The Quinsigamond Community College Foundation has elected its new president, Jorgo Gushi, QCC alum and technical account manager at MathWorks, a global company specializing in technical computing software for engineers and scientists. Gushi’s nomination was approved by unanimous vote on September 17, replacing former president Matthew Wally, vice president of Audit, Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and Fair Lending at UniBank, who led the Foundation for two years.
“I am eager to raise awareness about the vital role community colleges play, particularly QCC," Gushi stated. "Returning to where my educational journey began is thrilling, and I am committed to supporting the college's mission of providing equitable education and preparing the local workforce. My achievements are deeply rooted in the foundation QCC provided me.”
Gushi's journey with QCC began in 2018 after he moved to the United States from Albania, enrolling immediately after high school.
"Arriving in the U.S. alone to live with my Greek and Albanian-speaking grandparents, I balanced improving my English, attending college, and caring for them while working part-time. I want to inspire others to understand that dedication and hard work can lead to significant accomplishments," Gushi shared.
Despite these challenges and the need to adapt to a new culture, Gushi fully embraced and participated in college life. In 2019, he was elected as president of the QCC Student Government Association and chair of the statewide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, a role he held for three years. During his tenure, he worked to advance open educational resources and championed a successful campaign that changed a state law, which now allows part-time students to run for student trustee positions.
After his time at QCC, Gushi pursued further education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
In 2022, Gushi received official citations from the Office of the Governor, the Massachusetts State Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives for his contribution to advancing public higher education. The same year, Gushi also received a GOLD award, given to 10 outstanding WPI graduates from the previous 10 years.
“Jorgo is going to be fantastic. Being an alum puts him in a very strong position to share the experience that students are going through,” Wally said.
Under Wally’s leadership, the Foundation offered various support to QCC students, faculty and staff through direct student scholarships, funding for special academic projects and investments in the HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center, which will continue under Gushi’s leadership
“It’s been an honor to serve. The benefits that I received from being part of the Foundation are ten-fold what I’ve given. I run into QCC alumni weekly and see the quality of graduates who are contributing to the economic vitality of greater Worcester,“ Wally said, adding, “The other Foundation directors and the QCC staff and faculty are so committed to the mission. Without them, QCC wouldn’t be as strong as it is today.”
Other changes in the QCC Foundation include the nomination and election of Diane Giampa, chief community engagement officer at Bay State Savings Bank, who will serve as the new clerk. Giampa has been a board member since 2019, spearheading multiple efforts to recruit and engage new and current directors.
The mission of the QCC Foundation is to raise funds and provide the resources to support the college in advancing educational and economic opportunities in Central MA, make impactful community connections and create and expand on initiatives to ensure students have a successful academic experience.
For more information, visit QCC.edu/foundation.