tocreate a safe environment for

students to meet and receive supportfrom fellow students. According toclub President Rebecca West, there arediscussions and activities on howstudents can remain healthy—mentally, emotionally andphysically—in their everyday lives andalso include a peer group supportsession. The club’s first project will beto create educational videos forstudents and faculty to raisemental/physical health awareness oncampus. Anyone can join the club but

must adhere to a confidentialityagreement to maintain privacy of thesupport sessions. This semester theclub meets on the 2nd and 4thWednesday of every month (3-5 p.m.in Rm 019 in PP). For moreinformation, contact club AdvisersTina Falconi at tfalconi@quincycollege.edu or Tricia Hall at thall@quincycollege.edu.

KIARA MARK Education Club

Are you interested in the field ofEducation? Are you passionate

about learning and development? Thenthe Education Club is for you! Join usfor family friendly events, educationconferences, networking opportunitiesand days of community service.Perfect for students with youngchildren in their lives. For moreinformation, contact Advisers VanessaReiss-Vaughn at vanessa.reissvaughn@fac.quincycollege.edu or KarlaParise at kparise@quincycollege.edu.

SYNDIE J. DESROCHESPhiTheta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa engages involunteer work similar to fellow

honor society—Gamma Beta Phi—such as raising funds for earthquakevictims in Nepal, donating toiletries tolocal shelters, and helping in thecommunity. Eligibility for membershipincludes completing a minimum 12hours of coursework with an overall3.5 grade-point-average andmaintaining a 3.5 GPA throughoutenrollment at QC. PTK’s annualinduction ceremony takes place inApril .For more information, contactAdvisers Amanda Deck atadeck@quincycollege.edu or SusanBossa at sbossa@quincyucollege.edu.

KEN HALEY

Drama Society—Plymouth

The Plymouth Drama Society is aninformal theatrical group where

students create sketches, monologuesand comedic pieces which incorporatecontemporary social issues. The grouphas been working on a Decemberperformance, under the name thePlymouth Players and directed byStacey Adamski, on a date TBA. Thissemester the Club has been meeting onMondays (12:30-2:30 p.m.) on thePlymouth campus. For moreinformation, contact Adviser StacyAdamski at madamski@fac.quincycollege.edu.

KEN HALEYWomen’s LeadershipCollaborative—Plymouth

The Women's LeadershipCollaborative goal is for members

to gain leadership knowledge andexperience through club meetings andactivities while developing positiverelationships in a supportiveenvironment to encourage academicachievement, optimize economicopportunities and increase communityinvolvement. The club is currentlyworking on Resume and Interviewskills and scheduled a Dec. workshopwith Georgia Clancy (PlymouthCampus' Career Counselor). It is alsohosting a Winter Fair, with proceedsgoing to the Boys & Girls Club inPlymouth. The club meets everyTuesday (12:30 p,m, in the library'sconference room). For moreinformation, contact Adviser RogerWhite at rwhite@quincycollege.edu

BOBBI BOLSTER

Club Hopping Around QC Continued from page 5

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 7

Staying on Course

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 7Pardon Our Appearance

He also enjoys the interaction he’s hadworking with people from differentcultures that is vital in today’s globalsociety.Jitima Tienpotong, another inter -

national student from Japan, has beenat QC for two years. Growing up in amore reserved culture, her biggestadjustment was learning to be moreoutgoing. In America, she discoveredpeople had no problem talking withsomeone on a bus or train, whereas inJapan, people often refrain fromtalking to strangers. But Tienpotong, says the best thing

about living and studying in the U.S.is the overall diversity and the freedompeople have. Over the years, Lisa Stack, Director

of International Student Services, hasdealt with students from more than 120countries. In addition to the

adjustments Poudel and Tienpotonghad to make, Stack says internationalstudents often have problems gettingaccustomed to the New Englandweather, the American l educationalsystem and cultural differences.Some also have a difficult time

being away from family and friends.But QC helps ease the transition by

holding such events as The WelcomeBack Party, Coffee & Tea Hour,Holiday Parties and the CulturalBazaar, offering students theopportunity to interact and socializewith other students from around theglobe. “Working with the international

population has been one of the mostrewarding experiences in my life,”says Stack. “I enjoy meeting anddeveloping relationships with studentsthat last a lifetime.”

