FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2015
Contact: Carla J. Potts
Coordinator of Media Relations
Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square, Suite 1
Springfield, MA 01102
(413) 755-4812
cjpotts@stcc.edu
STCC Foundation contributes to student and faculty success
Springfield, Mass.—For Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) student Tommy Jones, 54, of
Chicopee, what lies beyond the gates of Federal Street isn’t just another “college”—it’s a place where
students are supported to transform their lives.
“I took my first class at STCC as a junior in high school,” said Jones, a Springfield native and graduate of
the High School of Commerce Class of 1978. “It was a sociology class. My professor was really invested
in me.”
After serving in the Marine Corps and later
going on to complete his bachelor’s degree,
Jones made the decision to return to college to
pursue his dream of becoming a financial
analyst. His positive experience at STCC years
ago when he was in high school led him back to
STCC to begin his next journey.
“There’s really a different breed of professors
here,” said Jones. “They really buy into the
community college spirit—it’s not just about
teaching subjects, but about giving back and
building the community. They do more than
just teach, they see hope and give their minds
and their hearts to what they do.”
Not only did Jones get the support he needed to succeed academically, he also was a recipient of a STCC
Foundation STCC Works Scholarship, which helped him to off-set his out-of-pocket costs.
“It really was such a gift,” said Jones of the scholarship. “I was so honored that they saw something in
me and was pleased to get it. It definitely helped to pay for school.”
STCC Works Scholarships are given annually to eligible STCC students to help off-set the rising costs of
education and take away some of the financial challenges students face. The scholarships, as well as
STCC Foundation Innovation Grants (awarded to STCC faculty to help fund campus initiatives that
enhance student, college, and community success), are funded through generous donations and ticket
sales from the STCC Foundation’s Annual Top of Our City event and Raffle, held at the college each
December. Last year, the STCC Foundation awarded 25 students $1,000 scholarships.
Thanks to assistance from a STCC Foundation Innovation Grant, STCC Professor and Tri-Chair of Business
Administration Paul Thornton, a major influencer in Jones’ academic experience at STCC, launched a free
Leadership Conference this past summer hosted on the STCC campus. The conference provided
networking and career opportunities for his students and community members.
“The grant gave me the incentive to proceed with the conference,” said Thornton. “Without it, we
wouldn’t have been able to move forward. I had always thought about doing a conference like this, but
was held back due to funding. The Foundation grant was a great way to provide seed money and
allowed me to seize the opportunity.”
The leadership conference attracted over 80 attendees—including area college students, local small
business owners and entrepreneurs, and individuals in the community anxious to take their skills to the
next level. With encouragement from Thornton, Jones attended the event—an opportunity he would
not have had without support from the STCC Foundation.
“I really feel so honored that (the Foundation and Thornton) saw something in me to be developed
further,” said Jones. “I really feel like I’ve been able to bring something back.”
Thornton noted that many STCC students live “challenging” lives—trying to balance work and families in
addition to going to college.
“Really, their plates are full, if not overflowing,” said Thornton. “Any assistance our students receive
helps to take the weight of going to school off their shoulders. It’s one less worry. Scholarships and
grants, like the Foundation awards each year, are a big help.”
Thornton said the scholarships and grants provided by the Foundation help to remove some of these
obstacles in order to move students toward their goals.
“If you invest in even just one person, you’re going to get greater returns down the road,” said
Thornton. “They help get the ball rolling. Students go on to complete their studies, gain local
employment, and help to bolster the local economy.”
The STCC Foundation is a separate, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation whose purpose is to support the
mission of STCC and serve as a catalyst for workforce and economic development success.
"The STCC Foundation Board volunteer their time and talent to fund raise and friend raise on behalf of
the college,” said STCC President Ira H. Rubenzahl. “Their generosity, and the generosity of all of our
donors, has made a tremendous impact in the lives of countless students."
Members of the community are encouraged to help provide opportunities for students like Jones by
purchasing a ticket for the 26th Annual STCC Foundation Scholarship Raffle held on Thursday, Dec. 3 on
the 7th Floor of Scibelli Hall (Building 2). Raffle tickets are $100 each and can be purchased by an
individual or group (with a maximum of 5 people per group). Three cash prizes are drawn that evening
(and winners need not be present to win)—$10,000, $2,000, and $1,000. To purchase a raffle ticket, or
for additional details about the Top of Our City event or donating to the STCC Foundation, please
contact Christina Tuohey at (413) 755-4475 or cctuohey@stcc.edu.
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