The STCCing Point
Alumni and Friends Newsletter | February 2023
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STCC ALUMNI, NOW MARRIED,
MAKE AN IMPACT ON COMMUNITY
At STCC, he met another student named Yeselie Mascaro, who tutored him. They became not only study partners, but close friends and today are married with three children.
What’s more, Vilenti ’09 and Yeselie ‘10 operate a business together called Academic Leadership Association, which is designed to empower youth to make positive changes within themselves and their community through mentoring, literacy, and self-advocacy while addressing their social emotional needs. The program does outreach in schools in Springfield and Holyoke, serving youth and teachers.
The Tullochs express gratitude for all that STCC gave them. STCC was the start of a long journey that brought them where they are today.
“If I didn’t start my college career here, I might not have ever even gone to college,” Vilenti Tulloch said. “My life could have been so much different. STCC helped create an entrepreneurial spirit and shaped the work that we do.”
Added Yeselie Tulloch: “STCC has definitely helped pave the way for our education. It’s affordable, and it’s definitely a second chance.”
Vilenti and Yeselie Tulloch both transferred after STCC and went on to earn their master’s degrees. Through their work with the Academic Leadership Association, they hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in the Greater Springfield region.
“STCC is a really big part of our lives, and I always wanted to come back and give back,” Vilenti said. “I have some STCC students I have hired, either through internships or part-time work.”
Vilenti looked back fondly at his years at STCC. He played basketball, met his future wife and obtained a degree in general studies.
“Coming out of high school, I don’t think I was ready to walk into a four-year program where I’d be in a dorm and on my own handling the course load,” he said. “STCC was beneficial in that aspect. You find great people and support. You find mentors. I still see them and still have good relationships with them.”
One of Vilenti Tulloch’s friends from STCC is Michael Booker, who coaches basketball at the college. They played hoops for the Rams when they were both students. Tulloch stays in touch with Booker and other friends he made at STCC.
To learn more about STCC’s Alumni Network, visit stcc.edu/alumni. Contact Eunice Guidry, Manager of Advancement & Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or emguidry@stcc.edu for more information.
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Are you a Ram Warrior?
Make an immediate and consistent impact on the future of STCC students today by enrolling in the Rams Warrior Society!
Many alumni and friends of the college have already enrolled, and represent STCC’s most loyal donors, those who make their annual gifts in monthly installments. Their impact on students as they transform their lives is incredible, consistent, and allows STCC to forecast support.
Your consistent gift allows the college to direct student support on a predictable basis, which for us is invaluable. The Rams Warrior Society is truly shaped by the leading philanthropists at the college – not only do they support our students, but their consistency allows us to better budget financial aid for our students.
"I truly believe that the mission of STCC is among the most important in Greater Springfield. What the school does for the long term growth of individuals and the region is immeasurably important. Springfield centric, regionally focused, the school prepares young people of all ages to build our economy. STCC, its administration, its staff, and its students play a key role for the future, and they are all worth investing in."
Eugene J. Cassidy, CFE
President and Chief Executive Officer
Eastern States Exposition
The first 20 alum who enroll in the RAM Warrior Society
will receive an STCC mug!
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AT 84, STCC ALUMNUS ISHMAEL ALI REFLECTS ON COLLEGE’S IMPACT ON HIS LIFE
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As a young man, Ishmael Ali never thought he would attend college but he always carried a love for learning in his heart.
When he was in his late 30s, Ali used to go to the Springfield City Library to discover books. He enjoyed finding out about people from far-away places like Africa. A librarian noticed Ali’s hunger for knowledge and encouraged him to apply to Springfield Technical Community College.
Heeding the librarian’s advice, Ali enrolled at STCC where he wanted to learn more about communications. It was 1975, and he also started volunteering at the college radio station, WTCC, 90.7 FM. Two years later, he earned an associate degree in liberal arts/general studies.
Dr. Ishmael Ali at WTCC in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Ishmael Ali)
Today, nearly 50 years later, Ali holds an honorary doctorate in communications. He feels a strong bond with STCC.
“I have never forgotten the learning and teaching I received from STCC,” said Ali, who is 84. He is married to Medina Ali, who he met at STCC. She is the principal of Frank H. Freedman Elementary School.
Ali, who is Black, grew up poor in the South and says he understands the struggles faced by students from lower income backgrounds. STCC, the most affordable college in Springfield, maintains an open admissions policy which reduces barriers to higher education.
“Without a college like STCC, many of us would never be able to go to school to get a formal education,” Ali said. “I was fortunate to come here years ago, and it helped carve my life.”
Ali said he not only appreciated the classroom experience, but also the cultural events which are open to the community. STCC hosts a variety of diverse speakers, including authors, scholars and artists.
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Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at
(413) 755-3333.
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STCC RECEIVES FUNDING TO EMPOWER LATINA STUDENTS
BLOOM Bridge empowers female-identifying Latinas from low-income households who may be interested in majoring in a business program, a business career or transferring into a business program at a four-year college or university.
Grant funding from KPMG’s Reaching New Heights Program will be used to provide career exploration, peer mentoring, tutoring, academic support and tuition for two one-credit business courses. Students will also gain access to career networking and mentoring advice from leaders in accounting, marketing, management and entrepreneurship fields.
"We're very pleased that the efforts of Professor Rhoda Belemjian and Assistant Dean Emilie Clucas Leaderman in submitting for this competitive KPMG grant were successful and look forward to continued collaboration with KPMG,” said STCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Geraldine de Berly.
Richard Greco, Dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies, added, “We are grateful to KPMG for supporting our efforts to remove barriers for underrepresented students. By removing the barrier of cost for underrepresented students, STCC seeks to strengthen partnerships and enhance existing diversity pipelines with local high schools.”
Anita Whitehead, philanthropy leader and chair, KPMG U.S. Foundation, stated, “The KPMG U.S. Foundation is proud to announce that it has awarded five institutions a total of $125,000 in funding for the inaugural year of our Reaching New Heights Program.”
Reaching New Heights is a grant and matching gift program designed to promote access and equity in higher education, increase awareness of pipeline diversity at institutions and create opportunities for collaboration between KPMG professionals and educators. According to KPMG, each selected institution will receive a $25,000 grant to fund a new or existing diversity program and participate in a 2:1 match up to $500,000 in eligible donations made by KPMG professionals, partners and retired partners.
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Alumni - What are you up to? We want to know!
Have you landed that awesome new job? Got married or started a family? Doing some life-changing volunteer work? We want to know!
Don't be shy - please reach out and tell us your story! Email Eunice Guidry at emguidry@stcc.edu with your news today.
We can't wait to see what you've been up to!
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Get On Board
Are you an alumni who would like to serve as College Ambassador, or perhaps on a reunion planning committee?
How else would you like to engage?
If you are interested in continuing the conversation, please email Eunice Guidry, Manager of Advancement & Alumni Relations at emguidry@stcc.edu.
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Stay Connected
Have you moved? Are you a recent graduate or alum who needs to update their contact information?
Click the link below to update your contact information!
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Show Your Support
How can you make a difference? With your financial help, STCC can provide more scholarships to students, hire and retain more first-rate faculty, develop technology to improve teaching and learning, and maintain our beautiful and historic campus.
Thank you for helping us continue to transform lives!
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