Continued from page 3A Lot to LearnContinued from page 3

On top of her four classes — Algebra,Nutrition, English Literature and ChildHealth, Safety, and Nutrition — whereshe carries a 3.88 GPA, Javier works 40hours as an administrative assistant.Living with her fiancé, recently out of

work because of an injury, Javier, 23,also finds herself as the family’s lonebreadwinner.While cooking, baking, taking walks

and watching TV help her relax, Javieradmits the hardest thing is keeping ittogether emotionally. “The stress ofknowing that things need to be donewith little time and flexibility can makeyou flip at times,” she says.Through it all, she still aspires to

transfer to a four-year school and thenpursue a master’s degree, with an eye onpossibly a PhD. “I want to see how far Ican push myself,” she says.

has its own space now. The vacant spacewill eventually go to the Admissionsoffice in 2016, along with the Barnes &Noble Quincy College bookstore, toform a “Welcome to Quincy College!”presence in the lobby.Students now have open access to the

people needed to conduct officialacademic business. No more are thedays of going up and down the stairs orwaiting . . . and waiting . . . and waitingfor the elevator. Clearly, someone wasthinking about the students and thebenefit of easy access to these officesand why once the space was available,the college jumped on the opportunityto expand.Thank you, IHS Dialysis! If it did not

consolidate its offices on the first floorof Presidents Place, students and staff,may not have had this luxury.

Registrar Cathie Maloney beamswith pride as she speaks about theprogress Quincy College has made inthe past 20 years. “Quincy College is onthe Move!” she says from her newoffice overlooking the Atrium andfeeling more connected to her staff.Sandy Dorval describes the new

Registrar space as “bright and cheerful”while Tricia Hall says it not only makesconducting business more efficient butalso more welcoming to students. Adviser David Cichocki agrees. Now

that he and his colleagues have theirown space, it makes their job easier andoffers more comfortable sessions withstudents.Carpe Diem! As Quincy College

continues to work its magic, expandingacademically (How about that NursingProgram?) it only makes sense theschool grows structurally as well.

So, what’s next? Expansions at Saville Hall, focusing

on Biotech, Robotics, and Engineering,including a spanking new laboratory.Stay tuned as Quincy’s College’s

continues to work its magic.

Sign alerts students that work is in progress.

Continued from page 1

Photo: SYNDIE J. DESROCHES

The QC Voice Fall 2015 Page 8

New DirectorNamed

Quincy College has announced thehiring of Karen Salhaney as its

new Director of Career Services andPlacement. Most recently, Salhaneyserved as the Senior Director ofDevelopment for Triangle, a nonprofitorganization that empowers youth andadults with disabilities to achieve theircareer, education and transition goals.Her credentials also include developingan Event Planning Certificate Programat Massasoit Community College,where she continues to teach. Salhaney,who earned her master’s degree fromEastern University with a focus onNonprofit Management, will focus oncreating a strong identity and expandingthe career resources for all QC students.The Career Services and Placementoffice is located in Presidents Place,Room 513.

The QC Voice Wants You!With the 2016 Spring Semester just

ahead, come join the staff of The QCVoice and have your Voice heard.We’re looking for writers, editors and

photographers to help us produce anewspaper for students by students.Here’s an opportunity to enhance your

communication, interviewing, writing,and photography skills to report on newsevents, feature stories and the buzzaffecting Quincy College and its studentson both the Quincy and Plymouthcampuses.All levels of experience are welcome.If you’re interested and want more

information, contact QC Voice Advisor,Al Young at qcvoicenews@gmail.com

QC Voice Staff

Bobbi Bolster Syndie J. Desroches

Kenneth Haley Kreety KC

Jane Lee Kiara Mark

Alexander Souther

Advisor: Al Young

The QC Voice holds staff meetings on Monday & Tuesday

at various times and locations TBD. Contact us at

qcvoicenews@gmail.com